Scheduled Seaplane Flights: Ketchikan to Hyder

Q: How do I book a seat or freight?

Please contact us or call us directly at (907) 225-1206 .

Reliable service with extraordinary views through Misty Fjords National Monument.

A scheduled flight through one of Alaska’s most remarkable landscapes

Seawind Aviation offers twice-weekly scheduled seaplane service between Ketchikan and Hyder, Alaska – connecting travelers, residents, and freight to this remote border community at the head of the Portland Canal.

More than just transportation, this route provides a direct flight across Misty Fjords National Monument, where granite cliffs, waterfalls, and alpine lakes define the journey.

Choose a one-way flight or a round-trip experience that combines essential travel with unforgettable scenery.

Flights operate between Ketchikan and Hyder, a small Alaska town located on the eastern edge of Misty Fjords National Monument, bordering Stewart, British Columbia.

Aircraft

DeHavilland Beaver or DeHavilland Otter floatplane

Passengers Per Flight

Up to 3-4 with gear (Beaver) or 5-8 with gear (Otter)

Maximum Load

Beaver: up to 1,200 lbs | Otter: up to 2,100 lbs

Trip Info

Scheduled passenger and mail service
Departures: Monday & Thursday mornings – year-round

What makes this Charter unique?

Direct International Access

Fly directly between Alaska and Canada without the delays or limitations of traditional travel routes.

Efficient, Private Travel

Avoid commercial schedules and travel on your own timeline with a fully private charter experience.

Handled with Experience

Seawind coordinates international arrival requirements, ensuring a smooth process from departure to customs clearance.

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Posted on Tripadvisor

Zwander

Verified Astonishing sea plane tour It was easy to deal with the owners. Seamless booking and confirmation. Pickup and drop off were efficient. The actual ride was simply amazing. We lucked out with great weather. The pilot was great with commentary - not too much not too little just right amount. The Misty fjords are beautiful. The pilot also spotted a whale and a bear and did nice 360 to give everyone a chance to see. The tour was for 1 hour but looks like the pilot never rushed us and may have spent more time.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Verified Awesome Our pilot was amazing. He landed on a remote island where we were able to exit the plane and have a look around. What an amazing experience!!

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Geraldine

Verified Awesome! Our guide Kim was excellent as was our pilot. We had a great time and saw amazing bears and two Bald Eagles! Eat part of our Alaskan cruise by far!

Posted on Tripadvisor

Chris

Verified Amazing views This is a fantastic way to see the immensity of the Misty Fjords area. There is no way a land-based trip can give you the scope of the area that a small plane can, and SeaWind was a perfect company for my small family of three to go with to see the scenery. From pick-up to return, the entire process is very professional and friendly, with a true family feel to the experience. There were five people in our little sea plane, not counting the pilot, and we all had great views as all seats are alongside a window. We took off from the same harbor where our cruise ship was docked, and we flew over forests, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. While we were in a plane, it was still easy for the pilot to get close to the areas he wanted us to see. For example, he circled around a waterfall a few times so we could all get a good view, and since the plane was so small and relatively slow moving, we all got up close and personal. It was amazing to see such pristine wilderness from the perfect vantage points. We took a ton of pictures out of the windows, and they looked really good. It's a great way to capture the sights. Rolf, our pilot, gave us expert commentary as we went along, and he really knows his stuff after spending decades in the area. I was sitting in the front passenger seat, and he showed me the radar, communication equipment, and other cool cockpit stuff. It was really cool. We landed on a beautiful lake for a short photo stop. I'm sure one of the pictures Rolf took of us will make it to our Christmas card this year. It was a gorgeous location and was about as peaceful as can be. Then we got back in the plane for the second half of the flight, which was as beautiful as the first. Rolf took us a different way back, which was great. We loved every minute of it. The trip isn't cheap, but if you're in Ketchikan, do yourself a favor and splurge on a trip like this. If you do, go with SeaWind. They are great people who will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You won't regret it for a minute.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Rms192

Verified Amazing views and great customer service This was an excellent trip through the fjords, despite the cloudy, rainy day. It does rain 200 days a year in Ketchikan, so we were not surprised. Lesley worked with us as we tried to sort out an itinerary conflict which she brought to our attention and made sure that we were able to enjoy this excursion and get back to the ship in time.

