
Bassin La Mer
Discover Bassin la Mer, a stunning waterfall and natural pool on Réunion Island, accessible via a scenic hike. Perfect for swimming and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Bassin La Mer
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Bassin la Mer, a stunning waterfall and natural pool on Réunion Island, accessible via a scenic hike. Perfect for swimming and photography.
"A very beautiful spot with stunning views and a refreshing swim – totally worth the hike!"

👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Slippery trails! Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential. Walking sticks are a great idea.
🏊♀️ Swim Safely
You can swim in the basin, but be cautious of slippery rocks.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bassin la Mer Waterfall
Saint-Benoît
A stunning cascade plunging into a natural pool, perfect for a refreshing swim.

Scenic Hike
Trail from parking area
An enjoyable trek through lush nature, leading to breathtaking views and the main attraction.

Overlooking Viewpoint
End of the main path
A must-see spot offering panoramic vistas of the waterfall and its surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key!
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Slippery trails! Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential. Walking sticks are a great idea.
🏊♀️ Swim Safely
You can swim in the basin, but be cautious of slippery rocks.
🚶♀️ Hike to the View
Don't miss the final path to the viewpoint for the best waterfall perspective.
🚗 Parking Available
Parking is usually found near the snack bar on the main road.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Slippery trails! Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential. Walking sticks are a great idea.
🏊♀️ Swim Safely
You can swim in the basin, but be cautious of slippery rocks.
🚶♀️ Hike to the View
Don't miss the final path to the viewpoint for the best waterfall perspective.
🚗 Parking Available
Parking is usually found near the snack bar on the main road.
💧 Check Weather
Trails are much slipperier after heavy rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bassin la Mer is a highly praised natural attraction on Réunion Island, celebrated for its beautiful waterfall and refreshing swimming basin. Visitors enjoy the scenic hike to reach the spot, though many caution about the slippery trails, especially after rain. The viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views, making the trek well worth the effort.
"Beautiful spot. You can go left to see the source of the smaller waterfall. It is very slippery there so be careful. Ot os a nice little trek from Bassin la Paix"
Denise Jackinson
"A lovely little hike starting from the designated parking area in Saint-André. We did it the day after heavy rain, and we regretted not bringing our walking sticks: the sections were slippery and muddy. The Bassin de la Mer (Sea Basin) is prettier than the Bassin de la Paix (Peace Basin). You absolutely must finish the hike to get a view overlooking the waterfall."
isa
"A very beautiful spot. It took us 45 minutes. The path is easy, with only a few steps at the end. But it's totally worth it. Both the views during the hike and the waterfall are stunning, and you can swim there."
lisa mi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bassin la Mer is located in Saint-Benoît on the island of Réunion. Access typically involves a scenic hike starting from a designated parking area. Many visitors mention it's a lovely little trek from Bassin la Paix, though Bassin la Paix itself may be closed.
Yes, parking is generally available near a snack bar on the main road in Abondance, which serves as a common starting point for the hike.
The most common approach is a hike from the parking area. The path is described as easy with some steps at the end, though it can be slippery.
Using GPS to navigate to the general area of Saint-Benoît or the specific parking location is recommended. Look for signs directing you to Bassin la Mer or Bassin la Paix.
Information on direct public transport to the trailhead is limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes for Saint-Benoît and then consider a short taxi ride or walk to the starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees mentioned for Bassin la Mer, making it a free natural attraction.
As a natural site, Bassin la Mer doesn't have official opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment of the scenery.
While the natural site is always accessible, specific access points or trails might be temporarily closed due to weather conditions or maintenance. It's always good to check local conditions if possible.
The main restriction is to be mindful of the slippery conditions and to respect the natural environment. Swimming is permitted but requires caution.
While not strictly necessary, hiring a local guide can enhance your experience, especially if you're interested in the flora, fauna, or local history.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a beautiful hike, admire the stunning waterfall, take photos, and even swim in the natural pool. The viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views.
Yes, swimming is possible in the basin, but visitors are advised to be very careful due to slippery rocks and potentially strong currents.
The hike is generally described as taking about 45 minutes to an hour round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the waterfall.
Yes, it's considered accessible for children, but parents should be extra cautious due to the slippery and sometimes steep sections, especially the final steps.
Bring sturdy, non-slip shoes, water, snacks, swimwear if you plan to swim, and a camera to capture the beauty. Walking sticks are highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoint overlooking the waterfall is a prime spot. The area around the basin itself, with the cascading water and lush greenery, also offers fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone footage of Bassin la Mer is popular, showcasing its beauty from above. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
Morning light can be beautiful, but be aware of potential shadows. Midday can offer bright light, while late afternoon might provide softer, warmer tones.
Use a slower shutter speed on your camera to create a silky, blurred effect for the water. A tripod will help keep your shots steady.
Consider capturing the contrast between the vibrant green foliage and the clear blue water, or the textures of the wet rocks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Bassin la Mer
While the main path is relatively easy, the final descent to the water's edge involves steps that can be steep and treacherous. Despite these challenges, the effort is widely considered 'totally worth it' for the stunning reward at the end. The hike itself provides a sense of adventure and immersion in the tropical environment.
Experiencing the Waterfall and Basin
Beyond swimming, the visual spectacle of the waterfall is a major draw. Visitors often make the effort to reach a specific viewpoint that offers 'stunning' panoramic views of the cascade and its surroundings. This elevated perspective is considered a must-do for capturing the full grandeur of Bassin la Mer. The natural beauty and the sound of the falling water create a serene and memorable experience for all who visit.
Comparing Bassin la Mer and Bassin la Paix
When both are accessible, Bassin la Mer is frequently described as the 'prettier' of the two. This suggests that while Bassin la Paix offers its own charm, Bassin la Mer often captivates visitors with its visual appeal and the overall experience it provides, from the hike to the waterfall itself. Travelers seeking a complete natural immersion often prioritize Bassin la Mer for its accessible beauty and recreational opportunities.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit