How to Soar with Seaplane Sightseeing in Tacoma: NEW Attraction

For the first time, sightseeing in Tacoma has reached new heights with an epic South Sound Scenic Flight. Providing a unique way to experience top attractions like the Ruston Way Waterfront, Narrows Bridge and Chambers Bay Golf Course, this tour is bucket-list worthy.

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

2024 Guide to Sightseeing in Tacoma by Seaplane

What is the South Sound Scenic Flight?

Launched in the summer of 2023, this tour by Kenmore Air is the exclusive seaplane opportunity South of Lake Washington.

Through a partnership with the Puyallup Tribe, you can now catch a flight directly on Ruston Way. (If you remember C.I. Shenanigans, it is located on the same land that once housed this restaurant).

In case you aren’t familiar with seaplanes, what makes them special is that they take off and land in the water. So, naturally, the South Sound Scenic Flight is based in Commencement Bay.

Why the Best Sightseeing in Tacoma is by Seaplane

Besides being an icon of the Pacific Northwest, seaplanes are incredible because they provide a bird’s eye view. In an area with interesting geography including islands, volcanoes, and Washington State’s 4th largest city, you can spend a lifetime here without fully grasping the awe of your surroundings until you’ve seen it from the sky.

Another reason that sightseeing in Tacoma is great on this tour is that if you’re limited on time, you don’t need to stress to fit this into your itinerary. In total, the flight time is 30 minutes.

Bestie Tip: If you are visiting Tacoma for the first time, we recommend scheduling the South Sound Scenic Flight as one of your first activities. This way, you can get a lay of the land as well as get a taste for which landmarks you want to spend more time at.

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How to Check in

Like any other flight, it’s important to arrive early to check in. Luckily, it’s not necessary to arrive 2 hours early like you would at an airport like Sea-Tac.

Instead, aim to arrive 30 minutes before departure. Onsite parking is ample (and free). After parking, head into the doors on the left side of the WOVEN Seafood & Chophouse that are labeled as the offices for Kenmore Air.

This is where you can check in, browse souvenirs, and use the restroom (there is not one on the plane).

Then, feel free to wait outside until the pilot escorts you down to the plane.

Bestie Tip: Not sure if you’re in the right spot? Take a quick look down at the water. If you see a seaplane docked, then you’re in the right place!

What to Expect on Your Flight

In order to appropriately distribute weight, seats are assigned by Kenmore Air.

What’s cool about this is that every seat is a window seat, so it doesn’t really matter which one you have. And, when possible, all people on your reservation will be seated together. So in my case, Kyle and I were seated across the aisle from each other.

And, one lucky person will get to sit in the cockpit with the pilot! (I was lucky enough to do this once, and it was awesome).

As soon as you get on the plane, the pilot instructs you to put your headset on. With these on, you can enjoy a pre-recorded narration of the sights you’re seeing as well as some fun background music.

Route highlights

• Point Defiance (Owen Beach)
• Tacoma Narrows Bridge
• Islands: McNeil, Anderson, Fox
• Mountains: Mount Rainier, Olympic Mountains
• Chambers Bay Golf Course

Don’t worry about leaning across the aisle to try to see the view, the tour route goes in a loop so you will be able to see all the highlights out your own window during the flight.

Additional features to keep an eye out for:

• Brown’s Point Lighthouse
• Point Defiance to Tahlequah Ferry
• Gig Harbor

Your signal that this epic journey of sightseeing in Tacoma is coming to an end is when the plane descends and lands back on the water.

After disembarking, there will be an opportunity to take photos with the seaplane and pilot.

When to Take to the Skies

Generally, Kenmore Air offers the South Sound Scenic Flight during summer. In 2024, the schedule spans from May 16 to September 16.

On any given week during this period, tours are available Thursday-Monday. Take your pick of 3 afternoon flights with departure times at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, or 2:30pm.

Tickets are released for the entire season, so you reserve your seats well in advance.

How to Get Ready for Tacoma Sightseeing by Seaplane

Less is more when it comes to packing. If you want to bring a bag, I recommend bringing a small one like a belt bag for your wallet and car keys. Besides this, you really only need a phone/camera to capture your experience.

Since the flight is only 30 minutes, I left my water bottle in the car. (As someone who always has my emotional support water bottles on hand, I can safely say that I didn’t need it haha).

While I thought sunglasses would come in handy on a bright summer day, they were not necessary because inside the plane is shady.

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Cost of the South Sound Scenic

Fare for the flight is $109 per person when booking online. Unlike other tours, the rate does not change by day. So, you’ll pay the same price on the weekend as you would for a weekday.

As many times as I’ve walked along the Ruston Way waterfront, hiked in Point Defiance, or rode the ferry to Vashon there really is nothing that provides the perspective that this tour does.

So whether you are a resident or a visitor, the South Sound Scenic Flight is a must-do activity for sightseeing in Tacoma.

Where is the South Sound Scenic Flight located?

3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma Washington 98402

In Google Maps, this address is the same for WOVEN Seafood & Chophouse. The dock is located between this restaurant and the RAM Restaurant & Brewery.

This post was all about sightseeing in Tacoma.