$180 Per Person | Featuring Masonboro Island and Johnnie Mercers Pier | 35 Minute Flight
Take to the skies on a 35-minute airplane tour from Wilmington, NC, for breathtaking views of Masonboro Island, Cape Fear River, and historic landmarks. Discover pristine barrier island habitats and vibrant port scenery from a unique aerial perspective.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
35 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required as this is a seated airplane tour
Wildlife
History
Orton Plantation, overlooking the Cape Fear River, dates back to the 18th century and offers a glimpse into the area’s colonial agricultural history.
Conservation
Masonboro Island is a protected nature preserve, managed to prevent development and maintain its ecological integrity as a wildlife sanctuary.
High Tide Aviation
$180 Per Person | Featuring Masonboro Island and Johnnie Mercers Pier | 35 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 binoculars for wildlife spotting
A compact pair helps you catch dolphin pods and shorebirds from the airplane window.
Book morning flights for calm winds
Morning conditions typically offer smoother air and better visibility for your tour.
Wear warm layers
Temperatures at altitude can be cooler, even in summer, so bring a light jacket.
Charge your camera or phone
Ensure your devices have enough battery to capture the stunning aerial scenery.
Binoculars
Enhances your ability to see distant wildlife and landmarks clearly from the air.
Light jacket or windbreaker
spring
Camera or smartphone
For capturing panoramic views and memorable moments during your flight.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare when flying on sunny days.
summer