In the southern winter the whales come to the west coast
At a glance
- Theme
- Whales, dolphins, turtles
- Duration
- 2–3 h
- Season
- July — October
- Start
- The west
From July to October humpback whales come to Réunion to calve and nurse their young. Boats leave from the harbours of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and Saint-Leu; dolphins are seen off the west coast all year round.
Approaching the animals is governed by a charter that limits the number of boats near a whale and sets a minimum distance. Choose operators with the O²CR label and turn down “swimming with whales” offered by those who ignore it.
Where to book
We describe a type of tour, not a specific offer. Prices, schedules and availability are on the booking platforms. Duration and season are a rough guide.
Departure point on the map
Purple dot: departure area (approximate); orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay near the start
All places to stay in the area →
Things to see nearby
Beach
La Saline-les-Bains
The continuation of the Hermitage lagoon — quieter, with cafés on the sand≈ 1.8 km
Beach
L'Hermitage beach
The island's main beach: a shallow lagoon, corals and the shade of casuarinas≈ 3.6 km
Museum
Kélonia
The sea turtle research and care centre in Saint-Leu≈ 6.8 km
Beach
Boucan Canot
A fashionable beach with no reef: swim in the supervised zone only≈ 8.4 kmOther tours on Réunion
All tours →
From the air
Helicopter flight over the cirques and the volcanoThree cirques, the Trou de Fer waterfalls and the volcano crater in a single flight
25–55 minAll year, morning departures
Sea and lagoon
Snorkelling and diving on the western reefThe Hermitage lagoon with a mask, and dives beyond the reef from Saint-Gilles
2–3 hAll year; best visibility May — November
Canyons and thrills
Lava tunnels of the 2004 flowDown with a helmet and headlamp into the tubes where lava once ran
3–4 hAll year, except days of heavy rain
Guided hikes
Dolomieu crater with a guideA climb up Piton de la Fournaise with the volcano explained on the way
5–6 hDrier May — November; start at dawn
Canyons and thrills
Canyoning in Cilaos and SalazieWaterfall descents, from beginner canyons to sporting ones
Half a day to a full dayMay — November
From the air
Paragliding over the Saint-Leu lagoonA tandem flight from 800 m with a landing by the beach
15–30 minAll year, best in the morning