Saint-Leu
West Coast, Reunion Island
Reef breakAdvanced
Réunion Island's most celebrated right-hand reef break, Saint-Leu is a world-class wave that has shaped Réunion's remarkable surfing culture and regularly hosts WSL events on a beautiful, barrelling tropical reef.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
July
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Right
Bottom
Coral reef
Shape
Long, powerful right, multiple sections from the outer peak with hollow, barrelling sections on solid swells
Length
100–300m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: Shallow coral reef, powerful wave, and the threat of tiger and bull sharks make this a serious break requiring experience.
Hazards
- •Bull and tiger sharks, Réunion has the world's highest per-capita shark attack rate; surfing outside protected lagoons carries real risk
- •Shallow coral reef
- •Strong current on bigger swells
Local Tips
- •Réunion's shark issue is real and serious, always check official surf advisories before paddling out; some spots have been indefinitely closed.
- •Saint-Leu is a beautiful coastal town, the waterfront promenade and local Creole restaurants are outstanding.
Location
-21.1645, 55.2873