Introduction to the Ultimate Island
Located 210 kilometers from Mauritius, Reunion Island is not just any other exotic island lt is a concentration of the best that the world has to offer ail in one place
Covering only 2512 sq kms, the island offers a tremendous mixture of wild nature and authentic culture. With 40% of its territory classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, its diversity delivers the impossible dream of being able to circumnavigate the ‘world’ in Just a few days. From the minute you arrive, you will immediately sense the extraordinary diversity of the cultures that live in perfect harmony on the island.
As you travel around, you will experience the cultural richness, from Asian cuisine to Creole markets, and from Buddhist to Tamil and Christian traditions.
The contrasting experiences are unique in that, in only a few hours, you can be in the expansive volcanic lunar landscapes, then in the translucent waters of the lagoons or enjoying the feeling of being on top of the world in the lush green vegetation of one of the picturesque craters.
ln just a few days one can really enjoy an exceptional array of experiences, emotions and sensations on this unique island.
INTENSELY BLUE
Under the warmth of the southern hemisphere sun, you can relax on the white sandy beaches of Reunion Island. With its turquoise waters protected by a 30 kilometers coral reef, the island’s lagoons hint at the colorful schools of fish that you can discover with a mask and a snorkel. Gazing out into the blue of the Indian Ocean from the beach, or on-board a specially organized whale watching cruise, from June to the End of September, you can enjoy spectacular sights of Humpback Whales as they return from the Atlantic to warmer climes to mate and calf.
A PARADISE FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Reunion Island is a dynamic destination with so many leisure and cultural activities to suit the soft adventurer or even the most hardened athlete, you will never get bored. The island is a wonderful natural playground, with over 1900 kilometers of combined in land and coastal trails to be explored safely by foot, on horseback or by mountain bike.
The myriad of trails offers the opportunity for visitors to explore with or without a mountain guide and can last for a mere few hours or several days. Some trails offer a stop off in one of the 31 hiking lodges in the heart of Reunion island’s natural surroundings.
The island is home to countless waterfalls, rivers and lagoons which ail provide the perfect playground for the many water sports activities available. Try an airboat, white water rafting or have fun kayak jumping, aquatic hiking, canyoning or abseiling down a waterfall.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean provide a haven for scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and in the shallow waters of the lagoon, stand up paddle boarding, and snorkeling
The fun does not stop there with caving, mountain climbing, cycling, Segway, Elliptigo stand up cycling and golf featuring highly on the list of activities. There are also a number of gardens and museums on the island waiting to be visited, and for those interested in turtles, a visit to the turtle sanctuary in Saint Leu is a must Many more of the region’s marine species can be safely observed at the Aquarium in Saint-Gilles. Other places of interest to visit would be the Bourbon Pointu café in the Maison Rouge area or the 4D cinema at the Cité du Volcan
A birds-eye view of Reunion island’s breath taking scenery can be savoured from the air either by helicopter, glider or a paraglider.
Ali activities are safely supervised by experienced professionals but are ail guaranteed to thrill.
https://en.reunion.fr/discover/intensely-adventurous/
“Whale watching in Réunion: between wonder and marine conservation”
Each year, between July and October, humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warm waters of Reunion Island, a prime breeding ground in the Indian Ocean. They can be seen from the shoreline — whether on the west, south or east coasts — offering a breathtaking display of breaches, spouts, and sometimes touching mother-calf interactions.
In Reunion Island, whale watching at sea is permitted but strictly regulated by the competent local authorities to ensure a respectful approach to the animals.
These giants of the sea are part of an exceptional biodiversity that reveals itself through hiking trails, coral lagoons and primary forests. Their presence helps make Reunion Island `a truly outstanding destination for nature lovers. Between mountains, ocean and tropical forest, Reunion Island — l’île Intense — pulses with the rhythm of nature and its elements.
EXPERIENCES:
REUNION, THE INTENSITY OF AN ISLAND, THE RICHNESS OF A WORLD
Between volcanoes, lagoons, cirques and tropical forests, Réunion offers a diversity of experiences that is rare in such a small territory. Here, the contrasts are striking, and the activities never resemble each other.
