Explore the stunning Georgia coastline from above on a thrilling 50-mile aerial tour around St. Simons Island. See Driftwood Beach, Fort Frederica, and more from a unique vantage point.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most travelers comfortable with a short flight.
Wildlife
History
Fort Frederica served as a strategic British military outpost in the 18th century, protecting the Georgia colony.
Conservation
Efforts in the Altamaha Sound focus on preserving vital estuarine habitats that support diverse marine species.
High Tide Aviation - St. Simons Island
Explore the stunning Georgia coastline from above on a thrilling 50-mile aerial tour around St. Simons Island. See Driftwood Beach, Fort Frederica, and more from a unique vantage point.
High Tide Aviation - St. Simons Island is a flight school and sightseeing operator based on St. Simons Island, Georgia. The company offers introductory visits, scenic airplane tours, custom flights, and career discovery experiences. Visitors can tour facilities, meet certified flight instructors, and explore the fleet during a 30-minute Visit High Tide Aviation experience. Scenic routes include a St. Simons Lighthouse Tour (about 17 miles), a Jekyll Island flight (about 25 miles), and an extended Golden Isles Passport flight (about 50 miles) around Altamaha Sound to Jekyll Point. Custom one-hour airplane tours let guests choose landmarks such as Sapelo Island’s Reynolds Mansion or Cumberland Island wild horses. The SSI Career Discovery Flight places aspiring pilots in the Cessna cockpit with a professional instructor to sample flight training and aviation career options.
High Tide Aviation emphasizes safety and instruction. Certified flight instructors accompany hands-on flights and provide clear briefings on aircraft and procedures. The business presents short, accessible experiences for first-time fliers as well as extended aerial sightseeing for visitors interested in the Golden Isles coastline. Tours highlight regional landmarks including St. Simons Lighthouse, Fort Frederica, Driftwood Beach, and St. Simons Pier.
Based on the services offered, High Tide Aviation serves leisure visitors, prospective flight students, and anyone seeking aerial views of coastal Georgia. Descriptions of each experience list mileage and typical flight focus, helping guests select tours matching interests. The company’s combination of introductory visits, instructor-led discovery flights and scenic tours makes it option for exploring Golden Isles by air.
Experiences Listed
11
Range of tours and discovery flights
Coverage Area
Golden Isles
St. Simons and nearby islands
Certified Instructors
Meet on tour
Instructors accompany and brief guests
Typical Durations
30–60 min
Intro visits to one-hour custom tours
Select a tour, meet certified instructors, and book a flight to experience coastal Georgia from the air.
Bring binoculars for better viewing
A compact pair of binoculars enhances details of the coastal landmarks visible during your flight.
Dress in layers for cockpit comfort
Temperatures can fluctuate during flight, so wearing layers helps keep you comfortable.
Arrive early for pre-flight briefing
Arriving 15-20 minutes beforehand ensures you receive important safety information and details about the route.
Use a camera with fast shutter speed
A camera capable of quick shots helps capture sharp images while in motion during the flight.
Light jacket
Keeps you comfortable against cooler winds at higher altitudes.
fall
Sunglasses
Protects your eyes from the bright sun reflecting off water and sand during flight.
Camera
Ideal for capturing stunning aerial views of the coastline and historic landmarks.
Binoculars
Enhances distant views of wildlife and architectural details seen during the tour.