Reunion Island — Outdoor adventure
Canyoning
in Reunion Island
Descend wild gorges, abseil down waterfalls, ride natural slides and swim through crystal-clear pools — discover one of the world’s richest canyoning destinations, guided by certified professional instructors.
Definition
What is canyoning?
Canyoning (also called canyoneering or kloofing) is an outdoor water sport that involves descending a river through narrow gorges on foot. Waterfalls are crossed by abseiling, natural slides, jumping or zip-lining, swimming through pools in between. Not to be confused with kayaking or rafting — no boat is used.
Located mostly in the mountains, canyons feature waterfalls of various heights crossed in multiple ways. Progression between obstacles is done either on foot over varied terrain, swimming across pools, or white-water swimming (floating) — carried by the current on your back, feet first.
- ↘Abseiling (rappelling) — rope descent along cliffs and waterfalls
- ⌇Natural slides — smooth rock channels sculpted by the river
- ↑Jumping — into deep pools
- 🪢Zip-line — on select equipped canyons
- 🌊Floating — white-water swimming between obstacles
Easy alternative
Canyoning vs Gorge walking
Gorge walking is the gentler sibling of canyoning — same equipment, same spirit, less vertical exposure.
Gorge walking follows canyons with few or no waterfalls — no significant vertical drops. Ropes are only used occasionally to assist those who prefer not to jump or slide.
| Feature | Canyoning | Gorge walking |
|---|---|---|
| Abseiling | Yes, required | Occasional or none |
| Rope / harness | Required | Optional |
| Level required | Beginner → expert | All abilities |
| Vertical exposure | Significant | Low to none |
| Guiding | Canyon instructor | Canyon instructor or limited kayak guide |
All Adventures Reunion guides are state-certified professional canyon instructors with full guiding authorisation. If weather conditions cancel a gorge walking trip, an equivalent beginner canyon is offered instead.
See gorge walking toursAccessibility
Who can join?
Almost everyone! Reunion Island offers a wide range of canyons for all levels — from family half-days to challenging expert routes.
Anyone can choose an itinerary suited to their wishes, age and ability. From 8 years old, accompanied. Beginner canyons (~3 hrs) are open to anyone who can swim, no experience needed.
Families & beginners
Beginner canyons ~3 hrs, no technical abseiling. From 8 years old with an adult.
Active adventurers
Multiple abseils, white-water swimming, full day. Good fitness appreciated.
Experienced canyoners
Trou de Fer, Takamaka — long abseils, committing routes, strong fitness required.
Participation requirements
- ✓A basic level of fitness — no need to be a top athlete
- ✓No medical contraindication to physical activity
- ✓Minimum age: 8 years old, child accompanied by an adult
- ✓Ability to swim and submerge
Gear
What equipment is needed?
All technical equipment is provided by Adventures Reunion. Just bring a few personal items.
Pricing
Payment by bank transfer, credit card or cash. Contact us for current rates →
Practical info
When and where to go?
Canyoning is available year-round in Reunion Island. The choice of canyons is wider in winter (dry season). Only tropical cyclones and storms interrupt activity for a few days.
Canyons are set up all around the island, giving access to wild, preserved territories unreachable any other way. Every outing is adapted to current weather conditions and river water levels.
Dry season — maximum choice of canyons, optimal conditions
Wet season — reduced selection but always possible
Canyons by area
- 🏔Cilaos — Fleur Jaune (long abseils), Bras Rouge
- 🏔Salazie — Trou Blanc (iconic)
- 🌊North-East — Rivière des Roches, Sainte Suzanne (Bassin Bœuf)
- 🌿South — Langevin (spectacular gorges)
- 🌋East Coast — Takamaka, Trou de Fer (expert)
Common questions
Before you go
Are jumps compulsory?
It’s completely normal to wonder about this. Jumping can feel daunting for some people, and everyone should make their own decision without group pressure.
Will there be rope abseiling?
Except for gorge walking routes, all canyoning tours include one or more abseils, always matched to the level of the chosen outing. A briefing is given at the start of every session.
Is canyoning dangerous in the rain?
Rain alone does not mean danger. Everything depends on the location and intensity of rainfall. Heavy rain in the highlands can cause flash flooding; light local rain is merely inconvenient.
Will I be cold in the water?
Water temperatures in Reunion’s rivers are generally warmer than in mainland France or Europe. In 5mm neoprene wetsuits (with extra layers in winter), the experience is comfortable year-round.
Our selection
Must-do canyons
From family beginner trips to technical expert routes — here are some of the island’s most iconic itineraries.
Bassin Bœuf
Sainte-Suzanne · North-East Coast
Perfect family beginner canyon. Natural slides and crystal-clear pools in the tropical rainforest.
Discover →
Rivière des Roches
Bras-Panon · East Coast
A lush water adventure through tropical vegetation. White-water swimming, jumps and slides — open to all.
Discover →
Trou Blanc
Salazie · Cirques
One of the island’s most famous. Deep blue pools, abseils and ancient primary forest in the Salazie cirque.
Discover →More canyons available: Fleur Jaune, Bras Rouge (Cilaos), Langevin, Takamaka, Trou de Fer…
Also available
Other activities
Climbing & Mountaineering
Volcanic rock faces and exceptional ridges in the island’s cirques
See this activity →Lava Tunnels
Explore the underground volcanic galleries of Piton de la Fournaise
Mountain Hiking
Trails through the cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate — scenery unique in the world
Multi-activity packages
Book 2 activities and get an automatic discount — canyoning, gorge walking, climbing, lava tunnels.
Ready for the adventure?
Adrenaline & fun,
with the greatest safety
Reunion Island’s interior holds spectacular preserved wild landscapes. Our certified professional guides are here for you, whatever your level or experience.
Holiday vouchers (ANCV Connect) accepted · Small groups · Max. 8 persons per guide