Mauritius and Reunion Island Combo Trip: All you need to know
Are you torn between Mauritius and Reunion Island for your next vacation?
Why choose when you can visit both in a single trip?
Organizing a combined stay between Mauritius and Reunion allows you to enjoy the best of the Mascarenes.
The sister islands, as they are called, are as different as they are complementary. Each one has its own strengths: and a relaxed way of life in Mauritius, adventure and spectacular landscapes in Réunion.
Together, they form a perfect combination for a trip rich in discoveries and emotions.
In this article, I will share with you my tips for planning your combined Mauritius + Reunion Island trip.
I’ll explain how to get from Mauritius to Reunion, give you my ideal itinerary, as well as the essential activities on both islands.
We will also talk about the budget and the best season to plan this trip.
So, how can you enjoy Mauritius and Reunion Island in one stay?
Follow the guide!
Sommaire
- Mauritius and Reunion Island Combo Trip: All you need to know
- Why Combine Mauritius with Reunion Island?
- How do I go from Mauritius to Reunion Island?
- Things to Do and See in Reunion Island
- Mauritius + Reunion Island: The Best Itineraries
- Travel Insurance for Mauritius and Reunion Island: My Advice
- You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!
Why Combine Mauritius with Reunion Island?
Mauritius and Reunion: The “Sister Islands”
If you’re wondering which country to combine with Mauritius, there are several options in the Indian Ocean: Rodrigues (which is part of Mauritius), Mayotte, Madagascar, the Seychelles… But the most obvious choice remains Reunion Island, its closest neighbor.
The two islands indeed offer an ideal proximity. There are only 231 km between Mauritius and Réunion, allowing you to travel from one to the other in less than an hour by plane.
Imagine: you can take off from Mauritius at 8 am and be in Réunion by 9 am!
It’s super convenient for visiting these two Indian Ocean islands while maximizing your travel time.
Plus, if you are French or European, entering Réunion Island couldn’t be easier as you’ll simply need your identity card.
Mauritius and Réunion are locally nicknamed the sister islands due to their geographical proximity but especially their historical and cultural ties.
Although they belong to two different countries (Mauritius being an independent nation and Réunion a French department), they share common influences from African, European, Indian, and Asian migrations.
Two Islands, Two Atmospheres
With their differences in landscapes and atmospheres, Mauritius and Réunion Island offer varied experiences that are perfectly compatible:
- In Mauritius, you can enjoy the turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches. Set sail on catamaran cruises, dive into scuba diving, snorkeling adventures, and also partake in cultural visits (Hindu temples, colonial houses). It’s also the prime destination in the Indian Ocean for magnificent hotels.
- Reunion Island isn’t called the Intense Island for nothing. It delights lovers of nature and hiking with its spectacular volcanic landscapes, over 900km of trails, its active volcano and 3 unique calderas. It’s also famous for its stunning Creole markets. An ideal destination for thrilling activities like canyoning, paragliding, and epic road trips!
So if you’re wondering which island to choose between Mauritius and Reunion Island, there’s no straightforward answer as they are so different from each other, and equally rich in their own unique ways.
If both islands appeal to you, the best option is to go for a combined Mauritius-Reunion trip!
How do I go from Mauritius to Reunion Island?
Mauritius – Reunion by Plane
Mauritius-Reunion Flight Time
To reach Reunion Island from Mauritius, and vice versa, flying is the only option.
Several airlines operate this route: Air Mauritius, Air Austral, and Corsair.
The flight time from Reunion to Mauritius is 45 minutes.
Between Reunion and Mauritius, the flight time is really short. Especially considering there are only 15 minutes of actual flying.
The total journey lasts between 45 and 50 minutes, including takeoff, climbing to cruising altitude,, the descent, and landing.
In other words, you have about 15 minutes for takeoff and climb, 15 minutes for descent and landing, and only 15 minutes of steady flight!
There’s hardly enough time to enjoy the flight before you’ve already arrived at your destination! 😀
Airports in Réunion
While Mauritius has only one airport, Réunion boasts two.
The majority of Mauritius-Réunion flights land at Saint-Denis airport in the north of Réunion. However, it’s also possible to arrive at Saint-Pierre in the south, which has a small airport. At the time of writing, the Saint Pierre airport is not open year-round.
