Summary of Activities in Le Port
On the northwest coast of Reunion, Le Port serves as the island’s principal harbour. Unique among French ports, it encompasses an industrial port, naval base (the third largest in France), passenger port, fishing port, and marina.
The marina is particularly vibrant for visitors, offering opportunities for remarkable nature-viewing excursions or diving adventures to explore reefs and underwater caves. A journey along Reunion’s west coast unveils pristine white sandy beaches, wildlife attractions, flourishing fruit plantations, and extraordinary scenic beauty, all easily accessible.
Let us examine the top activities to engage in while visiting Le Port:
1. Whale-watching
A variety of 23 whale and dolphin species frequent the waters off the west coast of Reunion.
From June to October, one can observe the thrilling sight of humpback whales breaching after undertaking an extensive migration from Antarctica.
Additional species such as sperm and fin whales, along with multiple dolphin varieties (Fraser’s, spinner, Indian humpback, pantropical spotted), can be seen year-round.
For those concerned about disturbing these animals’ habitats, rest assured that operators in Reunion adhere to the O²CR conservation label, which imposes strict guidelines.
2. Diving
Le Port hosts several dive centers that guide divers to explore over a dozen exceptional sites along the west coast.
Experienced divers will appreciate the underwater environment, investigating shipwrecks or plunging into volcanic caves and canyons, and navigating steep drop-offs.
The marine life here is more magnificent than the seabed, featuring sea turtles, vibrant tropical fish, barracudas, moray eels, and crustaceans inhabiting coral reefs.
If fortunate, one might also spot predators such as hammerhead sharks from a distance!
3. Bazaar sous Pied Bois
Every Wednesday, Le Port hosts a market at Port des Cheminots, providing a splendid opportunity to immerse oneself in the island’s lifestyle.
The term “sous Piedbois” references the shaded area beneath dense foliage from mahogany trees.
Visitors will be captivated by the fragrances of coffee, vetiver, vanilla, and turmeric, all sourced from local plantations.
In addition, Saint-Paul’s market, held on Fridays and Saturdays, is regarded as the most impressive on Reunion, presenting an array of tropical fruits and “truck-bars” offering Indian-style samosas and bouchons, which are Chinese dumplings.
4. Le Musée de Villèle
At this museum located a few kilometers down the coast in Saint-Paul, one can gain insights into the intricate origins of Reunion.
This colonial structure sits on a 10-hectare plantation that was formerly owned by the Desbassyns family, who amassed wealth from sugarcane production.
While the museum offers a glimpse into the family’s success, it does not shy away from discussing the darker aspects of history, including slavery’s significant role in both the family’s fortune and the island’s development.
Visitors can explore antique furniture, decorations, and historical documents within an authentic colonial context.
5. Cimetière Marin
Situated across the Galets Estuary, this cemetery offers a glimpse into the early days of Reunion’s colonization.
The graveyard contains the remains of 19th-century shipwreck victims, pirates, plantation owners, and some of Reunion’s most notable political and cultural figures.
The most distinguished resting place belongs to Leconte de Lisle, the 19th-century Parnassian poet, who was born in Saint-Paul and returned to the island posthumously after passing away in mainland France in 1894. The oceanfront setting, alongside a black sandy beach and tropical foliage, evokes an era of conquest and maritime exploration.
6. Plage de Boucan-Canot
Reunion is not particularly renowned for its beaches.
This is largely attributed to the challenging ocean swells and the potential for shark attacks; however, the west coast defies this trend.
At Boucan Canot, measures have been implemented to mitigate the shark issue through the installation of a new net (the first of its kind on the island), allowing for safer swimming experiences.
On more turbulent days, there are excellent waves for surfers and body-boarders.
Alternatively, relaxing on the shore is an appealing option, with a comforting stretch of fine white sand.
Basalt cliffs frame the beach, lined with palm groves and bars serving refreshing drinks such as rum punch, right to your sun lounger.
7. Bassin des Aigrettes
Reunion is distinguished by its stunning tropical vistas, including waterfalls, pristine pools, and ravines adorned with lush vegetation.
However, reaching these locations often requires significant effort.
The Bassin des Aigrettes, located just a mere ten-minute drive from the main roadway, showcases a picturesque waterfall just a quarter of an hour’s hike along a trail, cascading into a bright blue pool under the sun.
This represents one of the most beautiful pools in a chain along the Ravine Saint-Gilles, extending for 25 kilometers from the island’s center to the west coast.
8. Plage de l’Hermitage
Another coastal jewel, Plage de l’Hermitage contrasts with Boucan-Canot as it is sheltered from the open ocean by a coral reef.
This provides a warm, clear lagoon with depths of no more than two meters for a distance of about 500 meters.
