Sports and leisure activities West

Corail Plongée is a diving club with a friendly atmosphere, directly on the port of Saint-Gilles. The boats anchor just in front of it. Many residents and students come here to dive. Like all the other clubs, the team offers FFESSM, SSI, CMAS training, but the most important is the cetacean outing. You will discover the joys of the randosub by observing dolphins and discovering the reef. Let yourself be carried away by Christophe, Popotte, Sandrine and Jérôme and set off to explore the seabed of the West.

At the head of the harbor, next to the Le Saint-Gilles restaurant, Bleu Marine Réunion offers all types of diving, introductory and advanced courses, with à la carte programs. With four full-time instructors and full certification and insurance, safety is no problem. Two boats for 15 and 18 divers, specially built for diving. Night dives every Friday night, guaranteed fun. Bleu Marine Réunion also organizes snorkeling trips. In short, a reference center on the island, present for many years.

Open for more than thirty years, Réunion Fishing Club offers big game fishing trips with a crew, for a day or a half day on its two dedicated boats, Abaco and Are-Nui. Thanks to the solid experience of our fishing guides and the best equipment, you will have a much better chance of seeing marlin, swordfish or tuna. We also have six pleasure boats for rent by the half-day (coastal license required). Finally, the store offers a wide range of fishing and spearfishing equipment, also the reference on the island.

E-Vélo is Réunion's specialist in VAE (Vélos à Assistance Électrique - electrically-assisted bicycles). It offers half-day and full-day rentals of some forty recent models: road bikes, semi-rigid bikes, children's bikes and tandems; equipment included (helmet, anti-theft device) or extra (trailer, child seat, extra battery). As for organized rides, the team has arranged for qualified guides and tailor-made road or mountain bike tours in the West. There's also a high-performance workshop and the best brands on the market for sale.

Opened in 1990, Parapente Réunion will allow you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the island in all serenity. With 12 state-certified instructors, it is the most important centre on the island. Many first flights, flying over the lagoon and forests, various training courses and theme trips are available. An outing "Saint-Leu vue du coucher du soleil" is organized from 4pm to 6pm, a delight.

Accomplished sportsman, Sébastien Coupy's reputation is well known in Reunion Island. And for good reason, he has set the bar very high by completing in 2010 the crossing between Mauritius and Reunion Island in kitesurfing in just over 7 hours. Today at the head of Parapente Nature and titled, "ambassador of Reunion" by the IRT since 2014, Sébastien offers paragliding flights in Saint-Leu as well as more sporty flights on routes even going as far as Saint-Gilles, Étang-Salé. He can also fly you from the Maïdo.

On the national, a little before the entrance of the city, the cliff side, the first diving centre to offer on Saint-Leu the diving formula and meals. Order the carry on the boat and enjoy it at the club, with the whole team, back from the dive. The atmosphere is very friendly. The club has a ombragée aluminium barge to dive on the bay of St. Leu. Two daily dives. A small covered terrace allows you to enjoy a punch at the end of the dive. FFESSM, ANMP and SSI training (international training for dual North American and European certification). Dive packages (5, 10, 20 or 40), night diving and theme diving.

Small water playground for children with a 300 m² water surface. They can play in 20 cm of water between fountains, giant octopus, sea lions and water spitting fish. A supervisor ensures that safety rules are respected. Parents can accompany their children in the water or observe them from the shore, comfortably seated in the many armchairs, or seated in the restaurant area. The other main attraction is the three slides with guaranteed sensations! Very popular for birthday parties.

Located at 400 m altitude, the Bassin Bleu Country Club golf course is a majestic 56-hectare complex, which forms a beautiful link between beach and mountain. Its view is sublime, its climate ideal, thanks to a natural mid-altitude protection against the trade winds. An 18-hole course, quite technical and naturally hilly, with the first 9 holes dominating the Indian Ocean and the last 9 punctuating a forest of eucalyptus trees. You will have a wide choice between the 18-hole driving range (6 of which are covered), the putting green and the practice bunkers.

