Dog-Friendly Seaplane Adventures

Posted by Billy Francis

Fido will want to become a four-legged frequent flier after soaring in a seaplane for the first time. From spectacular vantages of the Great Lakes and mountain ranges to astonishing cityscapes, these seaplanes will give your furry best friend an unforgettable bird’s eye view of some of the most scenic spots in the U.S. For maximum canine comfort, these sightseeing tours have short flight times, limited passenger numbers and even allow pups to fly in the cabin with no carrier.

Miami Seaplane Tours

Miami, FL
“If I see a squirrel, we’ll have to make an emergency landing.” Photo by Miami Seaplane Tours

Pampered pups will be in good company when they take to the skies with Miami Seaplane Tours. Gunther III, also known as the world’s richest dog, once enjoyed his own private tour of the skies above dog-friendly Magic City. From soaring high above the Sunshine State with your Schnauzer on the Miami Skyline and Beaches Tour to a Florida Keys adventure on an Escape to Islamorada, there are a variety of pet-friendly sightseeing options available. Small dogs under 25 lbs fly at no cost, while bigger dogs cost $1 for every pound over 25.

After landing, head to The Standard Spa Miami Beach and relax by the pool with your pooch. Four-legged guests can use a bed during their stay and there’s a pet relief area outside, too.

“I’ve got a tail, but I haven’t got wind…” Photo by Tailwind Air

Cruise through the clouds with your canine on Tailwind Air. This veteran-owned, amphibious seaplane operation offers city lickers “the fastest route in and out of Manhattan,” above all the traffic. They also offer scheduled shuttles to Boston Harbor, Bridgeport, CT, and one of three destinations in the pet-friendly Hamptons. Small dogs under 25 lbs can fly for free inside a carrier, while larger dogs will need their own seat purchased.

With a complimentary bed and a tasty treat, Fido is guaranteed a comfortable landing at Element Boston Seaport District, located just a hop and a skip from Boston Harbor Seaplane Base.

Kenmore Air

Seattle, WA
“Just a reminder, I have no opposable thumbs to fly this thing.” Photo by Indiegramz

Glide with your Goldendoodle on a pet-friendly tour of the Pacific Northwest. Kenmore Air offers an aerial “pawspective” of Seattle, Elliot Bay and Lake Union’s famous houseboat community on a 20-minute flightseeing adventure. Or, charter the entire airplane and land on a remote island for a gourmet meal catered by Northwest Floatplane Picnics. There is a one pet per flight limit on Kenmore Air flights. Small pets under 25 lbs fly for no additional fee, while pups between 26–50 lbs are charged $75 each way and pups who exceed 50 lbs are charged a standard adult fare.

Discuss the Emerald City from above in your pet-friendly room at Staypineapple the Maxwell Hotel. This offering from our top dog-friendly hotel chain of 2023 provides four-legged guests with dog beds and bowls in downtown Seattle.

Outer Banks Aviation

Manteo, NC
“Why is this car flying?” Photo by Facebook.com/FlyOBX

People and pups planning a pet-friendly trip to the Outer Banks can get some air time with Outer Banks Aviation. Fido’s “pawsonal” pilot will take him on an aerial tour of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Roanoke Island, and Bodie Island Lighthouse. Small and medium-sized dogs are welcome to enjoy sightseeing tours and charter flights for no extra fee. Afterward, head to the memorial to get a closer look at where aviation began.

Book a room with a sea view or a suite overlooking the garden at Roanoke Island Inn. Leashed pups are welcome to join you for a stroll around the grounds before bedtime.

“I’m staying right here.” Photo by @Adventuresofdexterbear

Cape Air first took off on a flight between Boston and Provincetown in 1989 and has been ferrying people to beautiful destinations around pet-friendly Cape Cod ever since. Pups are welcome on scenic flights between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, or between these locations and Hyannis or New Bedford. Pets of any size fly for a $30 fee each way. Space and weight restrictions make fitting a larger pup on board more of a challenge, so be sure to check if there’s room for your dog on board before planning the rest of your trip.

After a cozy night at The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin, it’s easy to catch a boat ride back to the mainland with Steamship Authority Ferries. Canine guests receive a basket of treats and toys to keep, and a pet bed and bowls to use during their stay.

Seaplane Adventures

Mill Valley, CA
Fly above Golden Gate Bridge with your Golden Retriever. Photo by Facebook.com/SeaplaneAdventures

Book your furry best friend a spot by your side on a private seaplane charter with Seaplane Adventures in Mill Valley, CA. From rising high above Alcatraz and Angel Island to witnessing the true spectacle of the Golden Gate Bridge from the best vantage point, or taking to the skies at sunset for a once-in-a-lifetime champagne tour, you can enjoy a variety of different routes with your pooch. People planning on flying with pups will need to book the entire plane.

After your tour, head to the comfortable surroundings of Mill Valley. This pet-friendly Airbnb is a country retreat near San Francisco with a gate in the backyard that leads to an attached dog park.

Friday Harbor Seaplanes

Renton, WA
We’re all as high as kites!” Photo by Facebook.com/fridayharborseaplanes

Soar with your Scottie on board Friday Harbor Seaplanes. Skip the ferry and fly on daily scheduled flights from South Lake Washington to Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on pet-friendly San Juan Island. The 50-minute scenic flight takes off to views of the Seattle skyline and touches down among the luscious greenery of the beautiful archipelago. Shuttle services from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are also available. Passengers are welcome to fly from May through early October. Pups under 40 lbs fly for free, while pups over 40 lbs will be charged a $40 fee each way.

Fido doesn’t need to worry about turbulence in his dog bed provided by Sonesta Simply Suites Seattle Renton. He’ll also receive a treat, bowls and mats when he joins the Pets Are Welcome At Sonesta program.

Brooke’s Seaplane Service

Coeur d'Alene, ID
“Four paws on the ground or in the air?” Photo by Melissa Halliburton

Gaze over beautiful bays, epic scenery and incredible homes on board a fabulous flight above Lake Coeur d'Alene with Brooke’s Seaplane Service. This affordable adventure in northern Idaho can be enjoyed during the day or as the sun sets over the water. If your dog is itching to dive in after seeing the lake from above, head to Tubbs Hill for an afternoon dip in the popular pet-friendly swimming hole. Brooke’s Seaplane Service welcomes small dogs under 20 lbs to fly in the cabin for free.

Experience first-class treatment with economy prices at La Quinta by Wyndham Coeur d`Alene. Pups receive treats at check-in and can explore the grassy relief areas outside.

Would you fly in a seaplane with Fido? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Melissa Halliburton.