Take to the skies with High Tide Aviation and enjoy breathtaking views of Oak Island’s coast, lighthouses, and dolphins on a 20-minute aerial tour.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20 minutes
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required, but good health ensures comfort during flight.
Wildlife
History
Fort Caswell played a key role in coastal defense during the Civil War and is now a historic site visible during the tour.
Conservation
High Tide Aviation practices eco-friendly flight operations to minimize impact on local wildlife and coastlines.
High Tide Aviation
Take to the skies with High Tide Aviation and enjoy breathtaking views of Oak Island’s coast, lighthouses, and dolphins on a 20-minute aerial tour.
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.
Secure your camera
Bring a camera with a strap to capture the stunning aerial views without worry.
Choose clear weather days
Fly on sunny, clear days for the best visibility and photography opportunities.
Arrive early
Arrive at the airstrip 15 minutes before your scheduled flight for check-in.
Dress comfortably
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, especially in cooler months.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun during the flight.
spring
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the incredible views from above.
Hat and sunscreen
Shield yourself from sun exposure before taking off.
summer
Light jacket
Stay comfortable in cooler weather.
winter