Located thirty five kilometers to the south of Saint Denis lies the most popular seaside resort of the island, Saint Gilles.  This old fishermen’s village has become an essential spot for water sports’ lovers. 

Besides its beaches, there is also a small marina which offers several activities to all members of the family, from the most overcautious to the most adventurous ones.  However, the only drawback of this small town remains its constant traffic jams.  That’s why it is better to spend a whole day there…

There is a recently developed marina centre around the Aquarium of Réunion Island with numerous bridges and footbridges.  The colourful buildings boast restaurants and souvenir shops.  Water sports also feature prominently.  Only a few meters separate the shop fronts from the boats.

Children can enjoy the mini boats at the amusement park of “captain marmailles” located to the right of the harbour.  In fact, it’s the accompanying adult who really enjoys this and many of them ask for more, as the children can only sail alone from the age of eleven onwards…

At the beginning of the harbour, big game fishing enthusiasts have the possibility to fish an impressive tally of species including tuna, barracuda or swordfish which live off the coast of Réunion Island particularly during the summer season (from October to May).

For those who prefer to observe the aquatic fauna quietly, various diving options are proposed, from a trial to a full day’s diving.  Other ways of contemplating the sea treasures include a tour on a medium-sized ship with a passenger capacity of about twenty people. 

If you are lucky enough you can even come across whales.   Finally, children and grand parents as well as those who don’t like to get wet can board small transparent-bottom motor boats to admire the beautiful underwater scenery.

Cast off !

The captain welcomes the sailors aboard the “Visiobul.”  Please note that the boat can only hold four to five people.  Thanks to its small size and along with the masterly skill of the person who finds his or her self the boat can get much nearer to the sea bed, abounding with fish. 

The boat gets so close that one has the impression that one can touch it.  The sea bed is covered with corals, which are completely different from the ones found in the lagoons that are scattered with colourful branches. 

The history of the coral reef dates back to a very long time ago.  It was born from a lava flow from the Piton des Neiges, twelve thousand years ago and four thousand years later, it was covered with the ocean.  

Michel has a thorough knowledge of the reef.  Since 1994, he has discovered all the faults of the reef.  Like he states: “the relief is quite different from the one in the lagoon, the fauna is more mature over there.   It is perfect for snorkelling.  Here, the coral is dense and almost flat, because it is subjected to a heavy swell, sometimes as high as five meters on this part of the coastline.”

One meets with “saupe gris,” “demoiselles,” blue “chirurgien palette,” “poisson trompette” and shoals of “chirurgiens bagnards.”  The yellow ones with black stripes swim only in dense shoals that give them an image of strength.  Mission accomplished: from afar, they remind us of a ghost-like reptile. 

On board, Mike and his father are delighted, they gaze intently at the transparent surface: “I love everything that is related to Nature and above all, it’s an enriching experience for my son.”    
However, do think of coming out of this transparent bubble to have a look at the bridge.  The view onto the harbour, beach and the surrounding hills is more than pleasant.    

Text: Fanny Peroz, photos Fanny Peroz and Cédric Lucion, d’aqua phot’ea for the fishes.
September 2007