Dive centre, Reunion Island
Diving in Saint Gilles
A scuba diving club in Reunion Island since 2007, located on the harbour of Saint Gilles, we offer scuba diving ranging from introductory dives right up to dive master training.
Diving in Reunion Island from Saint-Gilles means enjoying the best conditions on the west coast: a bay sheltered from the wind and dive sites accessible within just a few minutes by boat.
English-speaking instructors available!
What we offer
Introductory dives
Discover scuba diving and all it offers : one-on-one with your instructor, make your first bubbles in the Indian Ocean!
Open water diver/Level 1
This is your first step into a new world! As an open water diver you can dive to 18 metres.
We also offer the French level 1 certification which allows you to dive with a dive guide up to 20 metres.
Scuba diving courses
A step beyond, you can now go to a maximum depth of 30 metres! You’ll also learn about underwater navigation, perfecting your buoyancy, drift diving and diving at night!
The French level 2 diver certification allows you to dive to 40 metres with a dive guide.
As a rescue diver, you’ll be able to put into practice the skills you’ll learn on our CPR and 1st aid course. You’ll also learn more about staying safe both underwater and on the surface.
French level 3 certifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 60 metres. You’re also autonomous which means you no longer need your dive guide with you. (But you’ll always have a dive buddy, of course!)
Fun dives
If you are already a certified scuba diver we offer fun dives, either with or without a dive guide, depending on your level and experience. There are a large number of dive sites to explore on the west coast.
EANx (Enriched air/Nitrox)
Extend your dive time, reduce your saturation levels and dive safer.
New!
Marine biology specialty dive
Fancy seeing it from another angle?
For already certified divers, every Wednesday and Saturday our fully qualified marine biologists run specialty dives to teach you more about the coral reef and the biodiversity found there.
Why choose us?
Safety
We put every security measure in place on every outing to ensure your safety so you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories. Our equipment is regularly maintained and we have our own air and nitrox (membrane) compressors.
Dive sites
There are a number of world class sites on Reunion’s west coast. We choose where we dive depending on the weather conditions, considering wind, current and visibility to ensure we give you the best possible dive.
The dive center
Situated on the port of Saint-Gilles les Bains we are easy to find with a number of free car parks within easy walking distance. All your comforts have been considered; hot showers, toilets, tea, coffee and water all available for your use. You’ll also find a number of restaurants in proximity for a quick breakfast before or a relaxing lunch after your dive.
The boats
Spacious and modern, each of our 2 boats can carry up to 19 divers with all their equipment.
Just a few steps from the center and you are aboard!
Let us know if your require and special assistance boarding.
Testimonials
David S.
Everything was perfect, we saw turtles, octopus and a lot of fish 😍 It was our first experience, and it was really great! There’s English speaking guidance, if you need.
”
Bucket List Diver Fremantle
We had a great dive today! The dive shop is a dream with easy shop to boat access, easy cleaning station, super friendly staff, great gear hire in top condition and a comfortable dive boat. Big thank you to our Aussie dive guide who was super friendly and accommodating. We will be back next time we visit!
”
Pablo F. R
If I could, I would give it 10 stars out of 5. It has been an incredible experience. Everyone is very friendly from the moment you arrive at the location. The receptionist is very attentive and nice, and explains the steps to follow.
Each of the instructors is very kind, attentive, and professional. They explain clearly how to proceed, and once in the water, they help you enjoy the experience fully and in a relaxed manner. Without a doubt, we will be back, but next time, it will be with our children.
Highly recommended.
”
Alejandro N.
Great place to hire a dive. The guides are knowledgeable and very friendly. The equipment is new and the boat very well designed for diving. We had 2 dives and both were fantastic.
Opening hours and contact details
| Open every day of the year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reception | Dive departures (by reservation) | |
| Monday – Friday | 9:30 am – 4:30 pm | 8 am · 11 am · 1:30 pm + 7:30 am for deep dives |
| Saturday | 9:30 am · 10 am · 1:30 pm + 7 am for deep dives |
|
| Sunday & public holidays | 8 am · 11 am · 1:30 pm + 7 am for deep dives |
|
Port de Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Local 3A
97434 Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Réunion, France
You’ll find us below the K’banon restaurant and the Dalons bar.
About Us
Escapade Plongée was founded in 2007 by Didier Rousseau, certified diving instructor (E4) and manager.
Originally operating out of a van with a single rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB), the Saint-Gilles-based club now boasts two aluminum boats and facilities equipped with everything needed for your comfort.
All equipment is modern and maintained in accordance with current regulations to ensure your safety.
Escapade Plongée also prides itself on a highly skilled team: with backgrounds ranging from marine biology and environmental conservation to English teaching and commercial diving, the staff bring a wealth of experience and fascinating stories to the table.
Contact us
The development of DLD Store through the acquisition of a dive boat, and the hiring programme at the Escapade Plongée dive centre in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, were co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The acquisition of the membrane compressor (Nitrox Station) is a project co-financed by the European Union under the ERDF-ESF+ programme.