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Réunion

Africa · Fishing World Guide

Réunion.

Fishing in Réunion 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs

8

target species

Yes

license needed

May–Nov

best season

Scroll

Do you need a license?

License

Yes.

Charter: Included in the price. Traditional fishing: Free (limited to 734 cards/year for residents).

›All license details
Where to apply?
Via charter boat providers (included). For traditional coastal fishing: free card from the Réserve Marine (only for residents).
Cost
Charter: Included in the price. Traditional fishing: Free (limited to 734 cards/year for residents).
Validity
For the duration of the trip or calendar year
Available online?
No

Réunion is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean — therefore EU territory! World-class Big Game on Blue Marlin right off the coast. The drop-off is only 500 m to 1 km away! French standards in the middle of the tropics.

Read blog article →Detailed guide: Fishing in Réunion→

When to go?

The season at a glance.

Best season

Marlin/Sailfish: November-May (southern summer). Wahoo/Yellowfin: June-October (southern winter). Possible year-round.

Where to fish?

The top waters.

Saint

01 · Gilles-les-Bains

Saint

Main charter portBlue MarlinDrop-off
Le Port

02 ·

Le Port

Charter baseBig Game
Saint

03 · Pierre

Saint

South CoastTunaSailfish
Sainte

04 · Rose

Sainte

East CoastWahooReserve de Peche
Offshore grounds

05 ·

Offshore grounds

Yellowfin TunaSwordfishDogtooth Tuna

What's biting?

Your target species.

01
Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin

The rules.

Four things you need to know.

Closed seasons

No general closed seasons. Night fishing in the marine protected area prohibited. Bichiques: 1 Sept.-28 Feb.

Catch limits

Marlin: C&R increasingly practiced. In the marine protected area: 5 kg/day/person. French regulations.

Prohibited methods

French fishing law. Spearfishing in the protected area prohibited. No self-caught washed-up fish.

Catch & release

Increasingly recommended for marlin. Tag-and-Release programs. Champagne on marlin catch!

What does it cost?

0 €

License

Included in the charter price. Traditional fishing: Free (only for residents).

130

Guide per day

Half day shared: €130-150/person. Private (1-6 people): €250-520. Full day: €400-900.

130

Daily budget

Budget: €130-200/person (shared charter). Private: €400-900/day.

Bite times

The best fishing times — free.

Best fishing times

·Réunion

-21.12°, 55.54°

Open 30-day forecast →

🎣 Live catches in reunion

1 verified catches

View all

Not enough data (1 catches)

Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.

Schwertfisch

Swordfish

172 cm ·Off Le Port
Submit your own catch

Plan your trip.

Everything in one place.

Book a fishing trip & guide in Réunion

Half day shared: €130-150/person. Private (1-6 people): €250-520. Full day: €400-900.

View trips
OfferCharter boats & guides
GuidesLocal captains & guides
AvailabilityInstant booking
Top-rated captainsSecure payment

Best season: Marlin/Sailfish: November-May (southern summer). Wahoo/Yellowfin: June-October (southern winter). Possible year-round.

Fishing tours

Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals

Flights

Compare and book cheap flights to Réunion with Kiwi.com

Airport Transfer

Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter

Mobile Data

eSIM for 150+ countries — no roaming fees

Equipment

Recommended fishing equipment

All the details

The fine print.

License in detail

Via charter boat providers (included). For traditional coastal fishing: free card from the Réserve Marine (only for residents). — Réunion is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean — therefore EU territory! World-class Big Game on Blue Marlin right off the coast. The drop-off is only 500 m to 1 km away! French standards in the middle of the tropics.

Rules in detail

WARNING: Shark crisis 2011-2019 with 30 attacks (11 fatal). No attacks since 2019. Swimming/surfing restricted in the 300m zone. Fishing from a boat is safe!

Freshwater

Mountain rivers with stocked trout. Volcanic landscape (Piton de la Fournaise active!).

Saltwater

Indian Ocean with steep drop-off (1000m+ depth only a few km away). World-class Big Game! Boat required due to shark danger.

Equipment

Charter boats provide complete equipment (tournament level). Tackle shops in Saint-Denis and Saint-Gilles.

Guides

Big Game charter: €130-150/person (shared). Private: €250-520 (1-6 people). Full day: €400-900.

Getting there

Flights to Saint-Denis (via Paris — Air France, approx. 10 hrs.). Rental car recommended. Good infrastructure.

Safety

SHARK DANGER on the coast (bull shark/tiger shark)! Only fish from a boat. On land: Very safe (French department).

Customs & fish export

FRENCH DEPARTMENT = EU! No visa for EU citizens. Euro as currency. Volcano active.

Detailed guide: Fishing in RéunionFishing on Réunion: EU territory, Blue Marlin, drop-off 500m off the coast, French standards in the tropics. Observe shark warning!Read blog article →

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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 6, 2026

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