Reunion Island
Plan Reunion Island with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Early morning on the west coast of Réunion, the lagoon at L'Hermitage is as still as glass, and through the clear water you can see coral heads, sea cucumbers and shoals of striped fish just beyond your feet. Casuarina trees lean over the white sand, a few swimmers float in the warm shallows, and out beyond the reef, where the waves break in a white line, a boat heads north from Saint-Gilles harbour in search of dolphins. Behind it all, the green ramparts of the island rise into the first clouds.
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Reunion Island Day Tours
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Reunion Island at first sight
Reunion Island is a French overseas region in the Indian Ocean, a young volcanic island of high peaks, deep cirques and black lava coasts, with one of the world's most active volcanoes in its south-east. Its heart is listed by UNESCO, and its people, of African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese and European roots, share a warm Creole culture. For visitors, the sunny west coast around Saint-Gilles is the natural base for the lagoon, the sea and flights over the mountains.
Why include Reunion Island in your itinerary?
- A volcano, cirques and a lagoon on one island. Helicopter flights, mountain drives and coral snorkelling are all within an hour of each other, an extraordinary variety for so small a place.
- Dolphins all year and whales in winter. Boat trips from Saint-Gilles regularly meet dolphins, and humpback whales arrive from about June to October.
- France with a Creole soul. Excellent roads and safety standards combine with colourful markets, temples, mosques and spicy Creole cooking.
Signature experiences in Reunion Island
Dolphin and Whale-Watching Boat Trips
Boat trips leave Saint-Gilles harbour and follow the west coast, where spinner and bottlenose dolphins are often seen riding the bow waves and playing in small groups. From about June to October, humpback whales arrive from the cold southern seas to give birth and nurse their calves, sometimes breaching close to the coast. A strict approach code keeps boats at a respectful distance, and calm mornings bring the smoothest sea and the best chances of sightings.
Helicopter Flights over the Cirques and the Volcano
A helicopter flight is the only way to see the whole of Réunion's interior in one morning. Flights from the west coast cross the ramparts into the roadless cirque of Mafate, glide past the villages of Cilaos and Salazie and hover above the deep, fern-lined canyon of Trou de Fer, where waterfalls plunge into a narrow gorge. Longer flights continue to the craters of Piton de la Fournaise. Early departures are best, before clouds build over the peaks.
Transparent Kayaking in the Saint-Gilles Lagoon
The shallow lagoon between Saint-Gilles and La Saline-les-Bains is protected by a coral reef and a marine nature reserve. Paddling a transparent kayak with a guide, you glide over coral gardens, sea urchins and clouds of colourful fish without disturbing the sea floor, learning about the reef and its protection as you go. The water is calm, warm and only waist-deep in places, making this a gentle outing for families and first-time paddlers.
Piton de la Fournaise and the Plaine des Sables
The road to the volcano climbs through the cool Plaine des Cafres and across the Plaine des Sables, a silent landscape of red and black volcanic sand, to the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint above the Enclos Fouqué caldera. From here, when access is open, a marked trail crosses the lava field to the rim of the Dolomieu crater. Eruptions happen regularly, and the authorities close the trails during activity, so our team checks conditions before every visit.
Maïdo, Cilaos and the Villages of the Cirques
Before dawn, a winding road climbs from the west coast to the Maïdo viewpoint at more than two thousand metres, where the sun rises over the ridges and hamlets of Mafate far below. Inland, the mountain village of Cilaos is known for its hot springs, embroidery and lentils, while in the green cirque of Salazie the village of Hell-Bourg keeps colourful Creole houses and gardens, close to the Voile de la Mariée waterfall.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Reunion Island
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
The island's main seaside resort grew around a small harbour where boat trips depart, with beaches, cafés, shops and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. It is the most convenient base for first-time visitors, close to the lagoon, the boat landings and the helicopter departures, and about an hour from the airport by road.
