The Top 12 Things To Do And See On Reunion Island
One of France’s four overseas departments, Reunion Island is a three-million-year-old volcanic island located in the Indian Ocean. We’ve curated a list of the top 12 things to do on Reunion Island, from traditional tourist favourites to quirky alternatives.
Go whale and dolphin watching in the Indian Ocean
The shores of Reunion Island are home to many marine mammals. Many diving schools, as well as other establishments, offer sessions of whale and dolphin watching. Among the mammals you will get to see are blower dolphins, spotted dolphins, humpback whales, and the Risso dolphins, a species discovered off the shores of the island in 2003. Animal lovers are reassured, the O²CR label will help you choose an institution that is respectful of the animals and their habitat.
Take a sip of the local dodo beer
Taste the poulet bitume
Reunion Island also has its share of street food. Make up your own picnic on your way to the beach and buy a poulet bitume or poulet la route (literally, road chicken), a tasty marinated then grilled chicken that you can buy on the side of the road.
Walk up to the base of Reunion Island’s volcano Le Piton de la Fournaise
A (still) very active volcano, the 2,632 meter-high Piton de la Fournaise is a must-see on the island. Appreciate the lava-shaped landscapes as well as flamboyant vegetation while hiking on the volcano’s side. If you are not a big fan of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are great options too.
And for the volcano-obsessed out there, the Cité du Volcan Museum is more than recommended. 4D cinema, panoramic film and a lava tunnel replica will entertain both adults and children.
1. The Natural History Museum
Building, Museum
The Natural History Museum’s incredible collection of Indian Ocean flora and fauna is a must-see. Not only is the museum’s collection now classified as a historical monument but also the neoclassical architecture of the building as well as the botanical gardens surrounding it.
2. Wander through the Saint-Paul’s market
Market, Street Food
Creole food
Reunion Island’s cuisine has been influenced by Indian, Creole, and African cuisines plus many others. There is no better way to discover the island’s multicultural background than by trying the island’s typical dishes, such as rougail, samosas, massalé, carri or curry.
Sunbathe
For a more relaxing time, head to one of the island’s incredible beaches where pristine water meets golden sand. From sunrise to sunset, whether you like white sand beaches or black volcanic sand beaches, Reunion Island won’t let you down.
Compulsory items: Hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water
3. Take a tour of La Saga du Rhum museum
Distillery, Museum
Dive into the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean
If you are feeling adventurous, diving is an activity you don’t want to miss. The island’s rich and diverse ocean wildlife will blow your mind, whether you visit the south, east or west areas of the island. Since 2007, the island’s underwater ecosystem has been protected by the creation of the Natural Marine Reserve.
Bonus: You will finally get to use this underwater waterproof camera you had (almost) forgotten about.
Go hiking
Take a hike and explore Reunion Island’s UNESCO-recognized cirques and peaks. Since 2010, the island’s peaks, cirques, and ramparts are part of the natural World Heritage Sites. Pick a trail, pack your bag and go on an adventure.
4. Musée de Villèle
Museum
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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