Hafen
Le Port (Pointe des Galets, Insel Reunion)

Visit a vanilla plantation and explore a stunning cirque on this fascinating tour that includes lunch and free time for shopping. Take a picturesque drive to Saint-Denis, the economic and political center of Réunion Island, and notice eye-catching colonial mansions and buildings that date back to the time of the East India Trading Company during the 18th century.

Driving through the Sainte-Marie region, you’ll view sugar cane fields, lush greenery and, further east, vibrantly hued Indian temples. At a fragrant vanilla plantation, relish a guided tour and informative demonstration of how the plant’s aromatic oil is produced. Continuing to the Cirque of Salazie, thrill to a route through the natural amphitheater that passes countless cascading waterfalls, verdant gardens and colorful flowers while you ascend to approximately 3,300 feet. You’ll capture amazing photos during a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then enter the town of Hell-Bourg, named for a respected former admiral and island governor.

Take a walking tour past the village’s enchanting Creole houses and enjoy time on your own to shop before savoring a traditional lunch, a wonderful conclusion to your delightful exploration.

Admire the untamed natural beauty of Réunion Island on this beguiling tour that includes a visit to an aromatic garden and lunch.

Settle in for a leisurely 90-minute drive to Réunion’s south coast, reaching a rugged shoreline of volcanic rock that has been battered for centuries by the tumultuous sea. You’ll find dense vegetation and a primeval inland forest that stretches along the volcanic slopes and provides shelter for an abundance of avian species. Gaze in wonder at the stark Grand Brûlé, or Great Burn, which has been covered over the ages by successive lava flows and stands in dramatic testament to nature’s sometimes beautiful devastation.

After a delicious lunch of traditional dishes at a local restaurant, tour the Perfumes and Spices Garden, where you’ll be introduced to hundreds of native and exotic plants, an aromatic coda to your scenic and fragrance-filled day.

OVERVIEW

This extraordinary tour gives you the opportunity to view one of the world's most active volcanoes and the surrounding geological wonders. Departing the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive along the coastline to Saint Pierre, where you will turn inland and begin your ascent to the high plateau of the Plaine des Cafres. Making your way inland, you will soon notice that the cooling freshness of the coast gives way to the natural heat of the volcano as you pass a landscape of heathers, gentians, small villages, pastures and lush forests. From the nearly 6800 ft. summit of the 'Nez de Boef', you can see down across the valley below with all of its geological surprises. This includes the gaping hole in the crater 'Commerson'. The splendid calderas created by the volcanoes are also referred to as amphitheaters and hold many amazing discoveries that delight geologists from around the world.Next, you will visit the viewpoint that overlooks the 'Plaine des Sables'. Marvel at this barren terrain that is strewn with volcanic rock and makes one think they have stepped from the surface of the Earth to that of the Moon. It is truly an incredible sight to behold. Continuing, you will reach 'Pas de Bellecombe', the main viewpoint for the Bory crater which rises up in front of you over 8600 feet. This advantageous viewpoint is situated on the top of a 492 foot high cliff that overlooks the volcanic valley which includes more than 60 smaller craters that are spread around the two main ones, Crater Bory and Crater Dolomieu. Before it's time to make the 2 and one-half hour journey back to the ship, you will be treated to lunch at a nearby restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ascend the Plaine des Cafres plateau, passing lush forests and small villages.
• Behold the Commerson Crater’s massive caldera from the approximately 6,800-foot summit of Nez de Boeuf.
• Take in magnificent views from the Pas de Bellecombe overlook atop an approximately 500-foot cliff.
• Marvel at a lunar-like volcanic valley showcasing over 60 small craters and the larger Bory and Dolomieu Craters.
• Refresh with a relaxing and tasty lunch at a specially selected restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Revel in mesmerizing scenery and magnificent vistas on this entrancing tour that explores the western region of Réunion Island and includes visits to a small handmade geranium production and a shopping center near Le Port. Journey approximately 90 minutes to the dramatic volcano Piton Maïdo and take in striking views of the Cirque of Mafate, which encompasses over 22,000 acres of nearly untouched wilderness. During an approximately 45-minute stop, discover that the cirque includes some 15 small villages, home to approximately 700 citizens, and that it’s a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Gaze in awe at Piton des Neiges, the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean, before continuing to a local geranium plantation to explore the traditional production and distillation methods used to create the flower’s alluring perfume. You’ll savor time on your own at the shopping center near Le Port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ascend to the summit of volcanic Piton Maïdo and gaze over the astonishing Cirque of Mafate.
• Survey thousands of acres of Mafate’s pristine wilderness, which is home to only some 700 inhabitants.
• Wonder at views of Piton des Neiges, the Indian Ocean’s highest peak.
• Tour a geranium plantation to understand how aromatic perfume is extracted from these flowers.
• Shop the busy shopping center near Le Port.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring an umbrella or poncho, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Carry a bottle of water, as you may require hydration.

