Review: St Pierre Helicopter Flight Over Reunion Island

Reunion Island, this French gem way out in the Indian Ocean, well, is something of a geographical superstar. The crazy volcanic peaks, so the rich green forests, and, actually, this wild coastline? It’s almost begging to be seen. While hiking and driving are perfectly fine ways to get acquainted, I have to tell you, seeing it all from a helicopter really is something else. This is my experience with the St Pierre Helicopter flight, flying over pretty much all of Reunion Island. Let me tell you about it.

Booking and Pre-Flight Jitters

Getting this flight lined up, that was fairly easy. So, quite a number of operators offer island tours starting from St Pierre, and their websites, very, are rather user-friendly. I mean, I booked online and received confirmation almost right away. Of course, weather is a thing, so flights can be bumped, but this operator was pretty solid with updates, just keeping everyone in the loop. Leading up to it, I was a bit of a bundle of nerves, if I am honest. Even though I’ve flown before, the idea of being in a small helicopter over some serious terrain still gave me the jitters, actually.

Takeoff and the South Coast Glimpse

Alright, lift-off. Right from St Pierre, it’s pretty thrilling. The R44 took off, feeling way lighter than any airplane I have sat in. It gave an exciting wobble as we left land behind. That, so the south coast. It showed itself as this patchwork of rocky cliffs where wild waves crash. From up there, the ocean seemed to go on forever, merging with the sky. It was something, alright.

Cirque de Mafate: A Natural Fortress

Next, we swung toward Cirque de Mafate, accessible only by foot or helicopter. And man, this was one of the high points of the tour. Looking down, it was kind of seeing this green fortress with villages tucked in, feeling so secluded. So, our pilot told stories about those who lived there, pointing out the tiny hiking trails. These little traces, they were what connected the little settlements. This bird’s-eye view, very, it added so much to understanding the rugged character of the landscape and way of life in here.

Piton de la Fournaise: Up Close With a Volcano

Then came Piton de la Fournaise, the island’s active volcano. Coming close, flying over the stark, sort of cooled lava flows, well, it felt like being on another planet. It was easy to see how powerful the volcano is, too it’s almost like this sleeping giant is shaping Reunion’s being. Our pilot orbited the central crater. From there, so the views went deep down to the moonscape, right into Earth’s core, pretty much. So you could tell stories from above. I am confident, the Piton gave those experiences right away.

The Lush East and Cascading Waterfalls

Switching gears, the east coast provided something greener. Here, well, waterfalls fell down hillsides, getting themselves involved with these dense forests. The helicopter weaved by the water flowing like these shimmering ribbons. It, more or less, felt very magical and alive in all those deep canyons, kind of tucked away by nature itself.

Cirque de Salazie and the Heart of the Island

Cirque de Salazie, it showed Reunion’s rich green heart. Little villages are huddled by those huge green walls. The houses looked like children’s toys in nature’s green cathedral. That part of the flight felt so soothing. Just imagine it being so quiet, yet with everything growing like mad everywhere you look.

The West Coast and Lagoon Views

Rounding out the island, the west coast. It came as a sweet change with calm beaches with clear lagoons. It made me, personally, take it easy when looking at what happened on my tour. It showed Reunion is way beyond rough landforms and fierce scenery. In that time, you have the kind ocean that shows you can come near.

Pilot Commentary and Flight Comfort

Our pilot, more or less, he was also our guide. So he sprinkled the flight with tidbits of information about Reunion’s geography, history, and local culture. His commentary, though, was not too much. Very helpful stuff, yet, well, it didn’t get annoying. The R44 isn’t huge, so room is a bit limited, yet the views? It’s made up for it completely. Having headsets to talk to the pilot, still, it blocks that helicopter noise, helped.

Value and Recommendation

Yeah, it isn’t the cheapest thing one can do. This helicopter tour is an investment. In comparison, the value? It is way higher than what money buys, right? Especially when time counts for something and comfort needs looking at. One can feel the beauty of everything on Reunion as they float. Doing that over a few hours is worth what one pays. So, I tell everyone that visits: “If you want the full deal and want to see everything you want? Jump in the chopper”.

The Drawbacks

Listen, so the trip has downsides? Okay, like air turbulence. At times it can make you feel dizzy. Okay, but like those that are really scared? This might not be cool. Some moments get really crazy so make one grab something solid quickly. Make sure one understands these before taking it all, okay? Still. What one takes as positives gets more of a good time so these little setbacks almost vanish as you travel.