La Réunion is internationally renowned for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking relief. With its three cirques, volcanoes, and waterfalls, admiring the intense island from the sky feels like a dream come true. In this article, we will decrypt all the options, prices, and tips for your helicopter tour in La Réunion.
Helicopter tour, a magical moment to discover the relief of La Réunion from the sky.
It is no coincidence that a large part of La Réunion has been on UNESCO’s prestigious list of world heritage sites since 2010. With its three cirques, volcanoes, waterfalls, and ramparts, the intense island offers a permanent spectacle that will mark anyone who steps foot on this French overseas department.
During your visit to this French overseas department, every excursion is a feast for the eyes. The magnificent panoramas you discover during excursions, hikes, or even from the ocean during a catamaran cruise invite you to learn more about these fabulous natural spaces.
So, just imagine these magnificent landscapes viewed from the sky !
By flying over La Réunion by helicopter, you will embark on an original and sensational discovery of these breathtaking and unique panoramas worldwide. The beauty of this moment will mark you forever – emotions guaranteed!
Where to Take Off for a Helicopter Flight Over the Island?
To take your first helicopter flight in La Réunion, several departure points are available:
- From Saint-Pierre in the south of the island, you will take off from Pierrefond airport.
- From Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains in the west.
What is the Best Time to See La Réunion Island from the Sky by Helicopter?
There is no best time to fly over the island. You can do it all year round as long as the sky is clear. Generally, flights take place early in the morning, as it is the time of day when visibility is the best, especially in the heights of La Réunion Island.
Please note that as the activity is subject to weather conditions, it is best to schedule helicopter tours at the beginning of your stay in case of any potential postponement.
Tips for Your Helicopter Tour Above La Réunion Island
To make the most of your helicopter tour of the intense island, here are a few tips to follow :
- It is not advisable to party the night before the flight and to abuse alcohol.
- Bring a light jacket as it can be cooler at higher altitudes.
- If you suffer from motion sickness, take a non-prescription pill from a pharmacy a few minutes before departure.
- Also, bring sunglasses so as not to be dazzled.
- Don’t forget your camera !
- It is advisable to arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before your flight departure.
What are the different helicopter tours available for flying over Reunion Island ?
Whether you want to see the Salazie, Mafate, Cilaos cirques, the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, or the entire island of Reunion from the sky, you can opt for the different types of helicopter tours listed below.
- Helicopter flights over the Piton de la Fournaise volcano
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Essential information :
- Departure city : Saint-Pierre Duration: 25 min.
- Meeting point: Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds airport, Chemin de L’Aérodrome 97451, Reunion.
- Accessibility: Accessible to all.
- Price: €205/person.
- Included in the service: Coffee, tea, cakes, flight certificate.
What will you see during your helicopter flight over the volcano?
You will take off in a helicopter from Saint Pierre heading towards the Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano that rises to 2632 meters in the south.
If you are lucky, you could fly over it during an eruption, which will undoubtedly be a unique and magical experience.
During the activity, your pilot will give you explanations about the sites you see.
Then you will fly over the famous Plaine des Sables, a lunar landscape near the volcano, and finally head towards the mythical cascades of Langevin and the Rivière des Remparts before returning to Saint-Pierre with unforgettable memories and stars in your eyes.
Book your flight over the volcano
- Helicopter tour over Mafate, Salazie, and the Trou de Fer waterfall
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Essential information:
- Departure city : Saint-Gilles.
- Duration : 25 min.
- Meeting point : Corail Helicopters, Route Cannière Saint-Paul RE, 97434, Reunion.
- Accessibility : Accessible to all.
- Price: €240/person.
What will you see during your helicopter tour over the cirques and the Trou de Fer?
You will depart from your meeting point in Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains heading towards the cirques of Mafate and Salazie to see magnificent panoramas of these still wild parts of the island of Reunion from the sky.
