Top 5 Réunion Island Sightseeing Tours: Reviews & Recommendations
Réunion Island, this bit of French paradise floating in the Indian Ocean, just so happens to be a place of knockout scenery, isn’t it? Like your majestic volcanoes, super-lush rainforests, and shores that sparkle, that island is seriously begging to be explored. And really, what better way than by jumping on a guided tour where you get to kick back, soak things in, plus hear local stories? I get that picking a tour can seem like locating a specific seashell on a big, big beach, that’s why I have gone and put together a breakdown of, perhaps, the 5 finest sightseeing trips Réunion has to offer. Let’s check them out, alright?
1. Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Tour
If I had to bet, most people visiting Réunion are wanting a peek at Piton de la Fournaise. Honestly, this active volcano is something quite special. Several tours give you the ability to basically stand on the moon… or near to it anyway. These tours normally roll in: moving from the unreal landscapes of the Plaine des Sables, hiking, a bit, to viewpoints, and learning from guides who basically eat, sleep, and breathe volcanos.
What Makes It Special: What sets these trips apart isn’t only getting close to an active volcano but grasping the geology and the history involved. Just like your skilled guides, they do such an excellent job of connecting the dots and truly revealing the hows and whys behind this incredible natural wonder.
My Recommendation: Find one that tosses in a visit to the Cité du Volcan museum; getting more background information truly enhances the whole thing, alright? Read our full review: Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Tour Full Review and Details
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2. Cirque de Salazie Day Trip
To switch gears dramatically, from volcanoes to pure lushness, picture the Cirque de Salazie. What was originally a colossal volcano crater is this vibrant, green bowl. Your visits typically include stopping at places such as the charming village of Hell-Bourg (it’s seriously among France’s “most beautiful villages”) and viewpoints with ridiculously beautiful views of waterfalls, perhaps, cascading down walls.
What Makes It Special: Getting an intimate peek at Creole life, it’s almost like time stands still, isn’t it? Meeting area folks, touring classic homes, and experiencing the tastes truly make this an engaging cultural experience.
My Recommendation: To experience everything the region has to offer, it’s usually advisable to arrange for a complete day. Do it; you truly want that extra period, and basically a leisurely lunch in Hell-Bourg has to be on the cards. Read our full review: Cirque de Salazie Day Trip Full Review and Details
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3. Helicopter Tour Over the Island
Okay, if you feel fancy and would love something amazing, well then a helicopter tour is what you would choose, right? Experiencing Reunion’s landscapes from above is genuinely unforgettable. Several firms give you journeys that cover basically all of the “cirques,” the volcano, along with the coastline. Is there a greater selfie backdrop than seeing the Iron Hole waterfall from a helicopter?
What Makes It Special: What exactly could be more astonishing than observing everything from high up? This truly offers this unique overview of Réunion’s geological wizardry, offering views impossible to find from the road, or if you are walking. That, and I mean, honestly, is there anything better than flying over the island at eye level?
My Recommendation: Spring for it; what are you going to do? This splurge creates the rest of the experiences pale somewhat. In any event, pick an early journey; in fact, you generally get cleaner air and clearer shots early in the day. Read our full review: Helicopter Tour Réunion Island Full Review and Details
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4. Wild South Coast Exploration
For a bit of raw, untouched Réunion, well then the Wild South shoreline doesn’t mess around, I would say! Journeys down there show you waves crashing on black cliffs, forests that resemble fairytale scenes, along with the lava flows from past eruptions. Locations such as Cap Méchant and the Anse des Cascades provide a wilder feel.
What Makes It Special: This isn’t pretty; that part of the island gets in touch with that rough side of Réunion, the raw, elemental forces that developed it. The tours usually touch upon the region’s fishing history and how individuals carved out lives in this wild atmosphere. It can, in some respects, be quite captivating.
My Recommendation: Search for tours that wrap in some hiking, even only a little one. Getting outside the vehicle lets you experience all the intensity of the rugged shore, if you’re into it. Read our full review: Wild South Coast Réunion Island Full Review and Details
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5. Mafate Hiking Adventure
For something genuinely epic, why don’t you check out a hiking trip to Mafate, right? This “cirque” has no streets; you can hike in or, I don’t know, take a helicopter in if you fancy, okay? A guided walk guarantees that you simply don’t get turned around, and guides bring the region to life regarding its geology, flora, along with remote Creole hamlets.
What Makes It Special: Mafate gives something almost no place else can deliver: complete disconnection. In reality, there aren’t any roads, that said, seeing this kind of isolation—but, additionally, feeling part of a little local society—is definitely awesome. Plus, you know, getting it done, for yourself, is so cool!
My Recommendation: Have yourself in tip-top physical condition. In the same way, it’s very important you give some thought to selecting a multi-day excursion; just day journeys merely scratch the surface area. And I mean, naturally, it can be fun to relax for an entire week on a mountain, somewhere on some unknown hiking spot. Read our full review: Mafate Hiking Adventure Réunion Island Full Review and Details
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