At an altitude of 1,500 m, the toboggan park offers you a variety of activities at low cost: pony rides in the surrounding forest, archery courses, remote-controlled boat races for the marmailles at the wheel of a large console overlooking the park's pool. Don't let the old-fashioned look impress you and dare to climb the steps. You'll discover the main attraction: a toboggan run that runs down 450 m through a garden of hydrangeas and longoses (no matter what age, everyone wants more)!

Located at the southern end of the marina, the Saint-Gilles nautical base has a sailing school and a kayak school. It offers weekly activities all year round (outside school holidays) or "à la carte" for the practice of sailing and kayaking, for occasional people and tourists. During the school holidays, holiday courses are organised, the opportunity for 5-12 year olds to discover the marine environment, or for adults and teenagers (from 13 years old) to sail aboard a catamaran

Gildas, the boss, triple Reunion Island champion in cross-country, offers mountain bike descents accompanied by a qualified instructor. Departure at 7.30 am for a half-day rich in sensations, which starts with the ascent by shuttle bus of the Maïdo peak at 2,200 metres altitude. If you have never been to Maïdo before, the adventure begins with one of the most magnificent panoramas of the island, at an hour when the clouds have not yet covered everything. And then it's off for a 35-kilometre descent through forests of coloured woods and tamarind trees to the lagoon.

This small dive centre stands out from the large «bubble factories» of the corner, with its small palanquées and friendly atmosphere. Approximately sorties, between the Bay of Saint Paul and Trois-basins, are proposed according to the level of participants and weather. No more than 6 divers per session, and that's all the better! The organization is simple and à la carte; Sub'Marine has no premises on the port, its van brings all the material on the ground. After you have booked by phone, you can get directly to pontoon A for immediate boarding.

Diving differently is how the Dodo Palme sees it, and he's right. More intimate than its neighbours in Saint-Gilles or Saint-Leu, this structure takes teams of up to 16 divers for outings in the West or around the island, starting from the Pointe des Galets. Baptisms, itinerant dives, themed dives (night, biological, or whale watching...), explorations (wrecks or reefs)... Outings are as varied as the depths. And this is probably why we never get tired of it.

You'll be aboard a boat that can accommodate up to 7 people. You'll have access to fishing and safety equipment for deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. As you may have guessed, Batoloc is a motorboat rental agency offering rental by the half-hour, half-day or full day. Rates include boat, safety equipment, comprehensive insurance, depth sounder, GPS, laptop, fishing rod and cool box. Also available for dolphin and whale watching.

This friendly team, made up of professional instructors with state diplomas in caving and climbing, offers canyoning sessions programmed according to the level of the participants and the weather, for half a day, a full day, a weekend or even over several days. Ric à Ric focuses on equipment, a guarantee of comfort and safety. The little extra: the whole team is involved all year round in the maintenance of the island's courses. For example, they have opened a new course on the Trou-de-Fer through the arm of Mazerin.

Want to learn to surf in Réunion Island? Papang Surf School offers individual and group lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers. Group lessons are given in small groups of seven or eight people. For 1h30, you'll be accompanied by passionate, state-certified instructors. Trois Bassins, Les Brisants or Roches Noires beaches: spots vary according to weather conditions. The practice is carried out in areas monitored and secured by the "vigies requin renforcées" (VRR) system. A friendly atmosphere!

Starting out as a freediving club and school, offering introductory, exploratory and training courses, Benoît launched the underwater scooter on Réunion Island. A 50-minute outing in small groups, starting from the beach. Equipped with flippers, mask and snorkel, you are towed by an aquatic propeller to observe the seabed. This small electric device is as fun as it is practical, providing new sensations underwater. At Cap La Houssaye, it's not uncommon to come across turtles and rays - an unforgettable experience!

Run by Philippe, an instructor for 15 years, this centre will take you diving in small groups in the bay of Saint-Paul in Saint-Leu, every day. The boat, designed for diving, is located in the port of Saint-Gilles. The center is O2CR certified for whale and dolphin outings which last 2h30 including all the snorkeling equipment (fins, mask, snorkel and wetsuit) for your launch. The most important thing is that the team adapts the schedule to your possibilities. To finish, they offer you a debriefing on the boat around a refreshment.

