Nothing soaks up the iconic colonial architecture and beautiful oceanic scenery of Victoria like a Victoria seaplane tour.
Whether it’s tourists visiting or locals looking for a new way to see the city, a Victoria floatplane tour is something to seriously consider.
But is it really worth it? Let me help you break down the best seaplane tours in Victoria BC to help you make a decision.
The Best Seaplane Tour in Victoria
If you’ve clicked through to this article you’re probably looking for a unique, thrilling way to enjoy Victoria – so you’re off to a great start.
These tours rank high on our list of the best things to do in Victoria.
Moreover, they’re one of the highest ranked activities across a wide range of local travel sites – but more on that later.
Victoria floatplane tours are also an amazing way to explore the city for cruise travellers, day trippers from Vancouver or anyone else looking for a spell-binding experience in little time.
What’s Included in Victoria Floatplane Tours
- A 30-minute sightseeing seaplane ride departing from the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour
- Stunning views of the Parliament Buildings, Empress Hotel, Inner Harbour, the Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca and much more
- A ride with the world’s largest all-seaplane fleet and the first carbon-neutral airline in North America
- Possibility to book now and pay later
- Free cancellation tickets up to 24 hours before take-off
- Included carbon offset charges
- Free shuttle back to your Victoria hotel
Curious? Here’s a sneak preview of the Victoria seaplane tour to give you a better idea of what you can expect:
As you can see, very few cities can compete with Victoria’s unique mix of old-world colonial charm and stunning oceanic scenery.
As a result, seaplane tour guests are generally very satisfied – with average reviews pushing 5-star territory:
Want to take a deeper look at the customer reviews? You can see them on our Victoria seaplane tour booking platform.
In a meantime, let’s take a detailed look at the prices and overall tour experience to decide if it’s something you truly want to do.
Related: Seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria
Victoria Seaplane Tour Cost
The price for the Victoria Seaplane Tour Tickets is currently $143.00 CAD per person.
Children between the ages of 2 and 11 can ride for around half price – $73.00 CAD, while children under 2 fly free with a paying adult. This makes the activity one of the best things to do in Victoria for families.
If you’re in both cities, it should be noted that this is about $10.00 cheaper than Vancouver seaplane tours.
For this cost, you’ll receive a 30-minute aerial adventure that introduces you to the thrills of floatplane travel – while showing off all that Victoria has to offer, including views of:
- The Inner Harbour & Victoria skyline
- Empress Hotel
- The Parliament Buildings
- Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Olympic Peninsula and more
Click the orange button below to get to the booking platform and get your free cancellation tickets – and claim the option to pay later.
If you’d like to tack on an extra 15 minutes to your journey, you’ll also have the chance to book the Extended Victoria Seaplane Tour Tickets which takes 45 minutes.
Adults fly for $213.00 CAD, while kids fly for $109.00 and infants remain free.
You’ll enjoy everything that the introductory tour has to offer, before flying north along the Saanich Peninsula providing additional aerial views of:
- The Gulf Islands
- Saanich Inlet
- Sidney
- Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
- World famous Butchart Gardens and more
Whatever you decide, since there are only 10 seats per flight it’s recommended to book well in advance, especially if you’re visiting Victoria during the peak summer tourist season.
? Tip: Coming from Vancouver? Booking a Seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria offers the same thrills and takes care of your transport all in one shot.
Related: Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Tours
Is Taking a Victoria Seaplane Tour Worth it?
Many budget travellers may find the $143.00 price tag a bit steep, and that’s fine. The tours are clearly not targeted at this demographic.
If they’re a little beyond your budget, I’d suggest opting for the Victoria Hop on Hop Off bus tour or a trip to Butchart Gardens instead.
That said, how many times in your life are you going to take an aerial tour of one of the most beautiful cities on earth?
With a Victoria Floatplane Tour, you’re paying for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This makes it an ideal splurge activity to elevate a holiday or celebrate with a loved one.
Also, in the event of a rainy forecast, you can always cancel as long as you provide 24 hours notice – so there’s lots of flexibility on offer here as well.
Related: Best Victoria Sightseeing Tours
Victoria BC Seaplane Tour Schedule
The 30-minute seaplane tours in Victoria are available from April to October and depart at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm.
The 45-minute extended seaplane tours are offered from April-October, and depart once daily at 5:30 pm – so if you’re looking for a sunset ride this is the better bet.
To ensure you get the right time it’s recommended to book your tickets way in advance, as there is a maximum of 10 passengers per flight.
*The number of daily departures may be reduced in the off-season, particularly from October-April. Departure times are also subject to change as daylight hours waver throughout the year.
Top Seaplane Tours of Victoria BC FAQs
How much does a seaplane tour of Victoria cost?
The best seaplane tours in Victoria cost $143.00 CAD for adults and $73.00 for children 2-12 – while infants are free. If you wish to take the extended tour, the price rises to $213.00 CAD and $109.00 for children.
Are Victoria seaplane tours scary?
If you’re fine taking flights with jets it shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, many fliers have indicated that lower-altitude flights are more reassuring. And the seaplane’s water landings are generally much smoother than their usual tarmac-based cousins.
Where is the Victoria Seaplane terminal?
The Victoria Harbour Airport Terminal is found at 950 Wharf Street right in the heart of the Inner Harbour. This places it a short walk from the Empress Hotel, Parliament Buildings, Bastion Square, the Victoria Cruise Terminal, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
What will I see on Victoria seaplane tours?
The seaplanes take off in front of the Inner Harbour’s most iconic buildings, the Empress Hotel and Provincial Legislature. So upon take-off, you’ll receive stunning views of these and the rest of the area’s main attractions.
From there, you’ll proceed past Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road to the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In the distance, you’ll be able to see the Gulf Islands, Olympic Mountains and Washington State.
If you opt for the Extended Victoria Panoramic Seaplane Tour, you’ll then head north past Oak Bay towards Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula. You’ll also receive views of Butchart Gardens as you circle back for views of beaches, the city skyline, and other major attractions.
What do I need to bring with me on my Victoria seaplane tour?
There’s no need to bring provisions of any sort as the rides are fairly short, though every guest will need to bring a photo ID (passport or ID card) in order to board.
A camera wouldn’t be a bad idea, as smartphones may not quite be up to the task of high-altitude photography.
Ready for the Best Seaplane Tour of Victoria?
Our goal is to answer every question about living and travelling in Vancouver and Victoria.
That said, if there’s something that you feel that I’ve missed regarding Victoria seaplane tours or anything else Victoria-related, don’t be afraid to write me in the comments below for custom travel advice.
Whether you’re taking these tours or not, we hope you’ll use us for all your British Columbia planning needs.
Photo credits: Harbour Air
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