Sports and leisure activities Réunion

The trail starts at Takamaka. It's a hike on lava gratons, you must bring sturdy shoes and water. We cross the entire coule through the Takamaka gully to the Takamaka peak at about 1,000 m above sea level and then we descend through the Lemon-Pebble gully. One can also continue higher, or even camp. Count then 8 to 10 hours to reach the road to the Plaine des Sables or the pas de Bellecombe and especially a difference in altitude of 2 400 m!

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).

Atmosphère Péi is a team of enthusiasts who take you all over the island with original and innovative means of transport. Their flagship activity: recumbent bicycles. These 3-wheeled machines offer optimum stability and the comfort of a seat, without the pain in the buttocks of a bicycle! Electric recumbent bikes are also available for outings in Saint-Philippe. Also discover the "swincar", an incredible all-terrain vehicle nicknamed "the spider car", or the brand-new service of "vélos sur mesure avec Mikaël", customized to your needs.

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.

From the coast of Saint-André to the forest of Dioré, passing by the sugar cane fields, Steeve will make you discover the east of Reunion Island by quad. During this excursion of a minimum of 2 hours, supervised by a qualified and passionate instructor, you will be amazed by the varied landscapes, the luxuriant nature and the breathtaking viewpoints. Est Rando Quad has new and comfortable machines. The outing is done in small groups. Good atmosphere guaranteed. The driver must have a driving licence.

Specialized in tropical mountaineering, Adventures Reunion organizes, for the most adventurous travelers, excursions on the most beautiful peaks of Reunion Island: the three Salazes ridge, the Piton Maïdo needle, the Piton des Neiges/Gros Morne ridge, the great dicke of the Piton des Neiges, the ascent of Cimendef and the Piton des Calumets. Olivier, a high mountain guide and former rescuer of the high mountain gendarmerie platoon, also offers canyoning and aquatic trekking in the four corners of the island. On the agenda: adrenaline and fun in complete safety!

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.

This is a pleasant walk to make your family by a day of big heat. Thirty-five minutes will be enough to reach the waterfall from the parking lot. The trail follows the St. John River on a fully-banded surface, making it accessible to wheelchairs. It plunges into the dense forest, between bamboo and banana trees, until reaching the cascade basin. Bathing is not monitored, but you will soon realize that the places are very popular with tourists and locals who are getting refreshed.

Tariff: free.

Duration: 35 minutes.

Difficulty: .

To the south of the Reunion, this small loop of 1 h 30 proposes you to discover the landscapes of L'Étang-Salé. Here, easy to locate: one side of the loop runs along a pipe that goes down to the city. The journey can be made in both directions, the important being to arrive at the summit, marked by a white cross; Enjoy a panoramic view of the municipality and the Ocean. You will discover throughout this easy walk of endemic plant species: you have to recognise them!

Tariff: free.

Duration: 1 p. m.

Difficulty: .

The trail begins at the stele of Thérésien Cadet, the professor who drew the attention of biologists to the richness of this forest. This primary forest installed on an ancient lava flow presents species that have for the most part disappeared from the rest of the island. Signs will inform you about the species to be observed and their main characteristics. Two other loops of one hour each also allow you to explore the forest.

This botanical trail, almost 5 km long in the Providence forest, is the most popular on Reunion Island after the Volcan trail, and is a meeting place for sports enthusiasts in Saint-Denis. It follows the famous GR R2, which crosses the entire island, but for the time being, you can make do with the section between Saint-Denis and the village of Le Brûlé. Interpretation panels line the route, providing information on the plant species you come across. The trail is well signposted, but with a steep gradient, which adds to the difficulty.

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!

A paradise for hikers, with no roads or cars, inaccessible only on foot or by helicopter, the cirque de Mafate abounds in fascinating scenery and a network of well-marked trails. But a hike in the cirque de Mafate can't be improvised. Prepare well.

Equip yourself well. Take good walking shoes (with spare laces and Compeed® bandages), appropriate clothing (including fleece and K-way) and enough food and water (between 1.5 and 2.5 liters per person). In your rucksack, you should also pack a cap, a first-aid kit, a few provisions, a rubbish bag for your garbage, sunglasses and sun cream, a headlamp and, of course, your fully-charged cell phone and camera. Don't forget to withdraw cash before you leave, as gîtes and small shops don't always accept credit cards.

Check the weather conditions. The weather can change rapidly on Mafate, and you're not safe from heavy rain that could lead to landslides or river overflows. Consult the Météo-France website before setting off (www.meteofrance.re).

Check the duration of your trip. The duration indicated on the information sheets is given as a guide only, and will depend on your walking pace, your breaks, the group, etc. Set off early in the morning and make sure you return before nightfall, and never set off alone.

Follow the marked trails. Each circuit is marked by a GR (grande randonnée). The red and white GR is used for the main itinerary of the GR.R1 and GR.R2 (linear paths), the red and yellow GR corresponds to loops and the GR.R3 circumnavigates the cirque of Mafate. Some trails may be prohibited by prefectoral decree, in which case it's best to give up or change route.