This structure offers baptisms, starting from € 75 for a Décollage take off at 800 m altitude, € 105 for a departure at 1500 m altitude, and also for aerial cross-air of one hour by exploiting the current currents. Airanx also offers flights in carmesine, this great machine like paragliding, but equipped with an engine allowing to take off from anywhere, without slope. Take 55 to 140 € for an overview of the west coast, its forests and its lagoon. Finally, Airanx conducts paragliding training such as carmesine and ensures the sale of equipment.

From the Discovery Flight that allows you to admire the coral reef of Saint-Leu at the flight of the Hauts which takes off at 1 600 m above sea level to make you enjoy a paronamique view of the West, passing through Sensational Flight for the brave in bad sensations, Takavoler offers paragliding of all kinds depending on your age and your desires. Takavoler also makes Discovery training (€ 250), Initiation or Development (€ 500).

This diving center opened a few years ago is one of the few in the town of Saint-Paul. Departures are from Cap la Houssaye, but the center also organizes dive-camps in Sainte-Rose, for dives with photo or biology themes. We particularly like its low rates, which are different from those in Saint-Gilles. Stefan, the founder, mainly receives a clientele of residents. PADI and FFESSM courses available. During the whale season, outings away from the usual sites are offered in addition to the dives.

Whether you are looking for a casual, romantic or sports mode, you will find all the ways to go jet-skiing according to your desires. You can also take advantage of speed-boat, towed buoy and parasailing outings. We recommend the towed buoy for maximum fun. With 10-minute sessions limited to a maximum of three people per buoy, it's guaranteed fun! Funky Jet also offers the possibility to fly alone without a licence from 16 years old. You will of course be supervised by an instructor.

Duocéan has developed a unique protocol for launching dolphins and whales (in season) while respecting their codes. A team of passionate and qualified professionals, the club has developed its techniques in collaboration with a CNRS laboratory and a specialist in cetacean behaviour. Everything is calculated to respect the animals: gentle launching, supervision of the group, analysis of trajectories. The trip starts with a full briefing and lasts about 3h30. A magical experience!

This specialist mountain bike downhill provider will organise your adventures on the slopes of the Maïdo with a team of passionate professionals with state diplomas. Meet at 7:30 am at the car park on the Boucan-Canot square, to get equipped and board the shuttle that will take you to the summit of the Maïdo. The half-day descent will take you to the beach through forests of tamarind and cryptomerias. You will also have more technical and sporty routes, for mountain bikers looking for thrills.

With its varied landscapes and pleasant year-round climate, Réunion Island lends itself particularly well to quad biking. Adventure Quad takes you, accompanied by qualified instructors, to explore the Hauts de l'Ouest, on several routes up to 1,400 m altitude, through cane paths and fruit tree fields. Well-designed, they alternate splendid views, thrills and rural landscapes. Also available is a day trip with a wood-fired carriage at the farm. Bring pants and closed shoes.

Dorothée Ninotta, beekeeper and environmental educator, takes you into the fascinating world of bees. Her educational apiary, located in the heart of the Tour des Roches, is home to an exceptional array of flora and fauna to be explored in a fun and exciting way. Dorothée offers guided tours and introductions to beekeeping: you'll learn about the social organization of bees, taste beehive products, take part in a hive opening and make your own natural wax candle. A formative and enriching experience.

Flying with Benoît is first of all to be seduced by his listening and his great respect for nature. Experienced and committed instructor, he shares his passion for the air, while remaining as close as possible to your expectations. From quiet tandem flights for children to sporty flights with strong sensations, everyone will find what he or she is looking for among the many formulas on offer. For those who wish to go further and follow a complete training in order to be autonomous, he has opened his own paragliding school in order to transmit quality teaching.

