$450 Per Person Per Hour | See what you want to see!
Experience North Carolina’s coast like never before with a personalized helicopter tour from Southport. Choose your flight time and explore stunning waterways, salt marshes, and coastal wildlife from the air.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes to 2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most people comfortable with flying
Wildlife
History
Southport was established in the mid-1700s as a strategic port and has a rich Civil War history with preserved forts nearby.
Conservation
The region is part of ongoing coastal conservation efforts to protect estuaries and migratory bird habitats from development pressures.
High Tide Aviation
$450 Per Person Per Hour | See what you want to see!
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.
Book Weather-Dependent Flights
Helicopter tours rely heavily on clear weather—check forecasts to ensure safe and scenic conditions.
Wear Comfortable, Close-Fitting Clothing
Loose items can be hazardous; dress comfortably but securely for the flight.
Bring a Camera with a Secure Strap
The views are spectacular—make sure your camera or phone is safely secured to capture every moment.
Arrive Early for Briefing
Arriving 15 minutes early allows for a smooth safety briefing and boarding process.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare during daytime flights over reflective water surfaces.
summer
Windbreaker Jacket
Light outerwear keeps you comfortable against the breeze while boarding or deboarding.
spring
Camera with Strap
Capture sweeping aerial views safely and securely.
Binoculars
Enhance distant wildlife spotting during the flight.