Respect nature. Many of our forests are part of Unesco's World Heritage List, and you'll have the chance to walk through dense, endemic vegetation. Leave no trace of your passage. Don't light fires outside designated areas. Take all your garbage with you and don't pick plants or disturb wildlife.

Respect the inhabitants. Mafate is inhabited by a small community. Be discreet, respect their privacy and ask their permission before taking photos.

Useful numbers. Mountain rescue: 0262 930 930 or 112. Allô sentier: 0262 373 83.

Useful websites : www.reunion-mafate.com, www.onf.fr and www.ouest-lareunion.com.

The Club Hippique du Tampon is an association under the law of 1901. It is an elementary riding school, an FFE-approved training center and a renowned organizer of dressage and show jumping competitions, soon to be followed by acrobatics and horse-ball . Open days and various events are organized throughout the year, as well as introductory and advanced courses and pony rides for the little ones. A well-run, lively and dynamic club, thanks to the professionalism and positive energy of the current team.

This association center, located at the mouth of the Rivière d'Abord on the Saint-Pierre side, offers several nautical activities, practiced on the water surface formed by this mouth or off the port: windsurfing, funboarding, wingfoil, windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, but also optimist and house sailing. For the latter, the outing is supervised by a licensed instructor on the sailboat Joke for half a day. A dynamic association of sea lovers.

Ocean Players Shop is the shop for board sports in Reunion Island since 2009. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, stand up paddle, foil, wing, neoprene wetsuits, accessories, clothing, onboard cameras: you will find here all the equipment you need to practice your passion. The prices displayed are those of France for windsurfing, stand up paddle, surfing and foil and those of the Indian Ocean zone for kitesurfing between 18% and 14% of the metropolitan price. A windsurf and kitesurf rental service is also available.

A paradise of speed, this is the largest motor racing circuit on the island. You will be able to practice karting in small sessions or challenge your friends in challenges lasting several hours. It is also possible to train you in sports driving and to initiate you to easydrift, aboard a Clio RS or a Mégane. Children can drive go-karts from the age of 6 and for the youngest there is a day-care centre and even inflatable structures with free access. Catering service available. At the end of a session, all you want to do is start over!

Inaugurated in July 2015, this is the island's newest treetop adventure park, on the edge of the Bébour forest. More than 110 games spread over 6 courses, each of them being equipped with a continuous lifeline offering optimum safety for young and old. You will enjoy one of the longest zip lines in Reunion Island to fly over 140 m! Children are admitted from 3 years old which allows the whole family to enjoy it. But be careful, reservation is mandatory before going there. And don't forget your windbreaker!

You jump to an altitude of 4,000 m. Under your feet, the Indian Ocean and Reunion Island. And off you go for 50 seconds of pure free fall. Then the parachute opens at 1 500 m to leave you for a few minutes in admiration of the landscape, exceptional, which is offered to you. Sensations guaranteed for this tandem jump proposed by this skydiving school-centre! The team of enthusiasts will make you live an unforgettable moment. Warning: a medical certificate issued by a general practitioner is required and no scuba diving 24 hours before the jump.

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.

The children's kingdom! Here is the perfect place to exhaust your little monsters: more than 700 m² of playgrounds to jump, shout, climb in complete freedom! In this vast air-conditioned space, slides, trampolines, ball pools, rolling boudins, tunnels, giant legos, mini climbing wall and many other games are spread over several levels. There is also an area reserved for toddlers. Of course, everything is secure and up to standard so that parents can relax in a space with snack, bar and Wifi.

Trout fishing is Langevin's speciality. This park allows you to do so in the magnificent setting of the eponymous river. You will be able to bring your equipment, if not the park provides it as well as bait. The team will clean your trout, empty them and pack them under ice. Just bring your cooler! Another option: to taste it on the spot. The chef will prepare it for you. His essential recipe: trout marinated in spices, watercress salad and coconut rice.

Le Dimitile is renowned for its many hiking possibilities. To reach the summit (1,850 m), the Boeuf la Chapelle trail is the shortest and most accessible route. The hike begins in Entre-Deux, at the foot of Dimitile. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. The first part of the climb is steep and can be difficult for those not used to hiking. As you go up, the vegetation becomes denser and the view opens up to the south of the island and then to the cirque de Cilaos. A magnificent hike.

Bruno offers excursions on electrically-assisted mountain bikes to discover the Dimitile region on your own. A volunteer fireman originally from Entre-Deux, he owns a small Creole house there, which has become his base. He provides five AE mountain bikes (Giant, 840 W battery). A good basic knowledge of cycling is required before venturing out on the trails, which start in the village. Bruno provides a trail map. On request, he can arrange meals and even overnight accommodation in a gîte, if you wish to take your time on the trail.

If you'd like to see the town in a way other than on foot, why not explore Saint-Pierre on a gyropod? This is an original mode of transport on Réunion Island, and one you won't find anywhere else on the island. In just 2 hours, in a group of no more than 8 people, accompanied by a professional guide (no self-guided rentals), you'll enjoy a unique experience. If you've never been on a Segway® before, don't hesitate. Initiation guaranteed before departure, and safety guaranteed. Great fun!

