Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience worth booking?
Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience is a 2-hour experience in Vancouver Island, Canada, from $245 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (26)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $245 per person
Experience British Columbia from a new point of view with a 40-minute seaplane flightseeing adventure! Ride on two of daily scheduled flights to experience how locals travel around coastal British Columbia. You'll experi
What you get
- Taxes and sustainability fees.
- Return flights from Nanaimo to Sechelt and back.
- Return options: Immediate or full-day stay with afternoon return. Please advise the Supplier.
- anding and/or facility fees
About this experience
Experience British Columbia from a new point of view with a 40-minute seaplane flightseeing adventure! Ride on two of daily scheduled flights to experience how locals travel around coastal British Columbia. You'll experience two exhilarating take offs and landings and a breathtaking visit to the heart of the Sunshine Coast! The return flight is flexible, so please let us know whether you’d prefer to return shortly after arrival or spend the full day exploring before flying back in the afternoon.
What's included
Included
- Taxes and sustainability fees.
- Return flights from Nanaimo to Sechelt and back.
- Return options: Immediate or full-day stay with afternoon return. Please advise the Supplier.
- anding and/or facility fees
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Nanaimo
Begin your journey by making your way to the Nanaimo Harbour Air Seaplanes Terminal, where you’ll check in before your flight. Once aboard your seaplane, prepare to soar above the Strait of Georgia on an unforgettable 20-minute flight. As you glide over the sparkling waters, enjoy sweeping views of the many small islands and picturesque coastal villages below. This scenic adventure offers a unique perspective of British Columbia’s stunning landscape, allowing you to take in its natural beauty from above. There are two return options available: please specify whether you prefer an immediate return or a full-day stay with a return flight in the afternoon.
480 minutes here
Sechelt
Upon landing in Sechelt, you’ll have one to four hours of free time to explore the Sunshine Coast. Whether you choose to stroll through the charming village, visit local shops, or relax by the water, this is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the laid-back coastal lifestyle. Experience a true sense of place as you explore this scenic haven. When you're ready, board your seaplane for the return flight to Nanaimo, completing your authentic, flexible coastal adventure. With two exhilarating takeoffs and landings, this tour offers a dynamic way to connect with the beauty of British Columbia, making each journey a unique experience.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vancouver Island
Our terminal is situated at Pioneer Waterfront Plaza in the heart of Nanaimo Harbour. The waterfront terminal sits directly across from the Lighthouse Bistro. Check-in for your flight 40 minutes ahead of your scheduled departure.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our terminal is situated at Pioneer Waterfront Plaza in the heart of Nanaimo Harbour. The waterfront terminal sits directly across from the Lighthouse Bistro. Check-in for your flight 40 minutes ahead of your scheduled departure.
Options you can book
Depart 8:45am, Return 5:00pm
Check-in 40 mins. prior
Depart 8:45am, return 12:45pm
Check-in 40 mins prior
Depart 12:00, Return 5:00pm
Check-in 40 mins. prior
Depart 8:45am, Return 5:10pm
Check-in 40 mins. prior
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Harbour Air Ltd
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All passengers 18 years and above must present either one piece of valid government issued photo identification, or two pieces of government-issued identification without a photograph
- Passengers must arrive at the terminal at least 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and be fully checked-in 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Passengers not checked-in before the check-in cutoff times will not be able to board their scheduled flight and will not be refunded their fare.
- If travelling with children, please be aware that the child fare applies to children aged 2-11 at the time of departure.
- A mobility assistance device, such as a wheelchair or cane, may be used by a passenger to get from the terminal to the aircraft, however, passengers must have the ability to walk on and off the aircraft with minimal or no assistance.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
I purchased two tickets...
I purchased two tickets for the Georgia Strait Seaplane Tour through Viator, one of Harbour Air’s ticketing partners. I booked them two months in advance as a special birthday gift, under the impression that the experience included four hours in Sechelt. A week before the flight, I received a notification from Viator advising that the departure time had changed from 8:45 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. However, upon arriving at the Harbour Air check-in desk, I was informed that our reservation was still for the 8:45 a.m. flight—and that this flight did not include the time in Sechelt. We were further told that the 9:20 a.m. flight did include the Sechelt stop, but it was already sold out. Despite explaining the situation and proposing several possible solutions, we were repeatedly told that nothing could be done because the tickets had been purchased through a third party. Although Viator eventually refunded the fare, the experience itself—and the intended birthday gift—was lost. Harbour Air, for their part, declined to offer any assistance or resolution. So what should have been a special experience turned into a very disappointing day.
Response from the operator: Pamela_O, thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry for any inconvenience you may have experienced, and believe that this matter has been coordinated directly with you. We appreciate the opportunity to support our guests and remain committed to providing a smooth and supportive travel experience. We hope to welcome you back aboard again someday.
via Viator
Do not book a seaplane tour with Viator.
This was NOT a tour on a seaplane but just a 12 minute commuter flight. Very dull. Then instead of the advertised 4 hours in Sechelt we had to stay for 8 hours. Quite a difference. The seaplane company no longer offer several flights a day, just the two to accommodate commuters. Do not book with Viator. Find a seaplane operator in Nanaimo who will actually give you a tour.
Response from the operator: Louise_H, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear this did not meet your expectations. Since we are unable to locate any recent experience with us, we would appreciate some additional details to better understand how this was booked, and how we can improve. At your convenience, please contact us directly at customercare@harbourair.com with your name and booking number. Until we speak, we wish you all the best and appreciate you choosing Harbour Air.
via Viator
Brilliant experience....
Brilliant experience. Going from sea to air so quickly and from land to land in a short while, being able to see so much of the views from up high. Take off and landing were smooth.
Response from the operator: Hannah_P, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us and fellow travelers. We're thrilled you enjoyed the flight! Thank you for choosing Harbour Air.
via Viator
Prepare for takeoff
Excellent quick trip on a seaplane. A must do activity if like me you don't have seaplanes where you live. Little stop off for lunch and a few drinks before going back.
via Viator
Prettiest commuter flight
Be aware that this is a Commuter Flight, not a tour. Plane just takes you from Nanaimo to Sechelt and drops you off for hours. It’s a beautiful commute, but no tour guide or flying up the islands. A lot of flying over empty seas.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $245 to $292
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Harbour Air Ltd, who run 15 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.
See everything Harbour Air Ltd runsWhy this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver Island.
How much does Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience cost?
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Prices start at $245 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Vancouver Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Vancouver Island is not rushed.
Is Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Vancouver Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Vancouver Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Vancouver Island and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Nanaimo Seaplane tour: Strait of Georgia Experience start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Vancouver Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Vancouver Island?
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On Outty we rank every Vancouver Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whistler Tour from Vancouver + Sea to Sky Gondola + Shannon Falls, Victoria Guided Food and History Tour, Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver Island?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Vancouver Island?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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