If you’re googling “how much does a seaplane tour cost,” you’re probably picturing a splashy takeoff on the Bay and wondering what that experience actually runs. The short answer: our seaplane tours range from about $264 to $423 per person, depending on the route, the length of the flight, and how much extra experience (like champagne, or a coastline that stretches to Point Reyes) you want built in.
Here’s the real breakdown, tour by tour.
Alcatraz & City Sites Seaplane Tour — $263.94 per person
The most affordable option, and a great starting point if you’ve never flown in a seaplane before. In 15-20 minutes, you’ll island-hop over Alcatraz and Angel Island, catch the San Francisco skyline, and land back in Sausalito’s Richardson Bay. Short, sweet, and a genuinely good introduction to what a seaplane tour actually feels like.
Golden Gate Seaplane Tour — $316.94 per person
Our most popular seaplane tour. In 25-30 minutes, you’ll fly over the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Baker Beach, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Pt. Bonita Lighthouse, and Alcatraz. If you want the classic San Francisco postcard shot without the longer flight time, this is the one.
Greater Bay Area Seaplane Tour — $369.94 per person
A step up in both time and territory, this 40-45 minute tour adds Crissy Field and a broader sweep of the Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz route, giving you more of the region in a single flight.
Sunset Champagne Seaplane Tour — $412.34 per person
This is the one built for romance. In 35-40 minutes, timed to golden hour, you’ll fly over Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Angel Island; champagne flutes from Sonoma’s Gloria Ferrer included. It runs once daily, and it’s genuinely one of the most requested tours for anniversaries and proposals.
NorCal Coastal Seaplane Tour — $422.94 per person
The farthest-reaching tour we offer. At 55-60 minutes, this one heads out past the usual landmarks to West Marin, Tomales Bay, and the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse, tracing the coastline the whole way. It’s also the tour most likely to turn up whales or porpoises.
What Actually Changes the Price?
A few factors move the number up or down:
- Flight length → The 15-20 minute Alcatraz & City Sites tour costs less than the 55-60 minute NorCal Coastal tour for the simple reason that more time in the air costs more.
- How far the route reaches → Tours that stay closer to the classic landmarks (Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz) cost less than tours that extend out to the Marin coastline or Point Reyes.
- What’s included? → The Sunset Champagne Tour costs more than a similarly-timed daytime flight because you’re also paying for the champagne and the golden-hour timing.
- Private vs. shared → All of these prices reflect a shared group tour. If you’d rather have the seaplane to yourselves, private tours are available by emailing info@seaplane.com.
Is It Worth It?
Well… we are biased, of course, but the honest answer is: for most people, yes, and the 700+ five-star TripAdvisor reviews back that up. A seaplane tour isn’t just a flight; it’s a water takeoff and landing you can’t get anywhere else, paired with the same iconic views a helicopter gives you. Even the shortest option gets you airborne over Alcatraz and back on the water in under 20 minutes.
Ready to Book?
Now that you know what a seaplane tour actually costs, the only thing left is picking your route. Every tour departs from the Mill Valley Seabase, just 10 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Book your seaplane tour here or call 415-332-4843.