Viator review: TripAdvisor's tours and activities site
Viator has the biggest online catalogue of tours and activities: 395,000 experiences in 2,500 destinations, owned by TripAdvisor since 2014 and rated 4.3/5 from 133,104 Trustpilot reviews. I've made several bookings on it, and here's my detailed review.
Viator in 8 figures
Launched in 1999 and bought by TripAdvisor in 2014, Viator has become the world's go-to site for guided tours and excursions outside Europe. Its 395,000 activities far outstrip its direct competitors, and it's especially strong in the USA and Asia.
Why Viator leads the world market
Three strengths give Viator its edge. First, sheer choice: 395,000 activities, three to ten times more than its direct competitors, so even in unusual destinations (Cuba, Mongolia, Polynesia) it has more listings. Second, TripAdvisor credibility: a million traveller reviews mean every listing is well documented. Third, free cancellation up to 24h ahead and 24/7 multilingual customer service.
In Reunion Island, Viator has less choice than Manawa. It's a useful complement, especially if you're combining the island with a trip to Europe or the Americas.
Explore Viator
The four promises Viator makes
Viator's “Why book with Viator” page makes four promises. Here they are, with what I found after several bookings.
Total flexibility
Free cancellation and flexible payment options that fit your plans and budget. Checked and confirmed in practice.
Unforgettable experiences
395,000 experiences, from a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket to a guided Grand Canyon hike. The choice really is huge in almost every destination.
TripAdvisor quality
As a TripAdvisor company, it draws on the biggest review engine in travel, so every listing comes with plenty of traveller reviews: a real advantage.
Award-winning customer service
A multilingual helpline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, that has won several industry awards. Useful for travellers dealing with jet lag or mid-excursion.
Several bookings, the same smooth experience
To judge the platform, I've booked several activities through Viator on different trips (cultural visits in Europe, excursions in the Americas, the lava tunnels in Reunion Island). Here's how it typically goes.
1. A smooth booking
Precise filters (destination, date, type, duration, language), detailed listings with photos, descriptions, meeting points and cancellation terms, then card payment and an instant email confirmation with an e-ticket.
2. Email and text follow-up
A reminder 24 hours before, with a Google Maps link to the meeting point and the 24/7 helpline number clearly shown. Real peace of mind on unusual destinations.
3. An operator cancellation handled well
Out of six bookings, the operator cancelled one because of the weather. I got a full refund within 4 working days, and Viator's customer service suggested an alternative. Exactly what you'd expect from a major platform.
4. Test verdict
A very smooth platform, a huge catalogue and customer service that delivers. The missing half point is because some classics cost more than booking direct. My rating: 4.5/5.
What sets Viator apart
Six reasons it leads the world market, ahead of GetYourGuide (European) and Civitatis (French-speaking).
The deepest global catalogue
395,000+ activities across 2,500 destinations: the biggest catalogue on the market. In less common destinations (Cuba, the Pacific, South-East Asia), Viator often has more on offer than GetYourGuide or Civitatis.
TripAdvisor credibility
Owned by TripAdvisor since 2014, Viator benefits from the most powerful review engine in travel. Over a million traveller reviews mean every listing is well documented, even in unusual destinations.
Free cancellation 24h ahead
Most activities can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before they start: ideal if you're booking 2 to 6 months ahead and want to keep your options open if the weather turns.
A practical mobile app
The Viator app keeps all your bookings in one place: e-tickets, meeting points and operator contacts. It's well rated (4.7/5 on the App Store) and useful on long trips with several stops.
24/7 multilingual customer service
A helpline open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in several languages including English and French. Handy when you're jet-lagged or need help mid-excursion.
iGraal cashback available
Viator is listed on iGraal, a French cashback site, with 1 to 5% back on bookings depending on the season, on top of any Viator promotions. On a €300-500 activity budget, the saving is modest but real.
The downsides to know before booking
Three things to weigh up, including prices that are sometimes higher than booking direct and a split Trustpilot rating.
Prices sometimes higher than direct booking
Some big-name activities cost 5 to 15% more on Viator than booking direct. The extra pays for the platform's insurance and customer service; on a €200 tour that's €20-30, so weigh it against the peace of mind.
13% 1-star reviews on Trustpilot
The 4.3/5 rating hides a split picture: 71% 5-star but 13% 1-star. Most negative reviews are about refund disputes after an operator cancels, a common problem on marketplaces this big.
A thinner Reunion Island offer
On the island, Viator has less on offer than Manawa. The classics are there (Piton de la Fournaise, the 2004 lava tunnels, a few excursions), but the choice of guided outdoor activities is limited, and Manawa has the edge.
Two review sources that agree
A huge number of reviews on Trustpilot (133,000), plus iGraal, which only accepts reviews from verified buyers.
Rated Excellent, and the sheer number of reviews makes the rating reliable. Distribution: 71% 5-star, 9% 4-star, 13% 1-star. Negative reviews mostly concern refund disputes after an operator cancellation.
A very solid rating. iGraal only collects reviews from users who made a purchase through its cashback scheme, and they praise how easy it is to use and how responsive customer service is.
Based on several bookings, including an operator cancellation that Viator's customer service handled well. The missing half point is down to some European classics costing more than booking direct, and less choice than Manawa in Reunion Island.
My go-to for unusual destinations
If you're planning an activity in the USA, Latin America, Asia or an unusual destination, Viator is where I send you. In Europe, GetYourGuide or Civitatis do just as well, and for outdoor activities in Reunion Island I use Manawa. My rating: 4.5/5, after several bookings.
Viator, in practice
What exactly is Viator?
Is Viator reliable for booking an activity in Reunion Island?
How much does a Viator booking cost?
Is cancellation really free?
Viator or GetYourGuide: which should you choose?
How do you get iGraal cashback on Viator?
How does the Viator affiliate programme work with souslesetoiles974.re?
My other partners
Viator covers unusual and non-European activities. For outdoor activities in Reunion Island, campervan hire or French-language tours in Europe, six other affiliate platforms take the relay.
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Page last updated on 24 September 2026.