OVERVIEW

Fly high over Reunion Island in a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of the staggering natural beauty of this remote French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. As you soar over the island, you will get a good sense of the topography, which is volcanically formed, ruggedly mountainous and mostly blanketed with lush vegetation. You will look down on a number of natural amphitheaters known as cirques, each one a bit different from the others. Cirque de Mafate is completely surrounded by mountains and wonderfully pristine because it is so inaccessible. Cirque de Salazie is the largest and greenest of the cirques and lined with many waterfalls. Then, there is Trou de Fer – the Iron Hole – a deep collapsed volcanic crater ringed by waterfalls. You will also fly over Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It last erupted in 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Reunion Island from high above in a helicopter with large windows.
• Look down on the primeval terrain of volcanic peaks and craggy mountains.
• Fly over natural amphitheaters lined with waterfalls thundering over their cliffs.
• Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Geared for those who like to explore on their own, this shuttle gives you the opportunity to visit the tropical resort town of Saint Gilles les Bains.

Your shuttle leaves from the pier and travels approximately 45-minutes to this charming town that features shopping, a beautiful sandy beach, turquoise lagoon, aquarium and full-service marina. There is no lack of things to do here and there are numerous cafés, restaurants and bars as well.

After approximately 3.5 hours at your leisure in Saint Gilles les Bains, you will meet your shuttle at the appointed time and place for the return trip to the pier in Pont de Galets.

Vanilla Plantation

Depart the pier for a one hour 15 minute drive to a Vanilla Plantation located in St. Andre. It was at the turn of the 19^th century that the Mexican orchid vanilla planifolia was introduced to Reunion Island. Used by the Aztecs to flavor their cups of cocoa, Spanish conquistadors exported it to Europe. The French decided to grow it on Reunion Island, then known as Bourbon island. The French initially named the island Bourbon Island to honor the fall of the House of Bourbon during the French Revolution. In this regard vanilla produced here in the Indian Ocean has been known as Bourbon vanilla since 1964. Vanilla is by far the most consumed flavor of ice cream. It is a key component in Coca Cola and is widely used in baking, perfumes and aromas. 75% of the global production of vanilla comes from Madagascar and Reunion., especially the bourbon vanilla. For more than 20 years, the vanilla creepers planted on Reunion remained infertile, with no insects or birds able to pollinate it's flowers. In 1841, Edmond Albius, a slave and budding botanist, discovered the secret of manual fertility, using a pike to lift up the wall separating the flowers male and female organs. The global cultivation started in 1841.

Voile de la Mariee Waterfall

Also called the "Bridal Veil Falls" it is located at approximately 500m in altitude along the mountainous rampart that separates the cirque Salazie and the plateau forest Belouve. Legend states that the falls were formed from the tears of a father who lost his daughter down a deep precipice.

A photo stop will be made at the waterfall before your one hour 15 minute return drive to the pier.

