Reunion Island from Above: helicopter tours, paragliding, microlight and paramotor
The roadless Mafate cirque, Trou de Fer, the Dolomieu crater on Piton de la Fournaise and the lagoon from above. 4 ways to fly over Reunion Island from €90, with prices, take-off sites, flight times and the best season.
From €90 for a first flight4 ways to flyMafate from the airAge 3+ for helicopters
From above, Reunion Island reveals what no trail can: the Dolomieu crater beyond the rim at Pas de Bellecombe, the whole of the Mafate cirque, and the 7 waterfalls plunging into Trou de Fer. Four different ways to fly cover these areas, each with its own detailed page just a click away.
The top choice
A helicopter tour is the most complete option
Of the four options, a helicopter covers the most ground in the least time, reaches the places you can't get to otherwise (Mafate, Trou de Fer) and can fly over the volcano even during an eruption. If it's your first flight, start here. On a return visit, paragliding, microlight and paramotor flights make excellent additions.
Helicopter, paragliding, microlight and paramotor: four experiences, four budgets and four take-off areas, each linking to its detailed partner page.
The classic
Helicopter
Take-off: Saint-Gilles or PierrefondsDuration: 15 to 55 minutesPrice: €120-345/personWho can go: No experience needed, from age 3
A helicopter tour is still the most complete way to see the island from above: the three cirques (Cilaos, Mafate, Salazie), the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Trou de Fer and waterfalls you can't reach on foot. Flights leave from Saint-Gilles or Pierrefonds airport and last from 15 minutes (Mafate only) to 55 minutes (a full island tour). It's the only way to see the Mafate cirque without a 2-day hike.
Highlights: Piton de la Fournaise from above · The Mafate cirque · Trou de Fer · The hidden waterfalls of Bébour-Bélouve · Optional 4K video of your flight
Take-off: Saint-LeuDuration: 15 to 45 minutes depending on the flightPrice: From €90/personWho can go: No experience needed, from age 4
Saint-Leu is one of the world's best-known paragliding spots. You take off from the hills above town (Maïdo, Bois de Nèfles) and land on the beach 800m from the town hall. It's a tandem flight with a qualified instructor: a wonderful sense of freedom, with views over the lagoon and coral reef. Several options: a 15-minute first flight, a 30-minute thermal flight and a 45-minute flight towards the cirques.
Highlights: Take-off from the Maïdo or Bois de Nèfles · Thermal flights, wind permitting · Views of the lagoon and coral reef · Optional GoPro video
Take-off: Saint-Paul, CambaieDuration: 20 to 60 minutesPrice: From €180/personWho can go: No experience needed, from age 7
A flight in a three-axis microlight (a light two-seater plane) over the cirques and the volcano, from Cambaie airfield in Saint-Paul. Cheaper than a helicopter and faster than a hot-air balloon, a microlight can cover the whole island in an hour, with a qualified pilot commenting live through your headset. Flights last from 20 minutes (west coast) to 60 minutes (a full island tour).
Highlights: Take-off from Cambaie airfield · The three cirques from above · A pass over the volcano · Side-by-side seating
Take-off: La Saline-les-BainsDuration: 45 minutesPrice: From €105/personWho can go: No experience needed, from age 12
A paramotor is a paragliding wing with a small engine, so you can take off from flat ground and fly low along the west coast. You take off from La Saline-les-Bains beach, fly over the lagoon and land back on the shore. It's the most sea-focused of the four options, ideal for seeing the coral reef from above.
Highlights: Take-off from La Saline-les-Bains beach · The lagoon and coral reef from above · Sunset flights possible · Optional GoPro footage
Some places on the island have no road, no viewpoint that does them justice, or are closed to the public. Flying is the only way to see them.
Mafate cirque
A UNESCO-listed cirque with no roads and no vehicles: you can only get in on foot (4 to 6 hours from the Maïdo or Col des Bœufs) or by helicopter. If you want to see Marla, La Nouvelle and Roche Plate without a 2-day hike, flying is the only way.
See it by: Helicopter, microlight
Trou de Fer
A 300m-deep gorge in the Bébour-Bélouve forest, fed by 7 waterfalls. You can't get to the bottom, only to a viewpoint on the Bélouve trail. To see the whole gorge, you have to fly.
See it by: Helicopter
Dolomieu crater
The active summit crater of Piton de la Fournaise, at 2,632m. You can hike to it from Pas de Bellecombe when the volcano is quiet, but a safety cordon keeps visitors away during an eruption. Flights can still go over it when it's active.
See it by: Helicopter, microlight
Takamaka waterfalls
A steep valley on the slopes of Piton des Neiges, full of waterfalls, some only visible from the air or on extreme canyoning trips. From above you see the sheer amphitheatre and untouched primary forest.
See it by: Helicopter
When to fly
The best time to fly, month by month
The weather decides every flight: trade winds, mountain fog, cyclone season. Here's when to book for the best chance of taking off.
