$320 Per Person | Featuring Fort Fisher and Fort Caswell | 50 Minute Flight
Soar above North Carolina’s breathtaking coastline on the ILM Beach Lover Tour. From historic forts to pristine beaches and iconic lighthouses, this 50-minute flight offers an unforgettable perspective of Cape Fear’s rich maritime heritage.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
50 minutes
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; suitable for most travelers comfortable with small airplane flights.
Wildlife
History
Fort Fisher played a crucial role in the Civil War protecting Wilmington, one of the Confederacy’s last major ports.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to protect nesting sites of sea turtles and preserve the natural barrier islands along this stretch of the coast.
High Tide Aviation
$320 Per Person | Featuring Fort Fisher and Fort Caswell | 50 Minute 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.
Bring a Camera with a Polarizing Filter
A polarizing filter helps reduce glare from water surfaces, perfect for capturing sharp, vivid images of the coast from the plane.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can vary inside the airplane, so wearing layers ensures comfort during the flight.
Arrive Early for Check-in
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled flight to complete check-in and safety briefings without stress.
Reserve Seats Early for Window Views
Books early to secure window seats for the best photo opportunities and unobstructed views.
Camera or Smartphone with Zoom Lens
Capture detailed aerial photos of coastlines, lighthouses, and beaches during the flight.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Spring flights can be chilly, especially at altitude, so a light jacket adds comfort.
spring
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the bright sun when flying above reflective water and sand.
summer
Binoculars (Optional)
Enhance your view of distant landmarks and wildlife along the shoreline.