On Reunion Island, every moment is an invitation to experience authenticity: a sunrise hike on the slopes of Piton de la Fournaise or in the heart of the UNESCO-listed cirques, a family swim in a turquoise lagoon or in natural pools, a Creole lunch at a local’s home, a meeting with passionate farmers, the discovery of skills handed down from generation to generation, a paragliding flight over the ocean, exploring a lava tunnel, stargazing or a trip out to sea to meet cetaceans… here, every moment becomes a memory.
Reunion Island also boasts a lively crossbred culture, generous cuisine, friendly people and a sense of freedom that can be found in every corner of the island.
A safe, accessible destination with a change of scenery, Réunion Island is ideal for travelers in search of nature, discovery, sharing and sensations. It’s ideal for families, couples, adventurers and idlers alike.
Backed by a network of committed professionals, top-quality infrastructures and a rich and varied range of activities, La Réunion is not just something to visit: it’s something to experience. Fully. Intensely. Humanely.
Discover 60 unique experiences on our website: https://en.reunion.fr/organize/our-experiences/
A JOURNEY TO MEET NEW CULTURES
A visit to this Indian Ocean paradise, Reunion Island, allows travelers to discover a history shaped by people from Africa, Madagascar, Europe and Asia. The universal challenge of racial and ethnie mixing is dispelled on Reunion Island as its people warmly demonstrate how things should and can be.
On the island of Reunion, ethnic diversity is a real strength which makes people proud of their origins. Respect for others forms part of the culture on Reunion Island. Churches, Tamil temples, mosques and Chinese pagodas co-exist in the urban landscape Visitors are welcome to participate in one of the many Tamil, Chinese or Christian festivals whilst also taking the opportunity to discover the origins of the unique Creole culture This is best enjoyed in the beautiful colonial mansions of Saint Denis or in the distinct colorful huts in the many creoles’ villages
The Creole culture reflects the people of Reunion Island; diverse and mixed. The history of this unique culture is reflected in the unique Maloya Recognised as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO, Maloya combines music song and dance to express the pain and rebellion among the Malagasy and African slaves that worked on Reunion lsland’s sugar plantations. lt forms an integral part of the cultural identity of the other musical genre on Reunion Island, the Reunion Sega A more festive form of dance music.
ETHNIC GASTRONOMY
Reunion lsland’s ethnic and cultural diversity also comes through in its gastronomy Each new influx of people brought its own culinary tradition with it, and today, Reunion lsland’s food on offer, reflects this diversity. There is one common element and that is the rice that accompanies almost every dish. Visitors love to indulge in the Creole curries that mix meat or fish in sauces made from tomatoes, turmeric, garlic, anions and thyme, combined with many Chinese and lndian ingredients delicious tastes ail niched off with a little local sugar cane rum which is regularly offered neat or mixed with a little honey, sugar or fruit juices and spices.
A PARADISE FOR A COUPLE
Reunion Island is a unique destination that offers bath ocean and mountain environments providing a variety of exceptional experiences that are perfect for a honeymoon lt is also the perfect place in which to create that memorable ceremony. This special day can take place in many of the fascinating dramatic scenic spots or in one of the many beautiful hotels. Reunion Island is sure to deliver a journey full of unique sensations and emotion. The luxurious and charming areas on the West Coast offer special programmes to suit wedding and honeymoon couples. An ideal romantic escape, Reunion Island is guaranteed to deliver timeless memories.
Looking for some tender relaxation?
Why not laze and soak up the sun by the edge of one of the lagoons where lish of a thousand colors await in their nooks and crannies. Sip champagne and relax in each other’s arms whilst watching the warm sun’s romantic rays dip into the deep blue of the lndian Ocean at the end of a lazy day
Feel like doing some water sports together?
Snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, tours in a glass bottom boat, paddle boarding or deep-sea fishing are all activities on offer to be enjoyed safely beyond Reunion lsland’s unique coastline of white and black sandy beaches lndulge in a cocktail or two whilst enjoying a romantic sunset cruise, accompanied by dolphins or whales (season dependent)
Feel like treating yourself?
Let yourself be swept away by the pleasure of a gentle massage in the heart of tropical nature with various relaxing treatments hailing from far and wide amid the intoxicating scents of geranium, vanilla, ylang ylang and many other beautiful flower species that grow on Reunion Island.
Feel some cultural and culinary delights?
On Reunion Island, cultures and cuisines are fused and plentiful. Discover the rich ethnie and racial diversity that contributes to the beauty of the people of this island and the incomparable flavor of their food.
The architecture of the many Hindu temples, churches, mosques and rich colonial mansions tell the story of the diversity of the people who successively populated this island and it is reflected too in the countless dishes to be sampled with either a sweet or a spicy flavour.
Want to explore the island?
Reunion is a UNESCO World Heritage site with amazing places to explore offering wonderful experiences that can be savoured together. Discover the island’s volcano and its imposing landscapes from the air by glider, small aeroplane or helicopter or explore at your own pace, holding hands on one of the many hiking trails.
Family vacations on Reunion Island: an unforgettable tropical adventure
Reunion Island offers an exceptional setting for family vacations, combining a tropical change of scenery with cultural richness in a safe, French-speaking environment. This island in the Indian Ocean seduces with its diversity of landscapes and activities for all ages.
The white sandy beaches of the west, like that of Hermitage-les-Bains, invite you to relax and play in the water. The protected lagoon allows children to discover tropical fish in complete safety, while parents enjoy the Reunionese sunshine. For adventurous families, snorkeling reveals a colorful and fascinating underwater world.
The interior of the island offers accessible family hikes, notably to the Voile de la Mariée waterfalls or the natural pools of the island’s many waterfalls. The cirque of Cilaos, with its thermal springs, offers a unique experience of well-being in a tropical mountain setting. The more sporty can try their hand at canyoning, which is suitable for beginners.
Many fun activities punctuate the stay: whale and dolphin watching from Saint-Gilles (June to October), a visit to the vanilla plantations to understand the cultivation of this precious spice, or exploration of the lava tunnels in Saint-Philippe. Children can have fun at the Étang-Salé adventure park or on a family-friendly electric mountain bike outing. The Eden botanical garden and the aquarium at Saint-Gilles amaze young and old alike, while a helicopter trip reveals the beauty of the cirques and the Piton de la Fournaise volcano.
Cultural discoveries enrich the stay: Saint-Paul’s colorful markets, interactive museums, and above all Creole gastronomy to tantalize the taste buds. Children love to sample exotic local fruits such as lychees, mangoes and passion fruit.
Family accommodations, from self-catering cottages to hotels with kids’ clubs, make it easy to organize your stay. Modern infrastructures and proximity to mainland France reassure parents while guaranteeing a real change of scenery.
A family trip to Reunion Island creates lasting memories, from the wonder of unspoilt nature to cultural discoveries and moments of togetherness in a tropical paradise just a few hours’ flight from France.
A JOURNEY INTO THE WILDERNESS
Reunion Island is an oceanic tropical island as well as a large volcanic mountain, and as such it offers an infinite variety of natural landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. lts geological history, consisting of successive eruptions and massive collapses, provides a unique landscape made up of volcanic peaks and monumental craters with steep mountain faces, which on 01 August 2010 were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the heart of the island there is an exceptional area
The mountainous interior of the ‘Hauts de la Réunion” provides visitors with spectacular scenery and an exceptional experience in nature, ail protected by its classification as a National Park The heart of Reunion Island consists of three mountainous basins born of the collapse of the walls of Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the lndian Ocean which rises to over 3 000 meters above sea level. These are the craters of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate. The varied panoramas delivered by these three craters and the rich fauna and flora contained within, confirm Reunion Island as one of the 34 hotspots of global biodiversity.
