Plongée Salée

Located in L'Étang Salé, Plongée Salée serves as a gateway to the diverse underwater topography of Réunion's west coast. The centre is positioned just metres from the Bassin Pirogue embarkation point, making the transition from shore to boat straightforward for every diver.

The diving here is defined by the island's volcanic origins, offering everything from shallow, sheltered coral plateaus to dramatic vertical walls and submerged lava tunnels. Whether you are looking for a guided exploration of a wreck or a relaxed drift dive along a reef, the variety of the local seabed is significant.

The team, including Bérangère, Didier, and Christophe, operates with a focus on small group sizes to maintain high instructional standards. They cater to a broad spectrum of divers, from those taking their very first breaths in the on-site training pool to advanced professionals.

As an established centre with 15 years of experience, they are highly versatile in their teaching approach. They hold multiple affiliations, allowing them to provide training through both international bodies like SSI and PADI, as well as the French FFESSM/CMAS systems.

Training programmes cover the entire progression of a diver's career. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, with SSI Nitrox 32 included for those completing the course. Advanced training options include Advanced Open Water, Deep Diving, Wreck Diving, and Perfect Buoyancy.

For those pursuing a professional path, the centre offers Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and various professional instructor levels through the FFESSM/CMAS and SSI frameworks. They also provide specialised skills training such as Navigation, Night and Limited Visibility, and coral and fish identification.

Departures are made from the Bassin Pirogue pontoon using a 7.50m semi-rigid boat. Powered by a 250hp engine, the vessel is well-suited for navigating the local waters and reaching the various dive sites along the coast.

The boat is equipped to handle various dive profiles, including night dives. For those looking for more bottom time, the centre also organises 'two tanks dive' trips towards Saint Leu.

The centre maintains a full range of Mares equipment available for hire, including regulators, wetsuits, and fins. For night diving or exploring darker crevices, torches are also available.

A dedicated air station is on-site, providing controlled fills for 10, 12, and 15-litre cylinders. Nitrox 32 is available for use, and Nitrox 36 can be provided with a supplement.

The reefs and plateaus are home to a vibrant array of life, including colourful fish, sea fans, and various coral species. You will regularly encounter sea turtles and eagle rays patrolling the sandy areas and reef edges.

In the deeper waters and along the walls, larger species are frequently sighted. This includes jacks, various pelagics, and occasionally dolphins depending on the season.

The west and south coasts of the island benefit from being somewhat protected from heavy swell for parts of the year. This makes the lagoon areas particularly suitable for beginners and those performing guided explorations.

Water temperatures typically range between 23°C and 29°C. The best time to visit for diving is generally between May and September, though the island is accessible year-round.