Soar high above North Carolina’s coast with High Tide Aviation’s customizable airplane tour in Southport—perfect for special occasions or a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes to 1 hour
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required, but good mobility helps.
Wildlife
History
Southport was incorporated in 1792 and served as a key trading port, adding historical intrigue to your aerial view of the harbor.
Conservation
High Tide Aviation emphasizes eco-friendly practices, minimizing noise and emissions during flights to protect wildlife and preserve the coast.
High Tide Aviation
Soar high above North Carolina’s coast with High Tide Aviation’s customizable airplane tour in Southport—perfect for special occasions or a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience.
High Tide Aviation is an aerial tour operator based on St. Simons Island, Georgia, offering a range of airplane and helicopter experiences across the Golden Isles and the nearby North Carolina coast. Flights highlight coastal landmarks and natural scenery, including the St. Simons Lighthouse, Driftwood Beach, Neptune Park, Sea Island Beach, Shark Tooth Beach, Fort Caswell, and the historic Orton Plantation. Tour options vary from short discovery flights to extended scenic passport and custom airplane tours tailored for special occasions such as date nights and gender reveals.
Airplane experiences include the Golden Isles Passport (a 50-mile coastal route), the St. Simons Lighthouse Tour (approximately 17 miles), the Jekyll Island airplane route (about 25 miles), and a customizable Southport Airplane Tour that allows clients to choose duration and route. Helicopter offerings feature lighthouse-focused flights, Oak Island and Bald Head Island tours, a Cape Fear Passport helicopter tour, and two discovery-flight formats. The helicopter discovery flights use a Robinson R44 and provide hands-on instruction where participants can operate flight controls with an instructor guiding the experience. Flight durations listed include 15-, 20-, 25-, and 35-minute options depending on the tour.
High Tide Aviation structures flights to emphasize scenic coastal viewing and landmark identification, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as dolphins over coastal shoals. Flights depart from St. Simons Island and are bookable by tour type and desired duration. Pilots and instructors provide guidance and commentary to orient passengers and enhance the sightseeing experience.
Base Location
St. Simons Island, GA
Flights depart from St. Simons Island
Tours Offered
10 Tours
Airplane and helicopter experiences
Flight Range
15–35 minutes
Short scenic and discovery flights
Discovery Flights
2 Options
Hands-on pilot experiences
Reserve seats for airplane and helicopter tours from St. Simons Island — limited availability on discovery flights and custom airplane tours.
Book in advance
Reservations fill quickly, especially during peak seasons, so plan ahead.
Bring your camera
Ensure your camera or smartphone is fully charged for capturing stunning aerial views.
Dress comfortably
Wear layers and comfortable clothing suitable for being in and around the aircraft.
Check weather conditions
Clear skies enhance the experience; avoid days with heavy fog or storms.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the breathtaking coastal views from the flight.
Light jacket
It can be cooler at altitude, so bring a jacket if needed.
spring|fall|winter
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun during the flight.
Appointment confirmation
Make sure your booking details and ID are ready before your flight.