Then, head to the primary forest of Bélouve and its famous Trou de Fer waterfall, a nearly 300-meter deep chasm into which a multitude of waterfalls pour, totally inaccessible to the general public.
During these 25 minutes in the air, your pilot will be happy to provide you with explanations and anecdotes about the places you have visited.
Then, head to the lagoon of Saint-Paul for a breathtaking view of the white sand beaches and turquoise water reflections. This will be the moment to return to your landing site with sublime images that you will not forget.
Book your flight over the cirques and the Trou de Fer
- Flying over the cirques of Cilaos and Mafate
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Essential information :
- Departure city : Saint-Pierre.
- Duration : 25 min.
- Meeting point : Saint Pierre Pierrefonds Airport, 97451 Saint Pierre, Réunion.
- Accessibility : Accessible to all.
- Price : €240/person.
What will you see during your helicopter tour above the cirques of Cilaos and Mafate ?
After getting to know your pilot, you will embark towards the cirque of Cilaos, then to Mafate, which are geological formations resulting from significant collapses of the Piton des Neiges massif and powerful erosion. Your pilot will provide you with information and anecdotes about everything you will discover during your activity.
The beauty of the reliefs seen from the sky will leave you speechless, and during your flight, you will see a real concentration of nature and spectacular protected wild spaces. On the return, you will fly over the magnificent lagoon of Saint-Pierre with its clear and limpid waters.
Book your flight above the cirques of Cilaos and Mafate.
- Helicopter tour over the 3 cirques and waterfalls of La Réunion
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Essential information :
- Departure city : Saint-Pierre.
- Duration : 35 min.
- Meeting point : Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport, Chemin de L’Aérodrome 97451, Réunion.
- Accessibility : Accessible to all.
- Price : €280/person
- Included in the service : Coffee, tea, pastries, flight diploma.
What will you see during your helicopter tour over the 3 cirques and waterfalls of La Réunion ?
Starting from Saint-Pierre on one of the helicopters, you will begin by flying over the cirque of Cilaos by penetrating its walls to discover its many canyons and ravines.
After flying over the highest summit in the Indian Ocean, the Piton des Neiges, and its fabulous reliefs, you will head towards the cirque of Mafate, where you will be captivated by the beauty of this wild site made of vertical ridges and unique flora accessible only from the air or hiking trails.
Next, head to the famous waterfall of Trou de Fer, more than 300 meters high, and one of the highest in French territory.
After that, you will see the beautiful cirque of Salazie, its countless waterfalls, including the famous Veil of the Bride, nearly 500 meters high, and its lush vegetation typical of the east of La Réunion.
During the return, more grand spectacle awaits with a flight over the large Takamaka pond, as well as the Plaine des Cafres and the Bras de la Plaine River.
Grandiose !
Book your flight above the 3 cirques and waterfalls.
- Fly over the volcanoes and 3 cirques of Reunion Island by helicopter
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Essential information :
- Departure city : Saint-Pierre
- Duration : 45 minutes
- Meeting point : Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport, Chemin de L’Aérodrome 97451, Reunion
- Accessibility: Accessible to all
- Price: €305/person
- Included in the service: Coffee, tea, cakes, flight certificate
What will you see during your helicopter tour over the volcanoes and 3 cirques of Reunion Island?
Once on board the helicopter, you will set off on a fabulous journey towards the three cirques of La Réunion and their breathtaking panoramas.
As you travel through the regions of Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie, you will be captivated by the beauty of their walls and then head into the depths of the Trou de Fer to get a closer look at these fabulous waterfalls that are inaccessible on foot.
For the rest of the trip, you will fly over the Piton des Neiges, the Voile de la Mariée waterfall, the Piton Maïdo, and the primary forest of Bélouve.
On the way back, you will have the chance to see the Saint-Pierre lagoon, which stretches over several kilometers and is located right next to the landing site.
You can then calmly regain your composure with some pastries, tea, and coffee before receiving your flight certificate.
Book your helicopter flight above the volcanoes and three cirques.
