The Thrill-Seekers Island Adventure

Réunion Island is a paradise for adventure sports lovers. Discover our tailor-made, fully customizable programme featuring the full flavours of Réunion Island. This active holiday includes Level 1 dive training, rock climbing and canyoning in Cilaos. Discover the lunar universe of the Piton de la Fournaise and take to the skies with a helicopter flight and tandem parachute jump! All this plus your own rental car for maximum freedom - the ultimate adventure holiday.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Welcome to Réunion Island!

    Welcome to Réunion Island! Collect your vehicle and head to your accommodation. This afternoon, a member of our team will meet you for an official welcome and presentation of the days to come.

    Accommodation: Hôtel

  • Day 2 Plongée de réadaptation

    Plongée de réadaptation Avant de découvrir et vous initier à la plongée sous marine, vous effectuerez une plongée de réadaptation afin de vérifier vos aptitudes.

    Hébergement : Hôtel 3* avec piscine

  • Day 3 St-Gilles - Plongée OPEN WATER DIVER SSI – 6 plongées

    St-Gilles - Plongée OPEN WATER DIVER SSI – 6 plongées ccdsq

  • Day 4 St-Leu - Diving level 1

    St-Leu - Diving level 1 Level 1 lasts for three days - during this time, at your own pace, acquire the skills expected of a level 1 diver. You will learn how to manage your equipment, how to assemble and disassemble, how to correctly use it on the surface and underwater. Today you perform technical dives 1 & 2.

    Accommodation: Hôtel
    Activities: Diving

  • Day 5 St-Leu - Diving level 1

    St-Leu - Diving level 1 At the end of your level 1 dive training you will master all underwater communication signs and be able to safely carry out advice offered by your guide before, during and after dives. Today you perform your fifth dive and final evaluation to obtain your level 1! Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

    Accommodation: Hôtel
    Activities: Diving

  • Day 6 The Piton de la Fournaise

    The Piton de la Fournaise It would be strange to travel to the volcanic island of Réunion without visiting the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. A rich universe of strange colours, surprising minerals and warped shapes awaits you as you begin your ascent of this unique sheild volcano. Fumaroles and sulphur reveal glimpses of the intense activity beneath the surface. We advise you to begin your hike early in the morning and to follow the recommended paths depending on the conditions.

    Accommodation: Hôtel
    Activities: Self-guided hiking
    (5 to 6 hours of walking;+630m/-630m)

  • Day 7 Secure weather window days

    Secure weather window days Two days at leisure enable you to fully benefit from that perfect weather window when it arrives, for a truly magical experience of Réunion Island from the sky!
    - Possibility of a tandem parachute jump with Christophe, a lovely guide who has more than 2700 jumps under his belt ! Prices from 450 €/person. Varies options available.
    - Fly over Réunion in a helicopter for a truly unique view of the volcanic island. Multiple possibilities, prices from 95 € to 315 €/person.
    Take your vehicle to the Piton Maido view point for a superb view of the Cirque de Mafate on your way to to Cilaos on Day 7.

    Accommodation: Hôtel
    Activities: Helicopter flight and sky diving

  • Day 8

  • Day 9 Cilaos - Rando & escalade

    Cilaos - Rando & escalade Early morning departure to the foot of Col de Taibit (2083m) for a day of hiking and climbing with Olivier in the atypical Trois Salazes area. After 2 1/4 hours walking, you leave the trail for a fun, adrenaline pumping 6 hours combining climbing, abseiling and ziplines. A thrilling day in the nature with amazing views of Mafate and Cilaos. No previous climbing experience is required to enjoy this adventure but you must be in good physical condition.

    Accommodation: Hôtel
    Activities: Hiking and climbing (12 hours)

  • Day 10 Cilaos - Canyoning

    Cilaos - Canyoning Once again accompanied by Olivier, get ready for a day of canyoning in the beautiful Fleurs Jaunes (Yellow Flowers) canyon. No previous canyoning experience is required to enjoy this adventure but a good physical condition is required and you must be able to swim. Get ready to abseil and jump down waterfalls as you immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of the gorge.

    Accommodation: Hôtel
    Activities: Canyoning (5 hours)

The details in this indicative programme are updated regularly but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the programme may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation in this programme at any time if your technical level or fitness are deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.

Period & budget

When to travel?

The best period for travelling is during the following months:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Price

From 1540 € per person (price based on 2 participants)

The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.