L'Hermitage and La Saline-les-Bains
South of Saint-Gilles, L'Hermitage and La Saline-les-Bains stretch along the island's longest lagoon, with white sand, casuarina trees and the calmest water for snorkelling. Beachfront hotels, villas and guesthouses make this a peaceful choice for families and couples who want to swim in the lagoon each morning.
Saint-Leu
Further south along the west coast, Saint-Leu is a smaller town with a lagoon, a sea-turtle observation centre and a long seafront. The hills above are famous for paragliding over the coast, and it offers a quieter, more local atmosphere while staying close to the beaches and the road to the south.
Saint-Denis and the North
The capital on the north coast is a lively town of Creole villas, gardens, markets and places of worship, including a historic mosque, Tamil temples and the cathedral. It is close to the airport and a practical base for a first or last night, for the east coast or for Salazie, though it has no lagoon for swimming.
How long to stay in Reunion Island and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend five to seven nights on Reunion Island. Two or three days on the west coast for the lagoon, a boat trip with dolphins or whales and a transparent kayak tour, one morning for a helicopter flight, one day for Piton de la Fournaise and the Plaine des Sables, and one or two nights in Cilaos or Hell-Bourg for the cirques. With more time, add Saint-Pierre and the wild south.
How to pair it
Saint-Gilles combines naturally with the rest of the island: Saint-Denis, the Creole capital, is about an hour north, Saint-Pierre and the wild south coast about an hour south, and Cilaos and Hell-Bourg are reached on spectacular mountain roads in under two hours. Piton de la Fournaise makes a full day trip. Our team arranges private transfers and day trips across the island, so a week can include the coast, the cirques and the volcano.
Best time to visit Reunion Island and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Reunion Island is May to October, the dry austral winter, when skies are clear for helicopter flights, the mountains are cool for hiking and humpback whales visit the west coast from about June. April and November are warm and quieter. December to March is hot, humid and rainy, with the main cyclone risk from January to March, though the lagoon is warmest then.
The daily rhythm
Life on Réunion starts early. Mornings are the best time for helicopter flights, the volcano and the Maïdo viewpoint, before clouds gather over the peaks around midday. The lagoon is calmest in the morning too, ideal for kayaking and boat trips. Afternoons suit beach time, markets or a slow Creole lunch, and evenings on the west coast bring families to the beach to watch the sun set into the ocean.
On-the-ground logistics in Reunion Island
Arrival
Réunion airport (RUN), just east of Saint-Denis, is the island's main international gateway, about an hour by road from Saint-Gilles along the coast and the expressway. The smaller Pierrefonds airport (ZSE) near Saint-Pierre in the south handles regional flights, about forty-five minutes from Saint-Gilles. We arrange private transfers that meet you at arrivals and drive you directly to your hotel on the west coast.
Getting around
A car is the best way to explore Réunion, with a fast expressway along the west coast and winding roads to the cirques, the Maïdo viewpoint and the volcano. Island buses link the coastal towns, but they are slow for sightseeing. Saint-Gilles itself is easy to walk, with the harbour, beaches and shops close together. For the volcano, the cirques and airport arrivals, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable choice.
Local etiquette tip
People in Réunion are relaxed and friendly, and always say bonjour when entering a shop or greeting someone. Dress modestly away from the beach and in places of worship, removing shoes in temples and mosques. Swim only in the lagoon and supervised zones, never stand on or touch coral, and keep a respectful distance from whales and dolphins. Tipping is not expected, but a little extra for excellent guides and crews is appreciated.
Must-do things in Reunion Island
- Watch dolphins on a boat trip from Saint-Gilles
- See humpback whales between June and October
- Fly by helicopter over Mafate and Trou de Fer
- Paddle a transparent kayak over the coral lagoon
- Snorkel in the calm lagoon of L'Hermitage
- Walk to the rim of Piton de la Fournaise
- Cross the red and black Plaine des Sables
- Watch sunrise from the Maïdo viewpoint
- Explore Hell-Bourg and the waterfalls of Salazie
- Taste carri and samoussas at a Creole market
Do’s and don’ts in Reunion Island
Do
- Do swim only in the lagoon zones
- Do book flights for early morning
- Do pack warm layers for the mountains
- Do use reef-safe sunscreen
- Do check volcano access before going
Don’t
- Don't swim outside protected areas
- Don't stand or walk on the coral
- Don't chase dolphins or whales
- Don't rush the mountain roads
- Don't leave the volcano trail markings
Reunion Island at a glance
Plan Reunion Island with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Reunion Island.
