In Réunion, every dive is an encounter. Beneath the surface of the west coast lies a remarkably rich marine life: from large turtles to tiny, colourful shrimps. Here are the residents you will meet most often on your dives with Bleu Marine.

A protected biodiversity

The dive sites of the west coast are protected by the Réunion National Marine Reserve, which preserves more than 80% of the island’s coral reefs. The result: dense and varied underwater life, just a few minutes from the port of Saint-Gilles.

Sea turtles

Emblems of Réunion’s seabed, green and hawksbill turtles can often be seen grazing or resting on the reef. Always a magical moment, to be enjoyed at a distance and without ever touching them.

Moray eels

Hidden in the crevices of the reef, moray eels poke their heads out as divers pass by. Impressive but shy, they open and close their mouths simply to breathe.

Octopuses, kings of camouflage

Masters of disguise, octopuses change colour and texture to blend into their surroundings. It takes a sharp eye to spot them, tucked into a crack in the rock: a great treasure hunt on every dive.

The lionfish

With its long fan-shaped fins, the lionfish is one of the most photogenic fish on the reef. Stunning, but to be admired without getting close: its spines are venomous.

The clown triggerfish

Impossible to mistake with its black coat dotted with big white spots and its yellow-rimmed mouth, the clown triggerfish is a true star of Réunion’s seabed.

Nudibranchs

These small, brightly coloured sea slugs are a delight for macro enthusiasts. Tiny and slow, they reveal incredible patterns to those who take the time to look for them.

The harlequin shrimp & hidden life

The west coast is full of small wonders for those who know how to look. The delicate harlequin shrimp, spotted with blue and pink, is the finest example. Diving in Réunion also means exploring this miniature world.

Lobsters

Tucked under overhangs during the day, antennae raised, lobsters often reveal themselves in the shade of the drop-offs. A classic of west-coast dives.

Schools of fish

Trevallies, fusiliers, sardines… The silvery schools swirling above the reef offer spectacular moments, especially when the light shines through them.

The porcupinefish

Round and curious, the porcupinefish wanders calmly near the bottom. When threatened, it can inflate itself with water to protect itself: one more reason never to disturb it.

Observe without disturbing

All this wildlife is there to be admired, not touched. At Bleu Marine, we dive with respect for the environment: we keep our distance, we take nothing, and we control our finning so as not to damage the coral. That is what keeps these encounters possible for a long time to come, in a well-preserved nature reserve.

Turtles, moray eels, octopuses, nudibranchs… Réunion’s marine life reveals itself dive after dive, all year round, departing from Saint-Gilles. Bleu Marine Réunion has been taking divers to meet it since 1995.

Want to see all this with your own eyes? Book your dive.

Photos taken during our trips. Bleu Marine Réunion.