Seattle is known for its iconic skyline, stunning waterfront views, and its surrounding natural beauty. While many visitors and locals alike explore the city by foot or boat, there’s a unique and thrilling way to experience the Emerald City: by seaplane. Seaplane tours in Seattle provide a bird’s-eye view of the city, its mountains, islands, and lush green surroundings. If you want an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest, then the best way to do that is by booking a seaplane tour. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience on why the best seaplane tour in Seattle should be at the top of your travel itinerary.
Why Choose a Seaplane Tour in Seattle?
Seattle is surrounded by natural beauty that is simply unmatched. From the towering Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges to the islands that dot the Puget Sound, and of course, the lush greenery that gives Seattle its nickname, the Emerald City. A seaplane tour offers a perspective you simply can’t get from the ground or water. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time in the Pacific Northwest, seeing Seattle from the skies adds a whole new dimension to your visit.
Seaplane tours offer panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline, featuring famous landmarks such as the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and Lake Union, all framed by sparkling waters and lush forests. The best part? It all happens from the comfort of a floatplane, landing and taking off on the water like something out of an aviation dream.
As a travel enthusiast and adventure seeker, I couldn’t resist booking a seaplane tour on a recent visit to Seattle, and the experience left a lasting impression.
Best Seaplane Tour in Seattle: Kenmore Air
There are several seaplane tour operators in Seattle, but the one that stands head and shoulders above the rest is Kenmore Air. Established in 1946, Kenmore Air has built a reputation for offering premium seaplane experiences that cater to both locals and tourists. What sets Kenmore Air apart is their well-maintained fleet, experienced pilots, and carefully curated routes that provide unparalleled views of Seattle and the surrounding areas.
Here’s why I believe Kenmore Air offers the best seaplane tour in Seattle:
1. Iconic Takeoff from Lake Union
One of the best parts of a seaplane tour is the unique takeoff experience. Unlike traditional airplanes that use a runway, seaplanes use the water as their runway. Kenmore Air operates out of Lake Union, right in the heart of Seattle. As your plane taxis on the water, you can feel the excitement building. The sound of the engine intensifies, and before you know it, the seaplane lifts gracefully off the lake and into the air. The view from Lake Union alone is breathtaking — skyscrapers, houseboats, and busy marinas make for an unforgettable scene.
From the moment the plane begins its ascent, you’re greeted with jaw-dropping views of the Seattle skyline. The famous Space Needle stands tall, with the bustling downtown area beneath it. As the plane climbs higher, the vast expanse of Elliott Bay comes into view, with ferries and boats making their way across the water.
2. Spectacular Views of Mount Rainier
One of the main highlights of any seaplane tour in Seattle is the view of Mount Rainier. On a clear day, the mountain’s snow-capped peak looms majestically on the horizon. Kenmore Air’s route takes you on a direct path where you can see Mount Rainier in all its glory. The mountain rises over 14,000 feet and dominates the skyline, making it a quintessential backdrop for any Seattle tour.
During my flight, the pilot pointed out the mountain, giving us some fascinating facts about its geological significance and the surrounding national park. Watching Mount Rainier from the seaplane was a surreal experience — it felt like the mountain was close enough to touch, and the sunlight reflecting off its icy peak was nothing short of magical.
3. The Puget Sound’s Shimmering Waters
Another highlight of the tour is flying over the Puget Sound. This body of water is surrounded by a mix of urban sprawl, dense forests, and distant mountains, and the seaplane gives you a sweeping view of it all. The contrast of the deep blue water with the greenery that lines the coast is something you’ll only fully appreciate from above. I found it awe-inspiring to see the various islands scattered throughout the sound, some with small communities living on them, while others appeared completely untouched by human hands.
Kenmore Air’s pilots are incredibly knowledgeable and provide commentary throughout the flight, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories about the history of the region. This added layer of context made the trip even more enriching.
4. Views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges
Seattle is lucky to be flanked by two incredible mountain ranges: the Olympics to the west and the Cascades to the east. A seaplane tour offers unrivaled views of both, and I couldn’t help but feel dwarfed by their sheer size and beauty. The Olympic Mountains rise dramatically from the shores of the Puget Sound, with rugged, jagged peaks that look almost unreal. On the other side, the Cascade Range boasts stunning volcanoes like Mount Baker, another breathtaking sight visible on your seaplane tour.
Kenmore Air’s route takes you around these ranges, allowing you to see them from multiple angles. For photography enthusiasts, this is a dream come true, as the lighting and perspective from the air provide unique opportunities to capture these natural wonders.
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5. The Experience of Flying in a Seaplane
Aside from the views, the very act of flying in a seaplane is a thrilling experience in itself. These planes are much smaller than commercial aircraft, which makes the ride feel more intimate. You can easily converse with the pilot and fellow passengers, and every seat offers a window view, so no one misses out on the stunning scenery.
The sensation of landing on water is just as exhilarating as taking off. As the seaplane glides smoothly onto Lake Union, you feel a gentle spray of water hitting the windows, and before long, you’re back where you started, but with memories that will last a lifetime.
6. Excellent Customer Service and Safety
Kenmore Air’s staff provides exceptional customer service from the moment you book your tour. They go above and beyond to make sure passengers are comfortable, informed, and ready for their adventure. The check-in process was smooth, and the ground crew was friendly and professional.
As for safety, Kenmore Air maintains an impeccable safety record, and their pilots are highly trained and experienced in both aviation and navigating the unique challenges of seaplane flights. Before takeoff, our pilot gave us a detailed safety briefing and assured us that we were in capable hands. This level of professionalism and care made the experience even more enjoyable, knowing we were in safe hands.
What to Expect on a Seaplane Tour
If you’re considering booking a seaplane tour with Kenmore Air, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Timing: Tours typically last around 20-30 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to soak in the views without feeling rushed. I found this to be the ideal duration for sightseeing, especially for those who may not be accustomed to flying in small planes.
Weather: Seattle’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan your tour on a clear day. Visibility is key to enjoying the experience, and you’ll want to book on a day when you can see Mount Rainier, the mountains, and the water clearly.
Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone with a good zoom lens, as you’ll want to capture the incredible views. Kenmore Air’s planes have large windows, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photos.
Seating: Every seat offers a fantastic view, but if you want to sit up front next to the pilot, be sure to ask when you check in. The co-pilot seat offers a unique perspective, and you can watch the pilot in action as they navigate the skies.
Conclusion
After experiencing the best seaplane tour in Seattle with Kenmore Air, I can confidently say that it’s an adventure like no other. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply looking for a unique way to see the city, a seaplane tour offers an unforgettable perspective on Seattle’s natural and urban landscapes.
The thrill of flying in a seaplane combined with the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Northwest makes for an experience that you’ll cherish long after your feet are back on solid ground. If you’re visiting Seattle, don’t miss the chance to see the city from above — it’s truly a view like no other.
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