The West of Reunion Island is the island’s sunny side: turquoise lagoons, sandy beaches, world-class surf spots and, in the background, the ramparts of the cirques. Here are 10 experiences to live during your stay.
1. Watch (or surf) the Saint-Leu wave
The Saint-Leu left-hander is one of the most famous surf spots in the Indian Ocean. Even without a board, watching the surfers at sunset is worth the trip.
2. Swim in the l’Hermitage lagoon
The island’s largest lagoon offers calm, fish-rich waters, ideal for family snorkelling. A mask and snorkel are enough to meet parrotfish and butterflyfish.
3. Reach the Maïdo at sunrise
At nearly 2,200 m, the Maïdo viewpoint overlooks the Mafate cirque. Set off before dawn to beat the clouds: the view is unforgettable.
4. Wander the Saint-Paul market
Every Friday and Saturday, the Saint-Paul seafront comes alive: spices, tropical fruit, crafts and Creole street food.
5. Spot dolphins and whales
Boat trips from Saint-Gilles let you meet dolphins year-round and humpback whales from June to October.
6. Discover the turtles at Kélonia
In Saint-Leu, the Kélonia observatory combines an aquarium, turtle care and awareness. Perfect on a cloudy day.
7. Paraglide above Saint-Leu
Saint-Leu is one of the world’s best paragliding sites: take off from the heights, land by the lagoon.
8. Enjoy a sunset at Boucan Canot
Light sand, a lively seafront and spectacular sunsets: the chic address to end the day.
9. Hike at the gateway to Mafate
From Dos d’Âne (La Possession), several trails offer plunging views over the Mafate cirque, reachable only on foot.
10. Explore Cilaos and the volcano
Well located, the West is an excellent base for day trips to Cilaos or the Piton de la Fournaise volcano.
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Planning your days
The sites of the West split between the coast and the highlands, and they follow opposite timetables. The Maïdo and the high viewpoints are best visited early, before cloud rises from the valleys. The coast, by contrast, comes into its own late in the day.
A good day therefore combines the two: leave before dawn for the heights, come back to the coast for the beach and the sunset. From a property in the West, most of these sites are less than an hour away.
When to book activities
Boat trips, paragliding and guided excursions should be booked ahead during the austral winter and local school holidays. In the shoulder seasons, a day or two is generally enough.
Paragliding and boat trips depend on conditions: leave some slack in the schedule rather than putting them on your last day.
What to bring
Mask and snorkel get used almost every day in the lagoon. For the highlands, a warm layer and a windproof are essential, even in the dry season: the temperature gap with the coast is considerable.
Proper walking shoes are needed as soon as you leave the tarmac, and carry plenty of water: the island’s trails offer few places to refill.
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