Explore on your own rating

A compulsory shuttle and a 30-minute ride separate you from the sights; a tour or booked driver makes the day much easier.

Where ships dock

  • Port Réunion, Pointe des Galets (Le Port), a working industrial harbour on the island's north-west coast

Getting to town

You can't walk out of the port: a free, compulsory shuttle bus takes everyone from the ship to the port gate, where taxis, tour operators and a small information booth wait. There is little to see in Le Port itself. Saint-Denis, the capital, is about 20 km away (20 to 40 minutes by road); the beaches of Saint-Gilles are a similar distance south.

Taxis at the gate are limited for a big ship: agree the fare (or check the meter is on) before you set off, or pre-book. Car Jaune regional buses link Le Port with Saint-Denis and Saint-Paul but fill up on ship days. The volcano, the cirques and helicopter flights are tour-only on a port day.

Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.

Money & entry

Currency: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; meters and card machines in taxis are not guaranteed, so carry some cash.

Entry: Réunion is a French overseas department: it is in the EU but not in the Schengen area. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days; carry a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure (French Interior Ministry / Île de La Réunion Tourisme, checked Oct 2026).

Top sights nearby

  • Saint-Denis: the Barachois seafront, rue de Paris Creole villas and Jardin de l'État
  • Saint-Paul seafront market and the Marine Cemetery
  • Piton de la Fournaise volcano (full-day tour)
  • Cirque de Salazie or Cilaos viewpoints (tour)
  • Helicopter flight over the cirques (book ahead)

Beaches

  • L'Hermitage lagoon, Saint-Gilles (reef-protected)

Safety & tips

  • Swim only inside the reef lagoons and supervised zones: swimming elsewhere is restricted because of shark attacks.
  • Mountain weather changes fast: volcano and cirque trips start early and are often clearest in the morning.
  • French and Réunion Creole are spoken; English is limited outside tours.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

Allow at least 45 minutes from Saint-Denis or Saint-Gilles to the gate, plus the shuttle ride to the ship. Be at the gate an hour before all-aboard.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Shore excursions that get you back on time

Prefer a guided option in Réunion (Le Port / Pointe des Galets)? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.

Find Réunion (Le Port / Pointe des Galets) shore excursions on Viator ↗

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick answers

Can you explore Réunion (Le Port / Pointe des Galets) on your own?

Yes, with some planning (rated Moderate). A compulsory shuttle and a 30-minute ride separate you from the sights; a tour or booked driver makes the day much easier.

How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Réunion (Le Port / Pointe des Galets)?

You can't walk out of the port: a free, compulsory shuttle bus takes everyone from the ship to the port gate, where taxis, tour operators and a small information booth wait. There is little to see in Le Port itself. Saint-Denis, the capital, is about 20 km away (20 to 40 minutes by road); the beaches of Saint-Gilles are a similar distance south.

Do I need a passport for Réunion (Le Port / Pointe des Galets)?

Réunion is a French overseas department: it is in the EU but not in the Schengen area. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days; carry a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure (French Interior Ministry / Île de La Réunion Tourisme, checked Oct 2026).

When should I head back to the ship in Réunion (Le Port / Pointe des Galets)?

Allow at least 45 minutes from Saint-Denis or Saint-Gilles to the gate, plus the shuttle ride to the ship. Be at the gate an hour before all-aboard.

📬 Get port tips before you sail

Free Get Port Savvy tips in your inbox.

Or subscribe here

📚 Sources