The Indian Ocean islands — La Réunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mayotte, the Comoros, Madagascar — share fragile lagoons, unique forests, and welcoming communities. The good news: you don’t need to “live like a monk” to travel sustainably. A few well-chosen habits are enough to multiply your positive impact without taking away any joy from your trip.

1) Before you go: choose smarter, not more

  • Accommodation: favor places that clearly explain their efforts (energy, water, waste, local sourcing) and publish simple, measurable goals. Two honest paragraphs beat a mysterious badge.

  • Flights: when possible, pick fewer stopovers and stay longer. A 10–14 day trip often emits less per day than a quick there-and-back.

  • Smart packing: bring what you’ll actually use. Lighter luggage is often the best “carbon gesture” no one sees… but the plane does.

2) Once there: slow down, look around, respect

“Responsible travel” mostly means taking your time. Wander a local market, chat with an artisan, learn a couple of Creole phrases, try a cari at a family table… Those are the moments you’ll remember — and the ones that spread value most fairly in the local economy.

  • Gentle mobility: mix shared cars, buses, e-bikes, and short guided hikes. Short transfers turn into discoveries rather than “logistics.”

  • Local guides: choosing a guide from the island brings stories, off-track places, heartfelt addresses — and supports skills that get passed on.

3) Sea & lagoons: beautiful ≠ indestructible

Coral reefs and seagrass beds are real nurseries. They break, stress, and bleach. The best care: gentleness.

  • In the water: avoid standing on coral; don’t touch turtles; keep a comfortable distance from wildlife.

  • Sunscreen: choose mineral filters and apply after you swim. Better yet: UV-protective lycra + hat = less sunscreen, more comfort.

  • Boat trips: pick operators who limit group size, brief you on approach distances, and put nature before the photo.

4) Fresh water: the islands’ invisible gold

On an island, drinking water is scarce and desalination has an energy cost. Adopt these reflexes without thinking:

  • Short showers, tap off while brushing, towels on request.

  • If your accommodation offers filtered water in carafes, use it. That avoids dozens of small bottles — and saves your budget.

5) Eating & shopping: joy is truly local

  • On the plate: go for seasonal food, market fruit, and fish caught within the rules (ask; a proud restaurateur will tell you).

  • Souvenirs: bet on handicrafts (basketry, weaving, textiles, spices) and avoid anything made from wild animals, coral, or live shells.

  • Fair price: if it’s too cheap to be true, someone in the chain isn’t earning a living. Choose one quality piece over three throwaway trinkets.

6) Nature activities: authenticity shows in the details

A good operator:

  • explains where your money goes (guides, conservation, communities),

  • gives an environmental briefing before the activity,

  • is willing to say no (weather, season, sensitive zones),

  • shows concrete commitments (small groups, no baiting, no flash on nocturnal wildlife).
    If you hear “we do what we want here,” walk away.

7) Culture & photos: the elegance of consent

  • People: a smile and “may I take your photo?” open far more doors than a long-lens snap.

  • Sacred places: cover shoulders, remove shoes if asked, follow local customs — you’ll be warmly received.

8) Waste: the best waste is what you never create

No guilt trip — go for simple:

  • refills (toiletries, water, coffee),

  • a reusable market bag,

  • sorting where available,

  • and for “tricky” waste (batteries, e-waste), the easiest plan is… don’t produce any while on holiday.

9) Give better rather than give more

Instead of spontaneous donations that can upset local balances, favor:

  • local NGOs recommended by your host or tourist office,

  • participatory outings (planting, beach clean-ups, turtle counts) supervised by professionals,

  • clear tips for the people who look after you every day.
    Small gestures — but the ones that last.

10) Go home different (and proud)

The best souvenir of a sustainable trip is wanting to return — to landscapes that are still thriving. Back home, share your good addresses and leave reviews that highlight the concrete actions of hosts and operators. You’ll help the next travelers choose — and encourage those who do things right to keep going.

In short (promise, it’s easy)

  1. Choose accommodation that explains its actions clearly.

  2. Stay longer, move gently.

  3. In the sea, respect distances and coral.

  4. Treasure fresh water.

  5. Eat local & seasonal, buy handmade.

  6. Prefer guided, responsible activities.

  7. Ask permission before photographing people.

  8. Reduce waste without making life complicated.

  9. Support local initiatives that endure.

  10. Share your sustainable tips when you get back.

These ten habits fit on one page — and they genuinely change things. The Vanilla Islands will offer their most beautiful postcards; in return, leave a light footprint and come back with stories that make others want to travel better.