To truly see the world, you must take to the skies. Whether that is on a tiny plane floating high above gorgeously green Caribbean islands or soaring high above the clouds aboard a commercial jet, looking down on our incredible planet is a pretty magical experience. We are particularly fond of seaplanes. There is something truly thrilling about being able to see your plane’s pilot; to be able to see what snack they are eating, what shoes they have on or what they look like. This is the joy of flying on a plane so small that there is no door to the cockpit. Whether gliding over pretty Croatian islands with their Romanesque, red-roofed buildings or spotting bears from the air among the verdant forests that surround Canada’s inlets, flights like these are where the adventure really begins. Take a dive into our list of the most scenic seaplane flights to hop aboard for an airborne escapade like no other next summer…
Sri Lanka
The beach is calling. After a few weeks spent experiencing the wildlife and culture Sri Lanka has to offer, all you want is to have your feet in the sand or to be splashing around in the warm waters that lie off the coast. The last thing you want is to have to drive for hours on end to reach the pristine, palm-fringed beaches you are longing for. Seaplane flights are a wonderful alternative and are (in our opinion) a much more exciting and convenient option. Whether you’re flying from Batticaloa to Trincomalee or from Kandy to Weerawila, the scenery that you will float over is magical. Take in the once tsunami-destroyed east coast, or the magically misty southern shores, and relax in the tranquility of Sri Lankan coastal life.
Norway
Norway’s sprawling archipelagos, majestic fjords and seemingly endless waterways are the ultimate destination for a seaplane flight adventure. Weave through the craggy chains of towering mountains and hairpin bend-filled valleys, not at the same pace as Tom Cruise in the latest Top Gun, but still with adrenaline and excitement pulsing through you as you witness one of the most spectacular geological marvels on the planet from the air. Take off from Bergan or Lofoten and soar over ancient glaciers, mountain farms and waterfalls nestled into rocky alcoves before experiencing a landing with a splash on the icy-cold waters that fill Norway’s fjords.
Canada
Have you ever spotted a bear from a plane? No? Well, a seaplane flight from Victoria on Canada's Vancouver Island into one of the inlets is your chance. Soar over glistening glaciers, cascading waterfalls and thick green forests until you reach the deep-emerald waters of Knight Inlet with its floating lodge and ample bear spotting opportunities. The floats will touch down and land you smack bang in the middle of a bear wonderland. Head out with local guides to try and spot grizzly and black bears fishing in the river or cracking mussels on the shoreline, before camping out in a hide to see whether you can catch a glimpse of some of the first cubs of the season.
Maldives
You really have no choice but to get a seaplane to the Maldives, especially as the coral atolls are home to the largest seaplane fleet in the world. As your plane’s altitude creeps lower and lower, the aquamarine water gets bluer and bluer. Little palm tree-fringed islands begin to appear, each dotted with stilted villas - some with thatched roofs, some with little private pools. Sit back and relax as the plane glides gracefully down onto the water’s surface, leaving you in one of Earth’s prettiest paradises. Spend time cycling around the tropical islands, diving over rainbow-hued coral reefs and basking in the sun’s warm rays on caster-sand beaches. A flight to the Maldives is without a doubt one of the most scenic seaplane flights to hop aboard next summer.
New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its dreamy landscapes and wild coastlines. Waitemata Harbour opens onto the Hauraki Gulf where, onboard a seaplane, you will fly over Aukland’s most impressive and youngest volcano – Rangitoto – as well as Rakino and Waiheke Island with its rolling hillsides filled with verdant vineyards. Enjoy an exhilarating water landing in Aukland Harbour before taking in the city’s sights, or even make a splash on Waiheke Island itself and indulge in a wine tasting tour with a delicious locally-sourced lunch, before hopping back onto your amphibious aircraft and heading back to the mainland.
Croatia
Croatia is famed for its scenic pebble beaches which are lapped by crystal-clear waters, and what better way to see them than from the air in a dinky seaplane? Float from one red-roof fringed marina to the next, soaring over the glistening Adriatic basin between stops and looking out over the breath-taking islands below. Bounce from Split to Hvar or from Brač to Dubrovnik or even just hop on a seaplane flight for a birds-eye-view of the aquamarine waters of Plitvice Lakes and its cascading falls. Why get a ferry when you could get a seaplane?
Written by Immy Kelly
Header Image © Olivier Romano