Saint Pierre on Reunion Island is a hub for travelers eager to see the island’s dramatic landscapes from a new perspective. Whether you’re into soaring over volcanic peaks or exploring waterfalls with a Creole meal afterward, Saint Pierre offers a variety of unforgettable experiences.
We especially love the helicopter tours for their ability to access otherwise inaccessible natural sights—imagine floating above volcanoes and cirques or gliding over waterfalls with panoramic views.
These flights provide a unique way to appreciate Reunion’s wild beauty, with some tours rated almost perfect by recent travelers.
If you prefer a more grounded experience, the full-day island tour with breakfast offers a blend of scenic spots, waterfalls, and local culture, giving a well-rounded taste of Reunion. For those looking for a truly memorable splurge, the helicopter over waterfalls and basins with lunch combines spectacular scenery with a Creole feast in a lush setting.
Each option caters to different interests — whether aerial adventure, culture, or nature photography — and all promise an authentic adventure in this volcanic paradise.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best tours in Saint Pierre Reunion covers a broad spectrum. From high-flying helicopter rides over volcanoes and cirques (more info) to immersive island day trips with local cuisine (see details), each activity offers something special.
There are scenic helicopter flights over Piton de la Fournaise and the island’s three cirques, plus a luxurious lunch tour with waterfalls and natural basins. These tours are perfect for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and culture explorers alike.
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail so you can decide which experience best fits your adventure style.
- Quick Overview
- 1. From St Pierre: helicopter flight over the whole of Reunion Island
- 2. Helicopter flight over Reunion’s volcanoes and cirques from St Pierre
- 3. Day Tour of Reunion Island with Breakfast
- 4. Panoramic helicopter flight over Piton de la Fournaise
- 5. Helicopter flight from St Pierre over Réunion’s 3 cirques
- 6. Helicopter flight over the waterfalls and basins of Reunion Island with lunch
- How to Choose the Best Tour for You
- Final Thoughts
1. From St Pierre: helicopter flight over the whole of Reunion Island
At number 1 on our list, this comprehensive helicopter flight offers a full aerial overview of Reunion’s most spectacular landscapes. For around $405 per person, you’ll take to the skies in a modern, comfortable helicopter with an experienced pilot providing lively commentary.
The tour covers the entire island, giving you views of towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and rugged coastlines—perfect for first-timers who want a broad perspective of the island’s natural beauty.
What makes this tour stand out is its complete itinerary. Instead of just focusing on one area, it’s an immersive experience that touches on all key sights. The pilot’s storytelling adds depth, helping you understand the significance of each landscape. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 51 reviews, travelers praise the smooth flight and breathtaking views.
Given the price, it’s an investment, but one that delivers a rare, full-island perspective you can’t get from the ground.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a wide-angle view of Reunion and are willing to splurge on a top-tier aerial experience. It’s perfect for those who love photography or simply want to see everything from above in one go.
2. Helicopter flight over Reunion’s volcanoes and cirques from St Pierre
At number 2, this helicopter tour specializes in exploring Reunion’s legendary volcanoes and cirques (more info). Priced at $358 per person, it offers a focused look at the island’s most iconic natural features—the three main cirques of Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie, along with the majestic volcanic peaks.
During this flight, the pilot provides engaging commentary on the formation and geology of these sites, which are often inaccessible by land. Travelers rave about the comfort of the helicopter and the stunning views of volcanic craters and verdant valleys.
This tour is especially suited for those interested in geology or wanting a detailed look at the island’s volcanic activity—Piton de la Fournaise, the active volcano, is a highlight. The 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews confirms its popularity among travelers seeking a specialized, scenic experience.
Bottom Line: If your focus is on volcanoes and cirques, and you want a detailed aerial exploration, this flight offers a compelling, immersive view of Reunion’s volcanic heart.
3. Day Tour of Reunion Island with Breakfast
Rating 5 out of 5 from 6 reviews, this full-day guided tour at $170 per person provides a well-rounded introduction to Reunion. It combines scenic drives, waterfalls, and cultural sites, ending with a local-style breakfast that introduces you to island flavors.
The tour highlights include visiting the most beautiful waterfalls—an absolute must-see—and walking along the famous Routes de Laves, where you can see volcanic rock formations up close.
