The Volcano – Quad Rental

The volcano is best seen with a little engine noise. This three-hour Bourbon Excursions ride lets you guide an automatic, road-approved two-seater quad along Réunion’s famous volcano route, with access toward La Plaine des Sables and a viewpoint over Piton de la Fournaise. I like the easy automatic controls and the chance to reach wild volcanic scenery without signing up for a full-day outing.

I also like the practical setup: a helmet and gloves are provided for the driver, and the activity begins and ends at the Route du Volcan meeting point. The main drawback is the strict cancellation policy, plus the €750 deposit per quad and the fact that the passenger helmet costs an extra €10. Poor weather can also limit the views, so this is not a guaranteed postcard morning.

Quick points to know

• Road-approved automatic quads: You do not need to manage a manual gearbox, and the quads are permitted for road use.
• Two people per quad: One person drives while a passenger rides behind, making the price useful for a pair.
• La Plaine des Sables route: The outing offers a different way to see one of Réunion’s most striking volcanic areas.
• Piton de la Fournaise viewpoint: The route leads toward a lookout over the island’s famous volcano.
• Driver rules matter: You must be at least 21 and hold the required A or B permit.
• Three hours at $197.45 per group: That works out to about $98.73 each for two people, before any extra helmet charge.

Starting at Route du Volcan in Le Tampon

Your meeting point is on Route du Volcan, in Le Tampon, at an elevation route that leads toward Réunion’s volcanic interior. The activity starts and finishes at this same location, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup or figure out how to return from a remote viewpoint.

That simple loop is useful. You can arrive with only the time needed for the ride, then leave from the same place when the three hours are finished. The listed opening hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, although your booking confirmation will determine the exact start time.

The quads are two-seaters, so you can share the outing with one other person. This is not a large coach excursion where you watch the scenery through a window. You are on the handlebars, exposed to the mountain air and more directly involved in the route.

Before you set off, expect the operator to provide instructions on handling the quad. The most useful part of the preparation is likely to be getting comfortable with the automatic controls and understanding how to follow the route safely. One strong point from the available feedback is the quality of the explanations, with the guide described as friendly, funny, and clear.

Automatic quads make the ride approachable

You do not need to shift gears on these quads. That makes the ride easier to pick up, especially if you have never handled an all-terrain vehicle before. You still need to be comfortable steering, controlling speed, and paying attention to the road, but the automatic transmission removes one task from the equation.

The quads are described as being in good condition. That matters more here than it would on a short ride around a car park. The volcano route is the reason to book, so a well-kept vehicle and a useful safety briefing help you focus on the scenery rather than the machinery.

Each rental includes a helmet and a pair of gloves for the driver. If two people share a quad, the passenger helmet is not included. An additional helmet costs €10. That is an easy charge to miss, so budget for it before you arrive.

The vehicle is road-approved, which is important because the ride uses the Route du Volcan rather than being limited to a private track. This is a guided rental experience, not a free-for-all ride. You get the fun of an all-terrain quad while remaining on a defined route.

Following the volcano route toward La Plaine des Sables

The central appeal is the chance to travel the volcano route in a way that feels more active than a normal drive. You are not simply stopping at a viewpoint, taking a quick photo, and moving on. The quad becomes part of the experience, giving you a closer sense of the changing ground and open volcanic setting.

The route includes crossing La Plaine des Sables. This is the section to pay attention to. Its unusual volcanic terrain gives the outing much of its character, and the quad is well suited to the sense of movement across a broad, rugged area.

The exact stopping pattern is not provided, so you should not expect a detailed sightseeing program with a long list of named stops. The stated goal is the route itself and the viewpoint over Piton de la Fournaise. That can be a strength if you prefer a focused outing, but it also means the three hours may feel short if you want lots of time on foot.

I would treat this as a scenic riding trip with a major viewpoint, not as a hiking excursion. You get to see the volcanic interior from the seat of a quad, but the available information does not promise extended walks, a meal, or a series of guided geology talks.

The Piton de la Fournaise viewpoint

The route leads to a viewpoint overlooking Piton de la Fournaise, one of Réunion’s defining natural sights. The volcano gives the trip its purpose. Even if you are mainly interested in driving, the lookout is the moment when the scenery comes together.

Weather is the wild card. One person found the weather quite poor but still said the route was worth seeing and that the daughter enjoyed the outing. That is helpful advice: clouds or rain may reduce the view, yet the quad ride can still be enjoyable because the activity is not based only on clear skies.

Still, you should keep expectations sensible. If your main goal is a wide, sharp view of the volcano, a cloudy day may disappoint. If you are happy with the ride, volcanic roads, and changing weather as part of mountain conditions, the experience has more room to succeed.

I would check the forecast before booking, but I would not assume that a less-than-perfect morning ruins the trip. The feedback points to the guide’s explanations, the quality of the quad, and the lava route as important parts of the outing. The volcano view is the bonus that depends most on the sky.

What the three hours feel like

Three hours is a useful middle ground. You get enough time to travel beyond the starting point and reach the volcano viewpoint, but you are not committing an entire day to motorized sightseeing. This suits visitors who have other plans on Réunion or who want to combine the ride with another activity.

The time includes the rental process and instructions, so the riding portion will be less than the full three hours. That is normal for this type of activity. If you have never driven a quad, the briefing is not wasted time. Clear instructions help you enjoy the route with more confidence.

