Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee. Resort nearby
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Last updated on December 30, 2023
Running along the center of the biggest urban area in the south of the island, Saint-Pierre beach opens onto a lagoon that is sheltered from the turbulence of the Ocean. Although it is not as renowned as the Hermitage lagoon, it is at a very similar level and makes an excellent spot for snorkeling. After less than two minutes in the water, you will be swimming among a wide range of fish and invertebrates in a nice coral setting.
The beach is on the Saint-Pierre seafront, just next to the marina. Once you arrive at Saint-Pierre, there are many places to park near the beach: next to the road along the seafront, in one of the car parks behind the beach, or in the marina car park.
The local bus also stops in town, a 5 minutes walk to the beach. Once at the beach, find the marina dyke, to the left when you are facing the ocean, and enter the water nearby.
You can enter the water anywhere along the beach, but you should choose the bathing area (shown by small buoys), which is cleared of the lagoon’s sea urchins every day. The 200 to 300 meters of beach stretching away to your right (as you are facing the ocean) from the marina dyke is probably the most interesting location for snorkeling.
The area to explore covers the inner part of the lagoon, from the beach to the barrier reef. The first few meters from the beach are sandy (↕2-4ft/0.5-1m), with a few fish here and there, including lagoon triggerfish, which fiercely protect their nests during the mating season.
You need to go a little further to reach the coral areas (↕2-6ft/0,5-2m). You will never tire of swimming between the Acropora beds, following one of the Moorish idols, pufferfish, or raccoon butterflyfish you are likely to encounter.
Among the most colorful species in the lagoon, it is not unusual to come across the clown coris or the spectacular scrawled butterflyfish. Have a look in the coral beds: many giant clams, moray eels, octopus, and coral shrimp lodge in the crevices.
The closer you get to the barrier reef, the denser the coral becomes, until you can’t go any further. In any case, you should not try to, since the barrier reef and the depth of the water generally make it impossible.
The predominant coral in the lagoon is the branching coral. It is beautiful, but also very fragile, and can break at the slightest touch of a swimfin. Be careful as you move forwards, especially if you go through narrow or shallow passages.
It is possible to explore the lagoon most of the time since the waters are particularly well protected. In winter, the wind results in waves that may make your return more difficult. Saint-Pierre beach is lifeguarded during the day. Ask the lifeguards if you have any doubts about water conditions.
Saint-Pierre is a particularly lively town, including in the evening. It has a wide range of accommodation and many places to eat. The Alizé Plage hotel gives direct access to the beach. There is a series of bar vans, restaurants and hotels along the sea front. Free showers are available to the rear of the beach, near the aid station.
These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
