Seaplane tour tips: what to wear and bring

Do you need ID for a seaplane tour?

Yes. Everyone aged 18 and over must show ID at check-in, with both airlines.

Harbour Air accepts one piece of valid government photo ID, or two pieces of government ID without a photo. Seair asks for government photo ID. One guest on the extended tour said Viator had not told them about the photo ID, so pack it with your booking.

How early should you arrive?

Harbour Air: at the terminal 40 minutes before departure and fully checked in 20 minutes before. Seair: check in 30 minutes before.

Harbour Air passengers who miss the cut-off cannot board and are not refunded. If you drive, allow extra time: parking around Coal Harbour is paid, and one guest called it a nightmare. Arriving early has a bonus: one guest enjoyed watching the boats and floatplanes coming and going.

Do you need headphones on a seaplane tour?

For Harbour Air, yes, if you want the narration: it plays through the free Digital Tour Guide app on your own phone and headphones.

Download the app before you arrive, or at check-in. Seair's tour includes GPS audio commentary, so you do not need your own. Read Harbour Air vs Seair if commentary matters to you.

Is a seaplane loud?

Yes. The cabin is small and the engine is close, and a tip guests repeat is to bring earplugs.

One guest wrote that it is loud, so bring earplugs if that bothers you. Another advised earplugs or earbuds. For children, ear protection helps too.

What should you wear on a seaplane tour?

Dark clothes and layers: dark tops reflect less in the window, and layers let you adjust on the dock.

Light or bright clothing shows up as reflections in the window in your photos. Wear comfortable shoes for the dock and the step onto the float.

Packed and dressed? The extended route adds about 15 minutes over Howe Sound.

★ 4.6 · 45 minutes · from $223

Explore the extended panorama tour → Tour details

What can you take on board?

As little as possible: Harbour Air stores luggage free at the terminal during the tour, and only very small items that fit the seat-back pocket go into the cabin.

Keep your phone or a compact camera with a strap in your pocket. Harbour Air's luggage page says all bags, carry-on included, are stowed in the cargo area, so pocket what you want with you. On one-way flights to Victoria or Whistler, the guaranteed baggage allowance is 25 lb (11 kg), purses included.

Can children and babies go on a seaplane tour?

Yes. Child fares cover ages 2 to 11 with Harbour Air and 3 to 11 with Seair, and infants sit on an adult's lap.

Infants are under 2 with Harbour Air and up to 2 with Seair. On Viator, anyone 12 or over pays the adult fare, and children cannot book alone. One guest wrote that their daughter got to sit as co-pilot on a Seair flight. See seaplane tour prices for child fares.

What about mobility, weather and motion sickness?

On Harbour Air you must be able to walk on and off the plane; flights are weather dependent; and wind can make the ride bumpy.

• Mobility: a wheelchair or cane can take you from Harbour Air's terminal to the plane, but you must walk on and off with minimal or no help. Seair lists its tour as wheelchair accessible.
• Weather: fog, low cloud or strong wind can delay or cancel flights; book early in your stay and keep a spare day. Every option here cancels free up to 24 hours before.
• Motion: most guests describe smooth flights, but some found it a little bumpy as weather moved in. If you get motion sick, choose a calm day if your plans allow.

Frequently asked questions