Where should I stay on Reunion Island?
Most visitors stay on the west coast, around Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, L'Hermitage or La Saline-les-Bains, close to the lagoon, the harbour for boat trips and the helicopter departures. Saint-Leu offers a quieter, more local feel, while a night in Cilaos or Hell-Bourg brings you into the cirques. Our team suggests the best area for your plans and arranges your private transfer from Réunion airport.
Is a helicopter flight over Réunion worth it?
Yes. Much of Réunion's interior, including the cirque of Mafate and the canyon of Trou de Fer, has no roads, and a helicopter is the only way to see it all in a single morning. Flights show the cirques, waterfalls and, on longer routes, the volcano. Early flights have the clearest skies, and flights may be rescheduled when clouds or wind make conditions unsafe.
What is the dress code and etiquette on Reunion Island?
Dress is casual and relaxed, with swimwear for the beach only and light, modest clothes in towns and markets. Bring warm layers and good shoes for the mountains and the volcano. When visiting mosques and temples, cover shoulders and knees and remove your shoes. Always greet people with bonjour, follow the swimming rules and respect the protected coral reef.
Is Reunion Island suitable for families and Muslim travellers?
Yes. Réunion is safe, calm and full of family-friendly nature, from the warm, shallow lagoon and transparent kayaks to dolphins, waterfalls and easy viewpoints. The island has a long-established Muslim community, with mosques and halal butchers and eateries mainly in Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre. On the west coast options are more limited, but fish, vegetarian dishes and fruit are easy to find, and our team can advise.
Is it safe to travel to Reunion Island now?
Réunion is generally safe, with the standards of mainland France. The main precautions are natural: swim only in protected lagoon areas because of sharks, respect closures at the volcano, check the weather before hiking and drive carefully on mountain roads, especially during the cyclone season. Check your own government's official travel advice before departure, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things on Reunion Island?
The must-do things on Reunion Island include a boat trip to see dolphins and, in season, humpback whales, a helicopter flight over the cirques and Trou de Fer, transparent kayaking and snorkelling in the Saint-Gilles lagoon, Piton de la Fournaise and the Plaine des Sables, sunrise at Maïdo and the villages of Cilaos and Hell-Bourg. Our private tours combine these in the best order and timing.
How many days do you need on Reunion Island?
Five to seven days is ideal for Reunion Island: two or three on the west coast for the lagoon and the sea, one for a helicopter flight and Maïdo, one for the volcano, and a night or two in the cirques. Three days cover the coast and a flight at a quicker pace, while ten days allow longer hikes and the wild south and east coasts.
What can I book in Reunion Island with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, including Réunion Guided Transparent Kayak Tour in the Saint-Gilles Lagoon, Réunion Island Safari Boat Cruise, Dolphin and Whale Watching and Réunion Helicopter Tour - Discover the Intense Island from Above. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Reunion Island?
With a private transfer: a driver at arrivals, flight tracking and a fixed price for the whole vehicle, door to door. Tell the desk the flight number and the hotel.
Is there public transport from the airport to Reunion Island?
Public options vary by airport and end at a station rather than your hotel; the private transfer starts at the arrivals door and ends at your door.
Which tours are available in Reunion Island?
Among them: Réunion Guided Transparent Kayak Tour in the Saint-Gilles Lagoon, Réunion Island Safari Boat Cruise, Dolphin and Whale Watching and Réunion Helicopter Tour - Discover the Intense Island from Above. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Reunion Island?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.