The Surf Window

L'Etang-Salé

Saint-Louis, Reunion Island

Beach breakBeginner

A long, black volcanic sand beach on Reunion's western coast, L'Etang-Salé is the island's most beginner-friendly surf spot, sheltered from the full force of Indian Ocean swells by Reunion's southern headlands.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

E

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

May–September

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand (black volcanic)

Shape

Slow, rolling, gentle peaks

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: The beach faces west and is partially sheltered, waves are consistently more forgiving than the east coast

Hazards

  • •Shark risk, Reunion has one of the world's highest shark attack rates; check for beach closures
  • •Rocky sections at the headland ends
  • •Strong currents near the river mouth

Local Tips

  • •Always check the CROSS (official shark alert) website before surfing in Reunion
  • •The beach is beautiful for sunset walks when surfing is not possible due to shark alerts

Location

Map showing the location of L'Etang-Salé in Saint-Louis, Reunion Island

-21.2628, 55.3337