May-June
Typical weather
Start of the dry season, clear early mornings
Recommendation
Ideal for all activities, mild temperatures
July-August
Typical weather
Dry season, steady trade winds
Recommendation
Perfect for paragliding and microlight flights; sometimes too windy for paramotor in the afternoon
September-October
Typical weather
Dry season, end of the southern winter, clear sea
Recommendation
The best time: a helicopter tour, whales and diving in the same week
All the flights take off from the west coast (Saint-Gilles, Saint-Paul, Saint-Leu, La Saline). Here are 5 hotels on Agoda, each 10-15 minutes from at least one take-off site, from a €50 guesthouse to a 5-star resort.
La Saline-les-Bains9.5/10 (51 reviews)
Le temps d'une île
A guesthouse 5 minutes from La Saline beach, right by the paramotor take-off area. A great choice if you've booked a paramotor flight and want to be close to the beach.
Apartments 5 minutes from Saint-Gilles marina and 10 minutes from the Hélilagon heliport, with a kitchenette, air conditioning and parking. Self-catering and handy for early-morning helicopter flights.
A 5-star resort on the lagoon with vast tropical gardens, several pools and restaurants. The luxury choice for a helicopter tour and an upmarket beach stay.
Agoda rates shown on 15 November 2026 for 2 guests, 1 night. For the upmarket segment, see my selection of 4-5 star hotels in Reunion Island.
Planning your route
A campervan for combining flights and a road trip
A morning helicopter tour from Saint-Gilles, then the road up to Cilaos to spend the night, then two days later Pas de Bellecombe by van to see the volcano from the ground after seeing it from the air. Yescapa connects local van owners with travellers, with pick-up at Roland-Garros airport or on the west coast.
Which is the best way to see Reunion Island from the air?
To see the most in one go: a 45-55 minute helicopter tour. For the biggest thrill for your money: tandem paragliding in Saint-Leu from €90. To feel like a pilot: a microlight flight with a headset. For the west coast only: a paramotor flight. A helicopter is the only way to see Mafate and Trou de Fer in an hour.
How much does a helicopter tour cost in Reunion Island?
15 minutes (Mafate only): €120-150 per person. 30 minutes (cirques and volcano): €180-230. 45 minutes (a full tour): €280-345. Hélilagon, Corail Hélicoptères and Run Hélilagon charge similar prices, with small differences in what's included (video, hotel transfers). See my helicopter tours page for full prices.
Where do helicopter tours leave from?
Saint-Gilles (Hélilagon, Run Hélilagon) is closest to Mafate and the Cilaos cirque, ideal for shorter flights. Pierrefonds (Corail) is best placed for Piton de la Fournaise, with hotel transfers included. If you're staying on the west coast, Saint-Gilles is more convenient.
When is the best time to fly?
May to October (the dry season): clear skies, steady trade winds and few cancellations. September-October is ideal, as the sea is clear for diving and humpback whales are around (June-October). January-March (the wet season) brings frequent cancellations, so avoid it if you're only there for a short time.
Can beginners go paragliding in Saint-Leu?
Yes, absolutely: it's a tandem flight with a qualified instructor. You don't need any experience; you're briefed at take-off (a 3-step run) and land sitting in the harness, sliding in. Minimum age 4, maximum weight often 95kg; check the exact conditions with the club.
Microlight or helicopter: what's the difference?
Microlight: side-by-side or tandem seating, 100-150km/h, a headset to talk to the pilot and a small-plane feel. Helicopter: a 4-5 seat cabin, 200km/h, more vibration, and access to the most remote areas (roadless Mafate, Trou de Fer). A microlight costs 30 to 40% less.
Is a paramotor flight suitable for families?
Yes, from age 12 with most operators. It's a tandem flight with a pilot, under a paragliding wing with a small engine, and it feels gentler than paragliding (no thermals). You stay over the coast and fairly low, ideal for children and teens who want to see the lagoon from above.
Which places can you only see from the air?
The Mafate cirque (no road, 4-6 hours' walk to get in), Trou de Fer (one viewpoint on the ground; you only see the whole gorge from above), some of the Takamaka and Bébour-Bélouve waterfalls, and the Dolomieu crater during an eruption (closed off on the ground). For these, a helicopter is the only way to see them.
Can you film your own flight?
In a helicopter, no: phones and cameras are banned for safety reasons, but you can book a 4K video of your flight as an extra (€30-50). Paragliding, microlight and paramotor: yes, many operators fit a GoPro to the harness or wing, with the video costing €20 to €50.
What happens if the weather cancels my flight?
Every reputable operator offers a full refund or a new date if the weather cancels your flight. The decision is usually made 2-3 hours before take-off. On a short trip, keep 2 possible slots 48 hours apart to improve your chances.
Do you need to book long in advance?
In high season (July-August, December-January), 3-4 weeks ahead; the rest of the year, 1-2 weeks. Helicopter tours are the most in demand, while microlight and paramotor flights are easier to get. Late-afternoon slots (sunset paramotor flights) sell out fast, so book as soon as you arrive.
Can you combine several aerial activities during your stay?
Yes, and if you love flying it's well worth it. A helicopter gives you the big picture in 30-45 minutes, paragliding adds the peaceful glide on thermals, and a microlight gives you a taste of piloting. Budget €500-700 for all three, spread over 4-5 days depending on the weather.
