The best outdoor activities in Reunion Island

Reunion Island: A Paradise for Outdoor Adventure

Introduction to the Destination

The island of Reunion, nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts. As a French overseas territory, Réunion offers a unique blend of European and Creole cultures, set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. From its towering volcanoes and verdant forests to its pristine beaches and cascading waterfalls, Réunion Island is a paradise for adventure seekers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned thrill-seeker or a first-time explorer, the island promises an unforgettable experience.

Réunion Island is renowned for its outdoor activities, offering something for everyone, from canyoning in the island's dramatic ravines to soaring above the landscape while paragliding. With such a diverse range of landscapes—from rugged mountains to crystal-clear lagoons—there's no shortage of things to do on this island. The best part? Many of these activities are accessible to beginners, with experienced guides ready to help you explore this tropical wonderland safely.

History and Culture of Réunion Island

Réunion Island's rich history is woven from the threads of French, African, Indian, and Chinese cultures. First discovered by European navigators in the early 16th century, the island was officially claimed by France in 1642. Over the centuries, Réunion became a melting pot of diverse cultures, as immigrants from Africa, India, and Asia were brought to the island, often as labourers during the colonial period. Today, the island's culture reflects this eclectic mix, from its food and music to its festivals and religious practices.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Réunion is how its volcanic origins have shaped not only its landscape but also its culture. The Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has left a lasting mark on the island's terrain, giving rise to lush forests and dramatic cliffs. In local culture, the volcano is not just a physical presence but a symbol of the island's raw, untamed energy. It's also one of the island's main attractions for those seeking outdoor adventure, offering both challenging hikes and more accessible routes for beginners.

Outdoor Activities on Réunion Island

Réunion Island is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of thrilling and diverse activities against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or serene experiences in nature, the island has something for everyone. Here’s an in-depth look at the top outdoor activities you can enjoy on this tropical paradise:

Hiking

Réunion Island is a hiker’s paradise, boasting more than 1,000 kilometres of marked trails, weaving through volcanic landscapes, tropical forests, and mountain cirques. The island offers hikes for all levels, from easy walks to strenuous multi-day treks.

• Piton des Neiges: As the highest peak in the Indian Ocean at 3,071 metres, hiking Piton des Neiges is a bucket-list adventure for avid hikers. The trek can be challenging, but the views at sunrise from the summit are absolutely worth it, offering panoramic vistas over the island's rugged terrain.
• Cirques of Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie: These natural amphitheatres offer countless trails that lead you through dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and small Creole villages. Mafate, in particular, is only accessible by foot or helicopter, offering an unparalleled sense of isolation and connection with nature.
• La Roche Écrite: For a less demanding hike with rewarding views, La Roche Écrite, near Saint-Denis, is an excellent choice. The hike takes you through lush forests to a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramas over the Cirque de Mafate and the island's coastline.

Canyoning

Réunion Island is one of the best places in the world for canyoning, thanks to its abundance of waterfalls, steep gorges, and crystal-clear rivers. The combination of rugged volcanic terrain and dense rainforests makes for a truly unique canyoning experience.

• Trou de Fer: This is Réunion’s most iconic canyoning spot, known for its immense vertical walls and waterfalls plunging into deep gorges. Adventurers will rappel down dramatic waterfalls, jump into natural pools, and navigate through narrow canyons. It’s suitable for more experienced canyoners, but there are also easier routes across the island.
• Fleur Jaune Canyon (Cilaos): Another popular canyoning spot, especially for beginners, is Fleur Jaune in the Cirque de Cilaos. It offers several abseils down beautiful waterfalls and is accessible to most fitness levels, making it perfect for those new to canyoning.

Paragliding

The thermal winds and stunning landscapes of Réunion make it an ideal destination for paragliding. The island’s western coast, particularly around Saint-Leu, is famous for providing excellent flying conditions and breathtaking aerial views.

• Saint-Leu: This is the premier location for paragliding on the island. Beginners can experience tandem flights with professional instructors, soaring over the turquoise waters of the lagoon, the coral reefs, and the lush volcanic slopes. For experienced paragliders, the winds allow for longer, more challenging flights, with opportunities to fly high over the mountains and coastline.

Diving and Snorkelling

The warm waters surrounding Réunion Island offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean, thanks to the rich biodiversity of the coral reefs and marine life.

• L’Hermitage Lagoon: Located near Saint-Gilles, this calm and shallow lagoon is a great spot for beginner snorkellers. The protected coral reefs are home to colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and various other marine species, making it a fantastic spot for underwater exploration.
• Saint-Leu: For more experienced divers, the waters around Saint-Leu offer deeper dive sites with shipwrecks, caves, and a chance to encounter larger marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and manta rays. Dive centres offer both beginner courses and guided dives for advanced divers.