Join your pilot for a 45 - minute helicopter ride. The flying over the island in helicopter is the most spectacular and gigantic way to discover the sharpest relieves and the contrasts in the most intense landscapes.

Depart the pier for a short transfer to the heli-port where a safety briefing is conducted before the flight.  Board the heli and enjoy the stunning views flying over Cirque of Mafate and Salazie. This caldera was formed from the collapse of the large shield volcano the Piton des Neiges. The very remote cirque was settled in the 19^th century by maroon slaves.

Proceed over the Trou de Fer and the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the planet. Be bewitched by the beauty of this island. Next, continue your flying by the Plaine des Cafres, Dimitile and the last one, Cilaos.

Return to the ship.

Enjoy 18 holes of golf at the Bassin Bleu Country Club. An ideal climate thanks to its natural protection from the trade winds. Depart from the pier towards "Bassin Bleu Country Club" located in Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts. At 400 meters, this is a majestic park aesthetic and technically, offers a wonderful view from the mountains to the sea. Endowed with 18 holes (9 holes with sea-view and 9 holes in a 25 ha Forest of Eucalyptus).

The 9 first holes give an amazing panorama of the ocean more particularly with the hole n° 4 (by 4 of 380 m) of 20m of uneven, and the canyon flight from the departure with the necessity of making a drive of at least 180 m from the back tees. Many holes have the names of picturesque sites of Reunion Island.

Lava Tubs

A two hour drive from the ship will take you to "Grand Brule" where you will meet with your guide who will give you some practical information on your walk. You will spend approximately 1 ½ hours exploring the Lava Tubs. A specialized volcano guide will lead you through tracks of lava flow towards St Philippe. You will be lead through stalactites, stalagmites and cathedrals. Stalactites hang from the ceiling of a cave while stalagmites grow from the cave floor. A stalagmite is an upward growing mound of mineral deposits that have precipitated from the water dripping onto the floor of a cave. After your exploration on foot, drive to a restaurant for a Creole lunch.

Cap Mechant and Grand Anse

Cap Mechant is ideally located on the Southwest Coast of Saint-Philippe and has an exceptional landscape. There are small kiosks placed under the casuarinas which allows the opportunity of views from the cliffs of charcoal-black lava which were formed by successive lava flows and which plunge into the blue of the ocean. Grand Anse located at the gateway to the Wild South with its coastal landscapes. A magnificent bay, nestled at the foot of Piton de Grande Anse peak with a white sand beach and coconut trees. It is also known for its strong sea currents and the presence of sharks. From Grand Anse it is a 1 ½ hour return drive to the ship.

Piton de la Fournaise

Depart from the pier for two hours and head South on the coast road before reaching the second largest city St. Pierre. Drive further afield through the “Plaine des Sables”, a stretch of scorch marks and volcanic rocks at more than 2,000m above sea level which looks similar to the surface of the moon, a lunar landscape. Stop at Nez Le Boeuf where you will have views of the volcano. After a short drive you will reach the volcanic crater in Pas de Bellecombe at a height of 2,311m looking down into the active volcano Piton de la Fournaise one of the worlds active volcanoes. A typical Creole meal “the carry” will be served before you venture on to the Cité du Volcan Museum for a self-guided visit.

Cité du Volcan Museum

The museum opened its doors in August of 2104. The 6,000m facility offers an innovative museography that incorporates many interactive devices and models. It also details the geological history of Reunion.  the museum the colonization of underwater lava flows is explained, in particular with the passage of lava flower to the coral reef and the birth of living organisms. The Cité du Volcan offers permanent exhibitions on the various volcanoes of the world and in particular Piton de la Fournaise. The existence of the museum is largely due to the will of a couple of volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft, who closely studied the eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise, and who both died in June of 1991 in a fiery cloud from Mount Unzen, Japan. After your day out a 1 ½ hour drive will return you to the pier.

This tour will take you to Piton Maido which will afford breathtaking views of the Cirque of Mafate. Afterwards travel to a Geranium Distillery where you will have the opportunity to purchase some of these essential oils.

