Frequently Asked Questions

Still not sure if we can be of help? Check through some frequently asked questions and then send us a message.

children | infants | kids

Are children and infants allowed on flights?

Yes, we allow both children and infants on board. We have limited ear protection headsets, and recommend parents bring their own noise cancellation headsets or earplugs for their infants.

Seaplane Tours: Infants ages 0-2 can fly on parents’ laps at no additional charge. Children 3 and up are welcome to fly at the Per Person tour rate, found on tour pages and within booking details.
Helicopter Tours: Infants ages 0-2 can fly on parents’ laps at no additional charge. Children 3 and up are welcome to fly at the Per Person tour rate, found on tour pages and within booking details.

booking | private-charter

Do you offer private flights?

Yes, we offer private tours and customizable charters with our seaplanes. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

booking | last-minute | walk-ins

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes! Please call us or drop into the office and we can let you know what we have available. Please note that flights can book quickly, and reservations are the best way to make sure you can fly.

fees

How does the Junk Fee Prevention Act affect the pricing of your tour?

The Junk Fee Prevention Act ensures that the price you see for our tours is the total price you will pay, excluding government-imposed taxes or fees. All mandatory fees, such as booking fees, are included in the displayed prices, providing transparency and avoiding any unexpected charges during the booking process.

booking | check-in

How early do I need to check-in for my flight?

Please have your group check in no less than 30 minutes before your flight. Flights depart on time and will not be held for late arriving parties. You will not receive a refund for missed flights.

booking

How many people can be on each flight?

Seaplane: There can be a maximum of six people on board or a minimum of three. Each passenger has a window seat. For private tours and charters with any amount of guests, please email us.

Helicopter: There can be a maximum of 2 people. Views are expansive in the bubble helicopters.

flight

How safe is the flight?

We maintain 100% accident-free safety record and operate to the highest standards of safety in our industry.

booking

I am traveling alone, how can I book a reservation?

You can reserve online, or contact us so that we may help you book a flight. Your actual flight time may vary so that we can meet the minimum number of passengers for a flight. We recommend you call us at least two days in advance to make your reservation, however, we can often accommodate small parties on planned tours.

shuttle

I booked the shuttle service from Fisherman’s Wharf. After my flight do I need to go back to Fisherman’s Wharf with the shuttle? I may want to visit Sausalito.

You are welcome to move your drop off location to Sausalito. The shuttle will drop you off in downtown Sausalito, and you can go back to San Francisco via ferry, taxi, or Uber.

cancellation | reservation | tour-guide

I booked with a tour partner and need to cancel or change my reservation.

Please contact both the company you booked through and our team at info@seaplane.com.

gift-certificate

I received a Gift Certificate; how do I book my flight?

You can use your gift certificate via booking online or calling the office to schedule your flight.

parking

Is parking available at the seaplane base?

Yes, free parking is available at our seabase/heliport located at 242 Redwood Highway Frontage Road Mill Valley, CA.

cancellation

Something has come up – when should I notify if I will need to cancel or reschedule my flight?

Contact us by phone or email to make changes to your reservation.

Seaplane: We have a 48-hour cancellation or reschedule policy in place. Reservations ​cancelled within 48 hours are not eligible for a refund.

Helicopter: We have a 72-hour cancellation or reschedule policy in place. Reservations cancelled with less than a 48-hour notice will not be eligible for a refund. Rescheduling fee for bookings that give less than a 48-hour notice will be subject to a $100 dollar rescheduling fee.

ALL SAME-DAY BOOKINGS ARE FINAL SALE.

weather

There is patchy fog over the Golden Gate Bridge, will we still fly?

Yes, fog can come and go at any time. We will try our best to fly you over the bridge or alternate the flight route so that you can get the best view of the bridge possible.

cancellation | weather

Under what weather circumstances will my flight be canceled?

All flights are subject to cancellation for severe weather. This determination is made by the pilot up to 30 minutes before the scheduled flight. These flights are available to be rebooked for up to one year from the original flight.

pets

What is your dog policy?

Service dogs are allowed on flights where needed. To bring a furry family member on a flight, please book a private flight with us.

If dogs are under 15 pounds, they must be secured in a crate.

flight

What sites can I expect to see on my flight?

Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to see a wide variety of San Francisco’s beautiful landmarks and nature. Some of the places we feature on our tours include:
*Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
*Golden Gate National Reserve
*Pt. Bonita Lighthouse
*Island prison of Alcatraz
*Angel Island
*Richardson Bay
*Southern Marin and the seaside town of Sausalito
*Baker Beach
*Crissy Field
*The Painted Ladies Homes
*SF City Hall & Civic Center
*Golden Gate Park

booking

Why do I need to sign a release waiver before boarding my flight?

All passengers are required to sign a waiver before boarding their flight. Please sign the waiver that comes in your confirmation email or allow for extra time at the seaplane base for waivers before your flight.

Have an upcoming flight, and want to get your waivers in? Click here to submit waivers.

seatbelts | weight

Why do you ask for our Weight? Do you have a seat belt extension?

We do not have seat belt extensions in Seaplane Adventures aircraft. If you require a seat belt extension on a commercial flight, you will need one with us.

Seaplane: All passengers will be weighed at the time of check-in to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations and for safety purposes. SA will not be able to offer a refund for any single-seat purchased for someone exceeding the limited seat weight of 260lbs (117Kg or 18 stones). SA will provide an alternative time or date based on open seat availability to accommodate the guest/s whom will need to purchase an additional seat/s.

Helicopter: Total gross weight must be under the limit of 500lb/227kg/35.7 stones for the entire group that will be flying together. We will not be able to offer a refund for any single seat purchased for someone exceeding the limited seat weight of 220lb (99.7kg or 15.7 stones). We will provide an alternative time or date based on open seat availability to accommodate guests whom will need to purchase additional seats.

gift-voucher

Why is there an expiration dated on my Gift Voucher? Will my voucher lose value following the expiry date shown?

All gift vouchers show an expiration date by which the voucher needs to be redeemed. The value of the voucher is not lost after expiry date. If the tour for which the voucher was purchased goes up in value, guest will be required to pay the difference in price. Guests can use gift vouchers for any flight and will pay the difference of the flight chosen at time of booking.