Sausalito Seaplane Flight: 20-Minute Aerial Tour of San Francisco & the Golden Gate
A brisk, 20-minute seaplane flight from Sausalito gives an immediate, head-to-toe view of San Francisco—Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Presidio—paired with practical tips on timing, weather and what to pack.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early for check-in and weight disclosure
Plan to be at the seaplane base 20–30 minutes before departure for safety briefings and passenger weight checks required for balance and loading.
Dress in layers and bring a windproof
The bay can be chilly and breezy even on sunny days—light insulated layer plus a shell will keep you comfortable during takeoff and landing.
Secure your camera with a strap
Windows are small and the plane moves—use a strap and fast shutter speeds to capture crisp aerial shots without risking gear loss.
Prevention for motion sickness
If you’re prone to nausea, take medication before boarding; the turns are gentle but the proximity to the city can be disorienting.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Ask the pilot for a slow pass over Fort Point for dramatic coastal fortification views
- •Look for seals hauling out near the Marin shoreline during low tide—visible from the air as dark clusters on rocks
Wildlife
- •Harbor seals
- •Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
The bay’s fragile tidal habitats are affected by boat traffic and runoff—pilots follow regulated corridors and wildlife buffers to minimize disturbance; choose operators that support local marine protection efforts.
The Bay Area’s waterways shaped San Francisco’s growth from a Gold Rush boomtown to a strategic naval and immigration hub; many coastal forts and islands were adapted for military and quarantine use in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Photographer's Notes
- • Directly over the Golden Gate Bridge for scale and color
- • Along the Presidio coastline to capture fort, forest and bridge in one frame
- • Over Alcatraz and Angel Island to show the islands’ contours against the city
What to Bring
Windproof jacketEssential
Blocks the bay breeze during boarding and keeps you warm at the exposed seaplane dock.
Sunglasses with strapEssential
Reduces glare off the water and helps you see the landscape during bright conditions.
Camera or smartphone with wrist/neck strapEssential
Secures your device while shooting out small windows and ensures steady framing.
Small daypack
Holds layers, ID, tickets and any small personal items during the tour.
Common Questions
Where does the seaplane depart from?
Flights depart from the San Francisco Seaplane base on the Sausalito/Mill Valley side of Richardson Bay; directions and parking are provided on arrival.
How long is the flight and what will we see?
The standard flight is 20 minutes and typically passes over the Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, Fisherman’s Wharf, Oracle Park, Angel Island and Alcatraz—routes may vary with weather.
Can I fly solo or do I need two people?
Bookings require a minimum of two adults per reservation; the aircraft seats up to six passengers.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible or suitable for people with back problems?
The aircraft requires stepping into a low seat and sitting unassisted; it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries and has limited accessibility.
What is the cancellation policy if weather changes?
Flights are weather dependent and may be canceled for safety; cancel at least 24 hours for a full refund under the standard cancellation policy.
Are infants and pets allowed?
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap (bring a child seat if preferred). Service animals are allowed; pets are not generally accommodated.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
20 minutes
Location
Sausalito, California
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—must be able to climb into a low-seat aircraft and sit unassisted for 20 minutes; not suitable for certain spinal injuries.
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