$120 Per Person | Featuring US Coast Guard Station Wilmington and Crystal Pier | 20 Minute Flight
Take to the skies for a breathtaking 20-minute flight along Wilmington’s coast, from the iconic USS North Carolina battleship to the sandy shores of Wrightsville Beach. Spot dolphins and sea turtles while enjoying sweeping views of landmarks and coastline.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20 minutes
Fitness Level
No specific fitness requirement; suitable for most guests including families
Wildlife
History
The USS North Carolina was commissioned in 1941 and served in World War II, now a key educational landmark on the Cape Fear River.
Conservation
The flight operator uses low-impact aircraft and limits group sizes to reduce environmental disturbance in sensitive coastal areas.
High Tide Aviation
$120 Per Person | Featuring US Coast Guard Station Wilmington and Crystal Pier | 20 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.
Book in advance
This popular 20-minute aerial tour often sells out quickly, so reserving your seat ahead ensures availability.
Bring a camera with a good zoom
The plane windows frame stunning views of the battleship and coastal wildlife; a zoom lens helps capture the details.
Check the weather forecast
Flights operate only in clear, calm conditions for safety—reschedule if skies are cloudy or windy.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing
Temperatures can vary at altitude—dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the flight.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from bright sunlight through airplane windows during the flight.
summer
Camera or smartphone with zoom
Capture sharp photos of the battleship, wildlife, and coastline from the air.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Altitude can feel cooler, especially in spring or fall, so bring a light jacket.
spring
Motion sickness remedy
If you’re prone to airsickness, consider medication or remedies for a comfortable flight.