Reunion Island is a little volcanic pebble surrounded by the Indian Ocean. It is a true paradise for cavers who can descend beneath the lava flows. This one-of-a-kind encounter creates a lasting impression.
Lava flow: a unique experience
Reunion Island is one of the few spots on the planet where you may go lava tunnel diving. The volcanic activity of the Piton de la Fournaise has resulted in these magnificent and astonishing geological structures.
This experience is suitable for children as young as seven years old, as well as adults, including novices. To do this, join a club and take advantage of guided trips.
Please keep in mind that several stages need participants to progress bent or crouching, which is difficult if you have back difficulties.
The lava tunnels are extremely fantastic terrains to explore. They are the result of multiple eruptions and floods that have left traces. Entering the depths of the volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From the time you locate the entrance, the lava tunnels are open to everyone. However, if you are new to or unskilled in caving, you should avoid it. Going with a guide obviously provides apparent security, but there are other benefits:
- They know how to make you develop in the most safe areas, even though the tunnels are unstable and the ceilings are prone to collapsing in certain spots.
- They give you with the necessary equipment, like as flashlights and helmets.
- They keep you from getting lost and teach you about the lava tunnels and the processes that produce them.
Going alone exposes you to hazards, particularly since it is a highly unique sport that cannot be practised everywhere, so there is little likelihood that you will have experience with lava tunnels. In any case, remember to properly equip yourself. Take some water, cereal bars, or other food with you. Prepare yourself with appropriate shoes, old trousers, and a change of clothing, since the air is humid and you will almost surely come out drenched.
Because the atmosphere is tight and dark, this activity is avoided by those who are claustrophobic. It is also not advised for anyone with knee or back issues, as well as pregnant women. There are, however, relatively basic tunnels to practise in.
The 2004 casting tunnels in Sainte-Rose
Reunion Island: These lava tunnels may be found in Sainte-Rose and the Grand Brûlé region. It is the most significant location of lava tunnels found on the island of Reunion to this day. They have about 6 kilometres of gallery space. They provide access to all levels, from exploratory outings to sports circuits. Many two-and-a-half-hour exploration trips are available to youngsters as young as five, six, or seven years old. They take full use of it in perfect safety and comfort of mind. The sports circuit can provide you with 7 hours of subterranean time.
The Gendarme cave in Saint-Philippe
Reunion Island: This caving location lies in Saint-Philippe, in the midst of a lush forest. Your experience starts with a three-quarter-hour walk through the forest, which is lovely by the way, before reaching the tunnel. It gets its name from the fact that it was discovered by gendarmes. This location takes half a day to visit, yet it is accessible to practitioners of all levels.
The blue tunnel in Le Tampon
Reunion Island: This tunnel is buried amid the agricultural exploitation of the Cafres plain. It takes roughly three hours to tour this place in half a day. It is suitable for beginners. Although this tunnel is not very long, the size of its galleries makes it a highly appealing location. It dates back roughly 20,000 years, although it was just recently discovered.
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The “Bory Palace” lava tunnel
Reunion Island: It was regrettably destroyed by the February 2015 eruption and is therefore no longer a caving site, but we record it since it still shows on certain sites.
The 1998 casting tunnel at the volcano enclosure
Reunion Island: It is a 500-meter-long tunnel that is poorly known but deserves to be since it is breathtakingly beautiful. It is a more athletic-oriented event. To access the cave’s last chamber, you must agree to trek for a brief day in the volcano’s cage. It is a tunnel that must be won over the course of a whole day.
The Bassin Bleu tunnel at Éperon in the western sector
Reunion Island: This tunnel is one of the oldest on the island, formed by the eruption of the Piton des Neiges. It is accessible to novices, yet it is still extremely athletic. The excursion lasts approximately a half-day and you spend around two and a half hours underneath. It necessitates a 10-meter climb at the cave’s entrance and a rappel on the way back. The approach time is between 5 and 10 minutes.
Tunnel of the Grande Ravine / Trois Bassins
Reunion Island: It’s a vacation for folks who want to be active and aren’t frightened of heights. It includes climbing and abseCiling across a distance of more than 200 metres, so you must be familiar with each of these activities, as well as trekking. This excursion takes place throughout the day, although it only lasts an hour and a half underground. The visit to the Nez Cassé de la Grande Ravine’s lava tunnel is particularly intriguing.