Cirque de Mafate is the roadless amphitheatre on Reunion’s west — steep ramparts and hamlets hikers reach only on foot. From a trail you see one ridge at a time. From a shared helicopter the cirque can open as a green bowl when cloud lifts. On the Reunion hub, Mafate is a named may-see on the three-cirques flight and on longer tickets — never a landing on the cirque floor.
The Reunion Three Cirques 36-Minute Helicopter Tour is the shared three-cirques route: about 36 minutes in the air, from €270 per person. After meet-and-greet at Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport you board for Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie. You may see Piton Maïdo framing over Mafate, verdant ramparts in Cirque de Salazie, and views toward Piton des Neiges from the Cirque de Cilaos sector. Named sights are route- and weather-dependent — you may see them rather than a guaranteed overflight. A live eruption is never promised. Pilot commentary is offered in French and English.
Longer flights keep Mafate in the may-see set. The Reunion Volcanoes and Cirques 45-Minute Helicopter Tour (about 45 minutes, from €325) adds volcano framing and waterfall country such as Bridal Veil Falls or Trou de Fer when the route allows. The Reunion Full Island 55-Minute Helicopter Tour (about 55 minutes, from €365) is the full-island circuit. The short Reunion Piton de la Fournaise 25-Minute Helicopter Tour (about 25 minutes, from €215) stays on Piton de la Fournaise rather than the cirque ladder.
Honesty first: cirque floors cloud in often. Do not expect a clear bowl every time, or a drop into a hamlet. These are continuous scenic overflights with coffee or tea before take-off as listed.
Meet at the hangar / meet-and-greet at Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport (142 Chemin de L Aerodrome, Saint-Pierre 97410). Flights depart and return here. Hotel or accommodation transfer is not included — make your own way to the airport area. The exact start time is confirmed after booking. Arrive 30 minutes before your booked start time with photo ID. Shared scenic helicopter. Seats are limited. Some shorter tours state a minimum of 5 participants — the provider finds other passengers to complete the flight. Bring a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted on the full-island packing list). A minimum age is not stated on the booking pages for these flights. Not suitable for guests over 120 kg (264 lbs).
Free cancellation up to 2 days before for a full refund. Flights depend on weather and cloud. Cirques and the volcano are often cloudier later in the day — morning slots are popular. If conditions are not suitable, follow the free-cancellation or rebooking policy on your booking. Includes the shared scenic helicopter flight of the marketed duration, meet and greet at Saint-Pierre Airport, a small coffee or tea with the pilot before take-off, boarding, and pilot commentary in French and English as listed when you book. To look for Cirque de Mafate on a shared three-cirques flight, book the 36-minute three cirques tour on the Reunion hub. For cirques plus volcano, see the 45-minute volcanoes and cirques tour. Live prices are shown when you book.
Ver Cirque de Mafate desde el aire: Reunion · Reunion Three Cirques 36-Minute Helicopter Tour.