With his spontaneity and joie de vivre, Olivier welcomes you on the landing area before taking you by minibus to the take-off area at 800 m or 1,600 m. He works in collaboration with state-qualified instructors. Several types of flights are offered, mainly in the morning but also at sunset. The baptism remains of course the most popular, an experience in the air not to be missed; perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot a turtle or a whale through the turquoise blue of the lagoon!

Arriving at the Out Fly site, in front of this impressive simulator, unique to Réunion Island, you're excited to finally experience the sensation of freefall, while wondering how you'll react once you're inside. After getting dressed, you're taken care of by Sophie, who has over twenty years' experience, 5,700 jumps and is vice-world champion in the discipline. An adventurer and sportswoman at heart, she was keen to share her experience with as many people as possible, after the extensive training required.

A great opportunity to discover one of Réunion Island's leading sports: beach tennis and its lifestyle. Whether you're with family, friends or even on your own, this fun and sporting activity is accessible to all. It's also a great opportunity to combine physical exertion with the pleasure of the game, and to do it on a dream beach. You can rent a court by the hour, take part in a beginners' tournament or take a trial lesson (1h30) to learn the basics.

Do you dream of swimming with dolphins in the open ocean? Whether it's along the reef or offshore, the dream becomes reality with the Grand Bain experience! As soon as you board the boat, you will be taken care of by a diving instructor and an experienced crew in order to live an exceptional moment, in complete safety and in accordance with the cetacean approach charter. On the program: knowledge about the underwater life of Reunion Island, search and approach, launching, snack. Up to two trips per day, not to be missed!

Parasailing is a new and original nautical activity to try out if you want to gain altitude in complete safety. Open to all, this discipline lets you fly over the ocean while being towed by a boat. Solo, duo or trio, comfortably installed at 70 m above the water, you'll get an eyeful. From the coral reef to the white sandy beaches and schools of dolphins, parasailing offers exceptional views of the treasures of Réunion Island's west coast.

Discover all the treasures of Reunion Island with the "Zarlor", the special offers designed by the Western France Tourist Office: carefully selected guided outings, leisure activities and sporting and cultural experiences. On the water, in the water, in the air, on land or "underground", between walks and hikes, water sports, Creole cooking workshops and discovering local Réunionese produce, the tourist office offers numerous multi-activity leisure packages, at negotiated prices, and takes care of everything. Don't hesitate to ask!

Ayapana specializes in organizing outdoor sports activities. Alexis, a state-certified guide, is full of enthusiasm and good humor, and knows all about the riches of his adopted island. He accompanies his customers according to their desire for discovery and their level of fitness, adding little stories about botany and tastings of Creole products. From leisurely hikes to trails, from mountain biking to multi-day treks, or even musical hikes for music lovers and nature enthusiasts, all options are possible!

Once parked at the bottom of the road to Mafate, take the path of Bord which starts in its continuity and climbs in laces. This hike takes you along the edge of the rampart of the Rivière des Galets and allows you to enjoy magnificent views as far as your terminus at the Dos d'Âne paragliding take-off area. The little extras: at the beginning of the trail, you will be able to see the old cable support of the Albert Lougnon hydroelectric plant built in 1913 on the left bank, and you will pass through the remnants of the mid-slope forest.

From the pleasant marina of Saint-Leu, this small diving center offers you to explore the wonders of the Indian Ocean in small groups. Embark with a maximum of six divers in a friendly and safe environment under the supervision of two state certified instructors. First dives, level 1, 2 and 3 training, exploration dives, cetacean observation... Plongée Péï is a team of passionate people who respect the environment and who will make you feel confident to fully enjoy this timeless moment.

The Grand Bénare is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the island, with its 2 896 m, it is also one of the highest summits. But be careful, it must be earned. You will have to get up early, very early, before the sun would be ideal, in order not to be disturbed by the clouds. The departure is made from the Maïdo, then you follow the Grand Bord path which dominates Mafate, halfway up, with the Piton des Neiges in front of you. At the top of the Grand Bénare, a spectacular panorama: the cirques of Mafate, Cilaos, the Grand Morne and the Trois Salazes is offered to you.