Cirque de Mafate & Maido Belvedere

An approx 90 - minutes drive takes you to a viewpoint located at the edge of a cliff 2,090m high, passing by through various small villages on the West Coast. Dependent on weather conditions you will be able to see the Cirque de Mafate, which is a caldera. It was formed from the collapse of the large shield volcano the Piton des Neiges. The very remote cirque was settled in the 19^th century by maroon slaves (slaves who had escaped from their masters), then later by poor white laborers. It owes its name to one maroon leader.

Geranium Distillery

Next, proceed to a small Geranium distillery in La Petit France, where you will be able to purchase Geranium essences as well as other essential oils and perfumes. Rose geranium was first discovered in the area of Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The rose Geranium was introduced to Reunion Island around 1870. It's cultivation and distillation were improved upon mainly by a farmer of Plaine des Cafes named Boisjoly Poitier, so that the extraction of its essential oils might take the place of sugar cane cultivation when France started making sugar from beetroot. The rose geranium essential oils from Reunion have a better concentration of geraniol, the essential component of the perfume. To obtain a half litre of Geranium Bourbon essential oils, 400 kilograms of leaves and stems must be distilled inside a still heated wood fire. Rose geranium essential oils supposedly have useful medicinal properties as well.

Retun to the pier.

Explore Reuinion Island at your leisure during your choice of full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Reunion Island at your leisure during your choice of half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Reuinion Island at your leisure during your choice of full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Reuinion Island at your leisure during your choice of half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Marine Turtle Farm

A drive of 45 minutes from the pier will take you to the Marine Turtle Farm. The observatory is an educational center which allows you to discover the world of Marine Turtles. The park covers an area of 500m and is home to approximately 60 different kinds of turtles. Walk around the four circuits and discover turtles in an environment similar to their natural life conditions. There are videos for you to enjoy which are very interesting and informative. Outside of the Turtle Farm, only about one in 1,000 turtles survive to adulthood. Hatchlings die of dehydration if they don't make it to the ocean fast enough. Also, birds, crabs and other animals also prey on the young turtles. Afterward, a short drive will take you to St. Leu.

Saint Leu Historical Quarter

Visit the historical quarter of Saint Leu with its monument to the East India Company., and the history of the slave revolution. The town was officially founded in 1790. In 1811, it was the starting point of the only slave revolt that the island experienced. A commemorative chapel is erected on the side of the cliff behind the Church. It dates from the middle of the XIX century. Inhabitants of the town are called Saint-Leusiens. Frarter. Free time is afforded in the Historic Quarter before your return drive to the pier.

Foret de Mare Longue

Foret de Mare Longue is a unique primary tropical forest. This remaining section of lowland tropical rainforest is a true botanical treasure trove. After 2 centuries of intense deforestation, less than 7% of the original tropical rainforest remains in Reunion Island. Having miraculously survived, it is the richest tropical forest on Reunion Island and is the first biological reserve on the island.

The Garden of Perfume and Spices

The perfume and spice garden located at Mare Longue, in the middle of the forest on a 800 year old lava flow. It is the ideal place to learn about some of the 1,500 species of fragrant and aromatic plants, as well as other species used in woodworking, decoration and medicinal plants. After your 1 hour and 15 minute visit a short 15 minute drive will take you to a local restaurant for lunch.  Enjoy the delicious local lunch oof the South, l'Etoile de Mer.

Grand Brule and Grand Anse

Drive to Grand Brule and Grand Anse for photo stops. Grand Anse located at the gateway to the Wild South with its coastal landscapes. A magnificent bay, nestled at the foot of Piton de Grande Anse peak with a white sand beach and coconut trees. It is also known for its strong sea currents and the presence of sharks. At the Southeastern tip of the island, the barren moonscape of Le Grand Brule is a huge expanse of solidified, pure black lava field that was formed during the eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise.