Sports and leisure activities Réunion

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.

Run'Surv offers two to five-day survival courses in the forest or in the mountains, supervised by a professional guide with multiple skills. We learn all the techniques of autonomy and survival in a natural and hostile environment, such as lighting a fire and knowing how to maintain it, building a shelter with branches, as well as knowledge about fauna and flora. This friendly and fun adventure, which is accessible to all ages and levels, is enjoyed with family, friends or colleagues to build a team. A real reconnection with nature!

This young and dynamic service provider organizes rafting, canoeing, air-boating and aquatic canyoning trips all year round. The excursions take place in an exceptional setting on the Marsouins (downstream from the Takamaka site) and Roches rivers. The participants are equipped at the club and then transported to the starting point by 4 x 4. It is imperative to call beforehand to reserve. The welcome is friendly, the staff very professional ... but mosquitoes are unfortunately voracious. Remember to protect yourself.

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.

If you're spending the night in the cirque, don't miss this not-to-be-missed hike, one of the most beautiful in Cilaos. It takes you to La Chapelle, a very narrow canyon carved out over the centuries by the Bras Rouge river. The descent is punctuated by magnificent panoramas. Once you've reached the gully, it's time to head back upstream. At the entrance to La Chapelle are a swimming pool and two huge 100 m-high boulders. A route to be avoided after heavy rain or in case of uncertain weather.

Based behind Étang-Salé beach, RMB offers AE mountain bike (mountain bike with electric assistance) excursions through the island's forested areas: le Maïdo, L'Étang-Salé, les Makes, le Dimitile and the volcano. Secure, à la carte circuits, most of them accessible according to your level of fitness, whether you're riding solo, with family or friends. The routes and landscapes are breathtaking. Also available for hire is the Buddy, a bike designed for sandy terrain, ideal for exploring the coastline.

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.

The ascent of the 4.5 million-year-old Piton des Neiges, an extinct volcano and the highest peak in the Indian Ocean, is often the goal of a trip to Réunion Island for many hikers. Its ascent is reputed to be challenging, but the exceptional panorama on arrival is well worth the effort. Of the three trails, the start from the Cilaos boulder is the most popular, the fastest and also the steepest. The climb is immediate and doesn't stop until you reach the summit. False flats are rare. It's best to make the ascent over two days, with a night in a gîte, so you can watch the sunrise over the Piton de la Fournaise before the clouds cling to it.

Three trails, three options. This hike starts at Le Bloc, 3 km from the village of Cilaos (bus 63). But access to the Piton des Neiges can also be made from the Plaine des Cafres or from Salazie (this option is the easiest, but also the longest).

Sound advice. In high season, if you want to spend the night on the summit, you'll need to make a reservation at the Dufour barracks refuge, also known as the piton des Neiges gîte. Make sure you're well equipped (including for the cold - there's no snow on the summit, but there may be ice, and temperatures can drop to 5°C), and poles are highly recommended. There's little risk of altitude sickness, but you'll need to keep well hydrated and progress at your own pace.

Based in Pierrefonds, this FFPLUM-affiliated provider offers sightseeing flights and flight training. Passionate about aviation, our experienced pilots will be delighted to take you in complete safety to discover the beauties of Reunion Island: the summit of the Piton de la Fournaise and all the Unesco-listed sites. To make the most of this spectacle, all three of our recent microlights are equipped with panoramic vision, fully glazed doors and photo hatches for a unique view. An unforgettable experience from every point of view!

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.

This team of qualified, experienced and passionate instructors will help you discover the green and aquatic environment of the east of the island all year round thanks to the white water activities offered (water trekking, rafting, kayaking), while having fun on fun runs (rivers, natural slides, waterfalls). Their base has direct access to the river, a picnic area with barbecue and a secure parking lot, all on 5,000^m2 of wooded land. Suitable for the most athletic as well as the youngest (from 6 years old).

Group of professional mountain leaders and/or speleology instructors specialized in volcanology. The team accompanies you to discover the geological treasures of the Piton de la Fournaise. Three circuits allow you to explore the lava flow of 2004, but not only, you can also discover the "caverne gendarme" from Saint-Philippe, the "blue tunnel" from Le Tampon or the flow of 1998. The little extra: the aperitif and the photo report are offered at the end of the outing!

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.

In Cilaos, towards Bras-Sec, cryptomerias abound. These large trees, originally from Japan, are ideal for setting up thrill courses. Monkey bridges, 80-metre zip lines and other obstacles will delight you on the six courses. For the little ones, aged 3 to 6: perched huts, giant trampoline and accrobranche courses on secure nets. Departures at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Other activities include guided and themed tours with local guides, mountain bike outings, treasure hunts... Reservations strongly recommended.

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.

Good news for thrill-seekers: bungee jumping is making a comeback in Reunion Island. The activity had been stopped for several years on the island, but since the beginning of 2021 it is again possible to get into the air. To do so, go to the Bras de la Plaine bridge in Entre-Deux. With its 115 m, it is the second highest bungee jump in France! You can jump solo or in tandem while enjoying the panorama of the entrance to Cilaos and the Indian Ocean. Adrenaline rush and thrills guaranteed, in complete safety.

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.