Seaplanes, a quintessential Northwest experience

Captain Susan making sure everyone was well-taken-care-of at Kenmore Air

Seaplane flights are a quintessential Seattle experience, and there's no better place to take off than from the city's South Lake Union neighborhood. You'll get an up-close look at the iconic Space Needle, Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, but the best part of this unique adventure is how close you'll feel to nature as you fly past Mount Rainier National Park and over waterways full of waterfowl.

Take to the skies in a float plane

Now for the fun part: seaplanes are the perfect way to see Seattle from above. You can take a flight over Puget Sound and see the city below you, or fly over Lake Washington and explore its many islands. You can also fly to Vancouver Island and Victoria, British Columbia—a quintessential Northwest experience.

If you’re lucky enough to be here in summertime, there are even more options as seaplanes offer rides into Olympic National Park with breathtaking views of Mount Olympus and Sol Duc Falls, where you might spot some wildlife (please note that these flights are weather-dependent).

There's something about flying over the Puget Sound that is beyond description.

There's something about flying over the Puget Sound that is beyond description. It's more than just beautiful; it's magical, special, wonderful. The Earth seems to meet water and sky in a way that is not seen anywhere else on earth. Perhaps it is because we are lucky enough to somehow exist in both worlds at once: on land and sea together. For those who have never flown or have never flown in a seaplane—it's an experience that will change your life forever.

You can get a taste of this unique experience on a seaplane flight from Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood.

But you can get a taste of this unique experience on a seaplane flight from Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood. Leaving from Lake Union, you can fly to the San Juan Islands for an afternoon of exploring and dining in Friday Harbor, or head over to Victoria, BC.

A seaplane ride is perfect for those who want to see more of our beautiful region without spending all day in the car. And if you've never seen Washington through the eyes of a bird, it's time to take flight!

These flights range from an exciting 20-minute tour to a stunning, hour and a half long excursion that takes you to Mount Rainier.

Flying over the University of Washington

The 20-minute flight is a great option for first-time seaplane flyers who want to experience the thrill of flying over Seattle. The 45-minute flight will give you an in-depth look at Lake Washington, including the University of Washington campuses and Downtown Seattle's skyline. An hour and a half long tour will take you beyond Seattle into the wilderness area surrounding Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, with views of glaciers and mountains along the way.

You can even catch a flight on a scheduled trip to Victoria, British Columbia.

If you're looking for a new way to see the city of Victoria or one of its surrounding areas, you can't go wrong with a seaplane flight. The trip to Victoria takes about forty five minutes and costs $212 per person (excluding taxes), but the experience is worth it. One of the best parts about returning from this trip at Lake Union is that there is a designated customs agent waiting for the arriving flight and you’ll notice how much quicker this process is versus going through SeaTac.

It's definitely not cheap, but you'll get photos like none other as this beautiful landscape rolls by beneath your feet:

Enjoy exclusive views of the Emerald City in a new way during this one-of-a-kind adventure.

Seattle’s Alki Beach from the air

So, you've flown into Seattle on a beautiful day, and now you're ready for an adventure. Well, here it is: seaplanes! These little planes can transport you anywhere in the region—including some of our most popular destinations like Mount Rainier or Victoria. You'll get to enjoy exclusive views of the Emerald City from above in a way that's unlike anything else!

And don't worry about not knowing what to expect; they’ll take care of everything. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride—they've got it covered!

If you fly Seaplanes in Seattle you will see iconic Pacific Northwest views from the air!

Captain Susan landing the plane on Lake Union

If you are looking for a great city to fly seaplanes, look no further than Seattle. Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood is home to tons of seaplane pilots and their airplanes, which provide a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you're looking for an exciting new way to see this incredible city from above, consider catching a ride on one of these graceful watercrafts!

As you take off in one of these unique aircrafts, remember that you'll be flying above the heart of downtown Seattle—so make sure your camera is ready to capture those iconic Pacific Northwest views!