Take to the skies above Southport, North Carolina, and uncover its stunning coastline from a new perspective. This helicopter tour showcases beaches, marshes, and maritime history in a breathtaking 20–30 minute flight.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20–30 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required; suitable for most adults and teens
Wildlife
History
Southport’s waterfront has been a strategic location since colonial times, with Fort Johnston dating back to the 18th century guarding the Cape Fear River.
Conservation
High Tide Helicopters practices responsible sightseeing by following FAA and environmental guidelines to minimize noise and disturbance over sensitive habitats.
High Tide Aviation
Take to the skies above Southport, North Carolina, and uncover its stunning coastline from a new perspective. This helicopter tour showcases beaches, marshes, and maritime history in a breathtaking 20–30 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.
Check Weather Conditions
Coastal weather can change rapidly; verify clear skies before your flight for the best visibility.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Arriving 30 minutes before takeoff allows time for safety briefings and aircraft preparation.
Bring a Camera with Zoom
A camera or smartphone with zoom capability will help capture distant wildlife and landmarks.
Dress Comfortably but Warmly
Even on summer days, it can be cool at altitude; layers help maintain comfort during the flight.
Camera or Smartphone
Essential for capturing stunning aerial views and wildlife
Sunglasses
Reduces glare during bright daylight flights
summer
Light Jacket or Layered Clothing
Provides warmth during breezy or cooler conditions aloft
spring
Hat or Cap
Helpful for sun protection before and after your flight
summer