Adventures
“The place where Adventures come true”

…this is an easy yet accurate description of Reunion.  The untamed geography of this “intense” island makes it possible to have the full range of mountain, water and aerial (!) sports available.  It’s possible to climb, hike, swim, ride, sail, fish, scuba, canyon, hang-glide, body surf, bike and volcano trek (just to name a few)…or to do as little as you please with some of the world’s most amazing scenery as your backdrop.  We think this undiscovered island is ideal for today’s sport-loving, active traveler…and the best part is hardly anyone outside Europe has ever been here.  Come and explore – there’s a miniature world of Adventure waiting for you!

We recommend pre-booking most activities to avoid disappointment and we can do that for you as you build your own Travel Package.  Otherwise, your Reunion Concierge will have complete information on all available activities and will be delighted to make arrangements for any type of sport, tour or adventure you’d like to experience.

Adventures on Land, Sea and Air
Adventures on Land

Trekking, Rambling and Hiking.   You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy the Island’s interior beauty.  There are more than 600 miles of marked hiking paths and walks and 2 major hiking trails (Grande Randonnee).  You can stroll for a few hours or choose a grand circuit with stopovers at mountain lodges.  There’s no better way to experience this green gem of an island and there are trails from easy rambles to challenging climbs.

Rock Climbing.    Outings are available for beginners to advanced, complete with lessons, guides and equipment.

Horse Trekking.   This is perhaps the best way to see the landscape and feel a part of it at the same time.  Gentle horses and ponies from the French Pyrenees mountains take beginner through advanced riders through treks from one-hour to half-day to full-day rides with picnic lunch to multi-day treks with overnight accommodations and meals provided.  Many treks traverse the volcanic region which is a special thrill.  Also, lessons and riding schools are available for all ages.

4WD Excursions.   The mountainous terrain is perfect for off-roading and daily outings can be arranged that include guides and picnic meals. 

Mountain Bikes.    Reunion has wholeheartedly endorsed the growing mountain biking enthusiasm and there are now seven special areas set aside where biking can be done safely.  There are more than 800 miles of tracks marked with standard signs approved by the French Cycling Federation and that comply with set safety regulations.

Native/Interpretive Walks.   Offered in various languages these walks take you through magnificent scenery and focus on the natural world or the indigenous culture of the island.  Themed excursions and cultural tours…and an excellent overall introduction to the charms of Reunion.

Golf.    There are two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course, with golf carts and club rental available, lessons and restaurant/snack bars.  One course plays 9 holes overlooking the sea and the second 9 routes through a eucalyptus forest!

Art & Galleries.  There are art galleries throughout the island with contemporary works, local artists’ paintings and Creole furniture. Shopping possibilities abound for the usual tourist t-shirts, souvenirs, etc.  The island is known for its specialized goods:  local enameled lava, ornamental ceramics & porcelain carved wood & stones, needlepoint lace, fragrances, woven plant fibers and, of course, vanilla.  Be careful, however…you will find sea turtle shell products available…these are protected by International law and U.S. Customs will confiscate these and could impose a stiff penalty for attempted importing.  We recommend you review the U.S. Customs Know Before You Go.

Health & Fitness.    Reunion has three spas, the Etablissement Thermal “Irenee Accot” which is also a full medical spa, the “Thalassorun” and the “Thalatropic.”  All are fully equipped with all sorts of water and massage therapies for full, relaxation body treatments.

Interesting Places to Visit.   And if you’d like to take a break from the non-stop adventures, Reunion has its share of museums, centers and attractions (some of which are listed here…when you arrive your Concierge will provide complete information and make arrangements for any visits you’d like to make):

Adventures on the Water -- Sea and River.

Canyoning.   This is one of the newest water sports and combines mountain climbing with shooting down a plummeting mountain stream.  Definitely in the adrenaline rush category, Reunion is one of the best places in the world to “canyon” and there are many licensed guides and lessons available to get you started.  True lovers of this sport will find gorges once thought inaccessible and waterfalls consider impassable, all ready for conquest by the intrepid!

White-water Rafting and Kayaking.   Rivers are for running and in upper river reaches kayaks are abundant with larger rafts shooting rapids below.  The best part is:  the water is never too cold!  Certified instructors, experienced guides and all necessary equipment is available to make sure the excitement is always safe.  Only available a few times during the year due to water levels.

Sailing and Water Sports.    Rent a Hobie Cat or larger catamaran, windsurf board, fun-board, canoes, pedal-boat or snorkeling equipment…certified instructors available for lessons and safe operations.  Larger yacht rental is also available.

Water & Jet Skiing.   Take a lesson or just get up and go!

Surfing, Body Boarding & Long-Boarding.   All varieties of riding the waves can be enjoyed and experienced with lessons available for children through adults from State Certified Instructors.

Scuba Diving.    The reefs of Reunion abound with multicolored fish and corals.  Take a lesson…take the full open water course, or book boat-diving with one of the Islands excellent, multi-certified dive operators…there’s night diving and underwater photographers available to capture the moment as well.

Deep-sea Fishing.   Deep sea fishing and drift angling is available all year round in Reunion, but the best time for the big catches is the October – May season.  You’ll find blue marlin, sailfish, blue fin tuna, sea bream and that wonderfully succulent pompano…in fact the IGFA (international Game Fishing Association) recognized a world record pompano caught off Reunion’s coast.  Boats depart from Saint-Gilles, Pointe des Galets and Saint-Pierre harbors.

Adventures in the Air.

With the perpetual sunshine and combination of mountain shelter plus thermal drafts, Reunion could not be a better destination for all the gliding sports.  And the view from “up there” is incomparable!  But first on the list is a mechanized marvel…

Hang-Gliding , Paragliding and Delta Wing.   From 2-seaters for first-timers (with souvenir photo, of course) to full lessons and even to pilot license testing…one of the facilities on Reunion is owned and operated by the inventor of Paragliding, so an enthusiast of this sport is coming to its home turf here.

Helicopter Touring.   See the coastline, the cirques, the volcano and the island in all its majesty, for a whole day tour with lunch or for a shorter flight.  Departures from the two major island airports.

Microlights.   Here’s a personal craft for a bird’s eye view of Reunion’s geographic marvels.  Microlights (ultralights)  of different sizes can be rented, with lessons if required.  Popular routes include the cirques, the lagoon and the volcano.

Sky Diving.   Yes, you can also jump out of airplanes here.  The local professional school will introduce the sport to beginners, all the way up to training with dive theory, technique perfection and video filming.  What a memory to make!

Bungee Flying.   We actually have no idea what this is exactly…except to say that this is some strange combination of bungee jumping with acrobatic and trapeze acts.  At any rate, you can do this in Reunio