Float above San Francisco Bay with a scenic 20-minute seaplane tour, flying over iconic landmarks like Alcatraz and Angel Islands. Discover history from the air on this private adventure departing Mill Valley.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20 minutes
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; suitable for most ages and abilities.
Wildlife
History
Alcatraz Island served as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963 and is well-known for daring escape attempts.
Conservation
Operators follow strict environmental guidelines to protect the bay's marine life and reduce noise pollution.
Seaplane Adventures
Float above San Francisco Bay with a scenic 20-minute seaplane tour, flying over iconic landmarks like Alcatraz and Angel Islands. Discover history from the air on this private adventure departing Mill Valley.
Seaplane Adventures operates premium seaplane and helicopter experiences across the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. The company offers scenic seaplane tours, sunset champagne flights, private helicopter charters, and curated combo trips that pair on-land experiences (GoCar drives, Muir Woods visits) with aerial sightseeing. Popular options include city-site seaplane tours over Alcatraz and Angel Island, NorCal coastal runs, the 30-minute Golden Gate helicopter excursions, and extended experiences like the 7-hour Muir Woods & Aerial Adventure.
Pilots are seasoned professionals with FAA credentials and regional flight experience; the team highlights over 75 years of combined aviation expertise. Safety is prioritized through routine maintenance, FAA-compliant operations, and detailed preflight procedures. Flight durations range from short 15-minute scenic hops to 60-minute custom charters and private flights for celebrations, proposals, and corporate outings. Special offerings include the Dream Machines Half Moon Bay helicopter event (ten-minute Robinson R-44 rides) and the GoCar + seaplane full-day adventure.
Seaplane Adventures emphasizes transparent booking, flexible scheduling for morning and sunset departures, and weather contingency policies that offer rebooking when flights are grounded. Reservations are available for both group seats and private-charter customization. With decades of regional operation, coordinated ground logistics at Half Moon Bay and Sausalito, and thousands of flights flown, Seaplane Adventures blends local knowledge, aircraft expertise, and curated itineraries to deliver reliable and memorable aerial experiences.
Years Experience
75+
Decades of Bay Area aviation knowledge
Coverage Area
San Francisco & NorCal
Flights across the Bay and coastline
Flight Lengths
15–60 min
Short tours to extended charters
Private Options
Private & Group
Custom charters and celebrations
Book seaplane tours, sunset champagne flights, or private helicopter charters — limited daily seats, early reservations recommended.
Book Early for Best Availability
Seats fill quickly, especially for private flights, so reserve your spot well in advance.
Bring Sunglasses and Lightweight Layers
Protect your eyes from glare and dress in layers to stay comfortable during the flight.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for safety briefing and boarding procedures.
Charge Your Camera or Phone
Photography is incredible on this tour—make sure your device is fully charged for stunning shots.
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare from water and enhances visibility during sunny flights.
summer
Light Jacket
Keeps you comfortable against cool breezes at higher altitudes.
spring
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning aerial photos of San Francisco landmarks.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Helpful for walking around the seaplane base and nearby areas before or after your flight.