Surfing

While Réunion has some excellent waves, surfing on the island is heavily regulated due to shark risks. However, there are a few supervised and protected areas where surfers can safely enjoy the ocean.

• Saint-Gilles: The beach at Saint-Gilles offers relatively safe surfing spots, thanks to its coral reef that helps keep larger marine life away from the shore. For beginners, there are surf schools in the area that offer lessons.
• L’Hermitage: Although more known for snorkelling, some areas around L’Hermitage provide gentle waves that are suitable for beginners learning to surf.

Mountain Biking

Réunion’s varied landscapes provide excellent opportunities for mountain biking, from challenging downhill tracks in the mountains to more relaxed routes through sugar cane fields and along coastal paths.

• Maïdo: The downhill trail from the Maïdo viewpoint is a must for experienced mountain bikers. Starting from an altitude of over 2,000 metres, the descent takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including volcanic slopes, forests, and grassy plains, ending in the coastal region of Saint-Paul.
• Cirques: For those looking for a more leisurely ride, there are scenic routes through the Cirque de Cilaos and Salazie, where you can enjoy the beauty of the island at a slower pace, cycling through villages and lush valleys.

Horse Riding

Exploring Réunion’s landscapes on horseback is a peaceful and enjoyable way to discover the island’s natural beauty.

• Plaine des Palmistes: Known for its rolling hills and scenic vistas, this area offers horseback riding tours through forests and across open fields. Riders can enjoy a leisurely pace while taking in the surrounding nature, making it ideal for families or those looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience.
• La Plaine des Cafres: This is another fantastic area for horse riding, with tours that take you through green meadows and volcanic landscapes, offering views of the island’s highlands.

Whale and Dolphin Watching

The waters around Réunion are home to a variety of marine life, including humpback whales that migrate to the island from June to October to breed. Dolphin sightings are common year-round, especially along the west coast.

• Saint-Gilles-les-Bains: This is the best place for whale and dolphin watching tours. Boats depart daily, giving you the chance to see these majestic creatures up close. The whale watching season, in particular, is a highlight for many visitors to Réunion, as you can observe these giants of the ocean breaching and playing in the warm waters.

Rock Climbing

Réunion offers excellent rock climbing opportunities, with routes ranging from beginner-friendly to highly technical.

• Cilaos: The dramatic cliffs of the Cirque de Cilaos provide some of the best rock climbing on the island. The area has bolted climbing routes suitable for various levels of experience. The spectacular scenery, with jagged peaks and sweeping valleys, adds to the experience, making it a favourite among climbers.
• Les Makes: For those looking for a quieter climbing spot, Les Makes offers good climbing routes set amidst dense forests, along with some excellent viewpoints to take in the island’s beauty.

Helicopter Flights

For an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the island’s stunning landscapes, a helicopter flight over Réunion is a must-do activity. This thrilling experience allows you to witness the island’s rugged beauty, from active volcanoes to verdant rainforests and hidden waterfalls.

• Piton de la Fournaise: Fly over one of the world’s most active volcanoes and see its dramatic craters and lava flows up close. A helicopter tour gives you a perspective of the island’s volatile geology like nothing else.
• Cirques and Waterfalls: The helicopter also takes you over the island’s three iconic cirques—Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie—allowing you to see their unique landscapes and towering waterfalls, including Trou de Fer, which is best viewed from the air due to its inaccessibility by foot.

Microlight Flights (Ultra Light Motorized)

For those looking for a more intimate and personalised flying experience, ULM (Ultra Light Motorized) flights offer an exhilarating way to explore Réunion from the sky.

• Coastal Views: ULM flights take you along the island’s stunning coastlines, where you can glide over turquoise lagoons, rugged cliffs, and black volcanic beaches. This is a great way to enjoy the aerial views with the pilot’s commentary on the island’s history and natural wonders.
• Mountain Landscapes: ULM tours also take you over the island’s volcanic landscapes, including the Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise, offering spectacular views of the craters, lava fields, and surrounding greenery.

Bungee Jumping

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, bungee jumping on Réunion is sure to deliver. The island’s dramatic cliffs and gorges provide the perfect setting for this heart-pounding experience.

• Bras de la Plaine Bridge: One of the most popular bungee jumping spots on the island, the Bras de la Plaine Bridge offers a 110-metre drop into a lush canyon. This experience is guaranteed to give you a thrill, with the breathtaking views only adding to the excitement.

