Marine De La Réunion, Nature reserve on western coast of Reunion Island, France
Marine de La Réunion is a national nature reserve along the western coast of Reunion Island, covering shallow lagoons, coral reefs, and deeper offshore waters across several coastal communes. The reserve spans the coastline of L'Etang-Salé, Les Avirons, Saint-Leu, Saint-Paul, and Les Trois-Bassins, forming a continuous protected corridor along the reef.
The reserve was created in 2007 after years of scientific work showed how much the western reefs had suffered from fishing pressure and coastal development. Its creation marked the first time a coordinated legal framework covered such a long section of the island's coastline.
The name of the reserve reflects its direct link to the sea that shapes life along this stretch of coast. Visitors walking through the nearby coastal villages can see how the lagoon remains a reference point for local fishers and families alike.
Snorkeling in the lagoons is easiest when the sea is calm, so checking local water conditions before heading out is a good habit. Some sections of the reserve are off-limits to visitors, and it is worth finding out which areas are open before you arrive.
Within the reserve, two zones are fully closed to any human entry, including fishing and swimming. Scientists use these areas as reference points to measure how the reef changes over time compared to zones where people are allowed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
