Rock climbing in Reunion Island: Cilaos lessons, 2026 prices

This is the only guided climbing lesson bookable online in Reunion Island: €55 per person with L'envers du décor (Alazard Romain, a state-certified BE Escalade instructor). The format is a half-day of learning or progression in the Cilaos cirque, on beginner-friendly crags suited to the group's level (routes from 4a to 8a, beginner to expert). The meeting point is directly at the spot arranged with the instructor, or at the bakery in central Cilaos for groups arriving by taxi.

The terrain is outstanding: the Cilaos cirque is home to several beginner-friendly crags on basalt cliffs (black volcanic rock), with routes 10 to 30 metres tall depending on your comfort level. The instructor picks the spot based on your level and the weather (ideally in the shade, as the cirque is known for being dry and hot). You'll work on technique, belaying skills and route reading, in a friendly atmosphere suited to learning.

Who it suits: families with kids from age 6 for an introduction (kids particularly enjoy the short, technical routes), couples and friends after an original activity in Cilaos to complement hiking, amateur climbers who want to discover the local spots with a guide. Who it doesn't suit: very advanced climbers after pure independence on deep routes (try Cilaos Aventure instead, or contact Romain Alazard directly for an advanced course).

Manawa rate €55 per person. Rated 5/5 from 2 Manawa reviews, with positive feedback on the teaching ('The instructor was great', 'A great family climbing afternoon'). Included: full climbing gear (harness, helmet, rope, quickdraws, climbing shoes in your size). Bring comfortable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a water bottle and cereal bars for breaks.

This is the Funbooker alternative for cliff climbing in Cilaos: €75 per person for a full day run by Adventures Réunion, a well-known outdoor operator in Reunion Island. The listing shows 5/5 with no published reviews as of the update.

How it runs: welcome at the climbing site in Cilaos, a technical safety briefing (handling the gear, basic knots, climber-belayer communication), kitting up (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, rope), an introduction to top-rope belaying, and several routes of increasing difficulty depending on level. The Cilaos cirque setting offers basalt cliffs with well-bolted routes.

Who it suits: curious beginners wanting to try climbing in an outstanding setting, intermediate climbers wanting to discover the routes of Cilaos, couples or friends aged 12+ after a sporty day outdoors. Who it doesn't suit: experienced climbers after committing 7a+ routes (this listing is built for teaching), people with severe vertigo.

Funbooker rate €75 per person. Free Funbooker cancellation. Included: an Adventures Réunion instructor, full gear, a technical briefing. Not included: transport to the site, meals and drinks, personal climbing shoes (otherwise provided).

This is the expert format for climbing in Reunion Island: €285 for the group (not per person, so cheaper per head the more climbers you are), a full day on the multi-pitch routes of Piton de Sucre, the emblematic peak of the Cilaos cirque. The routes run 150 to 250 metres, which means several successive pitches (multi-pitch technique: leading, belaying, and setting up at anchors).

The route overlooks the Fleur Jaune canyon (where the Cilaos canyoning trip featured on this site takes place), with spectacular views of Piton des Neiges (the island's highest point at 3,070m). The grade sits around 4C to 5A (intermediate to advanced on the French scale), accessible to climbers already comfortable on single-pitch routes who want to move up to multi-pitch climbing with expert local guidance.

Who it suits: intermediate climbers (grade 4C minimum leading or seconding) who want to get into multi-pitch climbing, groups of 2-3 climber friends splitting the cost (€285 / 3 = €95 per person, comparable to the €55/person beginner lesson), enthusiasts after an immersive vertical experience on Piton de Sucre. Who it doesn't suit: complete beginners (book the half-day €55/person introductory lesson instead), children (age 16 minimum on the multi-pitch routes for safety reasons), a marked fear of heights (multi-pitch routes expose you to 100-200m drops).

Manawa rate €285 per group (up to 3 climbers maximum, confirm at booking). Rated 5/5 from 1 Manawa review, with positive feedback on how the routes were matched to the group's level ('A great choice of route, adapted to our level'). Flexible Manawa cancellation. Meeting point at 8am at the bakery on the town hall square in Cilaos for the briefing and the walk to the foot of the route.