Intensely volcanic
The volcanic island of Reunion rose from the bottom of the ocean three million years ago. The Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and it lives up to its reputation by putting on fascinating shows at relatively regular intervals with powerful eruptions which thankfully pose no threat to the population. Visitors can enjoy a hike up to the volcano through amazing lunar landscapes which are strange and beautiful at the same time. The route is easily accessible, and on the way the magical sights of Plaine des Sables, Pas de Bellecombe, craters and Route des Laves make for lifetime memories.
The successive lava flow from the many volcanic eruptions has provided an exceptional landscape between steep cliffs, lush vegetation and the deep blue of the lndian Ocean. This can be viewed in the southern part of the island where the lava has formed fascinating black sand beaches.
PRACTICAL FOCUS: TRAVEL TO REUNION ISLAND
How to get there?
Air Austral “The French airline of the lndian Ocean
Air Austral is the only airline to offer direct flights between Reunion Island and Johannesburg, with connections from Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. Operating 3 flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday (Departure 23:45pm from Johannesburg – arrive Reunion: 05:30am)
Arrival formalities
Although Reunion Island is a region of France, South African passport holders are exempt from a visa for short stays on the island (for up to 90 days).
Welcome and security
ln Reunion Island, you will not find an artificial and commercial welcome that is experienced at some tourist destinations. ln Reunion Island, the welcome is warm and genuine, this is because the islanders have a caring and sharing attitude. They love a good time and they enjoy promoting their culture and heritage to ail who visit. importantly, the island is safe with very little to no crime. Visitors can enjoy their stay in safety and security.
Health
There are no particular health risks associated with a visit to Reunion Island. No vaccines are required with the exception of those visitors who are arriving from countries affected by cholera and yellow fever.
The island is malaria free but it is recommended to use precautions against mosquito bites.
Medicines and hygiene products can be purchased on the island through the medical and pharmaceutical networks
The sun in the southern hemisphere can be harsh and it is recommended that ail visitors make use of sun creams, hats and wear long sleeves particularly when at the beach and in the mountains. Car sickness medication is also recommended when travelling by road as they can be steep and winding.
Climate
Given its location in the lndian Ocean and in the southern hemisphere, Reunion Island has a tropical climate that is tempered, due to its proximity to the sea. ln the summer, from November to April, the average temperature is 30°C at the coast but at altitude (such as at the volcano) the temperature drops dramatically and averages at around 23-24°C ln the winter from May to October the average coastal temperature is 20°C but at altitude it can drop to as low as 4°C, with Frost a regular occurrence in very high areas.
Self-drive
The best, and most affordable way to explore Reunion Island is to drive, and car hire is readily available. Drivers are required to produce an international or French driver’s licence. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road as per French standards and the French rules of the road apply. The road network is well-maintained to European standards making the roads a pleasure to drive, giving visitors the independence to enjoy and explore at their leisure.
Time difference
Reunion Island is 2 hours ahead of South African time. (e g. 08h00 on Reunion Island is 10h00 in South Africa).
Currency, Bank, Bankcard
As a French department and a region of Europe, the currency on Reunion Island is the Euro. ATM’s are common place on the island, they accept foreign bank cards and can be used to withdraw Euros cash.
The following bank cards are accepted on Reunion Island. Carte Blue, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Eurocard and American Express.
Note that there is only one currency exchange office at Roland Garros airport.
Maximum authorized exchange: 2025 July –
€ 10 000 (209 353 ZAR)
The rate conversion is based on the exchange of the day.
ULTIMATELY
Exotic
With warm waves that lap at your feet, enjoy the natural jacuzzi of the Indian Ocean. Let the smell of the sea tickle your nostrils, the whisper of the palms swaying in the trade winds play in your aer, the colorful fish and turtles come and go in the turquoise waters of the lagoon and the warmth of the sun caress your skin in an exotic change of scenery.