Flight Schedules between Mauritius and Reunion island
There are numerous flight times available for a Mauritius-Réunion flight, especially during the tourist season.
So, it’s quite easy to find a flight that fits your schedule, whether it’s early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
To check flight times, simply click on one of the links below:
- Mauritius-Réunion flights with Corsair
- Travel to Réunion from Mauritius with Air Mauritius
- Mauritius-Réunion airline tickets with Air Austral
What is the price of a Mauritius-Reunion plane ticket?
The price of a Mauritius-Réunion return plane ticket ranges from 150 to 300€. Costs can vary significantly depending on the season and how early you book.
To get the best fares, you should book your ticket at least 4 months in advance.
Compare the flight prices between Mauritius and Réunion by clicking here.
The flight between Mauritius and Réunion is often considered relatively expensive given the short distance covered, which is only 230 km or 45 minutes of flight.
Several factors explain this:
- Monopoly and limited competition: There are only a few airlines that operate on this route, creating a certain lack of competition which can sustain high prices.
- Tourist demand: Both Réunion and Mauritius are popular destinations, and there’s a constant demand for flights between them, which can lead to higher prices, especially in peak season.
- Airports and infrastructure: Since both islands have international airports, rates can also be influenced by airport taxes and other logistical fees.
Is It Possible to Travel from Mauritius to Reunion Island by Boat?
Are you wondering if it’s possible to travel between Reunion Island and Mauritius by boat? A few years ago, a ferry service did exist between the two islands, but today that service is no longer available.
And how long did the boat trip from Réunion to Mauritius take? When the maritime connection between the two islands was operational, it took between 12 and 24 hours to make the crossing. It was a lot longer than a flight, of course, but also more economical.
Personally, I would love to make this journey by boat, just for the sheer joy of experiencing the crossing on the Indian Ocean. It’s a shame that this option no longer exists today.
As of the time of writing, the only way to travel to Reunion from Mauritius, or vice versa, is by airplane.
However, it’s not out of the question that a new ferry line between Mauritius and Reunion could open in the coming months or years! Stay tuned 😉
What Are the Travel Requirements Between Mauritius and Reunion island?
Entering Reunion from Mauritius: Requirements for French and European Nationals
Traveling between Mauritius and Reunion Island is very straightforward for French and European nationals.
Since Reunion is a French overseas department, no visa formalities are necessary. For French citizens, a valid national identity card is sufficient to enter Reunion.
However, to enter Mauritius, a passport is required. A tourist visa is issued free of charge upon arrival for stays of less than 3 months, provided you can show a return ticket and proof of accommodation.
Non-French Europeans must present a valid passport for both destinations.
Requirements for Non-European Citizens
For non-Europeans wishing to visit Reunion for less than 90 days, presenting the standard documents is sufficient. These typically include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and evidence of financial means.
For a longer stay, a specific visa for the French overseas departments (DOM) is required. The standard Schengen visa only allows entry into Reunion if the sticker includes the wording “Valid for Reunion Island”.
When Is the Best Time to Visit These Two Islands?
Mauritius and Reunion Island have a tropical climate with only two seasons:
- Austral summer (hot and humid season)
- and austral winter (cooler and dryer season).
Austral winter runs from May to November. This is the ideal season for a combined beach + hiking experience with pleasant weather and little rain.
Austral summer is between December and April. This period is characterized by higher temperatures and fairly humid conditions.
The best compromise, in my opinion, is to travel between May and October to take advantage of the Mauritian lagoon and Reunion’s hiking trails under the best conditions.
For more details on the seasons in the Indian Ocean and the best times to visit the islands, I invite you to read my detailed article: When to Go to Mauritius? Weather, Activities, Prices
Things to Do and See in Reunion Island
Places to Visit
From the cirques (natural amphitheaters), to the mountains, incredible viewpoints, the still active volcano, as well as the beaches and local markets, there are a variety of incredible sights to see on Reunion Island.
