CANYONING
Canyoning, or abseiling down waterfalls, is becoming increasingly popular amongst thrill-seekers in Réunion. The island, with its innumerable waterfalls and spectacular gorges, boasts the ideal landscape. Canyoning starts at around €5 per half day, €5 per full day. For details of multi-activity operators that organise canyoning.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain bikes are all the rage in Réunion and are available for hire in most activity centres. The island has over 1,400km of marked trails, which meet French Cycling Federation standards. Popular trails are around Maïdo, Entre-Deux, Cilaos, Salazie, Piton-de-la-Fournaise and the coast around Ste-Rose.
The French for mountain bike is VTT (vélo tous terrains) (pronounced ‘vay-tay-tay’). The Centrale de Reservation Loisirs Accueil Nature et Campagne in St-Denis can supply information on the many routes throughout the island and arrange bike hire You will also see suggested routes marked on large boards in many tourist areas.
Once a year, usually in November, Réunion plays host to one round of the Mega Avalanche international series of downhill mountain-bike races. The races in this series are unusual for the downhill discipline as they are mass-start races of up to 25km. Packages which include flights, accommodation and bike transport are available from mainland France. For more information visit avalanchecup.com.
The going rate for hire is around €5 per hour, €10–12 per half day, €20 per day. Helmets and gloves are extra. Some companies organise group rides, which cost around €40 per half day and include instructor, gear and insurance.
HORSERIDING
On horseback is the ideal way to explore Réunion’s rugged interior. Rides can be arranged for just an hour, a half day, a full day or several days. Some of the establishments around La Plaine-des-Cafres offer rides to the volcano, Piton-de-la-Fournaise.
Riding schools vary considerably in standard, although instructors are usually qualified. Although most establishments are affiliated to the French Equestrian Federation, many are reluctant to loan hats, even if they have them. If you insist, you will usually get one, which is important as the terrain in the interior is invariably rocky and uneven. An hour’s ride will usually cost around €–30, a half day €5–50, a full day €0–115.
GOLF
Although not a popular sport amongst locals, Réunion boasts a few beautiful courses. All the clubs offer trolley and club hire, as well as lessons. In all cases, the green fees shown for weekends also apply on public holidays. Lessons cost in the region of €0 for 30 minutes.
Bassin Bleu Country Club 75 Rue Mahatma Gandhi, Villèle, 97435 St-Gilles-les-Hauts; % 0262 700300; e golf[at]bassinbleu.fr; golfbassinbleu.com; ( daily. 18-hole par-72 course. Has a restaurant serving lunch, bar & pool. Green fees €60 (18 holes), €35 (9 holes).
Golf Club du Bourbon 140 Les Sables, 97427 Etang-Salé; % 0262 263339; e golfclubbourbon[at]wanadoo.fr; golf-bourbon.com; ( daily except Mon morning. Beautiful 18-hole par-72 course with hordes of tropical plants. Attractive clubhouse with a restaurant (closed Mon) & swimming pool. Green fees €48 for 18 holes weekdays, €60 weekends; €27 for 9 holes weekdays, €35 weekends.
Golf du Colorado 52 Zone de Loisirs du Colorado, 97417 La Montagne; % 0262 237950; e gcc4[at]wanadoo.fr; golfclubcolorado.fr; ( daily except Mon morning. 9-hole par-68 course. Snack bar. Green fees for 18 holes €23 weekdays, €35 weekends.
4x4 EXCURSIONS
The going rate for excursions in 4x4 vehicles is around €0–95 per person per day (usually including lunch).
Kréolie 4x4 4 Impasse des Avocats, 97414 Entre-Deux; %/f 0262 395087; m 0692 865226; e kreolie4x4[at]wanadoo.fr; kreolie4x4.com
MICROLIGHTING
Microlighting offers a bird’s-eye view of some of the island’s greatest assets. The French for microlight is ULM (Ultra Léger Motorisé) (pronounced ‘oo-el-em’).
PARAGLIDING
Paragliding is very popular, particularly in the hills above St-Leu. Beginners glide in tandem with an instructor. The French for paragliding is parapente. Expect to pay around €5 for an introductory flight over the lagoon (a descent of about 800m).
BUNGEE JUMPING
Bungee jumpers leap from the Pont d’Anglais Suspension Bridge between Ste-Anne and Ste-Rose. The organisers (elasticjump.com)need to have a group of people jumping on each occasion, so you may not be able to jump until several days, or even weeks, after your initial enquiry. Jumps take place on weekends and cost around €60.
HELICOPTER RIDES
If your time on Réunion is limited, a helicopter ride is a great way to see the island. The most popular flights cover the island’s main attractions: the volcano, the cirques, the coast, Trou de Fer, etc. Prices are in the range €85–300 per person, depending on the itinerary. A short, 15-min flight will start from around €85, while a 45-min flight is around €240.
Corail Helicoptères Aéroport de Pierrefonds, 97410 St-Pierre; % 0262 222266; m 0692 006666; e info[at]corail-helicopteres.com; corail-helicopteres.com
Helilagon ltiport de l’Eperon, 97467 St-Paul; % 0262 555555; e heliglagon[at]helilagon.com; helilagon.com
100% Privacy Guaranteed
