Alaska is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in the world, with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. But to truly experience the best of what Alaska has to offer, you need to get up in the air. With a bird’s-eye view from an airplane you can gain a unique perspective, allowing you to see the lay of the land and the relationships between different features and landmarks. Flying floatplanes is one of the best ways to explore this incredible state, offering breathtaking views and an unparalleled travel experience.
In this article, we’ll explore what flying floatplanes in Alaska is all about and what you can expect from this unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply looking for a new way to explore Alaska, flying floatplanes is a must-do.
What are Floatplanes?
Floatplanes are aircraft that are designed to land and take off from water. They have large, buoyant pontoons attached to the bottom of their fuselage that allow them to float on the water like a boat and take off and land on water. Floatplanes are often used in remote areas where there are no airports or runways, or in places where it is more convenient to land on a body of water rather than a runway. This makes them ideal for exploring Alaska, which is home to thousands of lakes, rivers, and inlets.
Floatplanes are used for a variety of purposes, including sightseeing, wildlife observation, transport of goods and people, fishing and hunting trips, and accessing remote locations for work or recreation. They are popular in Alaska, Canada, and other areas with large bodies of water, as well as in coastal regions around the world.
Floatplanes offer unique advantages over other types of aircraft, most notably the ability to land and take off from water, access remote locations, and provide a unique and exciting experience for passengers.
Why Fly Floatplanes in Alaska?
There are many reasons why flying floatplanes in Alaska is an incredible experience. Here are just a few:
Accessibility
Floatplanes offer unparalleled accessibility to some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Alaska. With the ability to land on water, you’ll be able to explore some of the most beautiful back country areas that would otherwise be impossible to reach, such as glaciers, remote islands, and wilderness areas.
Cover a Larger Area
Airplane flight can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, which makes it an efficient way to see a large area or multiple destinations in one sightseeing trip. Instead of spending an entire day visiting one glacier on foot or by vehicle, you can view multiple glaciers, massive ice fields, wildlife and stunning back country lakes in a one to two hour flight.
Unobstructed Views
Flying in a floatplane offers unobstructed views of Alaska’s stunning landscapes. From glaciers to rugged coastline, you’ll see everything in a way that’s simply not possible from the ground. In most floatplanes, every seat is a window seat so you’ll be able to take as many photos and videos as you’d like.
Thrill of Flight
Flying in a floatplane is a thrilling experience in and of itself. Whether you’re taking off from a lake, flying over glaciers, or soaring above the rugged Alaskan wilderness, you’ll be left with memories that will last a lifetime.
In my personal opinion, there is nothing more exciting than taking off from a crystal clear glassy lake in the mountains of Alaska, listening to the sound of the water spray from the airplane floats, then finding yourself at another remote lake in a matter of minutes.
Unique Experiences
Flying over a destination can provide unique experiences and opportunities that are not available on the ground, such as flying over active volcanoes, observing wildlife from the air (and in Alaska there is a lot of wildlife), or getting an up close view of glaciers that are miles long and hundreds of feet deep.
Photography and videography opportunities
Flying provides ample opportunities for capturing stunning aerial photographs and videos, which can be treasured memories of your trip. Many float plane operators in Alaska allow flexibility in their scenic flights, which makes it possible to customize your tour to see the landmarks that you most prefer to see. Did you love what you saw so much that you need more pictures? Ask the pilot, I bet he’ll turn around and give you another look, or maybe two?
Overall, sightseeing from an airplane offers a unique and memorable experience that is convenient, efficient, and provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of your desired destinations.
What to Expect on a Floatplane Flight in Alaska
When you fly a floatplane in Alaska, you can expect an unforgettable experience. Here are just a few of the things you can expect to see and experience:
Beautiful Landscapes
Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and flying floatplanes gives you a front-row seat to all of it. From glaciers to rugged coastlines to pristine lakes and forests, you’ll see everything in a new and breathtaking way.
Wildlife Viewing
Alaska is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. From the air, you’ll have the opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitats, giving you a unique and intimate look at their lives.
Remote Locations
With the ability to land on water, floatplanes give you access to some of the most remote and beautiful places in Alaska. Whether you’re exploring glaciers, lakes, or inlets, you’ll see parts of the state that few others have.
Conclusion
Flying floatplanes in Alaska is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unparalleled accessibility, it’s a must-do for anyone visiting this incredible state. So why wait? Book your floatplane flight today and experience the thrill of flying in Alaska.
Floatplane tour operators in Alaska
Alaska if full of such a large amount of floatplane operators that your hardest task will be to choose the one that works best for you. Below we’ve provided a few suggestions, based on the geographical area that you prefer to fly.
Top Pick
Scenic Mountain Air
Located in Moose Pass, 20 miles north of Seward, Alaska. Experience the exhilaration of flying in an Alaska bush plane and truly immerse yourself in the magnificent views from the sky. Tours provide opportunities to see endless lakes, streams and mountain beauty as well as ice fields with over 700 square miles of glaciers.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.