Take to the skies above Southport and witness the state’s historic lighthouses from a breathtaking perspective. Discover maritime history and coastal beauty in one unforgettable flight.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–60 minutes
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required, but passengers should be comfortable with air travel.
Wildlife
History
Southport has been a strategic port since the 18th century, with its historic lighthouse guiding ships for over 200 years.
Conservation
High Tide Aviation emphasizes sustainable flight practices to minimize environmental impact, supporting local conservation efforts.
High Tide Aviation
Take to the skies above Southport and witness the state’s historic lighthouses from a breathtaking perspective. Discover maritime history and coastal beauty in one unforgettable flight.
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
Seats are limited and fill quickly, so reserve your spot early.
Bring your camera
Capture the scenic coast and historic landmarks from the air.
Dress comfortably
Wear layered clothing suitable for the aircraft’s temperature and wind conditions.
Arrive early
Allow time for check-in and safety briefing before your flight.
Camera
Capture breathtaking views of the coastline and lighthouses.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun during the flight.
summer
Warm jacket
Stay comfortable in cooler air at altitude.
winter
Travel documents
Bring ID and any necessary paperwork for check-in.