Maldive resorts are perfect for second honeymoons, but there's something magical at Réunion Island. The tropical land of Réunion Island is a tiny piece of paradise in the Indian Ocean, offering travelers a “little piece of France!” This tropical Island sits between Madagascar and Mauritius, equipped with incredibly blue waters and lush tropical forests. Despite its beauty, the island is infamous for the staggering number of shark attacks in recent years, gaining the nickname “The Shark Capital of the World.” Due to this reputation, the Réunion Island government banned swimming and surfing along the coast, permitting water activities within lagoons and areas protected by an anti-shark net. Despite these protective measures, some travelers are wary of visiting this beautiful tropical Island.
However, travelers seeking a tropical vacation shouldn’t be quick to judge Réunion Island. This tiny island is home to incredible landscapes in the world. There’s a reason they nickname it a country of land, sea, and sky—Réunion Island will blow visitors away with these scenic sites and unique excursions!
9 Draw Underwater!
Just because swimming is banned in some regions of the Island, that doesn’t mean tourists can’t swim on the Island at all. There are still many designated spots for swimming on Réunion, especially in its beautiful lagoons. More uniquely, why should tourists settle for just swimming and snorkeling when they can channel their creativity into creating some underground art? Budding artists can learn more about marine diversity and try drawing a fish underwater. Then, using a drawing board and “magic” chalks, tourists can get creative and draw a picture underwater with a local artist! This activity is great for young travelers and families.
8 Explore Réunion Island’s Local Culture
Visitors can learn about the fantastic diversity the Island has to offer, as the ethnicity of the Island is influenced by Asian, Indian, African, and European cultures. Due to its variety, tourists can see Hindu temples, churches, and Pagodas, all in one Island! The diversity of the island pairs well with its native Créole culture, where tourists are more than welcome to explore. People come from all walks of life on Réunion Island, enjoying a healthy population of over 850,000 people.
7 Go Dolphin And Whale Watching
Witness the majesty of pan-tropical spotted dolphins or blower dolphins year-round, which greet travelers along the coast or while diving! Lucky tourists may even spot the Risso’s Dolphin, a rare species native to the Réunion Island. Otherwise, enjoy the view of sperm whales, humpback whales, or fin whales on an animal-watching excursion!
6 Explore The Cirque Of Mafate
The Cirque of Mafate is only accessible by foot or helicopter! Enclosed within a UNESCO World Heritage site, travelers can explore 10 peaks that range over 2,000 meters. During their visit, hikers can check out local villages nearby (known as îlets) like Grand Place, Roche Plate, La Nouvelle, Marla, or Aurère. In addition, there is over 140 km of trails at Mafate, perfect for hikers and travelers passionate about eco-tourism.
5 Part Onboard A Musical Cruise!
Love music, relaxation, and the calm vibe of life? After sunset, embark on a relaxing catamaran cruise with music along the West Coast. Listen and dance to Réunion Island’s traditional music genres known as Sega and Mayola, listed as intangible world heritage music by UNESCO! While dancing the night away, enjoy the faraway sites of Cape Lahoussaye and Saint Paul Bay. Travelers can embark on one of three cruise ship themes, depending on their interest: discover, enjoy, and celebrate.
4 Canyon At The Piton De La Fournaise
From Bras Rouge canyon to the rapids at the Langevin river, Réunion Island is a hotspot for canyoning. Feel the rush of the massive waterfalls at the Pitons, Cirques, and Ramparts, which are considered a UNESCO world heritage site! Since canyoning tests one’s physical strength, adrenaline, and endurance, it’s an activity suited for extreme adventure-seekers. With canyoning, travelers can get a workout by combining pot-holing, hiking, climbing, swimming, and mountaineering elements! For experts, they can challenge themselves at the Trou De Fer. Meanwhile, beginners can have some fun at the mini Fleur Jaunes Trail.
3 Hike Around Réunion Island
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Island without hiking in an area recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site! Experience the majesty of the Piton Des Neiges or the mightiness of the Maïdo-Grand Bénare. The sights are breathtaking, but some word of caution: bring a headlamp as it gets dark early in the Island (around 7 pm in the summertime, even earlier in the winter). Wear proper clothing (including sunscreen and mosquito-protective clothing) and be wary when hiking around trails with water. The trails can also be challenging for the novice hiker because it’s riddled with steep hills and mountainous terrain.
2 Go Potholing And Explore Hidden Lava Tubes
This activity is not for claustrophobes! Otherwise, adventurous travelers who explore the Island’s hidden lava tubes will get face-to-face with stunning networks of lava tunnels. For example, travelers can explore the Blue Tunnel, which was crafted over 22,000 years ago due to an eruption that created Piton Bleu. Tourists will also admire the beautiful hues of the rocks, which glow a blue-orange-red shade. This is an intimate tour group, so visitors know they’ll be getting special attention.
1 Watch The Sunrise At Maïdo
Much like watching the sunrise at Maui’s Haleakala National Park, watching the sunrise over Mafate’s Piton Maïdo is like watching colors dance in the sky. Watch hues of red, grey, blue, and yellow mingle as the sun rises over the mountain peak. Then, take a guided hike in Grand Bernard to admire the sunset, a poignant yet straightforward activity for any nature-loving tourist.