Reunion Island West Private Half-Day Tour with Guide

Summary

Maïdo Viewpoint & Boucan Canot Beach Guided Excursion

You’ll ride up to Maïdo for wild mountain views, walk Reunion’s most famous beach at Boucan Canot, and hear local stories from your guide along the way. There’s time for a swim or just people-watching by the ocean before exploring Saint Paul’s historic cemetery — moments you’ll remember long after you leave Reunion Island.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cold air biting my cheeks as we stepped out at Maïdo — it’s over 2000 meters up, so yeah, bring a jacket (I didn’t, and regretted it). Our guide, Jean-Marc, handed me a coffee from his thermos and pointed out the cirque of Mafate below. The clouds moved fast, sometimes hiding the peaks — Piton des Neiges just peeking through. There was this silence up there that made my ears ring a little. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t catch half of what I felt standing on that edge.

Driving back down was all switchbacks and sudden bursts of sunlight through the trees. We passed patches of dry savannah and then thick forest — Jean-Marc kept naming plants in Creole and laughing when I tried to repeat them. He told us stories about the first people who settled here; pirates, escaped slaves, all sorts. At Boucan Canot beach, the sand was almost too bright to look at and there was this salty tang in the air. Some kids were jumping into the natural pool while their parents watched from under striped umbrellas. We grabbed cold drinks at a shack by the boardwalk — I got pineapple juice that tasted way better than anything back home.

Afterwards we stopped at Cap Lahoussaye for a quick look at these black volcanic rocks before heading to Saint Paul’s old marine cemetery. It sounds weird but it’s beautiful — frangipani trees everywhere and graves with shells pressed into the concrete. Jean-Marc told us about pirates buried here (he swears one grave is haunted but who knows). The sun was starting to dip by then and everything felt kind of golden and slow. I still think about that view from Maïdo sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West Reunion Island Highlights

• Visit Maïdo belvedere panoramic viewpoint
• Relax at Boucan Canot beach
• Explore historic settlement cave and marine cemetery

Top questions

How long does this half-day tour of west Reunion Island last?

The tour usually lasts around 4–5 hours including stops for views, beach time, and historical sites.

Is hotel pickup included on this private excursion?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or accommodation in western Reunion is included.

Can I swim at Boucan Canot beach during the tour?

Yes, there’s time for swimming or relaxing at Boucan Canot if you want — just bring your swimsuit and towel.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Absolutely; infants can use strollers or specialized seats are available if needed.

What should I bring for the Maïdo viewpoint?

A warm jacket (it gets chilly), sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a camera for the views.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the trip?

Bottled water is included; you can buy drinks or snacks at Boucan Canot beach cafes.

Will we see whales during this day trip?

You might spot whales off Boucan Canot between June and October if you’re lucky.

Is walking involved on this guided tour?

There are short walks at viewpoints and in Saint Paul cemetery but nothing strenuous.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup from your hotel in western Reunion Island, bottled water throughout the journey, all guiding by a local expert who shares stories along each stop, plus free time at Boucan Canot beach for swimming or relaxing before returning in comfort later that day.