Experience the Beauty of Réunion Island with the Discovery Day Tour
This guided tour promises an in-depth look at Réunion’s most striking landscapes, from volcanic craters to pristine beaches. While I haven’t personally taken the tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a vivid picture of a day filled with breathtaking views, fascinating geology, and local charm.
What we love about this experience is its focus on iconic sights like the La Fournaise volcano and the stunning Plage de l’Ermitage, combined with the personal touch of a passionate guide. The inclusion of insider anecdotes and humor makes it feel more like a friendly exploration than a typical sightseeing bus ride.
One aspect to consider is the variable weather on the volcano, which can be quite different from the coast—a common travel tip is to bring rain gear and wear long pants. Also, reviews mention that the driver may not always be fluent in English, so a bit of patience and some basic French can go a long way.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy natural wonders, want a comprehensive yet manageable day exploring Réunion’s highlights, and appreciate a touch of local personality guiding the way. It’s perfect for those seeking a blend of geology, culture, and stunning scenery in a private, relaxed setting.
Key Points
- Stunning Landscapes: The tour covers major natural attractions including volcanic craters, lunar landscapes, and idyllic beaches.
- Authentic Insights: Guides share fascinating stories and historical details that deepen your appreciation of the island.
- Breathtaking Views: From panoramic volcano overlooks to the white sands of Plage de l’Ermitage, the scenery is truly memorable.
- Comfort & Convenience: The trip features air-conditioned transport and bottled water, making it comfortable even on warm days.
- Flexible & Private: With a private group limited to four, you enjoy a tailor-made experience without crowds.
- Variable Weather: Be prepared for weather changes, especially on the volcano, and bring suitable clothing.
A Deep Dive into the Réunion Discovery Day Tour
Looking for more options in Reunion Island? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Overview and Practicalities
For around $630.24 per group (up to four people), this 7-hour private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Réunion’s most iconic sights. The price includes pickup, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and all admission tickets to the stops. It’s a good value for the personalized experience you get, especially compared to larger group excursions.
Most travelers book this tour about 40 days in advance, indicating its popularity. It’s suitable for a broad range of travelers, including those with moderate mobility, given the relatively short stops and accessible viewpoints.
Itinerary Breakdown
Stop 1: Le Nez De Boeuf
Your adventure starts with a 15-minute stop at Le Nez De Boeuf, offering a jaw-dropping view of the island’s rugged terrain. As one reviewer put it, the vistas here are “breathtaking,” giving a real sense of the island’s volcanic origins. Be prepared for the possibility of weather changes—Diane_G noted that the weather on the volcano can be quite different from the rest of the island, so a rain jacket and long pants are recommended.
Stop 2: Cratère Commerson
Next, you’ll visit an impressively accessible crater that’s easy to admire within just 15 minutes. This spot allows for great photo opportunities and a tangible sense of the island’s volcanic activity. Some travelers mentioned that the drive here can be bumpy, especially over unpaved roads, adding a thrill to the journey.
Stop 3: La Plaine Des Sables
One of the tour’s highlights is La Plaine Des Sables, a stark, lunar-like landscape. This 15-minute stop offers a surreal view that makes you feel like you’re on another planet. It’s a must-see, and many visitors find it hard to forget the otherworldly feel of this place. The contrasting textures and colors of the terrain provide fantastic photo moments.
Stop 4: Piton de Fournaise
The active volcano, Piton de Fournaise, is the tour’s centerpiece. The landscape here is volcanic, with lava fields stretching to the horizon. As described in reviews, it’s like stepping onto a timeless, lunar landscape with fresh oxygen in the air. Given that it’s still active, it’s a dynamic site that changes over time, offering unique sights on each visit. The 15-minute stop here is a glimpse into earth’s fiery heart.
Stop 5: Plage de l’Ermitage
Moving from volcanic terrain to pristine beaches, this 15-minute stop at Plage de l’Ermitage is a firm favorite. Its transparent waters, white sand, and vibrant coral reefs make it one of Réunion’s most beautiful beaches. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to see the marine life—some mentioned the wonderful fish and corals visible just off the shore. It’s a perfect chance to relax and soak in the natural beauty.