The Bugg's Buggy 974 team will get your adrenaline flowing with the crossing of radiators, dizzying climbs and descents in a buggy or a quad. It also offers you visits of the hillside reservoirs with some sessions of top speed thanks to its buggy which can welcome 6 people (with child seat). There will be something for everyone, if you like the sweet sound of these motorized machines! No deposit is required and a valid driving licence is not compulsory, provided that a responsible guide is present.

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.

The Colorado Park, located 30 minutes by car from the capital, is a huge natural area of several dozen hectares. Health course, golf, downhill mountain bike trails, jogging trails, playgrounds (swings, slides, turnstiles, tunnels...). There is everything here for those who wish to enjoy a session of activities in the vicinity of the capital, while taking advantage of beautiful views of the Saint-Denis River valley. Ideal for a Sunday picnic.

It is the only commercial provider on the island to offer free fall. Jumps are made from an altitude of 3,000 m, from a helicopter from Hélilagon at the Eperon altiport. The tandem jumps are supervised by instructors who have more than 10 years of experience and 1,300 jumps to their credit (each). Count 35 to 50 seconds of freefall (it seems like an eternity...), then 5 to 7 minutes to glide, savour the moment and admire the beauty of Reunion's landscapes (mountains and lagoons) until landing.

This artificial river, about 250 m long, can be filled and emptied at leisure thanks to enormous pumps delivering up to 12 ^m3 per second, allowing several white-water sports to be practised all year round. It is fed by the river Sainte-Suzanne, nearby, on the tourist and sports centre of the Bocage. You will be able to practise kayaking, canoeing and rafting in complete safety and at economic rates, but you must book in advance, as the facility is frequented by schoolchildren. It is accessible to all, novices as well as confirmed.

François Garconnet takes you on a horseback tour of Reunion Island. Saddle up your Irish cob (a breed of horse originating from Ireland) and set off to conquer the east of the island: from La Plaine-des-Palmistes to Saint-Benoît via the volcano or Takama. For an hour, half a day, a day or even several days, wonderful landscapes are offered to you. This Reunionese passionate about horses offers several tours to guide you off the beaten track. These horseback rides are open to experienced riders as well as to beginners.

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.

Here's a fun, sporty experience for families and friends alike. In a 700^m2 indoor area, this park offers a dozen well-supervised activities (basketball, trampoline, dodgeball...), accessible to children aged 4 and over. Each trampoline session starts at a set time. So it's best to arrive 15 minutes early to avoid the wait (9.45am, 10.45am...). Saturday afternoons are very busy. Prefer booking on the website.

Present on the island for more than thirty years, Évasion Kréol offers climbing or canyoning outings all over the territory, accessible from 7 years old. For canyoning, the circuits are adapted to all levels: Sainte-Suzanne, Grand Galet or Langevin rivers for beginners. Bras Rouge and Fleur Jaune in Cilaos, Trou Blanc, Ti Cap for the more sporty. Finally, the confirmed ones will be able to go to Takamaka and the Trou de Fer. Évasion Kreol also offers the ascent of the three Salazes in Cilaos, a must if you don't suffer from vertigo.

Discover the stars and planets with Bruno Payet. This enthusiast organizes evenings on the theme of astronomy where he provides you with binoculars, glasses and telescopes to observe the wonders of the astral sky, from the heights of Les Makes. On the program of this evening with your head in the stars: constellation spotting, observations of Jupiter, the Moon or the deep sky. Bruno is not stingy with his explanations and his passion quickly becomes contagious! Take something to cover yourself with, it is not warm at night in the highlands.

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!

Slides, bubbles, a waterfall in more than 1,000^m2 of water: it's a paradise for cooling off and having fun. You can take advantage of the many activities offered by the park such as aquabike, aquagym, aqua cross training and baby swimmers. Children can organize their birthday parties and participate in swimming lessons. Want more? You have access to a gym (weight training, cardio, group classes), as well as a sauna and a hammam. A good plan also for the last day before your flight.

Here is one of our favourite walks, close to downtown Saint-Denis, accessible with the whole family. The path presents no difficulty and offers a beautiful view of the city and the ocean. In season, you can even see the whales jumping over the waves. There is a kiosk where you can picnic and why not have a glass of wine at sunset. The view is beautiful at night too, when the city lights are on.

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!

From the pirogue basin in Étang-Salé, Florent will take you on board his boat to introduce you to big game fishing in the Indian Ocean. You will enjoy sailing with this very friendly, educational and professional character who loves to transmit his passion. The trips are made to Saint-Leu or Pierrefonds depending on the weather conditions. You will of course bring back beautiful fishes, but especially nice memories of this privileged moment. Indeed, this outing is done in small group, up to 3 people on the boat, from 6 years old.

Original: explore Étang-Salé on an all-terrain electric scooter! Ze Trott offers tours suitable for all levels to discover the natural wonders of the area. You can rent your scooter on a self-service basis, but the assisted rides are more interesting. We recommend the "ideal ride": you will travel 20 km from the forest to the wild and preserved coastline, passing through its most secret spots, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere. A fun activity open to all. On reservation.

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!