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Reunion Island Helicopter Tours, Paragliding and Microlight Flights

Helicopter, microlight, tandem paragliding, paramotor, bungee jumping: seeing the island from above changes everything. Compare local operators' packages.

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Helicopter and paragliding in Reunion Island: what to know

From above, Reunion Island is a different place. The Dolomieu crater on Piton de la Fournaise, the walls of the Mafate cirque (reachable only on foot or by helicopter), the Trou de Fer waterfall in the Bélouve forest, the Saint-Gilles lagoon and the jagged west coast: a few minutes in the air and the whole shape of the island suddenly makes sense.

Flying in Reunion Island comes in three forms. Helicopter tours leave from Pierrefonds aerodrome (Saint-Pierre) or Saint-Paul, either short (15-25 min) or long (45-55 min, taking in the volcano). Tandem paragliding launches from the hills above Saint-Leu, rated by pilots as one of the three best spots in the world, riding the thermals above the lagoon. Finally, microlight, paramotor and bungee jumping are for pure thrills, from Saint-Paul or Saint-Leu, as a tandem package with a debrief, photos and videos.

Prices vary widely with flight time: from around €95 for tandem paragliding and €190 for a short helicopter flight, up to €400 or more for the longest flights. Weather is everything: operators only take off with good visibility, so a booked slot can be moved if conditions aren't right. Book early in your stay so there is time to reschedule.

Practical guide

Everything you need to know before booking

Season, minimum ages, budget, safety and booking: the essentials before you fly.

Season and weather

Dry season (May-October): the best conditions, clear skies in the morning. Wet season (November-April): go for morning slots and expect more reschedules. Book early in your stay to leave a margin in case of a weather-related postponement.

Who can fly, minimum ages

Helicopter flights from age 3-6 depending on the operator. Tandem paragliding generally from age 8-10 (minimum weight 25 kg). Microlight from age 12. Bungee jumping from age 14-16. Not recommended for pregnant women from the sixth month. Travellers with reduced mobility can often fly by helicopter: mention it when booking.

Budget

Tandem paragliding: €95-160 depending on duration. A short helicopter flight (15-25 min): €130-200. A long flight (45-55 min, an island tour): €290-400. Microlight: €100-180. Bungee jumping: €70-120. The rate almost always includes souvenir photos and videos; check each listing.

Safety and certification

Every helicopter company operating in Reunion Island (Hélilagon, Mafate Hélicoptères, Corail Hélicoptères) holds a commercial air operator certificate (AOC). Paragliding pilots must hold the French federation tandem qualification. Check for liability insurance and regularly serviced equipment.

Booking and cancellation

Book 7-10 days ahead in peak season (July-August and local school holidays), 2-3 days off-season. Cancellation terms are usually flexible (24-48 hours), and rescheduling for bad weather is free in most cases. Never book on the last day of your stay: keep a backup slot.

Photos and videos

Included in almost every package (on a USB stick, a download link or a QR code after the flight). In a helicopter or enclosed microlight you can take your own photos with a phone or compact camera; drones are not allowed nearby. For paragliding, the pilot provides a GoPro so you don't upset the balance.

Where to go

The island's key areas

The areas where most operators are based. Click an area to filter the search results.

Saint-Pierre / Pierrefonds

The main aerodrome for long helicopter flights. Quick access to Piton de la Fournaise and the wild south coast. Several companies operate from this base (Hélilagon, Mafate Hélicoptères).

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Saint-Leu

A world-class tandem paragliding spot: take-off from the hills (the Ravine Saint-Leu forest road), landing by the lagoon. Reliable afternoon thermals and a flight over the coral reef.

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Saint-Paul / Cambaie

The microlight and paramotor base. Flights take off from Cambaie aerodrome over the west coast, Le Maïdo and the Hauts (the island's highlands). A microlight is often cheaper than a helicopter.

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Saint-Denis / Gillot

The island's main airport, used as a base by some helicopter companies for the north-east and the wild coast. Convenient if your accommodation is in the north of the island.

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Frequently asked questions

Helicopter and paragliding in Reunion Island: your questions answered

What is the best helicopter tour in Reunion Island?
The full island tour (45 to 55 minutes) covers all three cirques (Mafate, Cilaos, Salazie), the Trou de Fer waterfall and the Dolomieu crater at Piton de la Fournaise. For a first flight, the long tour is usually more memorable than the short ones, which focus on a single area. Expect around €290 to €400 depending on the operator. Departures are from Pierrefonds aerodrome in Saint-Pierre or from Saint-Paul.
Is paragliding at Saint-Leu suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tandem flight at Saint-Leu requires no prior experience. The pilot handles take-off and landing; all you do is run a few steps at take-off. The flight lasts 15 to 25 minutes depending on the thermals. Saint-Leu is famous for its reliable thermals above the lagoon, which make it one of the best spots in the world. From around €95.
How far ahead should I book a flight in Reunion Island?
In peak season (July, August and local school holidays), book 7 to 10 days ahead, especially for a long helicopter flight. Off-season, 2 to 3 days is enough. Leave a few spare days in your trip, since flights can be postponed in poor weather; most operators reschedule free of charge.
What is the difference between a microlight, a paramotor and a helicopter?
A helicopter flies over otherwise inaccessible areas (the volcano's crater, Mafate) with a stable, panoramic view. A microlight, cheaper (often €100-150), flies lower, with a more immersive view of the coast and the Hauts. A paramotor, lighter still, feels close to paragliding but covers more ground. It comes down to budget and the kind of thrill you want.
When is the best time to fly in Reunion Island?
You can fly year-round in Reunion Island. The dry season (May to October) has the best visibility, with clear mornings and mild temperatures. The wet season (November to April) brings more reschedules because of cloud and showers, especially in the afternoon, so operators favour morning slots.
Helicopter or plane: which is best for seeing Reunion Island?
The helicopter is still the best choice because it can fly into enclosed areas (Mafate, the Salazie cirque, the Dolomieu crater) and drop low for photos. A plane (microlight or scenic flight) generally costs less and flies higher and faster, which suits travellers who want an overview rather than a close look. Paragliding is more immersive but only covers a short stretch of coast.
Can children and pregnant women fly?
Helicopter companies generally take children from age 3 (check the minimum age for each package), with their own seat and a child-size headset. Pregnant women are advised not to fly from the sixth month (a medical certificate is required from 4-6 months depending on the company). Travellers with reduced mobility can often board: mention it when booking so boarding can be arranged.
How much time should I set aside for a flight?
Allow half a day for a helicopter or tandem paragliding flight, including pick-up, the briefing, the flight and the photo and video debrief. Operators usually ask you to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before take-off. Keep 2 or 3 possible slots free in case the weather forces a change, and avoid your last day, when there is no room to catch up.
Do I need any special gear?
For a helicopter, no gear is required: an audio headset is provided on board. For paragliding, the operator provides a helmet, gloves and a flying suit; wear trainers or other closed shoes (no flip-flops or sandals), and bring a light windbreaker and sunglasses. An enclosed microlight is the same as a helicopter. For bungee jumping, the centre provides the harness. Leave behind anything that could fall out during the flight.
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