Saint-Gilles Lagoon

Saint-Gilles, Réunion — a calm coral lagoon on the island's sunny west coast, the tropical beach counterpoint to Réunion's volcanic interior of cirques and lava fields.

The protected lagoon at L'Ermitage-les-Bains is safe, shallow snorkeling territory even for beginners, with a marine nature reserve just offshore. Combine a beach day with a stop at the Saint-Paul cemetery, resting place of pirate Olivier Levasseur, or drive up to Maïdo viewpoint for a sunset panorama over the Cirque de Mafate.