The small group size and thoughtful itinerary make this tour a favorite for travelers wanting a bit of everything. The inclusion of a typical local lunch adds a culinary dimension, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
Guests often praise the engaging guide, who shares insights into the island’s volcanic past and local customs. This tour is best suited for travelers who prefer a guided, all-in-one experience rather than a purely aerial view.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a balanced day of scenery, culture, and cuisine, this full-day tour offers excellent value and a chance to absorb Reunion’s diverse charms.
4. Panoramic helicopter flight over Piton de la Fournaise
Rated 5/5 from a single review, this specialized helicopter flight over the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano costs about $241 per person. Departing from Saint-Pierre’s Pierrefonds airport, the flight offers privileged access to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The pilot shares captivating insights as you soar above craters, lava flows, and lush waterfalls.
This tour stands out for its focus on one of the planet’s most dynamic volcanic sites. Travelers who love geology, volcano photography, or simply want a close-up view of eruption activity will find this tour fascinating. The scenery includes volcanic craters and vibrant green waterfalls, giving a diverse visual feast.
Since it’s a shorter flight with no reviews yet, it’s a newer option, but the high rating and unique focus suggest it’s well worth considering.
Bottom Line: For a deep dive into one of Earth’s most active volcanoes, this flight combines education with stunning visuals—ideal for geology enthusiasts or adventure travelers.
5. Helicopter flight from St Pierre over Réunion’s 3 cirques
This dedicated cirque exploration costs $329 per person and offers a focused aerial tour of Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie (more info). The pilot provides engaging commentary on each canopy of lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs, giving you a sense of the island’s rugged terrain. The modern helicopter ensures a comfortable flight, and reviews note the “captivating” experience.
What makes this tour special is its emphasis on the three major cirques, which are often inaccessible by land or difficult to explore fully. It’s an excellent choice for travelers interested in the island’s natural formations and wanting a bird’s-eye view.
The tour’s rating of 4.2 indicates it’s appreciated but might appeal more to those with a specific interest in the cirques rather than casual sightseeing.
Bottom Line: This tour appeals to nature lovers keen to see Reunion’s most iconic landforms from a vantage point that’s hard to beat.
6. Helicopter flight over the waterfalls and basins of Reunion Island with lunch
This premium experience, priced at $1,232 for groups up to six, combines a scenic helicopter flight with a Creole meal (more info). The flight explores waterfalls and natural basins, while the meal is cooked over an open fire at a lodge in the heart of nature. This all-inclusive experience makes it a true indulgence, perfect for celebrating special occasions or travelers seeking a luxurious day out.
The itinerary is shorter but packed with impressive landscapes, including lush waterfalls and volcanic basins. The highlight is the authentic Creole meal, which offers an immersive cultural experience. The convenience of having everything included—from the flight to the meal and drinks—makes this a hassle-free option.
It’s ideal for travelers wanting a combination of adventure, scenery, and culinary delight in a relaxed, natural setting.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a luxurious, all-in-one experience that combines breathtaking views with great food, this tour is hard to beat. It’s best suited for groups or couples celebrating a special moment.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
Picking the right activity in Saint Pierre depends on your priorities. If stunning aerial views of the entire island are your goal, the From St Pierre helicopter flight (see it here) offers an unmatched, broad perspective. For those most interested in volcanoes and cirques, the dedicated helicopter over volcanoes is a better fit.
If you want a full day soaking in landscapes and local culture, the reunion island day tour with breakfast provides a balanced approach. For a more focused volcanic adventure, the Piton de la Fournaise helicopter is perfect.
Luxury seekers and food lovers should consider the waterfalls and basins helicopter trip with lunch, especially if celebrating a special occasion.
When booking, consider your budget, interest in geology or landscapes, and how much time you want to spend flying. Early reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, as these tours are popular.
Final Thoughts
Saint Pierre offers a wide range of exciting tours that showcase Reunion’s volcanic majesty and lush landscapes. For panoramic views, the comprehensive helicopter flights are hard to beat, while culinary and cultural experiences add a local flavor. Whether you prefer a quick scenic spin or a full-day adventure, these options guarantee a memorable visit.
Book early—these experiences tend to fill up quickly in peak season, ensuring you don’t miss out on your dream trip in Reunion.