- Fly over the entirety of intense La Réunion by helicopter
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Essential information:
- Departure city : Saint-Pierre
- Duration: 55 minutes
- Meeting point: Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport, Chemin de L’Aérodrome 97451, Réunion
- Accessibility: Accessible to all
- Price: €345 per person Included in the service: Coffee, tea, pastries, flight certificate
What will you see during your helicopter tour of the entirety of intense La Réunion?
It’s simple, by choosing this option, you will see everything that is possible to see during a helicopter tour of La Réunion.
On the agenda for this flight are the cirques of Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie, which will amaze you with their wild and natural beauty.
But also the majestic Trou de Fer that you will approach as closely as possible to enjoy the magic of the place. Then, you will fly over the famous Piton des Neiges, the Maïdo, the Voile de la Mariée waterfall, the beautiful and vast Bélouve forest before continuing through the Takamaka valley in the east of the island.
You will also fly over the largest pond on the island, nestled in the mountains, before reaching the mythical volcano of the Fournaise and its lunar landscapes, even more beautiful during eruptions.
Don’t hesitate to exchange with the pilot about the sites you visit; he will be delighted to share explanations and anecdotes.
When you return to the landing site, you will surely have a hard time getting over your emotions in the face of this moment that will remain etched in your memories forever.
Book your helicopter flight above the entirety of intense La Réunion.
Take a helicopter tour of La Réunion’s inaccessible places and experience a memorable day
Another way to discover the island of La Réunion on board this aircraft is to combine a visit on land and in the air to magnificent remote places that are inaccessible by road.
Please note that to book these day or half-day activities, it is necessary to form a group of 5 people at most in order to take advantage of the lowest price.
- Half-day helicopter tour of waterfalls and lunch break at Grand-Bassin
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Essential information :
- Departure city : Saint-Pierre.
- Duration : From morning to early afternoon.
- Meeting point : Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport, Chemin de L’Aérodrome 97451, Réunion.
- Accessibility : Accessible to all.
- Price : starting from €210/person.
- Included in the package : Lunch, flight certificate.
What will you see during your half-day tour of waterfalls and your Creole lunch break at Grand-Bassin?
After meeting your driver at the agreed time, you will board the helicopter and take off towards the small village of Grand-Bassin in the heart of the island of Réunion.
This village, accessible only on foot or aboard one of the helicopters making the trip, is located in a mini-cirque surrounded by gigantic ramparts.
On the way to get there, you will fly over the Bras de la Plaine river and its impressive and atypical canyons viewed from the sky.
Once you reach the village, you will head to a guest house located next to a beautiful waterfall to sit down and enjoy a delicious Creole meal cooked over an open flame with the pilot and your group.
To digest, you could also take advantage of the superb natural pool fed by the waterfall until you take off again in your helicopter in the direction of Saint-Pierre.
A day that will be inevitably unique and unforgettable.
Book your half-day helicopter tour + lunch at Grand-Bassin.
- Full day hike, helicopter ride, and Creole meal in the cirques of La Réunion
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Essential information:
- Duration : 1 day.
- Meeting point : Variable, to be confirmed with the pilot before the activity.
- Accessibility : Accessible to anyone comfortable with hiking.
- Price : Starting from €215/person.
- Included in the service : 4X4 transportation, Creole meal, flight diploma.
What will you see during your full day helicopter ride, hike, and Creole meal?
In the morning, you will depart in a 4X4 along the Galets river to Deux-Bras, at the entrance of Mafate.
Then, you will embark on a 3-hour hike with a 300-meter elevation gain that will take you through the beautiful region of Mafate and its islets, which are cut off from the world and only accessible by foot.
During the hike, you will visit the villages of Cayenne and Grand Place Les Hauts, where you will stop to savor a delicious Creole meal cooked over an open fire.
