La Saline les Bains is a beach that conjures up images of the perfect tropical island getaway. Its long sweep of white sand, swaying filao trees and the inviting water of the Indian Ocean make it one of Réunion’s most beautiful beaches. La Saline les Bains is popular with families and couples. They come to enjoy watersports, spot marine life, dine on exquisite seafood and relax in upmarket hotel resorts.
There’s rarely any need to rush at La Saline les Bains. Enjoy relaxed walks along the soft sand or throw down a towel and soak up the sun. If it gets too hot then sit beneath the shade of the tall trees. A barrier reef safeguards the shore and creates a sheltered lagoon, which is ideal for swimming. Peer through the clear water to see multicolored fish such as clownfish and parrotfish.
Rent a kayak or peddle boat and explore along the coast. Watch kitesurfers and windsurfers have fun in the small waves that break onto the barrier reef. Visit from June to October for the chance to see fin, humpback and sperm whales swim close to the shore. Year-round it’s possible to see blower and pantropical spotted dolphins.
Framing the beach are a number of bars and restaurants with alfresco dining areas. One of these is La Copacabana, famous for its tuna tartare. Set back from the beachfront are leafy streets home to hotels and resorts. Some rent watersports equipment and arrange diving, snorkeling and fishing excursion for guests.
A short drive north along the coast is L’Ermitage les Bains, another attractive beach resort. Here you can visit Jardin d’Eden, a botanical garden with displays of exotic plants and spices. Keep watch for the chameleons that hide in the foliage. If you are feeling energetic, walk to the garden from La Saline les Bains, a journey of about 30 minutes.
La Saline les Bains is about a 50-minute drive from Saint-Denis, the capital of Réunion. Get to the beach via car and then explore the island’s inland natural beauty, which ranges from canyons to volcanos and waterfalls.