Here’s a glimpse of the essential places to see:
- Cilaos Cirque, one of the three natural amphitheaters and the one located furthest south
- Mafate Cirque, the most isolated and wild of the three
- Salazie Cirque, lush and known for its numerous waterfalls
- Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano with spectacular landscapes
- The Wild South: with its stunning wild beaches, waterfalls, and incredible volcanic landscapes
- The markets at Saint-Paul, Saint-Pierre, and Saint-Denis
- Saint-Denis, the capital, rich in history and Creole culture
- The West Coast, with its lagoon and idyllic beaches (Boucan-Canot, L’Hermitage, Saint-Leu…)
- The East of the island, wilder, dotted with waterfalls and vanilla plantations
Essential Activities
Among the excursions and activities you must do during a trip to Reunion Island, here are the ones I recommend:
- Climbing Piton de la Fournaise – To discover this legendary still active volcano
- Witnessing the sunrise from Piton Maïdo – A one-of-a-kind spectacle that you should see at least once in your lifetime
- Exploring the lava tunnels of the volcano – An extraordinary spelunking excursion you absolutely must do!
- Guided Hiking in Mafate Cirque – The island’s most secluded cirque, only accessible on foot
- Canyoning Adventure in Cilaos Cirque – The most spectacular canyoning course on the island
- Helicopter Flight Over the Island – An unforgettable experience not to be missed
- Transparent Kayak Excursion in the Saint-Gilles Lagoon – An eco-friendly way to explore the most beautiful lagoon in Reunion
- Climbing to the Summit of Piton des Neiges, the Roof of the Indian Ocean – An incredible adventure for experienced hikers
- Paragliding Flight Over Saint-Leu’s Lagoon – For an adrenaline rush and some breathtaking views!
Mauritius + Reunion Island: The Best Itineraries
Are you considering a combined trip that includes Mauritius and Reunion Island?
That’s an excellent idea to enjoy a comprehensive stay in the Mascarenes!
To help you plan this trip, here are some itinerary ideas that encompass both Mauritius and Reunion Island:
10-Day Stay in Mauritius and Reunion Island
For a 10-day trip to the Indian Ocean, you could spend 5 days in Mauritius and 5 days in Reunion Island:
📍 Days 1 to 5: Discovering Mauritius
- Day 1: Arrival in Mauritius – Northern Coast (Grand Baie, Cap Malheureux, Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches…)
- Day 2: Excursion to the West – Flic en Flac Beach + Hike in the Black River Gorges
- Day 3: Road trip in the Southwest – Grand Bassin, Bois Chéri, Chamarel, Le Morne Brabant
- Day 4: Cruise to Île aux Cerfs – Idyllic beaches and water sports
- Day 5: Mahébourg + Southeast beaches (Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny)
📍 Days 6 to 10: Visiting Reunion Island
- Day 6: Fly to Reunion – Settle in Saint-Pierre
- Day 7: Excursion to the Piton de la Fournaise
- Day 8: Hike in the Cirque de Cilaos
- Day 9: Relax on the beaches of the West + Snorkeling in Saint-Leu
- Day 10: Helicopter flight + exploration of the South (Grande Anse, Saint-Pierre market, Domaine du Café Grillé)
2-Week Combined Trip to Mauritius + Reunion Island
If you’re looking to spend 2 weeks on a sunny holiday in the Mascarenes, you might want to organize your trip as follows:
🏝️ Day 1 to 7: Mauritius Island
- Stage 1 – Arrival in Mauritius – 2 days in the North
- Day 1: Grand Baie and the northern beaches
- Day 2: Visit to Port Louis + Labourdonnais Castle
- Stage 2 – One-day excursion on the East Coast
- Day 3: Cruise to Île aux Cerfs
- Stage 3: Discovering the West/Southwest of Mauritius (3 days)
- Day 4: Flic en Flac and the Black River Gorges
- Day 5: Ascending the Morne Brabant
- Day 6: Grand Bassin and Chamarel (Seven Colored Earth, Ebony Forest Reserve, Rhumerie)
- Stage 4: A day in the Southeast
- Day 7: Excursion to Île aux Aigrettes + beaches of Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny
🏝️ Day 8 to 15: Reunion Island
- Stage 5: Arrival in Reunion and setting up in the West (2 days)
- Day 8: The West beaches + clear kayak excursion in Saint-Gilles
- Day 9: Sunrise at Maïdo + Visit to Saint-Paul
- Stage 6 (Day 10): Full-day hike in the Cirque de Salazie
- Stage 7: Excursion in the wild south (2 days)
- Day 11: Road trip from Saint-Pierre to Sainte-Rose
- Day 12: Climb to Piton de la Fournaise
- Stage 8: The Cirque de Cilaos (2 days)
- Day 13: Arriving in Cilaos and village tour
- Day 14: Hiking in the cirque
- Stage 9 (Day 15): Island helicopter tour + visit to Saint-Denis + Return Flight
3 Weeks Vacation in the Mascarenes
Do you want to visit Mauritius and Réunion for 3 weeks? Here’s an optimized itinerary idea:
✈️Days 1 to 10: Réunion
Stage 1: Saint-Denis (1 day)
- Day 1: Discover the capital of Réunion: its Creole houses, Rue de Paris, Jardin de l’État, and the seafront.
