Do I need a visa or passport for Reunion Island in 2026? +
Reunion is a French overseas department. For French and EU citizens, a valid national ID card is enough (no passport required). Non-EU citizens: same conditions as for entering mainland France, check with your local French consulate. No Schengen visa applies separately.
How many days do I need on Reunion Island? +
10 days is the minimum for the island loop and at least one cirque. 14 days is the sweet spot to add a Mafate trek (minimum 3 days) and Piton des Neiges. 1 week is possible but forces you to choose: south + volcano, or west + one cirque. Reunion + Mauritius combo: 12 days minimum.
When should I go to Reunion Island? +
May to October is the prime window: austral winter, dry, mild, clear skies for altitude hikes. Humpback whale watching peaks in Saint-Gilles from July to October. Avoid January to March: cyclone season, gullied cirque trails, some gîtes closed. April and November are decent shoulder seasons.
Do I need to book Mafate gîtes in advance? +
Yes, especially in high season (July-August and school holidays). Mafate gîtes (Marla, La Nouvelle, Roche-Plate, Aurère, Grand Place) are managed by Île de la Réunion Tourisme through a central booking system. Book 2 to 3 months ahead. Half-board is mandatory (€20-30/night + €18-22 meals).
Do they drive on the right or left in Reunion? +
On the right, like mainland France. French highway code, EU driving licence accepted. Narrow mountain roads, sharp bends (Cilaos has 400 bends), tense night driving. The coastal road (RN1) is regularly closed due to swell or falling rocks: a new offshore road is under construction.
Is swimming dangerous because of sharks? +
Since 2011, bull and tiger shark attacks have led to strict rules. Swimming and surfing are banned outside protected zones on the west coast. The Saint-Gilles lagoon, l'Hermitage and La Saline (protected by the coral reef) remain safe. Boucan-Canot has a supervised beach with anti-shark net. Follow signage strictly.
Direct flight or via Mauritius? +
Air France and Air Austral operate direct Paris-Saint-Denis flights in 11 hours (€650-1,200 depending on season). Corsair and French Bee also fly the route. Combo via Mauritius (Air Mauritius) is sometimes cheaper but adds 4-6 hours. To combine Reunion + Mauritius, take the 1-hour inter-island flight Saint-Denis-Mahébourg (€100-180).
When is the best time to see humpback whales? +
June to late October, peak in August-September. Humpback whales migrate up from Antarctica to breed in the warm Saint-Gilles waters. Boat trips run by Globice or Abyss Plongée follow a strict approach charter (100 m minimum distance). Expect €60-80 for a 3h trip. Whales can also be spotted from shore at Cap La Houssaye.
