Visit the lava tunnels without a guide?
Visiting the lava tunnels without a guide is permitted
On peut apparenter la visite des lava tunnels à de la caving. Caving is the scientific exploration and study of underground cavities (caves, etc.). Caving is a legal outdoor sport open to all. L’accès aux grottes est donc, sauf passage sur terrain privé, ouvert à qui le souhaite, même si leur exploration n'est pas recommandée aux amateurs.
La question ne concerne pas l’autorisation d’explorer les tunnels de lave mais bien la capacité et l’expérience to do it.
That's right, this activity may involve certain risks for those affected, but also for the natural environment created by the lava tunnels.
Exploring the lava tunnels without a guide does, however, have certain prerequisites:
- The right equipment
Even if you don't need ropes to explore Réunion's lava caves, like any other mountain or caving activity, you'll still need to be able to climb them, appropriate equipment and specific personal protective equipment. Personal lighting must be appropriate and functional, even when humidity levels are high.
- Topographical knowledge of the site
La knowledge of the site being explored and its network of galleries is also essential. The network on the 2004 coulee is the 5th longest in the world, at 6.5 km. Underground, there is no mobile network, so there is no way of reaching another person outside. In the event of an accident or other problem, you won't be able to alert emergency services without leaving the tunnel.
- Knowledge of the natural environment
The lava tunnels are located in the heart of natural environments. Exceptional witnesses to the activity of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, they are fragile in places. It is important to know how to evolve in and around them, while preserving them.
Explore a lava tunnel with a guide is a good idea for anyone inexperienced in cavingor anyone who wants to find out more about Réunion's special natural features.
With a guide and instructor specialising in caving, you'll be on the move in safety So there's no risk of getting lost and much less risk of injuring yourself when you come across a narrow passage, an obstacle or a difficult-to-reach area!
Visiter un tunnel de lave avec un guide n'empêche pas un éventuel risque de se blesser, le risque 0 n'existant pas, mais l'avantage est que vous êtes assuré(e) par l'encadrant. Indeed, the spéléologie est une activité sportive qui n'est général pas assurée par les assurances généralistes. Sa pratique demande une assurance spécifique pour la prise en charge d'un éventuel incident.
Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of the environment, you will have access to the most beautiful parts of the lava tunnels : murs nappés de couleurs argent/chocolat, stalagtites / stalagmites de lave, roches aux nuances de jaune, orange, rouge et violet, grandes salles ou passages ”secrets”, anciennes cascades de lave....
You can also learn more about the geology and volcanic activity of Réunion, mais aussi la faune et la flore environnante, l'histoire naturelle de la région et apprécier pleinement votre expérience.
Quant à l’impact sur l’environnement, les guides locaux sont généralement très sensibilisés à la préservation de l'environnement et peuvent vous aider à minimise your impact on the places you visit. They will ensure that you leave no trace of your visit and that you comply with local regulations.
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Profundo : exploration de tunnels de lave à la Réunion, par Jocelyn Michel (Entrepreneur Individuel)
SIRET : 419 831 920 00048
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