Stage 2: Mafate caldera (1 day)
- Day 2: Hike in the caldera of Mafate
Stage 3: The West Coast (2 days)
- Day 3: Relax on the beaches around Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
- Day 4: Excursion to Piton Maïdo with its breathtaking views of Mafate, followed by a stroll in the Saint-Paul market.
Stage 4: Cilaos caldera (1 day)
- Day 5: Windy road to Cilaos and hiking in the caldera
Stage 5: The wild south (2 days)
- Day 6: Road trip on the South coast: Étang-Salé Beach, Saint-Pierre, and the iconic Route des Laves.
- Day 7: Climb the Piton de la Fournaise
Stage 6: Bébour-Bélouve forest and Salazie caldera (2 days)
- Day 8: Stroll in the Bébour-Bélouve forest
- Day 9: Hike in the Salazie caldera and visit the village of Hell-Bourg
Stage 7: The East of Réunion (1 day)
- Day 10: Visit Saint-Benoît, Saint-André + rafting session on the Marsouins river.
✈️ Days 11 to 21: Mauritius Island
Stage 1: The Northern region of Mauritius (4 days)
- Day 1: Tour of the most beautiful beaches in the North: Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Cap Malheureux, Grand Baie…
- Day 2: Boat excursion to the Northern islets (Coin de Mire, île Plate, and îlot Gabriel)
- Day 3: Visit of Port Louis, the capital + Eureka Mansion
- Day 4: Visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, the Sugar Museum, and/or Labourdonnais Castle.
Stage 2: The Western region of Mauritius (4 days)
- Day 5: Flic-en-Flac Beach and hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park.
- Day 6: Climb Morne Brabant and afternoon relaxation on Le Morne Beach
- Day 7: Visit Chamarel: the Land of the Seven Colours and Ebony Forest Reserve.
- Day 8: Explore the sacred lake of Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) + visit the domain of Bois Chéri
Stage 3: The East coast of Mauritius (2 days)
- Day 9: Day cruise to île aux Cerfs.
- Day 10: Stroll in Mahébourg and snorkeling at Blue Bay.
1 Month in the Indian Ocean: A Trip to Mauritius and Reunion
What if you have an entire full month to explore the Mascarene Islands (what luck!), here’s the itinerary I recommend:
🌋 15 Days in Reunion:
- Day 1: Arrival and tour of Saint-Denis
- Day 2-3: Discovering the Salazie Cirque – Bélouve Forest and guided hike
- Day 4-6: 3-day trek in Mafate Cirque
- Day 7-9: Road trip in the wild south – Saint Pierre, Grande Anse, and Piton de la Fournaise
- Day 10-11: Exploration of Cilaos Cirque – Visits and hike
- Day 12-13: Relaxing on the West Coast – Helicopter flight, Saint-Paul market, and beach time in Saint-Gilles
- Day 14-15: The East Coast – Sainte-Rose, Anse des Cascades, and Lava Road
🌴 15 Days in Mauritius:
- Day 1-3: Immersion in the North of the island – Beaches, cruise at Grand Baie, and tour of Port-Louis
- Day 4-5: East Coast – Bellemare, Île aux Cerfs, and stroll in Bras d’Eau Park
- Day 6-10: Adventure in the West and South – Flic-en-Flac, Black River Gorges, Chamarel, and choice of hikes (7 Cascades or Morne Brabant)
- Day 11-12: Discovery of the South-East – Mahébourg and Ferney Valley
- Day 13-15: Getaway to Rodrigues – Wild beaches, Île aux Cocos, and pirogue excursion
To plan your itineraries in Mauritius and Reunion, you can also take inspiration from my detailed tours for each island (where I also give you my accommodation recommendations for each step).
