Private Reunion Island Tour: Waterfalls, Volcano & Beaches

Summary

Explore Reunion’s Hidden Gems with a Local Guide

If you want to see Reunion Island beyond postcards—waterfalls hidden behind sugar cane fields, churches saved by lava flows, wild beaches where locals gather—this tour brings you right into it all with stories only someone who lives here could tell.

What’s the experience like?

The air smelled sweet as we drove past endless sugar cane fields—windows down, the breeze carried a hint of salt from the coast. Our guide, Richarson, had us laughing before we even reached Niagara Falls. The waterfall isn’t huge, but it’s got this calm pool at its base where dragonflies hover and locals sometimes picnic on weekends. If you listen closely, you’ll catch the sound of birds over the rush of water—a little detail I wouldn’t have noticed if Richarson hadn’t pointed it out.

Sainte-Anne Church was next. I’d seen photos before, but up close the details are wild—tiny seashells and bright colors everywhere. Richarson told us about that old movie filmed here in ‘69; apparently Catherine Deneuve got married right on those steps for “The Mississippi Mermaid.” There’s something about standing in a spot with so much history layered into it—you feel like you’re part of the story.

Bassin Bleu is tucked away behind some rocks and trees. The water’s cold (I dipped my toes in), and there’s this quiet that settles over everything except for the occasional splash from someone braver than me. It felt like time slowed down there—a good spot to just breathe and take it all in.

Heading south, Anse des Cascades looked almost unreal with palm trees leaning over little waterfalls that spill straight into the ocean. We watched fishermen prepping their canoes at dawn—one guy waved as he pushed off into the waves. You get this sense that life here moves at its own pace.

The Notre-Dame des Laves church is something else entirely. Lava stopped right at its doors during an eruption in ‘77—Richarson showed us the exact line where black rock meets white walls. It’s eerie and beautiful at once, surrounded by hardened flows and wildflowers poking through cracks.

Driving along Route des Laves felt like crossing another planet—black lava fields stretching out under a sky that kept shifting from blue to gray. Every so often, green shoots poke through the rock, proof that life always finds a way back.

Cap Méchant gave us wild ocean views—the kind where waves slam against cliffs so hard you can feel it in your chest. The rocks are sharp and dark; I spotted a couple taking photos near an old bench while sea spray misted everything nearby.

We ended up at Plage de l’Étang Salé for a break—black sand between our toes, filaos trees rustling overhead. Some locals were playing pétanque nearby; others just lounged under coconut palms with snacks from a tiny food truck parked by the lot.

Ermitage Beach was all soft sand and shallow lagoon waters—perfect for spotting colorful fish if you wade out far enough (I did). Kids ran along the shore chasing crabs while their parents napped under filao trees.

The last stop was Cap La Houssaye as sunset started to paint everything gold. Richarson pointed out where whales sometimes breach offshore—you might get lucky depending on when you visit. Even without them, it’s peaceful up there with nothing but wind and ocean stretching out ahead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Reunion Island Highlights

• Visit Niagara Falls and sugar cane plantations
• Discover Sainte-Anne Church
• Relax at Bassin Bleu
• Stroll Anse des Cascades
• See Notre-Dame des Laves church
• Travel Route des Laves lava flows
• Pass by Cap Méchant cliffs
• Relax on Plage de l’Étang Salé beach
• Walk along Plage de l’Ermitage lagoon
• End at Cap La Houssaye viewpoint

Top questions

How long does this private Reunion Island tour last?

The full-day tour covers all major stops around Reunion Island and includes travel time between locations plus a 30-minute driver break.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Absolutely! Infant seats are available and strollers/prams are welcome. The pace is relaxed and there are plenty of breaks.

What should I bring for the day?

I’d recommend comfy shoes, sunscreen, swimwear if you want to dip in Bassin Bleu or Ermitage Beach, and maybe a light jacket—it can get breezy near the cliffs.

Are meals included?

No meals are included but bottled water is provided. There are snack stops along the way where you can buy local treats or lunch.

What’s included

Your ride is air-conditioned (trust me, you'll appreciate that after walking volcanic trails) and bottled water's always on hand to keep you refreshed throughout the journey.