Take to the skies for a 25-mile coastal flight over Georgia’s Golden Isles. Discover iconic spots like St. Simons Lighthouse, Driftwood Beach, and fossil-rich Shark Tooth Beach from a breathtaking aerial perspective.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–45 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with no physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Jekyll Island was once a private retreat for America’s elite families in the late 19th century, shaping much of its preserved natural state today.
Conservation
This flight emphasizes responsible tourism to minimize environmental impact and support local conservation efforts protecting coastal habitats.
High Tide Aviation
Take to the skies for a 25-mile coastal flight over Georgia’s Golden Isles. Discover iconic spots like St. Simons Lighthouse, Driftwood Beach, and fossil-rich Shark Tooth Beach from a breathtaking aerial perspective.
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 binoculars for better wildlife spotting
Enhance your flight experience with binoculars to catch seals, birds, and marsh details below.
Charge your camera or phone
Ensure your device is fully charged to capture stunning aerial photos and videos.
Check weather conditions before booking
Coastal flights are weather dependent; clear skies offer the best visibility and safety.
Wear layers for comfort in the aircraft
Temperatures can fluctuate in the air, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the flight.
Camera or smartphone
Capture unmatched aerial views of the islands and coastline.
Binoculars
Get a closer look at wildlife and distant landmarks below.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Stay comfortable in fluctuating air temperatures during the flight.
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Sunscreen
Protect exposed skin in the bright sunlight coming through aircraft windows.
summer;spring;fall