Reunion Diving

Réunion Diving is situated in the Port de plaisance of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains on the volcanic island of La Réunion. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique underwater landscape shaped by its volcanic origins, positioned between Mauritius and Madagascar.

The centre has been operating since 2014, providing guided dives that explore the local marine reserve and the wider coastline. Whether you are looking for morning excursions, night dives, or specialised trips to observe pelagic species, the operation is built around the diverse topography of the island.

The centre is a dual-affiliated structure, operating under the French FFESSM framework and the international SDI system. This allows them to cater to both local divers following the French federation's progression and international travellers seeking standard recreational certifications.

Their training programme is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum from beginner levels to professional instructor qualifications. They also offer specialised biological training through PB1 and PB2 courses, as well as the Cétarando programme, making them one of only four such structures in the world.

Beyond recreational diving, the team provides instruction for boat licences, including coastal and offshore permits. This technical expertise extends to their marine biology approach, ensuring that divers gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem they are exploring.

The curriculum covers all standard recreational levels, including Open Water Scuba Diver (OWD) and various FFESSM levels such as Niveau 1, Niveau 2, and Niveau 3. For those looking to advance their skills, they offer Divemaster and Open Water Scuba Instructor SDI pathways.

Specialised training is a core part of their offering, including marine biology modules (PB1 and PB2) and the Cétarando programme. They also provide training for boat handling, with courses available for both coastal and offshore licences.

The fleet consists of two well-equipped vessels designed for different mission profiles. An 8.80m aluminium boat carries up to 19 divers, powered by twin 150cv Suzuki motors to ensure reliable transit to dive sites.

For more specialised or agile excursions, the centre utilises a 5.50m professional Zodiac powered by a 90cv Suzuki motor. Both boats are configured to support various dive types, including day trips and night dives.

The waters around Saint-Gilles are a significant habitat for various marine mammals. You can encounter dolphins, including Tursiops Aduncus and Stenella Longirostris, throughout the year. During the season from June to October, Humpback whales are also present in the area.

Reef life is diverse and includes a variety of tropical fish such as parrotfish and butterflyfish. You will also find Green sea turtles and Southern stingrays patrolling the reefs and sandy patches.

For those interested in larger pelagics, the region is known for sightings of whale sharks, sperm whales, pilot whales, and blue whales, as well as spotted dolphins.

Diving is possible year-round, with water temperatures ranging between 22°C and 29°C. The local conditions allow for a variety of dive profiles, including morning, afternoon, and nocturnal sessions.