Are you only spending a few days in Seattle but wanting to get the most out of your trip? I highly suggest taking a Seattle Seaplanes scenic tour. You get the entire overlay of the city with the best views around. This picturesque tour is a perfect excursion for those looking for unique experiences, those with limited time in Seattle, or those chasing views and getting a great vantage point for popular Seattle destinations.
To make a reservation, all you need to do is either fill out the online form and wait to hear back from Seattle Seaplanes or skip the form and call them directly. Personally, I like this added touch; you’re able to get to know the company before even booking a flight.
When my husband and I visited the Seattle area, this was high on my list for wanting to do. I gave the company a call when I booked my 20-minute scenic flight with Seattle Seaplanes. The booking process was seamless and straightforward, thanks to the excellent communication from Brandon setting everything up. Once booked via phone, I got an instant confirmation text message. I even got another text leading up to the day to remind me of our flight times and arrive at least 15 minutes early to make sure all documents were signed and ready to go.
Arriving a few minutes early on-site, Brandon and Seattle Seaplanes’ very own friendly dog greeted us and escorted us inside the building. Once inside, we quickly went over forms, and Brandon took us through a summarized version of our flight route and what we should see when flying high above the city streets. Heading out to the docks, we were introduced to our flying vessel Cessna 172, a single-engine aircraft. The plane already was preflight checked, so now was the time to take a few quick photos and hop into the cozy small aircraft cabin.
I vouched to sit in front since my husband was apprehensive, being his first time in a small aircraft. As for me, I couldn’t be more excited to sit in the cockpit and take in all the unobstructed views! Although it was my husband’s first time in a single-engine aircraft, Brandon’s nature of friendliness, easy-going, confidence, and knowledge of what he’s doing; made my husband very relaxed and comfortable.
Once approved for clearance and to ensure the path was clear, we were ready for take-off on Lake Union. For me, my favorite parts of flying are take-offs and landings. Taking off and landing on water in a single-engine aircraft is next level! It is surreal to float on top of the water next to boats taking a leisurely ride for the day and the next to be high above them all with gravity trying to push you back.
The first part of the scenic flight took you over Washington University, Bill Gates property, and Lake Washington, where you can see the two bridges floating on water. The following view, however, topped everything and was absolutely surreal. The view of Mount Rainier high above the clouds was a sight to be seen. The Stratovolcano is so expansive, and there are not enough words to describe the feeling you get when you see it in person. The vantage point was a one-of-a-kind experience and, honestly, raised the bar on the rest of our time in Seattle.
Halfway through our journey, we hooked to head due West over the city of Seattle. The perspectives you get while high above Seattle are stunning. Some of the sights and aerial photos we captured as we soared down the coast were the Lumen Stadium, home to the Seattle Seahawks, the iconic Seattle Ferris Wheel, Pikes Place Market, and the entire downtown area, which made for one memorable trip. But that’s not all, heading over the Puget Sound where fog encapsulated the area, making it an eerie but incredible photo opportunity while looking ahead and seeing the Olympic Peninsula in the background. Once making a final loop back around to the North of the city, we looked down to see the locks that connect Puget Sound to Lake Union. From there, we started descending, taking a final look around our surrounding area. Brandon made a smooth landing on Lake Union, and as soon as you knew it, we were already back at the main office.
Literally, the sky’s are the limit, and the views you can capture high above the city are remarkable. This excursion set the bar high for the remainder of our stay in Seattle. I want to thank Brandon for being an excellent pilot. You can tell he’s born to do this and very passionate about his work. Seattle Seaplanes does a fantastic job of allowing you a truly one-of-a-kind experience by capturing so many beautiful moments that you could never experience on land.
If you choose to take your weekend in Seattle to the next level, don’t miss this rare opportunity! Viewing the city from a seaplane was an incredible experience, and you will not be disappointed! Check out my 2-Days in Seattle Blog to find more exciting things to do in and around the city.
Who’s ready to extend beyond their limits and reach to the sky?
