From St Pierre: helicopter flight over the whole of Reunion Island

If you’re dreaming of seeing Réunion Island’s dramatic landscapes from a new perspective, a helicopter flight from Saint-Pierre might just be the highlight of your trip. While we haven’t personally flown with Mafate Hélicoptères, the reviews and details provided paint a vivid picture of an adventure that promises breathtaking scenery and a memorable experience.

What we love about this tour is how comprehensive it is — covering some of the island’s most iconic sights in just under an hour. Plus, the fact that an experienced pilot provides commentary throughout the flight adds an educational layer that enriches the visual feast.

On the flip side, it’s worth noting that weather can influence the schedule, and the price is on the higher end, but given the spectacular views, many would agree it’s a worthwhile splurge.

This experience is perfect for those who crave a unique way to take in Réunion’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and lush forests. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate comfort, like small-group settings, and want to avoid strenuous hikes but still want a close-up look at the island’s natural wonders.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 6 Best Tours & Things To Do In Saint Pierre Reunion.

Key Points

• Stunning aerial views of Réunion’s volcanoes, cirques, waterfalls, and coastlines.
• Expert pilot commentary enhances understanding of the landscapes you’re flying over.
• Comfortable, modern helicopters ensure a safe and smooth flight experience.
• Weather-dependent scheduling means your flight may shift, so flexibility is helpful.
• Limited group size provides a more intimate experience, but expect shared flights.
• Value for the price if you’re looking for a memorable, panoramic introduction to the island.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Réunion Helicopter Experience

This 55-minute helicopter ride from Saint-Pierre airport offers a carefully curated route that covers the island’s most celebrated natural sites. The focus is on providing an accessible, awe-inspiring overview of Réunion’s diverse landscapes, all from the comfort of a modern helicopter. It’s clear that the goal is to give travelers a comprehensive visual tour that’s both exhilarating and informative.

The tour is operated by Mafate Hélicoptères, a trusted provider with a good reputation reflected in the high average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 50 reviews. Many mention the smoothness of the flight, friendly staff, and captivating views. The price, at $405 per person, might seem steep, but it aligns with the unique nature of helicopter scenic tours — they’re a premium way to see a destination.

What the Itinerary Covers and Why It Matters

The route is designed to showcase Réunion’s most iconic geological and natural elements, making it a well-rounded introduction to the island’s diverse geography.

Cirque de Cilaos

You’ll start with a flyover of this majestic cirque. Many reviews mention the relief and the charming villages dotting the landscape. Seeing it from above gives you a true sense of the scale and the steep slopes that make Cilaos so fascinating.

Cirque de Mafate

Accessible only by foot or air, Mafate is a timeless haven of tranquility. From the air, you’ll appreciate its enormous, rugged basin surrounded by ridges, with lush greenery contrasting with the volcanic terrain. Several reviews highlight the rarity of getting this view, making it a special highlight.

More Great Tours Nearby

Cirque de Salazie

Expect to be wowed by the greenery and waterfalls here, especially the famed Voile de la Mariée — a waterfall so delicate it looks like a bridal veil. The lushness of Salazie is a stark contrast to the volcanic craters, emphasizing the island’s biological diversity.

Trou de Fer

This vertical chasm is a true natural wonder. Flying over it, you’ll see waterfalls cascading into the depths — a perfect picture of Réunion’s raw power and beauty. Several reviewers describe the experience as breathtaking and unforgettable.

Forêt de Bélouve

A mysterious, dense forest that offers panoramic views of Trou de Fer. From the air, you’ll understand why this site appeals to nature lovers — a mix of deep greenery and towering trees.

Waterfalls and Lakes

Takamaka and Grand-Étang waterfalls, along with the island’s biggest lake, provide stunning vistas of water carving through cliffs. These are ideal for nature lovers or anyone wanting to see Réunion’s aquatic drama from above.

Piton de la Fournaise

Close-up views of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Many reviews mention the impressive craters and frozen lava flows, offering a sense of the island’s fiery side.

Saint-Pierre Lagoon

The final leg of the flight offers a view of the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, perfect for ending your aerial tour with a sense of the island’s coastal serenity.

