Le Port (Pointe des Galets) serves as RĂ©union Island’s main maritime hub, just 22km southwest of Saint-Denis.
When your cruise ship pulls in, you’ll hop on the mandatory free shuttle to the port entrance where you can grab a taxi or catch a bus.
From there, you’ve got options – hit up the western beaches, check out local spots like Eglise Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc, or venture out to see the island’s natural wonders including three gorgeous cirques and an active volcano.
A bit of planning ahead will ensure you make the most of your time on this tropical French island.
Map of Le Port (Pointe des Galets) RĂ©union
Port Overview & Arrival Information
Gateway to tropical paradise, Le Port is RĂ©union Island’s main maritime entry point near the town of La Possession. This industrial harbor sits about 22 km southwest of Saint-Denis, and you can get there by taking a pretty coastal drive.
When your ship docks, you’ll hop on a free shuttle that takes you from the ship to the port gates – and you have to take this shuttle, it’s not optional. The modern passenger terminal handles all the necessary processing, and there’s an info booth where you can grab some helpful materials to get your bearings.
Don’t expect to find tons of tourist stuff inside this working port, but you’re in a perfect spot to check out western beaches, cultural sites up north, and the amazing volcanic landscapes down south that make RĂ©union so special.
Getting Around From Le Port
Getting Around From Le Port
Once you hop off the shuttle service (yep, it’s mandatory) from the port gates, you’ve got plenty of ways to explore the beautiful RĂ©union Island. Taxis are lined up outside, ready to go – they use fixed rates for major spots and run all day and night. Need one on call? Just ring +262 262 24 24 24.
Watching your wallet? Try these cheaper options:
- Jump on a Kar’ouest bus to Saint-Paul (takes about 23 minutes)
- Head to Saint-Denis by connecting through Saint-Paul
- Grab a rental car near the port gates if you want to do your own thing
I wouldn’t recommend walking more than 5km – sidewalks come and go, and that tropical heat can be brutal!
Top Attractions Near The Port
While RĂ©union Island has jaw-dropping natural beauty inland, you can find plenty of cool spots right by Le Port cruise terminal. Check out Eglise Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc with its eye-catching design or wander down Rue Kerveguen to see the massive Fresques XXL murals splashed across buildings.
If you’re into water activities, hop on a catamaran tour with Namaste or dive into the super clear waters for some scuba action. Got kids? They’ll have a blast at DĂ©dale Escape Game, and the tiny tots can burn off energy at Gobabygym.
Need to shop? Head to Cap SacrĂ©-Coeur. And don’t leave without trying the local food – La Petite Brasserie dishes up authentic RĂ©union eats that mix French and Creole flavors in the tastiest ways.
Exploring RĂ©union’s Natural Wonders
RĂ©union Island packs a serious punch when it comes to jaw-dropping natural sights – way more than you’d think possible for such a tiny speck in the Indian Ocean. The island’s rugged heart features three stunning cirques—Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie—massive natural amphitheaters carved out by ancient volcanoes. Mafate is the wild child of the bunch – you’ll need to hike in or splash out on a helicopter ride to see it.
While exploring this island paradise, make sure to check out:
- Piton de la Fournaise, a seriously active volcano with the otherworldly Plaine des Sables that looks like you’ve landed on Mars
- The rushing Grand Galet Waterfall and the crystal-clear Bassin des Aigrettes – perfect spots to cool off with a dip
- The moody black sand beaches at Étang-Salé, where dramatic basalt cliffs meet coral-protected waters
Essential Travel Tips For Cruise Passengers
Before You Set Sail to RĂ©union Island
Listen up, cruise newbies! You need to get your ducks in a row before that ship leaves the dock – trust me on this one.
Grab your passport book – not just a card – if you want to actually get off the boat at RĂ©union. And do yourself a huge favor: show up 1-3 days before departure. Nothing kills vacation vibes faster than watching your ship sail away without you!
Pack a carry-on with first-day necessities. Your main luggage might not show up at your cabin for hours. Meds, swimsuit, sunscreen – you’ll thank me when you’re poolside while others are waiting around.
Once aboard, don’t blow off those safety drills. Know your evacuation routes – it’s like knowing where the exits are on a plane, just bigger. And here’s an insider tip: slip your cabin steward and regular servers a little something early on. Amazing how much better your drinks arrive when you’re known as a good tipper!
When exploring Le Port, bring small Euro bills. Local vendors aren’t interested in breaking your €50 notes. And hey, watch the photo-taking and dress code stuff in RĂ©union – locals have their own cultural rules, and nobody wants to be that clueless tourist everyone rolls their eyes at.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French Language Necessary for Getting Around RĂ©union?
While you’ll find a bit of English in touristy spots on RĂ©union, having some French definitely makes life easier. You’ll struggle if you don’t know any French at all. Learning just a few basic phrases goes a long way – locals appreciate the effort and you’ll have a much smoother time getting directions, ordering food, and chatting with people during your stay.
How Strong Is the Wifi Connectivity at Le Port?
The port doesn’t have great WiFi, honestly. You won’t find any reliable public networks, and while you might catch some random signals near the entrance areas, they’re pretty hit-or-miss. Your best bet is just sticking with your cruise ship’s internet if you need to stay connected.
What Local Cuisine Specialties Should Visitors Try?
You’ll absolutely want to dive into RĂ©union’s food scene! Grab some rougail saucisse (spicy sausage stew) or any cari dish – they’re killer. Samoussas make perfect snacks when you’re on the go. If you’re into seafood, the fresh grilled fish is amazing, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try cari bichique (tiny fish delicacy). The flavors here are insane!
Are There Any Local Festivals or Events Worth Planning Around?
Talk about perfect timing – catch the awesome FĂŞte de la Mer in July when Le Port goes all-out celebrating maritime culture, or swing by for the colorful madness of Carnaval du Port in February/March. If you’re into music, don’t miss the Sakifo Musik Festival in June nearby – it’s absolutely worth planning your trip around!
What Are the Customs Regulations When Returning to Cruise Ships?
Heading back to your cruise ship? Don’t forget to pack your passport, customs declaration form for anything you bought, and keep those receipts for pricey stuff. Make sure you mention any booze, cigarettes, or other goodies that go beyond what you’re personally allowed to bring back. The customs folks will want to know!
