Air Tours
1 hour
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
C$520
per adult
SeaWind Aviation
SeaWind Aviation
5
Full view
About
SeaWind Aviation is located at 1809 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, Ak 99901. Our dock office is located behind OceanView Restaurant, and can be accessed by the E.C. Phillips parking lot.
Tours and Tickets by SeaWind Aviation
Adventure Tours
3–4 hours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
C$775
per adult
Air Tours
3 hours
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
C$775
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
600 reviews
Excellent
571
Very good
14
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Wilburight
Adelaide, Australia94 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
After my cruise ship floatplane excursion, a long-awaited journey for a special birthday treat, was cancelled due 'high winds', something that wasn't apparent that warm and sunny afternoon, especially as the floatplanes kept taking off and landing right next to the ships, including the company that was doing my cancelled excursion, I then quickly shopped around onshore for a replacement flight with limited shore-time left.
Two attempted bookings failed - someone scored a last seat just before me, and another company couldn't find enough passengers to make it worthwhile. Thankfully the remaining one, SeaWind Aviation, had room for me on my preferred aircraft - an original radial engined DHC-2 Beaver. As a retired airline pilot, it was Beavers flying overhead as a small kid that helped seed my interest in aviation.
Not only was SeaWind less expensive than the cancelled cruise ship excursion, but I got picked up from the ship by co-owner Lesley, driven a very short distance to their terminal and dock facilities, and soon after was sitting up the front right behind that rumbling radial engine - marvellous!
The pilot, Mike, not only handled the Beaver on water and in the air like a maestro but removed all the bumps that had been responsible for the previous flight's 'cancellation'. I suspect overbooking was the real reason for that, but I was so fortunate to fall into the friendly care of Lesley and Mike from SeaWind, and that marvellous old, shiny and obviously well-maintained Beaver.
The flight not only took in the advertised sightseeing around Ketchikan harbour, but went well off along valleys, between forested mountains and across several islands to make ripples on a perfectly smooth isolated island lake, landing and taking off just for fun :)
Headsets and an intercom allowed Mike to answer passengers' questions along the way. We returned to Ketchikan, landing right beside the cruise ships and tying up at the dock about 150m from my ship - an easy walk back, sporting a new 'Beaver' cap, rather than trouble Lesley for another ride :)
I'm still grinning at the memory of that ride and so proud of my 'birthday' hat :)
Two attempted bookings failed - someone scored a last seat just before me, and another company couldn't find enough passengers to make it worthwhile. Thankfully the remaining one, SeaWind Aviation, had room for me on my preferred aircraft - an original radial engined DHC-2 Beaver. As a retired airline pilot, it was Beavers flying overhead as a small kid that helped seed my interest in aviation.
Not only was SeaWind less expensive than the cancelled cruise ship excursion, but I got picked up from the ship by co-owner Lesley, driven a very short distance to their terminal and dock facilities, and soon after was sitting up the front right behind that rumbling radial engine - marvellous!
The pilot, Mike, not only handled the Beaver on water and in the air like a maestro but removed all the bumps that had been responsible for the previous flight's 'cancellation'. I suspect overbooking was the real reason for that, but I was so fortunate to fall into the friendly care of Lesley and Mike from SeaWind, and that marvellous old, shiny and obviously well-maintained Beaver.
The flight not only took in the advertised sightseeing around Ketchikan harbour, but went well off along valleys, between forested mountains and across several islands to make ripples on a perfectly smooth isolated island lake, landing and taking off just for fun :)
Headsets and an intercom allowed Mike to answer passengers' questions along the way. We returned to Ketchikan, landing right beside the cruise ships and tying up at the dock about 150m from my ship - an easy walk back, sporting a new 'Beaver' cap, rather than trouble Lesley for another ride :)
I'm still grinning at the memory of that ride and so proud of my 'birthday' hat :)
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N3065LKdebbies
Abingdon, VA364 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
What an amazing day due to the expertise of our pilot, Steve. So many gorgeous sights on such a clear day. Our favorite part was landing ( seemed like we were gliding onto a lake with the clearest water. Were able to spend some time walking around for a bit. This experience was our favorite part of our entire trip..absolutely unforgettable! Would do it all over again and ask for Steve! His wife, Lesley was great too.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
merrittweisinger@gmail.com
5 contributions
Sept 2021
Steve and Leslie run a highly efficient, welcoming, safe and accommodating flight service. They are some of the nicest people you'll meet, Steve has been flying for 30+ years in Alaska, and the location is easy to get to. They have two DHC-2 Beavers, and a C-185, so the size of the group is not limited. We very highly recommend this business, and these people, for your flight needs when in Ketchikan.