Ziplining

Ziplining is an exciting way to enjoy the island’s lush landscapes from above. Réunion offers several thrilling zipline courses through forests, valleys, and waterfalls.

• Forêt de l’Étang-Salé: Located on the western side of the island, the zipline park in the Forêt de l’Étang-Salé offers courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Soar through the trees, cross suspension bridges, and experience the island’s biodiversity in an adventurous way.
• Bélouve Forest: For a more dramatic zipline experience, the courses around the Bélouve Forest take you flying over deep gorges and cascading waterfalls, giving you a breathtaking perspective of Réunion’s natural wonders.

Best Time to Visit Réunion Island for Activities

Réunion Island enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. However, the island experiences two main seasons: a hot, wet season from November to April and a cooler, dry season from May to October.

• Dry Season (May to October): This is the best time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking, canyoning, and paragliding. The weather is cooler and more stable, making it perfect for exploring the island’s rugged landscapes. The dry season is also ideal for water-based activities like scuba diving and snorkelling, as the waters are clearer and calmer.
• Wet Season (November to April): While the wet season can bring heavy rain, it’s also a great time to experience the island’s waterfalls in full flow. Activities like canyoning can be more thrilling during this time, though they may also be more challenging. However, the rain also brings lush greenery, making it a great time for nature lovers to explore the island’s rainforests.

Top Spots for Outdoor Adventures on Réunion Island

Réunion Island is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide array of adventure sports in breathtaking settings. Here are the top spots where you can fully immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and experience unforgettable adventures:

Piton de la Fournaise – Volcano Trekking

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Piton de la Fournaise is a must-visit for trekking lovers. The dramatic lunar-like landscape provides a unique backdrop for hiking, allowing you to explore the various calderas, craters, and lava flows. The hike to the summit offers panoramic views of the volcano’s rim, and with clear skies, you can even spot the Indian Ocean in the distance. Although challenging, this hike is accessible to adventurous beginners, with well-maintained trails and guided tours available.

Cirque de Mafate – A Hiker’s Paradise

The remote and rugged Cirque de Mafate is only accessible by foot or helicopter, making it one of the most isolated and scenic spots on the island. This natural amphitheatre is part of a collapsed volcanic caldera, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forests. It offers numerous hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming Creole villages like La Nouvelle and Marla, where time seems to have stood still. With no roads or cars, Mafate offers an unparalleled sense of tranquillity and immersion in nature.

Canyoning in Trou de Fer

For an exhilarating experience, canyoning in Trou de Fer is hard to beat. This natural wonder, located in the heart of the lush Bélouve Forest, is one of Réunion’s most iconic spots for canyoning. You’ll navigate through dramatic gorges, rappel down towering waterfalls, and swim in crystal-clear pools, all while surrounded by stunning tropical landscapes. This thrilling adventure is suitable for intermediate to experienced adventurers, but beginner-friendly canyoning routes are also available across the island, particularly around Cilaos and Salazie.

Paragliding Over Saint-Leu

For an unforgettable view of Réunion’s stunning coastline, paragliding in Saint-Leu is a must. The town is a hotspot for paragliders due to its ideal wind conditions and spectacular scenery. Tandem paragliding flights offer a bird’s-eye view of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, coral reefs, and the lush mountainous backdrop. Whether you’re a seasoned paraglider or a first-timer, professional instructors make it accessible for all skill levels, and it’s one of the safest and most awe-inspiring ways to take in the island’s beauty.

Diving in L'Hermitage Lagoon

Réunion Island boasts some incredible diving spots, with L'Hermitage Lagoon being one of the most popular. Located near Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, this protected lagoon is a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving. The shallow waters are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin. It’s perfect for beginner divers or snorkellers, with easy access from the beach and calm waters ensuring a safe experience for all.

Plaine des Palmistes – Horse Riding and Nature Walks

For a more laid-back adventure, Plaine des Palmistes offers scenic horse riding trails and peaceful nature walks. Situated in the heart of the island, this region is known for its rolling green hills and the Bélouve Forest, which is home to some of Réunion’s most beautiful endemic plant species. Guided horseback rides take you through the countryside, offering a unique way to explore the island’s highlands, while the area’s nature walks are perfect for those looking to relax and connect with the island’s biodiversity.