What To Expect During Your Flight

Expect a smooth, 55-minute ride aboard a modern helicopter, sharing the experience with a small group. The pilot’s commentary makes the flight more engaging, providing context on each site, which enhances the visual experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to take incredible photos — just remember to bring your sunglasses and camera.

The experience begins with a warm welcome at Saint-Pierre airport, including a coffee or tea with the pilot. The actual flight occurs between 6 am and 11 am, with the precise time confirmed the day before, depending on weather conditions. This early schedule is great for avoiding clouds and ensuring the clearest views — but it does mean an early start.

Practical tips:

• Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled flight.
• Bring sunglasses and a camera for capturing the views.
• Avoid heavy alcohol consumption prior to flying.
• If you’re pregnant or over 110 kg (around 240 lbs), check with the provider about suitability.
• Be aware that weather can affect scheduling, so flexibility is key.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many reviewers praise the stunning scenery and the professionalism of the staff. Christiaan points out how “alles verliep vlot en comfortabel,” emphasizing the smooth and comfortable nature of the flight. Garcia calls it an “excellent” experience with “plein les yeux,” meaning “full of sights,” highlighting the visual impact.

Delphine loved the “bienveillance” (kindness) of the pilot and the explanations provided, enhancing the experience. However, not everyone was completely satisfied — a reviewer named Givry shared a disappointment about a reprogrammed flight due to weather, with a shorter flight than expected, and felt it was “un vol bâclé” (a rushed flight). This underscores the importance of flexibility and understanding that weather can influence the experience.

The Value of This Experience

The $405 price tag reflects the premium nature of helicopter tours. For many travelers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Réunion’s most inaccessible sites — like Mafate or the volcanic crater — from a perspective impossible to match by land or boat. The included commentary and the modern helicopter add to the feeling of safety and comfort, crucial for a smooth experience.

While some might question whether this is good value compared to other tours, it’s undeniable that the visual punch and authentic perspective make it a worthwhile splurge for those seeking a memorable, bucket-list adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

• Aviation enthusiasts eager to experience flying over complex terrains.
• Nature lovers wanting to see waterfalls, craters, and forests without hiking.
• Photographers seeking striking aerial shots of volcanic landscapes and coastlines.
• Travelers with limited time who want a rundown of Réunion’s highlights.
• People comfortable with small group experiences and early mornings.

This tour is not suitable for those with claustrophobia, epilepsy, or over 120 kg (264 lbs). Pregnant women beyond 28 weeks should consult their doctor and provide a medical certificate. Also, it’s wise to avoid flying within 24 hours of diving.

The Sum Up

A helicopter flight over Réunion Island is a remarkable way to see the island’s volcanic peaks, waterfalls, and lush forests from a perspective that’s impossible to get elsewhere. The 55-minute journey offers a well-balanced mix of scenic highlights, educational commentary, and a sense of adventure.

While the experience is priced on the higher side, many travelers find it absolutely worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime views and the comfort of modern aircraft. It’s best suited for those who value visual impact, a touch of luxury, and a desire to see as much as possible in a short time.

If you’re looking for a memorable, awe-inspiring experience and don’t mind an early start, this helicopter tour provides a spectacular overview of Réunion in the most spectacular way imaginable.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter flight?
The flight lasts approximately 55 minutes, offering a rundown of the island’s most emblematic sites.

What sites will I see during the tour?
You’ll fly over the Cirque de Cilaos, Cirque de Mafate, Cirque de Salazie, Trou de Fer, forests, waterfalls, and the volcanic crater of Piton de la Fournaise, ending with a view of Saint-Pierre lagoon.

Is the tour shared or private?
The flight is shared with other participants, creating an intimate group setting but still allowing for a personal experience.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a camera, and a passport or ID. Leave backpacks, selfie sticks, tripods, and alcohol behind for safety and comfort.

Can I reschedule if the weather is bad?
Flights are scheduled between 6 am and 11 am, with the final time confirmed the day before. Weather can cause rescheduling, so flexibility is recommended.

Who should avoid this tour?
It’s not suitable for people with claustrophobia, epilepsy, those over 120 kg, or pregnant women past 28 weeks without medical clearance.

In summary, this helicopter tour offers a spectacular, informative, and comfortable way to see Réunion’s most dramatic landscapes. It’s a splurge that pays off for those who want an unforgettable aerial adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby