$80 Per Person | 15 Mile Tour | 12 Minute Flight
Soar above Oak Island’s coastline on a 12-minute airplane tour featuring iconic lighthouses like Old Baldy and Oak Island Lighthouse. Discover the history and stunning views that make this tour a must-do for maritime enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
12 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity requires no physical exertion
Wildlife
History
Old Baldy Lighthouse, built in 1817, is North Carolina’s oldest surviving lighthouse and has witnessed centuries of maritime history.
Conservation
High Tide Helicopters emphasizes responsible flying to minimize noise impact on wildlife and supports local coastal preservation efforts.
High Tide Aviation
$80 Per Person | 15 Mile Tour | 12 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.
Book Early for Peak Season
Reserve your spot in advance, especially in summer, to secure preferred flight times and avoid disappointment.
Bring a Camera with a Polarizing Filter
Cut through glare from the water and capture crisp, vibrant lighthouse photos during your flight.
Dress in Layers
Air temperature can vary during flight; a light jacket or sweater helps keep you comfortable.
Check Weather Conditions
Tours depend heavily on visibility and wind; confirm your flight status ahead of time to avoid cancellations.
Smartphone or Camera
Ideal for capturing aerial views and historic landmarks during your flight.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from bright glare reflecting off the water and airplane windows.
summer
Layered Clothing
spring
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Keeps you warm and comfortable in cooler conditions during the flight.
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