Lava tubes on Réunion Island
Born from Piton de la Fournaise lava flows, the tubes offer underground galleries, glazed walls and frozen lava sculptures, explored safely with a qualified guide.
Two lava tubes
The 2004 tunnel in Sainte-Rose is accessible to all, young and old. The Bassin Bleu tunnel (l’Éperon) is more sporty, with crawling, climbing and rappelling. 2 to 3 h each, €50 per person (children under 12: €35). When needed, additional instructors with the right qualifications join us.
Gear
Provided
- Helmet with headlamp
- Gloves
- Knee pads
- Backup lighting and first-aid kit
What to bring
- Closed shoes with a grippy sole (hiking shoes or sturdy trainers): no sandals, lava is sharp
- Long, sturdy trousers you don’t mind tearing or getting dirty
- A light long-sleeved top: the rock is abrasive and it is mild underground
- A small, compact backpack to get through the low sections
- Water (1 L per person) and a snack
- A windbreaker or rain jacket for the approach walk, often damp in the wild south
- A change of clothes and dry shoes to leave in the car
- A strap for glasses; a hair tie for long hair
- Phone or camera in a protective case
Avoid
- Jewellery, fragile watches and clothes you care about
- A large backpack
- Shorts and tank tops
Is it for me?
Not advised with heart problems, back or knee pain, or during pregnancy. It is also not recommended for people with claustrophobia, and you need to be able to walk bent over or move on your knees for short sections. If in doubt, talk to us before the outing.