In the afternoon, your private helicopter will pick you up in the heart of the cirque to fly over the region of Mafate, La Nouvelle, the hidden waterfalls of the cirque, and the 3 Salazes and its dizzying ramparts. On the way back, you will have the chance to fly over the superb Piton des Neiges before returning to your meeting point, filled with spectacular images.
An adventure you won’t soon forget!
Book your full day helicopter ride, hike, and Creole meal
Tips for paying even less for your intense island flight
A flight over La Réunion represents a fairly large expense in a travel budget. Even though all those who have done this activity will tell you not to hesitate to treat yourself and come back with an extremely favorable opinion, there are a few tips to reduce the cost.
Prefer a complete island flight
The first tip is that it is much more advantageous to take a complete island flight.
Indeed, if you start with a partial flight, you will inevitably want to see more, and there is a good chance that the next time you will opt for a different formula in order to have seen a good part of the island. Cumulatively, this will cost you more than if you had chosen a complete flight from the beginning.
Group booking to privatize the helicopter and save on the fare
Another option to save on your flight and get a cheap flight is to fully privatize one of the helicopters. By grouping together in a group of 6 people, you can privatize your flight over Reunion Island only for your group and thus obtain a discount on the fare. This option is not available for all outings, but you will find here the list of all those that it is possible to do.
The different helicopter companies in Reunion
There are different companies to take your helicopter baptism on the island. In this article, we have chosen 2 of the most reliable and popular ones, Corail Hélicoptères and Mafate Hélicoptères. Here is a brief presentation of each one.
Mafate Hélicoptères, one of the oldest to fly over the Reunion sky
Created by André Bègue, a native of the Mafate cirque in 2002, this company initially aimed to open up the Mafate cirque and thus allow its inhabitants better supplies, whether in terms of construction materials or everyday goods.
It was in 2008 that André Bègue obtained his air carrier operating license, allowing him to operate as a public carrier. Since then, it is his son Mathieu who heads the company, and they have been offering tourist flights for almost 10 years to share with travelers the breathtaking views that have been their joy for over 20 years.
Mafate Hélicoptères still ensures, in parallel with tourist flights, 90% of the supply of the Mafate cirque.
Reviews on Mafate Hélicoptères company
You can see below that the company receives many praises from travelers who have taken their baptism with them.
Corail Helicopters: a high-end service and one of the largest fleets on the intense island.
Corail Helicopters was founded in 2004! With a beautiful fleet of 7 helicopters and 11 seasoned professional pilots, it offers high-end service to travelers departing from Saint Pierre or Saint Gilles Les Bains.
It is probably the most popular service provider, with over 6000 tourist flights per year, serving approximately 40,000 passengers. Its reputation speaks for itself!
In addition to its tourist activities, the company also operates in the field of aerial work, which is essential given the difficult terrain of the interior of the island of La Réunion.
Travelers’ reviews of Corail Helicopters:
Proof of its seriousness and professionalism, travelers almost always give it the highest rating after each activity. Check out the latest comments written following a baptism below.
Discover all the island flights that Corail Helicopters offers!
Reviews of helicopter flights in La Réunion :
Almost everyone who has experienced it will recommend it without hesitation, as the activity will forever be engraved among their most beautiful memories.
Personally, I have had several opportunities to do it, as have many friends who live there or have come to visit. It is an absolutely magical moment, and in less than an hour, you can see the most beautiful panoramas of the island. You pass from mountainous and steep landscapes in the cirques to true science-fiction-like scenery when you fly over the volcano area. Not to mention the waterfalls, primary forests, and the beautiful lagoon that gains even more charm when you fly over it. A magnificent view of the ocean with different shades of blue depending on the coral.
It’s an ultimate and unique experience that I recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to do it.
My overall review of the flight: 5/5
Check out some reviews of this experience below and let yourself be tempted to try it out !
Taking a helicopter flight above La Réunion is a travel memory that will stay with you forever !
Boarding one of the helicopters to discover La Réunion is undoubtedly the flagship activity to explore the island in a memorable way.
