Canyoning · Marsouins River, Saint-Benoit
How to choose
Three canyoning options on Reunion Island, from 45 € to 207 €, covering two very different intensity levels. The aquatic hikes along the Rivière des Roches and Bassin la Mer are 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, which is useful for mixed groups, while Rafting Réunion offers a similar half-day format. The Takamaka Canyon descent near La Plaine-des-Palmistes is a different category entirely: 11h 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 the 45 € aquatic hikes for a first contact with the volcanic gorges. Book the Takamaka descent only if you have solid hiking endurance.
Compare · 3 offers
Our picks
Aquatic hiking in Bassin la Mer, Réunion Island
3h in the water at Bassin La Paix for 45 €, with guides speaking Spanish, French and English.
Descent of the Takamaka Canyon in La Plaine-des-Palmistes, Reunion Island
11h inside the Takamaka Canyon, rated “Very sporty”, for the full volcanic gorge experience at 207 €.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most intense canyoning experience on Reunion Island?
The Takamaka descent with Réunion Outdoor Activités is an 11h full-day commitment rated “Very sporty”, making it the most grueling option. The canyon combines technical rappels and sustained physical effort through the dense vegetation of La Plaine-des-Palmistes. That 11h duration is what most participants find hardest to manage.
Is canyoning on Reunion Island suitable for complete beginners?
Aquatic hikes with Rafting Réunion and Rando aqua Reunion are explicitly rated “Everybody welcome” and serve as perfect entry points. They focus on water progression rather than technical rope work. The Takamaka Canyon is not suitable for beginners due to its high physical rating.
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 is 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 11h duration, technical difficulty and the level of guide support required for a full volcanic canyon.
Which tours are conducted in English and other languages?
All three tours offer English. The aquatic hike with Rando aqua Reunion additionally offers Spanish, while all operators provide instruction in French.
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 11h Takamaka descent, pack high-energy snacks and a full water supply.
Getting there
Beginner tours meet at Bassin La Paix in Saint-Benoît (97470), reachable from Saint-Denis via the RN2 east coast road. The Takamaka descent departs from Bras Noir, La Plaine-des-Palmistes (97431), located in the center of the island.
See also
Canyoning elsewhere
Other activities in Marsouins River, Saint-Benoit
Updated September 2026