The ride may feel especially good for couples, friends, or a parent and adult child. The two-seater arrangement keeps the group small and gives one person the thrill of driving while the other takes in the views. Since the quoted price is per group of up to two, sharing one quad makes financial sense.

For a solo driver, the same price is less attractive because you do not have another person to split it with. You should also remember that the passenger cannot simply take the included driver helmet. The extra €10 helmet cost is small beside the total booking price, but it should be included in your calculation.

Is $197.45 good value?

The listed price is $197.45 per group of up to two people. Split between two, that is about $98.73 per person. For a three-hour activity on a remote volcanic route, I consider that a reasonable price if you value the quad itself and not just the view.

The value comes from several things working together: the road-approved vehicle, the guide’s instruction, the provided driver safety gear, and the access to a route that feels different from a standard drive. You are paying for an active way to see Réunion’s volcano country, not simply transport to a lookout.

The price is harder to justify if your only aim is to photograph Piton de la Fournaise. A regular drive may be better suited to someone who wants a simple viewpoint stop and no equipment, license checks, or deposit. This outing earns its price through the activity.

The €750 deposit per quad is the biggest financial point to understand. It is not described as part of the tour price, but you need to be prepared for that deposit at the time of rental. Bring the required payment method and confirm the operator’s deposit terms before arrival.

Driver rules, helmets, and preparation

You must be at least 21 years old to drive. The permit rules are specific:

• A or B permits obtained before January 19, 2013 are accepted.
• B permits obtained from January 19, 2013 are accepted.

If your license does not fit one of those categories, do not assume you can drive. Confirm before booking, since the activity is built around the driver meeting these requirements.

The operator supplies one helmet and one pair of gloves for the driver. The passenger helmet is extra at €10. This is a practical concern for two people sharing a quad, especially if you are traveling light and do not have your own approved gear.

Wear clothes that can handle dust, changing mountain weather, and the general mess of an outdoor ride. The supplied information does not specify clothing requirements, so I would keep it simple: closed shoes, comfortable clothes, and a light layer you can add or remove. You should also protect anything you do not want exposed to road spray or dust.

A mobile ticket is available, which makes the booking easy to keep on your phone. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the activity is often booked about 12 days ahead, I would avoid leaving it until the last minute if the volcano ride is important to your plans.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend it most strongly to people who want an active way to see Réunion’s volcanic interior. You should enjoy being outdoors, handling a vehicle, and sharing the ride with one other person.

It suits:

• Couples who want a shared activity rather than a passive tour.
• Friends who like a little speed and fresh air with their sightseeing.
• Families with an adult child who meets the age and license rules.
• Visitors with only half a day available.
• Anyone who has already seen Réunion’s scenery by car and wants a different viewpoint.

It is less suitable if you dislike motorized activities, want a quiet nature walk, or need guaranteed clear views. It also is not a good match for anyone under 21 who hoped to drive, or for a person without the required permit.

The outing received a 4.7 rating from 15 reviews, with 93 percent recommending it. The most praised points are consistent: the quads are easy to drive, the instructions are good, the guide is pleasant, and the lava route is worth seeing. Those are the details I would use when deciding, more than the rating alone.

Weather can change the whole mood

Réunion’s volcano area can be moody. The available feedback includes a ride affected by poor weather, yet the participant still enjoyed the route and praised the professionalism of the guide. That gives you a fair picture rather than a promise of perfect conditions.

On a clear day, the viewpoint should be the main reward. In cloud or rain, the ride becomes more about the road, the volcanic ground, and the fun of the quad. Neither version is guaranteed, so you should book this because you want the full activity, not only a perfect photograph.

The operator’s guide can make a real difference when conditions are less friendly. Clear explanations and a good sense of humor help you settle in, particularly if the weather makes the first part of the ride feel less inviting.

The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. That makes weather planning important. Check conditions before committing, and do not book casually if your schedule is uncertain.

Final decision: should you book the volcano quad ride?

I would book this if you are two people, both interested in a hands-on outing, and you meet the age and permit rules. The automatic quads, small two-person format, helpful instruction, and route across La Plaine des Sables give you a distinctive way to reach a Piton de la Fournaise viewpoint.

I would skip it if you want a cheap scenic stop, guaranteed sunshine, or a flexible reservation. The €750 deposit, extra passenger helmet, strict cancellation terms, and possible mountain weather are real considerations.

For the right pair, the price is fair. You get three hours of active sightseeing, not just a drive-by photo. Book ahead, confirm your permit, allow for the passenger helmet, and treat the volcano view as weather-dependent. That is the clearest way to enjoy what Bourbon Excursions does best.

FAQ

Where does the quad rental start?

It starts at Route du Volcan, Rte du Volcan, Le Tampon 97430, Réunion.

Where does the activity finish?

The ride ends back at the meeting point on Route du Volcan.

How long does the quad rental last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can share one quad?

Each quad is a two-seater and the price covers a group of up to two people.

Are the quads automatic?

Yes. The quads are automatic and approved for road use.

What is included for the driver?

The driver receives a helmet and a pair of gloves.

Is a passenger helmet included?

No. A passenger helmet is not included. An additional helmet costs €10.

How old must the driver be?

The driver must be at least 21 years old.

What permit does the driver need?

Accepted permits are A or B permits obtained before January 19, 2013, and B permits obtained from January 19, 2013.

Is a deposit required?

Yes. The deposit is €750 per quad.

Is the booking refundable?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

When will booking confirmation arrive?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.