San Francisco Seaplane Tour: 1-Hour Aerial Flight from Sausalito over the Golden Gate and Point Reyes
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; accessible to most travelers though those with spinal issues should avoid.
Overview
A 60-minute seaplane flight from Sausalito offers dramatic low-altitude views of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and Point Reyes. Fast-paced and scenic, it’s a compact way to see San Francisco’s coastline with practical tips for timing, shuttle logistics, and photography.
San Francisco Seaplane Tour: 1-Hour Aerial Flight from Sausalito over the Golden Gate and Point Reyes
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The engine hum deepens and the world shrinks: the marina slips away, Marin’s headlands become a patchwork of gold and green, and the plane lifts over glassy Sausalito waters. In a six-seat seaplane an hour can feel like a small epic—enough time to pass the Golden Gate’s orange towers, drift over Alcatraz and Angel Island, sweep the serrated coastline of Point Reyes, and peer down at Tomales Bay where sand spits and tidal inlets carve the shore.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Reserve the shuttle in advance
If you want pickup from Fisherman’s Wharf, call to reserve your shuttle at least 24 hours before—pickups happen ~45 minutes prior to flight time.
Sit forward for smoother views
Choose a front or window seat to minimize motion and get unobstructed views of the bridge and coastline.
Bring a windproof jacket
Temperatures over the bay can be 10–15°F cooler than downtown—pack a light wind layer even on sunny days.
Prepare for motion sensitivity
If you’re prone to seasickness or airsickness, take medication beforehand and focus on the horizon during maneuvers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals clustered on sandbars
- Coastal raptors such as peregrine falcons or ospreys
History
Seaplane operations on San Francisco Bay date back to the 1920s; the region’s military and ferry history reshaped shorelines and transport patterns seen from above.
Conservation
Flights cross marine protected and state park areas—obey pilot guidance to avoid disturbing wildlife and minimize low passes over seal rookeries; consider carbon offsets for short scenic flights.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sausalito
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Keeps you warm against cooling bay breezes during flight and landing.
Sunglasses
Reduces glare off water and improves visibility for photos.
Compact camera or smartphone with wide-angle lens
Wide lenses capture the bridge, skyline, and coastline in a single frame.
Motion-sickness medication or wristbands
Helpful for sensitive passengers during low-altitude turns and choppy conditions.