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New to seaplanes? Start here.
Plain-language answers to the questions travelers and aspiring pilots actually ask — what seaplanes are, where they fly, how to ride one, and how to learn to fly one yourself.
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What is a waterdrome?
A waterdrome is a designated area of water where seaplanes take off and land. The word comes from water + aerodrome and is the internationally recognized term for what Americans usually call a seaplane base and Canadians call a water aerodrome.
What is a seaplane, and how is it different from a floatplane or amphibian?
A seaplane is any airplane that can take off from and land on water. A floatplane is a seaplane that uses pontoon floats bolted beneath a conventional airframe.
How do seaplanes take off and land on water?
A seaplane takes off by accelerating across the water until the floats or hull rise onto a planing surface called the step, which dramatically reduces drag and allows the airplane to reach flying speed. Landing is the reverse: the pilot touches down at a shallow angle and decelerates as the floats settle back into the water.
Can you land a seaplane on any lake?
No. While the FAA generally allows seaplane operations on navigable waters not otherwise restricted, many states, counties, and lake associations prohibit or limit seaplane use.
How do I get a seaplane rating?
To fly a seaplane in the United States, you add a single-engine sea (ASES) rating to your existing pilot certificate. Training typically takes 5 to 10 hours of flight instruction and a practical test with an FAA examiner.
What does a seaplane ride or scenic flight cost?
A scenic seaplane flight typically costs $75 to $400 per person for a 15- to 60-minute tour, depending on the location, duration, aircraft type, and group size. Scheduled seaplane service between cities — like the routes in the Pacific Northwest or the Caribbean — runs $100 to $350 per seat one way.
Is flying on a seaplane safe?
Seaplane flying carries inherent risks, as all aviation does, but is regulated, insured, and has a long safety record. Commercial seaplane operators are held to the same standards as other air carriers.
Where can I take a seaplane tour in the US and Canada?
Seaplane tours are available throughout North America, with the most popular destinations in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Florida, the Caribbean, and eastern Canada. Most tours depart from established seaplane bases and last 15 minutes to several hours.