Cirque de Cilaos – Mountain Adventures

The dramatic Cirque de Cilaos is one of Réunion’s top destinations for those seeking a combination of mountain adventure and culture. Surrounded by jagged peaks, Cilaos is known for its thermal springs, but it’s also a hotspot for hiking, rock climbing, and canyoning. The Bras Rouge waterfall hike is a popular route that takes you through varied landscapes, including forests, volcanic rock formations, and natural hot springs. Cilaos also offers some of the best rock climbing spots on the island, with routes suitable for climbers of all levels.

Anse des Cascades – Sea Kayaking

Located on the island’s east coast, Anse des Cascades is a stunning spot where waterfalls meet the ocean. Here, you can enjoy a tranquil sea kayaking adventure, paddling along the volcanic coastline while taking in the majestic waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs into the ocean. The calm waters and unique scenery make this a serene yet exciting way to explore Réunion’s dramatic coastal landscape.

Les Makes – Stargazing and Forest Adventures

For a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Les Makes, located in the southwest. This area is known for its panoramic viewpoints and dense forests, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The Makes Observatory is also one of the best stargazing spots on the island, offering a clear view of the night sky, far from the light pollution of the coastal towns. After a day of exploring the trails, spending the night under the stars here is a magical experience.

Kélonia – Turtle Sanctuary and Eco-Tours

While not a traditional adventure activity, a visit to Kélonia, the island’s sea turtle sanctuary in Saint-Leu, provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about the island’s marine conservation efforts. You can participate in guided eco-tours that explain the life cycle of sea turtles, their role in the local ecosystem, and the measures taken to protect them. This experience is ideal for families and nature lovers who want to understand more about the island’s rich marine biodiversity.

Travel Tips for Réunion Island

When planning your trip to Réunion, keep in mind that the island’s tropical climate can be unpredictable, especially during the wet season. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your adventure:

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to October) is generally the best time for outdoor activities, though the wet season can offer its own unique experiences.
• What to Pack: Depending on the activities you're planning, pack appropriate clothing and gear. For hiking, sturdy footwear and moisture-wicking clothing are essential. If you're planning on canyoning or water-based activities, bring swimwear and quick-drying clothes.
• Health and Safety: Réunion is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to follow local guidelines, especially when it comes to water activities due to the presence of sharks in some areas.

Benefits of Outdoor Activities on Réunion Island

Engaging in outdoor activities on Réunion not only offers a thrilling adventure but also comes with numerous physical and emotional benefits. Hiking through the island's breathtaking landscapes can boost your fitness levels, while water sports like diving and snorkelling allow you to connect with nature and experience the underwater world firsthand. The island's natural beauty provides a sense of calm and relaxation, offering an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

How to Prepare for Outdoor Adventures on Réunion

For beginners looking to try outdoor activities on Réunion Island, preparation is key. Always ensure that you’re well-equipped for the activity you're participating in, whether it's hiking, canyoning, or diving. Booking through a trusted platform like Manawa ensures that you have professional guidance, safety equipment, and expert advice to make the most of your experience. For those new to adventure sports, starting with an introductory course or tour is a great way to build confidence and skills.

Practical Information About Réunion Island

Réunion Island, a French overseas territory, is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Here are the essential details to help plan your trip:

• Main City & Airport: Saint-Denis is the capital and home to Roland Garros Airport (RUN), offering direct flights from Europe and regional destinations.
• Language: French is the official language, and Creole is commonly spoken. English is less common but understood in tourist areas.
• Currency: Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available in most towns.
• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to October) is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, canyoning, and paragliding. The wet season (November to April) sees lush landscapes and stronger waterfalls, but more rain.
• Getting Around: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the island. Roads are good but can be steep in mountainous areas. Public transport is limited to buses, and taxis are expensive for long trips.
• Accommodation Costs: Budget hotels from €50, mid-range from €80, and luxury resorts from €150 per night.
• Health & Safety: Medical care is excellent, but travel insurance is essential, especially for adventure activities. Swimming and surfing are restricted to safe, monitored areas due to shark risks.
• Outdoor Adventure: Réunion is perfect for hiking, diving, canyoning, and paragliding. Stick to recommended trails and always go with a guide for more challenging activities.

A Paradise for Adventure Seekers and Nature Lovers

Réunion Island offers an exceptional blend of adventure, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, making it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re paragliding over rugged coastlines, hiking through volcanic landscapes, or canyoning in lush gorges, there’s something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. The island’s diverse activities are accessible year-round, with safety and professional guidance ensuring an unforgettable experience.

For those looking to explore the island’s wonders, Manawa offers the perfect gateway to discover Réunion’s top outdoor activities. Combining breathtaking landscapes, a wide range of adventure sports, and the warmth of Creole culture, Réunion Island is a paradise that invites you to step outside and embrace the thrill of the outdoors.