Stop 6: Cap La Houssaye
The final stop offers a 10-minute panoramic view of the bay of Saint Paul and the Savannah. Here, you can take in the expansive sea views and reflect on the day’s adventures. This stop caps off the trip with scenic photos and a peaceful moment.
What the Tour Includes and What to Keep in Mind
The tour provides air-conditioned transport and bottled water, making the day comfortable despite the varied landscapes and weather conditions. The tour’s flexibility and personal nature mean you won’t be crowding with strangers, and the driver/guide, Richarson, is noted for his humor and storytelling.
However, some reviews highlighted that the driver might not always be fluent in English, which can affect the flow of storytelling or explanations at each stop. If language is a concern, it might be helpful to prepare some basic French phrases or have expectations for a more visual and anecdotal experience. The tour is also heavily weather-dependent—if the volcano is shrouded in clouds, some views may be less dramatic, but stops are made to accommodate changing visibility.
Duration & Timing
At approximately 7 hours, the tour balances a full day of exploration with enough flexibility for comfort and photo breaks. The timing includes a 30-minute break for the driver, which helps keep everyone refreshed. The trip is designed to cover many highlights without feeling rushed, though some travelers reported bumpy rides due to unpaved roads—wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a bit of adventure.
Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers
One reviewer, nrdailey2001, described a great day focusing on the volcano and beaches, noting that the stops were well spaced and the guide’s insights added value: “We took the coast road and explored a black sand beach and a white sand beach.” The opportunity to see different beach types is a definite plus.
On the other hand, some noted challenges. In Diane_G’s review, weather unpredictability on the volcano was a recurring theme. She advised travelers to bring rain gear and wear long pants to stay comfortable during the stops, especially at high altitudes.
Another review, jian_M, raised concerns about communication and the number of places visited, but appreciated the effort to see diverse sites. The tour’s itinerary offers a good mix of geological marvels, natural beauty, and scenic viewpoints, making it a well-rounded experience for those interested in the island’s diverse landscapes.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?
This Discovery Day tour offers a comprehensive, personalized exploration of Réunion’s highlights—perfect if you want to see volcanoes, beaches, and dramatic landscapes without the hassle of planning each stop yourself. The private setting allows for flexibility and a relaxed pace, ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience.
If you’re curious about volcanic geology or want a visual feast of contrasting terrains, this tour delivers. The inclusive price covers many key sights, making it a good value considering the personalized guidance and convenience.
However, be prepared for variable weather and the possibility of bumpy roads, especially when visiting volcanic sites. If you’re comfortable with a flexible schedule and enjoy learning stories and facts from a passionate guide, this tour will enhance your understanding of Réunion in a memorable way.
Overall, it’s a fantastic option for those who value authentic landscapes, knowledgeable guides, and a day spent discovering the island’s natural treasures at a relaxed, personal pace.
FAQs
What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the private guided tour for up to 4 people, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and all admission tickets to the stops.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including all stops and a 30-minute break for the driver.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is exclusively for your group, offering a personalized experience with just your party.
What should I bring?
Bring rain gear and long pants for the volcano, comfortable shoes for walking, and a camera for the stunning vistas.
Can I get this tour in English?
Most travelers can participate, but some reviews mentioned that the driver might not always speak fluent English. Basic French knowledge or patience with visuals and stories can help.
Is food included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan for a meal after the tour.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather for the best experience. In case of cancellations due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is suitable for those with moderate mobility.
How far in advance should I book?
Bookings are typically made about 40 days in advance, reflecting its popularity and limited group size.
This Réunion Island discovery tour offers a balanced mix of geological marvels, scenic beauty, and cultural insights, wrapped in a private, relaxed setting. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to experience the island’s natural wonders with the comfort and flexibility of a personalized guide.