Included

  • Accommodation in a 3* hotel with breakfast each morning
  • Vehicle hire for 8 days - category B, basic insurance and unlimited mileage
  • Canyoning lead by a qualified professional
  • A climbing adventure lead by a qualified professional
  • A detailed roadbook including, local tips, vouchers and your comprehensive itinerary
  • 24/7 phone support during your trip

Not included

  • Lunches (approx. 8 to 10€/pers. for picnic lunches or 15 to 20€/pers. for restaurant meals)
  • Dinners (approx. 20 to 25€/pers./meal)
  • Fuel and parking costs
  • Transfers to collect/drop-off your vehicle
  • International flights
  • Repatriation insurance

Additional Options
  • Helicopter tour of the island
  • Tandem parachute jump with qualified professional
  • Single room supplement in hotel accommodation (prices vary, subject to availability)
  • Accompaniment by an experienced mountain guide for your ascent of the Piton de la Fournaise

Notes

For vehicle collection and drop-off you have the choice between the airports of St-Denis, St-Gilles-les-Bains or St-Pierre.
For level 1 diving, you will need a medical certificate of non contraindication to diving.

Terms and conditions

Inscription

Booking a trip with  Altaï Réunion implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 35% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Facturation

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date.  Altaï Réunion reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Annulation

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, we require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
  • Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
  • Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
  • Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. Altaï Réunion reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Modification du contrat

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact  Altaï Réunion in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events,  Altaï Réunion may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Prix et révision des prix

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published.  Altaï Réunion reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Cession du contrat

If you are unable to travel with Altaï Réunion for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Réunion as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Staff

All activities in this self-guided adventure are lead by qualified professionals who are experts in their domain. You will be provided with a vehicle, an Altaï Reunion Roadbook and 24/7 phone support throughout your trip.

Food

Breakfasts:
Continental style breakfasts are served at your accommodation each morning. You can expect tea, coffee, fruit juice, bread, butter, jam and maybe meats and cheeses.
Lunches:
Not included in the trip price. You can purchase pre-prepared picnic lunches during your stay to carry with you each day. These include fresh seasonal produce, cheese, meat, salad and fruit. Please be aware that, due to the inaccessibility of the Réunions remote communes, grocery stores are not always well stocked. We recommend purchasing snacks to carry with you whenever you can.
Dinners:
Hot, hearty, home cooked meals of local cuisine are available to purchase at hotel restaurants. Supplies in this remote area are delivered by helicopter so evening meals may not vary greatly but you sure to love the mix of French, Indian, Chinese and African flavours that is Creole cuisine. The traditional dish is a curry with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and spices served with either chicken, duck or fish and accompanied by rice, grains (beans or lentils) and rougail, a spicy condiment flavoured with tomato, lemon and pistachio.
Drinks:
Drinks, including mineral water, can be purchased at your own expense. Options include local rums, beer or fruit juice. The rum is made by soaking fruits, aromatic herbs and spices in white rum and are served as an aperitif before dinner or as a digestive after a hearty meal. A beer called Dodo is brewed by the same local company and you will have the chance to try succulent fruit juice, freshly made from seasonal fruit.

We recommend purchasing an adaquate supply of suitable 'trail food' before  your trip to bring with you. We also advice that you bring a good water bottle which can be refilled at your accommodation reducing our collective plastic waste. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book this trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

This trip includes accommodation in a comfortable 3* hotel with breakfasts.

Transportation

You will be provided with a rental car, minimum category B.

Basic third party insurance is included with a deductable of around 800 € in case of theft or accident, amount varies depending on vehicle model and rental period. We strongly advice that you take out additional 'rachet de franchise' insurance to reduce or cancel the deductable amount in case of theft or accident. This must be purchased from the rental company at the time of hiring and costs around 100 € for 10 days.

Most of the towns and settlements on Réunion Island are connected by a network of roads. The Cirque de Mafate is only accessible by foot, to explore this area we suggest leaving your vehicle in Cilaos or the Col de Boeufs car park. This car park is guarded and costs around 10 € a day, payable locally. Roads are generally in good condition but some, notably in the mountains, have steep slopes and sharp turns. These roads require careful driving, especially in the rain.

IMPORTANT: To rent a vehicle you must be at least 21 years old. Do not forget your drivers license or credit card. A drivers license per driver and a credit card in the name of a driver are required.

Additional Options (prices may vary)
  • Additional driver, from 50 €/rental
  • Child seat, from 30 €/rental
  • GPS, from 30 €/rental

Budget & exchange

The currency is the Euro, € (EUR)
Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates. You can withdraw euros from in-country ATMs and credit cards are widely accepted except in isolated areas like small villages or mountain refuges which are generally cash only.
Please budget for lunches, drinks, tips, bus tickets, museum/site entry fees and other personal expenses. Please be aware that hot showers are not always free.

Tips

Although the custom is not widespread here, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Supplied equipment

All activity specific equipment is provided. For diving, canyoning and climbing for example...