The shoreline features increasingly fine white sand as you move inland, bordered by Australian pines and bayhops adorned with bright purple flowers during blooming season.
Provided you adhere to local guidelines, snorkeling in the shallow waters is also encouraged.
There are no threats from dangerous marine life; rather, you can observe green turtles, moorish idols, eagle rays, and lagoon triggerfish in the reef.
9. Paragliding
The grassy slopes situated in the west of Reunion offer optimal conditions for paragliding, with ideal terrain and favorable wind currents.
Participants can simply arrive on-site to join this exhilarating activity, where they will soar in tandem with an experienced instructor.
Most flights are launched from a prominent ridge at Saint-Leu, located a short drive along the west coast.
This thrilling experience provides breathtaking views of Reunion’s rugged mountainscapes, particularly the impenetrable rock formations of the Piton des Neiges range, including the iconic shield volcano reaching over 3,000 meters.
10. Kélonia
Located at the site of an former lime kiln in Saint-Leu, Kélonia serves as a center for the research and conservation of sea turtles.
This modern attraction features a spacious 500,000 liter tank that reconstructs the habitats of six different turtle species.
Additionally, exhibits shed light on the impact of human activities on turtle populations and discuss potential futures amid encroaching development and advancements in technology and conservation efforts.
Visitors can witness Kélonia’s rehabilitation efforts firsthand, as they observe hundreds of rescued turtles being treated before their release back into the ocean.
11. Maison du Coco
Reunion is abundant with plantations dedicated to tropical crops such as sugarcane, spices, vanilla, coffee, and various palms.
Located along the west coast, the Maison du Coco features an extensive coconut grove spanning seven hectares, complemented by an engaging workshop.
Here, visitors can uncover the history of coconut cultivation in Reunion, learn about its unique biological traits, and discover the myriad of products derived from this versatile fruit.
Participants can venture into the grove, select their own coconuts, and receive instruction on how to open and extract the flesh.
A tasting session also awaits, showcasing coconut sugar produced from the flowers, alongside coconut oil, candied coconut, coconut water, and refreshing coconut sorbet!
12. Le Maïdo
While Reunion’s sprawling volcanic mountain landscapes are breathtaking, they can be somewhat challenging to navigate by car.
Those with adventurous spirits may choose to engage in arduous hikes or canyoning expeditions to explore remarkable sites such as the Piton des Neiges.
Nevertheless, Le Maïdo stands out as a remarkable vantage point easily reachable by vehicle, providing breathtaking views from just under 2,200 meters elevation of the Cirque de Mafate, a massive natural amphitheater surrounded by sheer cliffs.
For those feeling energetic, an ascent to one of the adjacent peaks or a trek along a trail leading to a remote village can be undertaken.
As always, arrive early in the day, as clouds tend to roll in later.
13. Saint-Denis
The N1 coastal road leads you to Saint-Denis, the capital of Reunion, after approximately a half-hour drive.
Originally established as a colonial trading post, the city’s architectural style reflects its rich history.
Strolling through Rue de Paris, visitors will encounter several government offices housed in beautifully painted mansions featuring verandas.
In addition to museums and galleries offering cultural insights, Saint-Denis is home to the northernmost point of Reunion known as Le Barachois, an oceanfront park that retains its historical cannons.
This location offers a view over the ocean, extending to remote islands, reaching towards the Arabian Peninsula thousands of miles away to the north.
14. Creole Rum
Reunion’s longstanding relationship with rum dates back to its 18th-century sugarcane plantations.
Rhum Agricole is created from fermented sugarcane juice and constitutes the primary ingredient in the much-loved ti’ Punch, made with lime and cane syrup.
On the other hand, rhum industriel is the white rum predominantly distributed in Europe, produced from distilled molasses.
Serious enthusiasts can seek out fine aged rums produced through this meticulous process.
These rums are typically aged in barrels for numerous years (with preference for longer aging), but they can be quite expensive.
In local markets, one can find bottles of rhum arrangé to take home as a memento or gift.
This variety features local spices, including vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and even orchid flowers, infused into the rum.
15. Island Cuisine
Street food culture is deeply embedded in Reunion’s culinary landscape, found at markets, town centers, and along the beachside.
Delicacies such as samosas, croquettes, deep-fried squid balls, and dumplings encapsulate the island’s diverse culinary heritage.
The cuisine is a delightful fusion of French, Chinese, Indian, and African influences.
Examples include spiced pork pâté and cheese from Plaine des Cafres, enhanced with garlic and ginger.
Many dishes are characterized by the incorporation of tropical fruits and spices, with rice commonly served alongside.
Throughout the island, one can sample diverse culinary offerings such as green papaya salad, smoked fish, avocado salad, chop suey, as well as traditional dishes like rougail and civet, which highlight fragrant curries based on tomato and onion.
