Réunion Island Volcano & Beach Tour: La Fournaise, Saint Paul

Summary

Explore La Fournaise Volcano, Lava Fields & Reunion’s Best Beach

You’ll get to walk volcanic craters, cross wild lava fields, and relax on one of Réunion’s best beaches—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. This tour mixes adventure with real island life, perfect if you want more than just a postcard view.

What’s the experience like?

First thing you notice is the air—cooler up here, with a faint scent of burnt earth. We started early, winding past Cap La Houssaye, where the ocean glints silver and fishermen already line the rocks. Our guide, who grew up nearby, pointed out a tiny roadside vendor selling samoussas—if you’re hungry, grab a couple. They’re spicy and go fast.

The crater at La Fournaise is something else. It’s easy to reach, but the ground crunches under your shoes, and there’s this quiet hum from the wind. You can see steam rising in the distance. Standing on the edge, it almost feels like you’ve left earth behind—just endless black rock and a sky that looks too big. The guide shared how the volcano last erupted in 2020; he even showed us a photo on his phone of lava glowing at night.

Driving through the lava fields, it gets oddly silent except for the car’s tires on gravel. The landscape looks lunar—bare, wild, but somehow peaceful. I remember rolling down the window and catching a whiff of warm minerals, mixed with salty air blowing in from the coast. There’s a spot where you can see both the volcano and the ocean at once, which doesn’t feel real until you’re there.

Later, we stopped at a white sand beach near Saint Paul. The water’s so clear you spot little fish darting around your toes. Locals were out snorkeling, and a couple of kids tried to sell us fresh coconut slices. I just sat in the shade for a while, listening to the waves and watching someone teach their dog to swim. Before heading back, our guide took us up for a view over the bay and the Savannah—sunset here turns everything gold for a few minutes. If you like photos, don’t put your camera away too soon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reunion Island Highlights

• Grand panoramic view
• Visit impressive crater
• Explore otherworldly landscape
• See lunar volcanic lava fields
• Relax at beautiful beach
• View bay of Saint Paul and Savannah

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly. There are infant seats available, and you can bring a stroller or pram for little ones.

How much walking is involved? Are the sites accessible?

Most stops are easily accessible with short walks. The crater area has some uneven ground but isn’t difficult for most people.

What should I bring for the day?

I’d suggest comfy shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light jacket—the weather can change quickly up near the volcano.

Is swimming possible at the beach stop?

Absolutely! The water’s clear and calm, perfect for swimming or snorkeling. There are fish and corals close to shore.

What’s included

Bottled water is provided throughout the day, and you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour includes all transport between sites, with time for breaks and photos. If you need a child seat or have special requests, just let us know in advance.