Click the orange links below to check them out:
- Mauritius:
- 5-Day Itinerary – The best route to visit Mauritius express-style
- 1-Week Itinerary – What to see on the island in 7-8 days
- 10-Day Itinerary – The perfect program for discovering Mauritius in 9-10 days
- 14-15 Day Itinerary – How to visit Mauritius in two weeks
- 3-Week Itinerary – Optimized route for visiting Mauritius in 20-21 days
- Reunion:
Coming soon
Travel Insurance for Mauritius and Reunion Island: My Advice
To travel to Mauritius and Reunion Island with peace of mind, it’s important to have travel insurance that covers you in case of any problems, particularly in the event of a medical evacuation.
For me, peace of mind when traveling is essential!
Many travelers mistakenly think (and wrongly so) that healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and that they don’t need travel insurance. But in reality, the Mauritian public healthcare system is fragile and even the smallest consultation in a private clinic can be extremely expensive!
That’s why it is crucial to take out travel insurance that offers good medical coverage before you leave.
You can also protect yourself against baggage theft, flight delays and cancellations, and much more!
To travel safely to Mauritius and Reunion Island, I recommend the following two insurance options (both include epidemic coverage – like Covid-19 -, very important!)
To subscribe, it’s very simple, you just need to click on the orange links below:
- ACS AMI Globe Partner: Medical insurance and repatriation
- Assur Travel Summum: Premium insurance (medical, repatriation, baggage theft, flight delay, cancellation, and more!)
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book your tickets and guided tours
🏄 Book your sports activities
🚤 Rent a boat
🌍 Get your travel insurance
✈️ Book your flight
You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!
Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.
- Best Time to go to Mauritius? – Seasons, weather, activities, prices
- Mauritius Family Guide: Top Kid-Friendly Spots & Activities
The best itineraries for your trip
- Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
- Itinerary: One week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
- Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
- Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!
- Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!
- Mauritius off the beaten track – 17 hidden gems to discover
Places to Visit
- Bellemare: Top 11 places and activities
- Underwater waterfall in Mauritius – How to get there + Tips
- Chamarel: 11 Epic Things to Do
- Flic-en-Flac: Top 10 places to visit and things to do
- Grand Baie: The Ultimate Guide
- Grand Bassin: All the Best Things to Do
- Île aux Bénitiers: How to get there + Tips
- Île aux Cerfs: The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
- Mahébourg: Best Places to Visit + Tips
- Morne Brabant: How to Visit Morne Brabat?
- Black River Gorges National Park: What to See and Do?
- Port-Louis: The ultimate guide
Activities
- The Best Activities in Mauritius – Water sports, cruises, day trips, guided tours…
- The Best Boat Trips in Mauritius – Top 5 + Rates and booking
- Hiking in Mauritius – The 25 best hiking trails and nature walks + Local Tips
- Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide
- Sea Kayak: Amber Island Excursion – Price, Reviews and Essential Tips
- Swimming with dolphins in Mauritius: Best excursions, Prices + My best Tips
- Seaplane tour in Mauritius: My experience + Prices and Tips
- Sharks in Mauritius: Species, Risks, and Where to See Them
- Submarine Excursion in Mauritius: My Review, Tips & Booking Prices
- Whale watching in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide
- Zipline in Mauritius – La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park: My Experience + Tips
Organize your stay
- Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide – All types of accommodation for all budgets
- 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius: My selection of the best!
- 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide
- All Inclusive Hotels in Mauritius: My top 15 of the best hotels
- Guesthouses and B&B in Mauritius: My Selection for a perfect stay
- The 11 Most Beautiful Nature Lodges in Mauritius
- Renting a Car in Mauritius: Guide + My Best Tips
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How much to travel to Mauritius? Travel Costs, Best prices + Tips
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