Plage du Tremblet, Olive sand beach in Saint-Philippe, Réunion Island.
Plage du Tremblet is an olive sand beach stretching around 280 meters of coastline in Saint-Philippe, composed of dark volcanic sand mixed with olivine crystals that give it a distinctive green-tinted appearance. The sandy shore slopes gradually toward the water, with rocky outcrops visible at both ends of the beach.
The beach formed in 2007 following a major eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, when lava flowed into the ocean and reshaped the rocky coastline. This volcanic event created the sandy shore that exists today through the meeting of hot lava and seawater.
The shore attracts both visitors and locals who come to witness the presence of Alan, a solitary seal that occasionally appears here. This regular encounter with marine wildlife connects people to the ocean ecosystem in a direct and personal way.
Access to the shore involves a steep, rocky descent from the upper rampart that requires sturdy footwear and careful footing. Swimming here demands caution due to strong currents, making it suitable mainly for confident swimmers who understand ocean conditions.
The high concentration of olivine crystals in the sand resulted directly from the 2007 encounter between molten lava and ocean water. This geological process created a beach where visitors can observe the tangible aftermath of a volcanic eruption in real time.
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