Cruise port Le Port
Port information & tips for Le Port
La Réunion is a fascinating French island jewel in the Indian Ocean, captivating with its dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush tropical vegetation. The port of Le Port is the gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage site and, thanks to its strategic location on the northwest coast, offers the perfect starting point for unforgettable nature experiences. Nearby highlights include the spectacular Le Maïdo viewpoint overlooking the Mafate caldera, the colorful Saint-Paul market, and the crystal-blue lagoons of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Cruise ships dock at Pointe des Galets at the Quai de l'Est of the Grand Port Maritime, from where shuttle connections conveniently transport guests to the center of the capital, Saint-Denis, located about 20 kilometers away.
Le Port on La Réunion is the central hub for cruise ships in the Indian Ocean and is located on the northwest coast of the island in the Port de la Pointe des Galets. Arrival from the DACH region is comfortably designed thanks to the good connection to the international airport and the modern road network.
Airplane
The most important point of arrival for travelers from Europe is Roland Garros International Airport (RUN) near the capital, Saint-Denis. Since there are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, arrival is usually via Paris with airlines such as Air France, Corsair, or Air Austral. The flight time from Paris is around eleven hours, and the airport is located about 25 to 30 kilometers from the cruise terminal in Le Port.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Roland Garros Airport, you can reach the port comfortably in about 30 to 45 minutes by taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service. The route leads via the well-developed National Road N1 and the Boulevard Sud, which enables a quick connection along the coast. In addition, many cruise lines offer organized transfer buses that meet guests directly at the airport and bring them safely to the ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and the time difference, arriving at least one day before embarkation is highly recommended. Accommodations in the capital Saint-Denis or in nearby seaside resorts such as Saint-Gilles-les-Bains offer a relaxed start to your vacation and have good connections to the port. From these locations, the terminal in Le Port can be reached in a short time thanks to the modern Route des Tamarins expressway.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