Merritt Weisinger
Sparks, NV
Merritt Weisinger
Sparks, NV
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan Q
Delaware, OH4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We booked a trip last minute. And if you think customer service is gone you need to book a trip with seawind aviation. Not only did Leslie try to find us another tour since they were booked she made some adjustments and got us a trip and she even picked us up herself. We had a great time what a experience. Even my wife enjoyed it and she is afraid of flying. We highly recommend this tour our pilot was very knowledgeable and kept us informed the entire flight.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking a chance with SeaWind Aviation to come see the Misty Fjords National Monument with us! We are so happy that we could accommodate you at such short notice. We always want folks to enjoy our town and tell others to come visit as well!
Take care,
Lesley Kamm
SeaWind Aviation
Written October 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChrisGTS
Atlanta, GA42 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Everything was perfect on this trip with Seawind to see bears at the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory iin Tongass National Forest. The ground staff were very friendly and we're in constant contact with us before the trip. Our pilot, Sol, was excellent in all respects. And our bear guide, Kim, was superb. She was masterful in guiding us safely down the trail to the observing platform (and there were bears on the trail in both directions). She provided great insights and information about the bears and their behavior. She helped us keep track of (and keep occupied) our two young sons (ages 5 and 7). And she constantly pointed out bear activity to us all around the platform to make sure we didn't miss any good viewing or photo opportunities. And the bear viewing at Anan Creek was spectacular, even in the rain. There were bears constantly in view, fishing, moving up and down from the creek, and even a mother black bear and two cubs climbing a tree right next to the viewing platform. This trip was the highlight of our trip to Alaska, and we are very thankful to Seawind and Kim for this great experience for ourselves and our children.
Written July 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria S
2 contributions
Sept 2021
Can’t stop talking about the adventure. Staff was phenomenal, we had to change our tour due to weather and they went out of their way to give us a spectacular day. This was our first time in a float plane, could not believe how smooth the ride was. The scenery was spectacular from the air. Dave guided us into the rainforest to the viewing platform where we were greeted by 3 bears feasting below. He was very informative and answered all our questions. Just as we were gathering to leave another bear greeted us lumbering down the trail. Close enough to get our heart rate going, lingering a bit longer than I think anyone would have liked but our guide was prepared and after a long ponder the bear decided to move on and enjoy his salmon. We stop by a picture perfect site in the rainforest to punctuate the day. Thank you!
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yan
16 contributions
Aug 2022
We booked the Traitor's Cove Bear view tour. The lady for pickup is super nice and friendly. The view from the flight is fantastic, but the pilot is silent throughout the flight, not a single word of introduction, which is quite different from my other tour experience.As of the bear view, it really depends on timing and luck. I heard from the guide that sometimes there are 5 bears at the creek eating salmon. But I only saw a bear for 1 minute during the hour we stay on the platform.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for flying with us on the Traitor's Cove Bear viewing tour. Wildlife viewing can sometimes be fickle and hard to pinpoint when the bears will be in the creek. It all depends on the creek levels, the weather outside, if it's too hot the bears tend to hide quite a bit. We always hope that they will be hanging out. As for your pilot, I'm sorry he wasn't communicative. We strive to give a very personal experience and this is disappointing to us as well. We hope that if you come back to Alaska you will give us another try!
Take care,
Lesley Kamm
SeaWind Aviation
Written October 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy W
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
We flew SeaWind Aviation to and from Ketchikan/Thorne Bay for a wonderful week of fishing! The flights were smooth, the scenery beautiful, and our many fresh frozen fish boxes were expertly transported. My fear of traveling by float plane is conquered! Will definitely fly with SeaWind again!
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary S
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Seawind Air took us on the Anan Creek Wildlife Observation Tour, and it was amazing. Salmon were coming into the creek so black and brown bears were on the water. Aside from our helpful Seawind naturalist guide, the Forest Service staff did a great job with their new observation structure. 5+ stars with the bears in the creek.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn C
4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
HIGHLY recommend this company! Eric was an awesome pilot. It was a smooth ride with a gentle water landing. Leslie was so nice, knowledgeable & accommodating - even driving us to lunch in town after the tour. Dave our Bear guide taught us so much about the bears & salmon run. Best excursion of our trip!
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to know about the security of the flight since there was a collision recently between two hydroplains in ketchikan
Written June 15, 2019
I did this with Seawind about two weeks after the crushes. They are not involved in any of these. The company that is involved usually do flights with cruise ships and it had voluntarily suspended its services after the incidents. I think you can trust the security that is in place.
Written June 17, 2019
Diane W
Camden, Delaware
Did you book the trip in advance or did you wait until you arrived? My concerns are: if you book in advance, what happens if the weather is terrible? But if you wait until you arrive, might all the trips be full already?
Thanks!
Written July 8, 2016
I have contacted them 1 or 2 weeks before arrival. Once I got to the port I talked to Lesley and got a good deal with them. They will treat you really good. They are very nice and I will highly recommend them.
Written July 10, 2016
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