Fly high over St. Simons and Jekyll Islands on an exclusive 50-mile aerial tour. Discover incredible landmarks and coastal beauty with High Tide Aviation’s private airplane adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; suitable for most age groups and mobility levels.
Wildlife
History
St. Simons Island’s lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1872 and remains one of the oldest operating lighthouses in Georgia.
Conservation
The Golden Isles maintain strict protections for coastal habitats to preserve nesting grounds for sea turtles and migratory birds.
High Tide Aviation
Fly high over St. Simons and Jekyll Islands on an exclusive 50-mile aerial tour. Discover incredible landmarks and coastal beauty with High Tide Aviation’s private airplane adventure.
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 in Advance
Secure your spot early to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
Bring a Camera
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture stunning aerial shots of the coastline and landmarks.
Dress Comfortably
Wear light, comfortable clothing as the cabin temperature can vary during flight.
Listen to Your Pilot
Follow all safety instructions provided by your pilot to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun during bright daytime flights.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture breathtaking aerial views of the Golden Isles.
Light Jacket
Stay comfortable in cooler morning or evening flights.
spring
Binoculars
Enhance your view of distant landmarks and wildlife.