Take to the skies with High Tide Aviation’s Beach Lover Airplane Tour, a 60-minute scenic flight showcasing North Carolina’s Cape Fear coastline, historic sites, and pristine beaches like never before.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
60 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; minimal physical exertion involved.
Wildlife
History
The Cape Fear region played a pivotal role in coastal defense during the Civil War, with forts like Caswell and Fisher guarding access to Wilmington’s port.
Conservation
High Tide Aviation operates with a strong commitment to minimizing environmental impact, promoting awareness of the delicate coastal ecosystems beneath their flight paths.
High Tide Aviation
Take to the skies with High Tide Aviation’s Beach Lover Airplane Tour, a 60-minute scenic flight showcasing North Carolina’s Cape Fear coastline, historic sites, and pristine beaches like never before.
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.
Arrive Early
Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled flight to complete check-in and safety briefings.
Dress for Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes and shirts; while seating is enclosed, layers help with changing temperatures at altitude.
Bring a Camera
Carry a camera or smartphone with full battery for capturing panoramic coastal views through the aircraft windows.
Weather Sensitivity
Flights can be affected by weather conditions—check forecasts and prepare for possible reschedules.
Comfortable Shoes
For easy movement on and off the aircraft ramp.
Camera or Smartphone
To capture stunning aerial views through aircraft windows.
Light Jacket or Layer
To stay warm during cooler flights, especially in fall and winter.
fall
Sunglasses
To reduce glare from bright daylight during your flight.
summer