Review: Seattle Seaplanes

Zoom out. What’s the big picture here? The pilots at Seattle Seaplanes are pure pros. Not only do they offer private pilot training, but for visitors their 20-minute scenic flight tour of Seattle on a charming single-engine seaplane offers an impressive and efficient overview of the city. Those looking for something more immersive might want to charter a flight to Vancouver Island or the Columbia River. Tell us about your fellow tourees. With only a few seats per plane, this is the ideal small-group tour. The pilot serves as your guide, narrating the surroundings as you cruise over Seattle's skyline. Both visitors to the city and locals looking for a different perspective of their hometown gravitate to this tour. How are the guides? These pilots know Seattle in a way no one else does—from the ground, to the air, to the Pacific Northwest's dramatic terrain. Their friendly demeanor puts you immediately at ease, even if you have some pre-flight jitters. It feels more like cruising with a knowledgeable friend (who just so happens to have a private plane), rather than a formal tour.  Anything you’ll be remembering weeks or months or years from now? It's hard to pick a single highlight of this captivating journey that careens through clouds and over the Ballard Locks, the Floating Bridges, and Lake Washington, but the birds-eye-view of Seattle's Space Needle and the downtown skyline leaves an indelible impression. So: Who is this best for? Anyone who wants a memorable view of Seattle, paired with an interesting narration, will want to squeeze in this quick-hit tour. Those with flight anxiety might find the small planes to be a little stressful though.