How safe is Réunion?

Réunion Travel Guide Réunion is a very safe destination. There is little crime and very few visitors encounter a problem. Réunion is a popular hiking destination – it is never a good idea to hike alone, but if you have to, let somebody know where you're going.

Is it safe to travel to Réunion?

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Réunion, attacks can't be ruled out. See Terrorism. Most visits to Réunion are trouble-free. Crime levels are low, but you should take sensible precautions.

What are the pros and cons of Reunion Island?

Pros: beaches, mountains, hiking, waterfalls, and volcanoes. Cons: the islanders have their own ways of doing things, and there is nothing you can do about it; you have to adapt. First of all, time exists on a different plane on La Réunion.

Do they speak English in Réunion?

English is taught as a second language in schools, but fluent English speakers are not common.

Is Reunion Island a good place to live?

Registered as UNESCO World Heritage for its natural resources, La Réunion can also rely on an exceptional ethnic, religious and cultural diversity mixed together inside a very warm and welcoming population.

Is It SAFE To Go Back To REUNION ISLAND? Shark Scientist Opinion.

Is Reunion Island wealthy?

Reunion Island is one of the French departments with the highest poverty rate with 42% of the population living below the poverty line. The total GDP of the island was US$18.8 billion in 2007.

Are there a lot of sharks in Reunion Island?

Nowhere in the world has been more dangerous for surfers than Reunion Island, a French department in the Indian Ocean. The isle has gained global notoriety for its disproportionate amount of shark attacks.

Why is Reunion Island so sharky?

The island is situated in a so-called "shark highway" between Australia and South Africa, two countries with shark dominated waters. Many large sharks who use this shark highway find Réunion home due to its diverse aquatic ecosystem and coral reefs, offering sharks a thriving home.

Can you swim in the sea at Reunion?

Due to the particularly abundant marine wildlife, swimming, water sports and diving are forbidden within a perimeter of 300 m around the Reunion Island coastlines. The Reunion Island lagoons are protected by a coral reef.

Can you drink tap water in Reunion?

Tap water is usually safe for drinking, though visitors should take care immediately after a cyclone or cyclonic system, as main water supplies can become infected by debris washed into the system.

Is Reunion Island like Hawaii?

Much like the Hawaiian Islands, Réunion and Mauritius entice travelers to leave the beaches and head inland to explore their volcanic landscapes. Réunion's two distinctive peaks include one of the world's most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, which erupts roughly every nine months.

What are the best months to visit Reunion Island?

Apart from the southern winter, you can choose as the best time to go to Reunion Island the months of transition between equinoxes and solstices. That is, from the autumnal equinox on March 21 until May. Either from the spring equinox on September 21 to October.

What food is Reunion Island known for?

The most well known Reunionese dishes are without doubt carri (Reunionese curry), sausage rougail (tomato-based sausage dish), and massalé (Reunionese masala dish). Reunionese cuisine also includes a number of fried dishes, mainly enjoyed as an appetizer or dessert.

Do you need malaria tablets for Reunion Island?

Malaria not normally present unless the illness was contracted abroad.

Is there malaria in Reunion Island?

Areas with malaria: None.

Which month are not recommended for swimming in the beach?

For example, during hurricane season (June 1 - November 30), beaches may experience rough surf and strong currents, which can make swimming dangerous. Additionally, heavy rain can cause pollution and debris in the water, making it unsafe for swimming.

Can you snorkel in Reunion?

Thanks to the coral reef that trims the western coastline, the lagoon off Reunion Island is ideal for various types of diving for discovering the rich underwater landscape. With a guide, masks, fins and snorkel, take an underwater hike around the stunning, fragile reef, home to remarkable biodiversity.

What is the climate in the Reunion Islands?

Réunion has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: a hot and humid Wet season from December to April (Summer), and a warm, drier season from May to November (Winter). There is a chance of cyclones from January to March.

Why is Reunion Island illegal?

In 2013, two years into the crisis, the Réunion government banned surfing and swimming on most of the island. Except for certain supervised areas, anyone entering the clear blue water around Réunion was subject to a fine. Almost everyone stayed out of the ocean due to fear of sharks, deference to the law, or both.

Are there crocodiles in Reunion Island?

Just as intriguing and even more impressive are the crocodiles at Croc Parc, at Etang-Salé-les-Hauts. They live there in four pools where you can observe them at mealtimes and see just how powerful their jaws are!

Are there snakes in Reunion Island?

Snakes. Two introduced species; Brahminy blind snake, Typhlops braminus. Indian wolf snake, Lycodon aulicus, introduced from Mauritius around 1850.

Is surfing banned in reunion?

Shark attacks are still a concern in Reunion Island, and surfing outside of the designated protected areas is still technically illegal, but there has not been an attack in three years since 2019.

How do you repel sharks?

One option: shark repellent. Repellents come in different forms, from bracelets or anklets to surfboard wax. Some work by emitting electrical pulses underwater that aim to disrupt a shark's ability to home in on prey, while others give off a smell that sharks hopefully find unappetizing.

How many fatal shark attacks in 2023?

There were a total of 69 confirmed unprovoked shark bites (green dots) and ten fatalities (blue dots) in 2023. While ISAF documents and investigates all bites on humans by sharks, the annual report focuses primarily on unprovoked attacks.