Spectacular
Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and protected by the Reunion Island National Park, which covers almost 40% of the island, let yourself be taken by the hand and guided through the Pitons, craters and ramparts od Reunion Island. Experience exceptional adventures, a trip to the sulphureous slopes of one of the most active volcanoes in the world, the Piton de la Fournaise; a hike in the Mafate crater, accessible only on foot where you are totally at one with nature, a swim at the foot of one of the mountain waterfalls and an encounter with the unique flora and fauna and its high rate of endemic species. Environmentally respectful visitors will leave this ultimate island with lasting memories.
Authentic
Enjoy the warmouth of Reunion Island welcome and get a taste of the Creole way of life. Reunion Island is a place where you can visit a variety of diverse cultural and religious sites and monuments, experience traditions based on local folklore, discover festivals and so much more. The list of events on Reunion Island is never ending.
Spicy
The cultural mix is also reflected in the island’s food. Taste the gastronomy on this spice island which comes from the four corners of the planet. Reunionese cuisine begins on the stalls of the island’s markets with their multitude of smells and colors. Vanilla, Bourbon Pointu Coffee, Victoria pineapples, passion fruits, mangoes, papayas, tumeric, and lychee honey are all local Reunion Island products that will really awaken your taste buds.
Enchanting
A melting pot where European, Malagasy, Indian, Asian and African civilisations meet, Reunion Island is the holy grail of living together. With such unparalleled diversity, the population of Reunion Island is extremely mixed. The same goes for traditional music which punctuates daily life. The rythms of Sega and Maloya blend as if by magic to suit all moods. Let yourself be transported.
Active
Are you hooked on physical activity? Then Reunion is a dynamic destination guaranteed to keep you busy. A vast array of open-air leisure activities awaits. Trail running and hiking on the island’s marked paths, horse riding, downhill mountain biking, potholing through lava tunnels, climbing, white-water rafting, scuba diving, paragliding to discover the wonders from the sky or golf to try out your swing in the tropics; it is all or nothing when it comes to testing your stamina on Reunion Island.
https://en.reunion.fr/discover/intensely-adventurous/
Preserved
For eco tourist, Reunion Island’s natural heritage is protected in remarkable fashion. The island is one of thirty-four global biodiversity hot-spots. With its preserved ecosystem, and as many diverse mico-climates as landscapes, visitors an embark on a voyage as big as nature itself in the Indian Ocean. Marvel at the rich diversity of the sights, sometimes lush, sometimes arid, and let yourself be lulled by the singing of the wales during the southern hemisphere winter.
Volcanic
The Piton de la Fournaise
Set off on an excursion up the sulphurous slopes of one of the most active volcanos in the world: the Piton de la Fournaise, for an exceptional experience. This volcano was born 530,000 years ago and is situated in an area classified a world heritage site by UNESCO. The fountains and flows of liquid lava of this active volcano cascade down the basalt-rich slopes and sometimes even into the Indian Ocean. Before reaching the volcano, you will cross the Plaine des Sables and the landscapes that will make you feel like you’ve landed on planet Mars. This is the opportunity to live a unique experience, in complete safety, and to go on a space mission without leaving dry land!
Revitalizing
Reunion island is an oasis of well-being. Between the sky and the sea relax at a yoga session on the beach with only the horizon to look at, or enjoy the luxury of a visit to one of the spas on the island. In the Cilaos mountain crater, enjoy the iron rich natural water springs which feed the island’s natural spa. Sitting relaxing by the side of a swimming pool, enjoy a revitalizing island rum cocktail prepared with fresh fruit whose colors compete with the island’s dazzling flora.
10 eco-friendly tips for your trip to Reunion, the ultimate island
Since 2007, 2nd June has been World Responsible Tourism Day, an opportunity to communicate on best ethical practices and encourage travellers to join the trend towards a tourism that is more mindful of the planet and of the beings that live on it.
How can you adopt a responsible approach on Reunion Island? Here are 10 tips in favour of sustainable practices on the island:
https://en.reunion.fr/discover/an-ecotourism-destination/tips-for-travelling-responsibly/
Reunion Island Tourism will be at the 2025 Hermanus Whale festival as the main sponsor for the Eco-Marine Village
REUNION ISLAND TOURISM & ECO PARTNERS