Vital equipment

From head to toe:
  • A cap or sunhat
  • 1 or 2 sets of thermals: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
  • Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, preferably in quick-drying technical material
  • 1 light fleece or equivilent (plus extra warm layers for austral winter months)
  • A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
  • Lightweight waterproof over trousers
  • 1 pair of long suitable shorts
  • 1 pair of walking trousers (detachable legs ideal)
  • A pair of high-rise walking boots with vibram soles - Réunions trails can be rocky and muddy
  • A pair of casual shoes for evenings
  • Thick walking socks
  • Warm gloves, hat and scarf (forJune - September trips and for those which climb up to the cirques or high mountains)
  • A swimsuit

Helpful equipment

  • Sleeping bag liner. Sheets and blankets are provided except in the refuge at Piton des Neiges where there are only blankets
  • A tupperware box or bowl and cutlery for picnics
  • Your personal toiletries - think to use as many biodegradable products as possible.
  • Fast-drying microfibre towel
  • A watter bottle. Min. 2 litres, light and isothermal
  • A good pair of sunglasses (think min. category 3)
  • Sun-cream, face and lips
  • Head torch and spare batteries
  • A pocket knife
  • A pair of hiking poles
  • A waterproof bag cover (or plastic bags) to protect your belongings

Luggage

Please bring two bags:
  • A rucksack (35-40L or 45-50L) for use as a day bag when hiking. This will contain your (vital) personal belongings for the day, or sometimes for several days. If you buy food on the way and carry only the bare essentials you can carry a small, light bag.
  • A larger bag (60-80L) containing the rest of your belongings, those which you do not need with you in the daytime.

Medicine

We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

To go to Réunion Island travellers may need a passport which is vaild for at least three months after the last day of their stay, EU travellers may use passports/ID cards valid only for the duration of their stay.  It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.

Visa

Most travellers staying less than 3 months in Réunion Island do not need to obtain a visa. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Mandatory vaccines

No mandatory vaccinations are required. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitus and Typhoid.

Health information & recommendations

For level 1 diving, you will need a medical certificate of non contraindication to diving. It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip.

Weather

Réunion Island has a tropical climate with two different seasons: The cool, dry austral winter from April to September and the austral summer from October to Mars, the hot, humid season.
April to June - temperatures remain a comfortable average of 20°C during the day and 10°C at night. It is at this time that the flora and fruits are at their most bountiful.
July to September - temperatures are cooler and perfect for hikers who suffer in the heat. It is on average 16-20°C during the day and at night, temperatures drop much lower, often below 0°C. It is not uncommon to see snow on the Piton des Neiges.
October to December - average temperatures are around 25°C in the day and 18°C at night.
January to Mars - the hurricane season which brings heavy rainfall and trekking is disrupted.

Electricity

European-style plugs with two round pins. Voltage is normally 220/240 V, 50 Hz. Please be aware that some mountain huts use solar electricity which is only 24V and very limited when it comes to charging batteries.

Local time

Réunion Island uses the Réunion time zone (RET). Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +4. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is not observed here.

Topography

Surface area: 2,512 km²
Population: Nearly 850,000 inhabitants
Currency: The Euro
Status: French overseas region and Special Member of the European Union
Religions: 72% Catholic. Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist religions are also popular.
Language: French and Créole
Fun fact: More than 40% of Réunion Island is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sustainable tourism

Altaï always aims to have as little impact on the environment as possible. As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

Since the beginning, we have advocated for responsible tourism and the importance of equitable and sustainable principles. Harmonising these fundamentals ensures a fair distribution of economic benefits, improved working conditions for local teams and an increased awareness of the importance and practice of environmental protection.

We kindly request that you adopt the following simple actions when travelling with Altaï Réunion in order to support our ethical, sustainable and responsable tourism policies:
  • Avoid dropping litter - use bins or carry your rubbish with you.
  • Use drinking water sparingly - avoid wasting water, take showers not baths, report leaks, etc..
  • Support the preservation of cultural sites - resist the temptation to touch statues, moves stones etc..
  • Exchanges are prefarable to donations - generations gifts can destabalize the local economic balance.
  • When walking, be aware of fragile ecosystems, observe wildlife from a distance, stick to trails, limit trampling and do not steal from the nature - resist the temptation to pick flowers, collect fossils or stones...
  • Some hotels have air conditioning - to avoid excessive energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, please use sparingly and remember to cut the aircon when you are not in the room.
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Caro

My local agent
Caro

  • Installée à l’île de La Réunion
  • Passionnée de voyage, de trail et de randonnée
  • Photographie nature
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Region
Cilaos Mafate Salazie The Coast
Activity
Family Multi-activity
Duration
10 days
Code
QRUNMULALT
Price
From €1,655
Level
3/5
Comfort
3/5

Strengths

  • Pass your Level 1 diving in one of the worlds top diving destinations
  • Try different outdoor activities everyday
  • Discover the freedom which comes with having your own transport - explore Réunion Island exactly as you wish
  • Hotel accommodation

Required level

Age restriction:12. For level 1 diving, you will need a medical certificate of non contraindication to diving. Good pyhsical health is required for the activities proposed in this itinerary. You must be able to swim to go diving and canyoning.

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