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Aerial satellite view of Cap Requin surf break in Reunion Island, Reunion, France
Reunion Island, Reunion, France

Cap Requin

-21.022, 55.229
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
  • Cap Requin is a left over reef, long walling left submerged reef.
  • Intermediate to advanced ability, working 4-10 ft.
  • Peak April to October, water 22-28°C.
Left · ReefIntermediate → Advanced4–10 ftApr – Oct

A long left-hand submerged reef break swinging around a coral shelf on Reunion's west coast, Cap Requin demands respect before you even paddle out. The name translates to Shark Point, and the sharkiness is real: this stretch of coast, along with the beachbreak at La Cimetiere just to the north, has been the scene of recent attacks. SE to SW swells in the 4-12ft range are the target, with SE winds grooming the walls and mid-to-high tide providing enough depth over the coral. Intermediate surfers can work the walls, but beginners have no business here. Bottom: submerged coral reef. Season: year-round with medium consistency. Consistency: medium. Check the incident history before committing to a dawn session and consider surfing with others.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Apr – Oct
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Long walling left submerged reef.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
SE
SE - SW
Offshore wind
SE
South easterly
Optimum tide
Mid to high tide
Size range
4-12ft
Medium
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
22° to 28°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for everyday conditions
  • Step-up 6ft 8in to 7ft for larger SE swells
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

The crowd is rarely an issue at Cap Requin, which likely reflects the serious shark risk more than any lack of wave quality. The uncrowded lineup is not an invitation to surf alone. Go with a group, ideally with people who know the area, and stay alert in the water.

Access & Facilities

No parking and no facilities on site. Accessing the lineup requires planning, and the coral shelf means entry and exit points need to be chosen carefully. Hazards are primarily the reef underfoot and the documented shark activity in this stretch of coastline. Come self-sufficient with water and first aid.

Nearby Alternatives

When Cap Requin is not working or the risk feels too high, Boucan Canot to the north offers a reliable protected left reef up to 10ft with more infrastructure and company. St-Leu to the south is the region's standout wave and worth timing around stronger SW swells.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Cap Requin surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

More breaks in Reunion

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Cap Requin

What skill level is Cap Requin suited for?
Cap Requin is a reef bottom, long walling left submerged reef, break suited for intermediate through advanced surfers.
What size does Cap Requin work best at?
Working size is 4 to 10 ft. Below 4 ft the swell goes flat. Above 10 ft it gets heavy and the lineup thins out.
When is the best season to surf Cap Requin?
Cap Requin fires from April through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Cap Requin need?
Cap Requin switches on with a se - sw groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the south easterly.
What are the main hazards at Cap Requin?
Main hazards at Cap Requin: no concerns. Reef booties are common kit.
What type of wave is Cap Requin?
Cap Requin is a left-breaking wave over reef. Long walling left submerged reef.

Sources

  • Stormrider
Cap Requin
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