Canyoning · Marsouins River, Saint-Benoit
How to choose
Three canyoning options on Reunion Island, from 45 € to 207 €, covering two very different intensity levels. Tours 0 and 1 are aquatic hikes along the Rivière des Roches and Bassin la Mer, both open to all fitness levels, priced at 45 € each for roughly a half day in the water. Rando aqua Reunion adds Spanish to its language options, useful for mixed groups. Tour 2, the Takamaka Canyon descent near La Plaine-des-Palmistes, is a different category entirely: 11 hours on the terrain, rated "Very sporty", and priced at 207 € with Réunion Outdoor Activités. The price gap reflects the day-long commitment, technical difficulty and guide ratio required for a full canyon descent. Pick Tours 0 or 1 for a first contact with the volcanic gorges. Book Tour 2 only if you have solid hiking endurance.
Compare · 3 offers
Our picks
Aquatic hiking in Bassin la Mer, Réunion Island
3 hours in the water, open to all levels, at 45 €, with guides speaking Spanish, French and English at Bassin La Paix.
Descent of the Takamaka Canyon in La Plaine-des-Palmistes, Reunion Island
11 hours inside the Takamaka Canyon, rated "Very sporty", for the full volcanic gorge experience at 207 €.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment of the Takamaka Canyon descent?
The Takamaka is an 11-hour full-day descent rated "Very sporty", making it the hardest option available here. The canyon combines rappels, jumps and sustained physical effort through the dense vegetation of La Plaine-des-Palmistes. That sustained duration is what most participants find hardest to manage.
Is canyoning on Reunion Island suitable for complete beginners?
Tours 0 and 1 are explicitly rated "Everybody welcome" and work as aquatic hikes rather than technical canyons. They're the right starting point if you've never done this before. The Takamaka Canyon is not suitable for beginners.
When is canyoning season on Reunion Island?
The season runs from May to September. Outside this window, water levels and weather conditions on the island make canyon descents significantly less safe and less enjoyable.
What's the price difference between the beginner and advanced options?
The two beginner aquatic hikes are both priced at 45 €. The Takamaka Canyon descent costs 207 €, reflecting the 11-hour duration, technical difficulty and the level of guide support required for a full volcanic canyon.
Which tours are conducted in English?
All three tours offer English. Tours 0 and 2 also operate in French, while Tour 0 with Rando aqua Reunion additionally offers Spanish.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.7°C | 155.3 mm | Good |
| February | 25.8°C | 185.7 mm | Good |
| March | 24.8°C | 252.1 mm | Possible |
| April | 24.4°C | 142 mm | Good |
| May | 22.8°C | 83.8 mm | Peak |
| June | 20.8°C | 63 mm | Peak |
| July | 19.8°C | 43.4 mm | Peak |
| August | 19.5°C | 64.8 mm | Good |
| September | 20.6°C | 48.9 mm | Peak |
| October | 22.1°C | 35.4 mm | Peak |
| November | 23.6°C | 70.5 mm | Peak |
| December | 25°C | 104.3 mm | Good |
Practical info
Equipment
Wetsuits and helmets are standard kit provided by operators for canyon descents on Reunion Island. Bring water shoes with grip, a change of clothes for after, and a dry bag for your phone. For the 11-hour Takamaka descent, pack high-energy snacks and a full water supply.
Getting there
Tours 0 and 1 meet at Bassin La Paix in Saint-Benoît (97470), reachable from Saint-Denis via the RN2 east coast road. Tour 2 departs from Bras Noir, La Plaine-des-Palmistes (97431), roughly in the center of the island.
See also
Other activities in Marsouins River, Saint-Benoit
Updated March 2026