Paragliding at Maïdo: the most spectacular flight in Réunion Island

Maïdo: a paragliding site like no other

Maïdo is a viewpoint at 2,205 metres above sea level in the highlands of Saint-Paul, on the west coast of Réunion Island. It's one of the island's best-known vantage points reachable by car or bus, it draws thousands of visitors every year who come to take in the Mafate cirque from the cliff edge.

It's from this same cliff that paraglider pilots take off. Two steps from the edge and you're at 2,000 metres altitude, with 1,000 metres of open air below you, facing one of the most untamed landscapes in the Indian Ocean. The takeoff area is smaller than at Colimaçons, and the aerology is mountain-type that's what gives this site its unique character.

What you see on a paragliding flight from Maïdo

The view on a paragliding flight from Maïdo is unlike anything else on the island. Pilots soar along the ridgeline and fly over:

• The Mafate cirque and its remote hamlets, reachable only on foot or by helicopter
• The cliffs dropping sharply down to the rivers below
• The Grand Bénare (2,898 m), the highest point on the ridge
• The west coast of Réunion Island stretching from Saint-Leu to Saint-Paul
• The Indian Ocean on the horizon

The flight typically ends on Saint-Paul beach or in the Rivière des Galets riverbed, after a long gliding transition from the ridgeline down to the coast.

A tandem flight at Maïdo: possible, but worth knowing

Tandem paragliding baptism flights at Maïdo do happen but they're much less frequent than at Colimaçons. Two main reasons:

• The takeoff area is smaller. Where Colimaçons offers a comfortable slope with plenty of room to run, the Maïdo takeoff is compact. It calls for more precision from the instructor and leaves less room for adjustment.
• The flying window is narrow. Takeoffs happen early in the morning, ideally before 9 AM. Cloud build-up in the cirque and along the coast picks up quickly, reducing the number of available slots. Baptism flights at Maïdo can't be organised on demand the way they can at Colimaçons you need the right availability, the right weather, and a little luck.

Having already done a tandem paragliding flight is an advantage you know what to expect at takeoff and can focus on the scenery. But it's not a requirement. If the opportunity comes up and your instructor offers it, don't hesitate.

Maïdo or Colimaçons: two complementary experiences

The two sites are often compared. In reality, they offer two very different flying experiences and complementary ones at that:

• Colimaçons, at 800 m above Saint-Leu, delivers a thermal flight above the lagoon, with a wide view over the west coast and the Indian Ocean. Slots are regular, baptism flights are well organised, and you land on the beach. It's the go-to site for a first flight or a straightforward, memorable experience.
• Maïdo, at 2,000 m, puts you in a mountain-type environment, face to face with the Mafate cirque. The rawness of the landscape, the altitude, the atmosphere everything feels different. It's a rarer, more intimate flight that leaves a particular kind of impression.

If you only have time for one flight, the Colimaçons are the reliable choice. If you're staying for several days and conditions allow, Maïdo is absolutely worth it.

Weather conditions required to fly at Maïdo

Maïdo is a weather-sensitive site. For a flight and especially a tandem baptism to go ahead, several conditions need to align:

• Good physical condition
• Don't be afraid of heights
• Light wind at 2,000 m (5–10 km/h max), southerly to easterly direction
• Clear skies in the cirque and over the coast early in the morning

Can you visit Maïdo without paragliding?

Absolutely. The Maïdo viewpoint is accessible by car or bus from Saint-Paul (line 61, first departure at 5:40 AM) and offers an outstanding panoramic view of the Mafate cirque, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. On clear days, you can sometimes spot paragliders soaring along the ridgeline a striking way to take in just how extraordinary this place is.

Book a paragliding flight in Réunion Island

Maïdo tandem flight slots are available subject to conditions and instructor availability. To make sure you don't miss them, check the online calendar regularly and keep an eye on available slots.

If you'd like to start with a flight at Colimaçons before considering Maïdo, explore our packages on the booking page. You can also discover our partners to make the most of your stay in Réunion Island.

Frequently asked questions about paragliding at Maïdo