Bertrand, a surf instructor with a passion for nature, knows the lagoon inside out. With just a few strokes of his paddle, he'll show you the corals, rays, fish and turtles that call the lagoon home. His guided tours are suitable for beginners and experts alike, and for the more sporty, you can even go for a spin in the waves. You can also rent equipment for free surfing, or take an introduction to surfing on a spot secured by reinforced shark watches (VRR).

Monday is Mafate, Tuesday Grande Bénare, Wednesday Cilaos... One day, a hike. One day, an excursion. Relying on a network of 100% local and independent guides, Otenthike accompanies you on your discovery of the island and its natural wonders, with guaranteed departures whatever the number of people. "Let's make people dream and see mountains in their eyes" is our promise. Authentic encounters and experiences with passionate guides who will tell you all about the history of their island. Treks also available on request.

Serge is an enthusiastic and seasoned pilot-instructor on 3-axis Ulm and Autogire, thanks to his years of experience in towing advertising banners. With Cathy, his wife, who advises customers and manages reservations, they form a professional and attentive tandem. Recently installed on the ULM base of Cambaie, they propose a whole range of circuits to make you discover from the air the geological beauties of the island, as well as a flying school for those who want to go further.

Donkey rides for children in Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts. Isabelle, a State graduate, welcomes you to her farm for walks on the back of one of her 5 donkeys, one of which can be harnessed to carry the picnic. The animals are in the open air and enjoy an environment adapted to their development. An original activity and, to say the least, unique in Reunion Island. Also pony rides and encounters with other animals such as guinea fowl, goats and their kids or turkeys. Your children will be delighted.

This provider takes you to explore lava tunnels, such as the Blue Basin tunnel located at the artisanal village of L'Éperon in the west of the island. After a short climb, you will observe endemic birds nesting here, and discover large rooms with walls covered with magnesite crystals. Two routes are possible: a long crossing of 2.5 km (4-5h), to the less frequented parts of the tunnel, or the discovery (3h) of the narrowest passage (10 m on your knees) where you will learn how lava tunnels are formed.

974 paragliding is a small and friendly family structure. Since 2009, Stéphanie and her team of passionate instructors and qualified specialists in tandem paragliding will take you to discover the magic of paragliding and the splendid landscapes of Reunion Island. After a shuttle ride to the take-off site and a short briefing, you will take off in tandem from a gentle slope, to then be comfortably installed in your harness and enjoy the magnificent coral reef. Photo and video souvenir of the flight.

Cocoboat offers trips at sea in small groups aboard a 9 m unsinkable. The modest size of the boat and its manoeuvrability gives way to more sensations. The two great classics are the cetacean trip and the sunset trip. Comfortably installed on jockey seats, one can easily enjoy the landscapes of the west coast and the different marine species of the Indian Ocean. Attention, the meeting point is fixed 15 minutes before departure directly on the marina, in front of Blue Jet and Gecko Bleu Plongée.

Coco Bike presents itself as the specialist in mountain bike touring and downhill riding. It brings together a team of passionate professionals at your service. But beware of late risers as the departure is in the early morning, around 7:45 am, to be transported by minibus with the equipment to the Maïdo at an altitude of 2,200 m. You will then be able to begin a descent full of sensations and adventures, all according to your level, of course, because there are many trails for novices. For sports enthusiasts, an excellent way to discover the island from another angle.

Emmanuelle is self-employed and offers paragliding flights during the day and at sunset with her team. Don't worry, the take-off is smooth on a gentle slope over the cane fields. You will have the pleasure of flying over the Mascarene botanical garden to finish above the magnificent lagoons of Saint-Leu. If you are lucky, you will be able to see turtles and dolphins. For a wider view, you will have the possibility to take off from the forest of Saint-Leu, at an altitude of 1,500 metres.

The Ligue Réunionnaise de Voile (L.R.V.) is an association offering leisure activities and water sports in Saint-Gilles les Bains, on Reunion Island.