A San Francisco seaplane or helicopter tour takes off from the water near Sausalito and puts the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz right below your window. On the seaplanes you also follow the Marin coast past Muir Woods and Stinson Beach, and loop back over Angel Island and Tiburon.
Every flight on the San Francisco hub goes with Seaplane Adventures from the same base in Mill Valley. Three are seaplanes with a window seat for everyone, and two are helicopters. None of them lands on the bridge or on the island.
Five San Francisco flights by seaplane and helicopter
- San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Seaplane (30 min), from USD 326 per person. Stinson Beach, Muir Woods, the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Tiburon and Belvedere, then back to Sausalito. Shared, and you may be paired with others to make three.
- San Francisco Greater Bay Area Seaplane (45 min), from USD 376 per person. The same route over the bridge and Alcatraz, with more of Marin: Stinson Beach, Muir Woods and the coast. Shared, with a window seat.
- San Francisco Sunset Champagne Seaplane (40 min), from USD 379 per person. A private evening seaplane for two: the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, Angel Island, Tiburon, downtown and Twin Peaks as the route allows, with a glass of champagne. You are back in time for dinner.
- San Francisco Alcatraz & City Sites Helicopter, from USD 339 per person. A short introduction of about 15 to 20 minutes: Alcatraz, Angel Island and a pass offshore of the city. Shared, with private as an option at checkout.
- San Francisco Golden Gate Helicopter Adventure, from USD 339 per person. About 25 to 30 minutes over the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown, the Civic Center and the Painted Ladies, and Alcatraz. Headset included; gratuities are not.
Which San Francisco flight to pick
For the classic view of the Bay, the 30-minute seaplane is the lowest price and also takes in Marin. Both helicopters cost USD 339; the Golden Gate helicopter is longer and adds the bridge and downtown, while the Alcatraz helicopter is the quick one. For a celebration for two, the sunset seaplane is private and the only one with champagne.
Evening light on the sunset flight depends on the weather and season, so think of the colour as a bonus.
Before you go
- Where: Commodore Seaplane & Heliport, 242 Redwood Highway Frontage Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941, on Richardson Bay by Sausalito. Parking is free.
- Check-in: 30 minutes before. Flights leave on time, and arriving late means a missed slot.
- Getting there: there is no hotel pickup. A shuttle from Fisherman’s Wharf can be arranged before the day, at extra cost.
- Minimums: seaplane flights may be paired with other passengers to reach a minimum of three, and helicopter flights may be paired too. You can pay for the remaining seats to hold your time.
- Weight: everyone is weighed at check-in. Helicopters allow 220 lb (99.7 kg) per seat; above that you need an extra seat or cannot fly, as shown when you book. Seaplanes allow 260 lb (118 kg), with an extra seat above that. There are no seat-belt extensions on board. The 15-to-20-minute helicopter also requires a height under 6′1″.
- ID and children: bring photo ID if you are 18 or older. On the seaplanes, infants under 3 can sit on a paying adult’s lap; from 3 they need their own seat. Some helicopter flights require a paid seat from age 3. Children under 17 fly with an adult.
- Cancellation: currently free up to 24 hours before departure. No-shows are charged in full. If weather cancels, you are offered another time or a refund.
Not sure whether a seaplane or a helicopter suits you better? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you choose.