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.
Where can I fly in Alaska?
Alaska has the highest concentration of seaplanes in the world and the widest variety of flying experiences. Flightseeing tours over glaciers and mountain ranges operate from Juneau, Talkeetna, and Seward. Wildlife-viewing flights — bears at Katmai, whales in Southeast Alaska — leave from Kodiak, Homer, and Ketchikan.
Fly-in fishing is a major part of Alaska seaplane culture. Operators fly passengers from Anchorage, Dillingham, and King Salmon to remote rivers and lodges accessible only by floatplane. These range from half-day trips to week-long packages.
Lake Hood Seaplane Base in Anchorage is the world's busiest seaplane base and a good place to start.
What about the Pacific Northwest?
The San Juan Islands, between Washington State and British Columbia, are one of the most scenic seaplane destinations in North America. Kenmore Air operates scheduled service and tours from Seattle's Lake Union and Kenmore to the islands.
Harbour Air, based in Vancouver, operates the largest seaplane airline in the world, with scheduled service across the Georgia Strait and scenic flights over Vancouver's skyline, the Gulf Islands, and the British Columbia coast.
Victoria's Inner Harbour is a dramatic seaplane destination — landing in the harbor with the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel on either side.
Where can I fly in Florida and the Caribbean?
Florida has year-round seaplane operations. Scenic flights over the Keys, the Everglades, and the Gulf Coast operate from Miami, Key West, and Tavares (the "America's Seaplane City"). Jack Brown's Seaplane Base in Winter Haven is a landmark training and tour operation.
In the Caribbean, seaplane service connects the US and British Virgin Islands, with scenic flights over the turquoise waters and coral reefs. Operators in Puerto Rico offer flights to Culebra and Vieques. The Bahamas have growing seaplane charter service from Nassau and the Exumas.
Caribbean seaplane tours combine aviation with beach and snorkeling excursions — a unique experience for travelers.
What about eastern Canada and the Great Lakes?
Ontario's cottage country — Muskoka, the Kawarthas, and the Thousand Islands — has a long seaplane tradition. Tour operators offer flights over fall foliage, summer lake scenery, and the dramatic Georgian Bay shoreline.
Quebec's Laurentians and the vast northern lake country are accessible primarily by floatplane. Several operators offer fly-in fishing, wildlife tours, and scenic flights from bases near Mont-Tremblant and further north.
The Great Lakes region — particularly Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin — has active seaplane communities with tour operators at many lakeside bases.
How do I book a seaplane tour?
Most operators accept bookings through their websites, by phone, or through travel platforms. For popular destinations like Alaska glacier tours and Caribbean flights, booking in advance is recommended during peak season (May through September for Alaska, December through April for the Caribbean).
The waterdrome.com directory lists charter and tour operators at seaplane bases across North America. You can browse by region to find operators near your destination.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best seaplane tours in the United States?
Alaska, the San Juan Islands in Washington, Florida, and the Caribbean offer the most popular seaplane tours, ranging from glacier flightseeing to coastal scenic flights.
Can I take a seaplane tour in Canada?
Yes. Vancouver, Victoria, the Gulf Islands, Ontario cottage country, and Quebec's Laurentians all have active seaplane tour operators.
How do I book a seaplane tour?
Book directly through operators' websites or by phone. For peak-season destinations like Alaska and the Caribbean, advance booking is recommended.