It’s the question every traveller asks before planning a trip: when is the best time to dive in Réunion? Good news: here, we dive all year round, in water that is always warm. Each season has its own atmosphere. Here is how to choose the right moment for you.

Can you dive all year round in Réunion?

Yes, diving is possible twelve months a year. The water stays warm all year, between 23 and 29 °C depending on the season: no need for a thick wetsuit. Whatever the dates of your stay, you can explore the seabed of the west coast, protected by the Réunion National Marine Reserve, which preserves more than 80% of the island’s coral reefs.

Southern summer (November to April): warm water and tropical atmosphere

From November to April, it is the warm, bright season. The water reaches its best temperatures, around 27 to 29 °C, a real warm bath, often in a simple thin wetsuit. This is the most tropical time of the year, generous in colours and light. The season is also wetter: it’s just a matter of choosing the right slot, and we help you schedule your trip at the best moment.

Southern winter (May to October): calmer sea and whale season

From May to October, the weather is drier and the sea is often calm. The water is slightly cooler (24 to 25 °C) and calls for a comfortable wetsuit. This is the big underwater season: from June to October, humpback whales stop off along the west coast. Many divers consider this the most pleasant time of the year.

The wildlife calendar

In Réunion, marine life is present all year round. The main highlights:

• All year round: sea turtles, reef fish, moray eels, rays and schools of fish.
• Most of the year: spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins off the west coast.
• From June to October: humpback whales, the great show of the southern winter.

Which period to choose, depending on your profile?

• You are a beginner: introductory dives run all year round, just pick a day with a calm sea.
• You dream of whales: aim for June to October.
• You want the warmest water: the southern summer is for you.
• You want to explore as many sites as possible: the west coast can be dived in every season.

Our tips before booking

• Book in advance, especially in the high tourist season and during whale season.
• In summer, we choose the best slot together depending on the weather: a quick chat and it’s sorted.
• On the day, we always confirm the conditions: your safety and enjoyment come first.

There is no bad season for diving in Réunion, only the period that best suits what you are looking for. Bleu Marine Réunion will advise you on choosing the right time, departing from Saint-Gilles.

Ready to plan your diving holiday? Contact us and book your trip.

Photo credits: west coast of Réunion © Alexandre Péribé (CC BY-SA 4.0); fish at Saint-Gilles © Cynomana (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.