Posted on Google

Eileen

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were able to charter a plane out of Coffman Cove to Ketchikan for 5 people at a reasonable rate, short notice and received great service from town to airport by staff knowledgeable in local sites. Definitely will use SeaWind Aviation for future flights!

Posted on Google

Mequel

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They got us in last minute and we had an amazing time. Safe and professional. If you’re on the fence…DO IT! We really enjoyed our tour.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Verified Exceptional--worth every penny!! On previous cruises, we always booked our excursions through the cruise line. With sites like TripAdvisor, we felt comfortable discovering our own excursions. All were great! This was the most expensive excursion we've ever done. It was a lot of money for us... but WORTH EVERY PENNY!! As a previous reviewer mentioned, flying through the Misty Fjord was SUREAL... it's undescribable... beautiful!! Adam was our pilot, and he was excellent. We didn't even feel the take-off and the landing was very smooth. He did a great job narrating the whole flight. You can ask questions via the headsets. The soundtrack/music in the background over the headset was perfect too. Adam landed on a beautiful lake and we spent some time on a tiny island just surrounded by Alaskan beauty and majesty! You simply must do this!

Posted on Tripadvisor

Gretchen30

Verified Excellent Experience & Beautiful Views!!! Everything about this flight tour was excellent - Leah & Lesley were so helpful booking it and accommodating our schedule. Their customer service was outstanding! The views from the plane were beautiful! Being so close to everything was just breath taking! The pilot was great too - answering all of our questions and providing us with lots of fun information. We would highly recommend this tour! Definitely a highlight of our trip to Alaska!

Posted on Tripadvisor

Phil

Verified Great Experience This was a top-notch experience from start to finish. I had several questions before we left home and Lesley responded quickly and cheerfully. Connecting with them in port went smoothly and before we knew it we were meeting Mike our pilot and climbing into the plane. I had never taken off from water before, but Mike is an excellent pilot and it was just like taking off from a runway. The views were breathtaking and well worth the cost. Definitely book direct from them rather than your cruise ship. You save big $$ and get to deal directly with them, which is a plus.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Verified Ketchikan Misty Fjords Tour Our family of five booked this excursion 8 months prior to our Alaskan cruise. We were able to get a discount booking so far in advance which made it feasible. I emailed Leslie with numerous questions prior to booking this excursion, and Leslie couldn't have been more pleasant and patient to deal with. We called from the pier after arriving in Ketchikan since our ship arrived over an hour later than expected. Our tour time needed to be rescheduled which required several phone calls, but Leslie accommodated us within the hour after rearranging her schedule and we explored Creek St. We were picked up at the Liquid Sunshine Guage, a short walk from the ship, and driven by van a short distance to their pier. Leslie's husband, Steve, our private pilot greeted us there and assisted us to board the plane. He explained that he had been a commercial pilot for years before starting his own business. Everyone had a window and we alternated the front seat. Taking off and landing in the water was an awesome experience. We all wore headphones which allowed Steve to point out sights along the way, and allowed us to ask him any questions we had. We flew around beautiful Misty Fjord and landed in a valley where Steve took pictures of us and let us explore for approximately 15 minutes. Steve was great at pointing out plenty of mountain goats on our return to Ketchikan. It was wonderful to experience the difference of Misty Fjords from the air since we had experienced Tracy Arm Fjord from a ship while in Juneau. We highly recommend this excursion.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Mcramer14

Verified Incredible Trip This was an incredible trip and a "must do" while in Ketichikan. Leslie at SeaWind is great to work with. Steve our pilot was awesome. The Crab Feast is off the charts. The Crab was tremendous and the best I've ever had.

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Why This Route

The Most Efficient Way to Reach Hyder
With no commercial ferry service available, travel between Ketchikan and Hyder is limited to air or private boats.

Flight distance: ~76 air miles
Boat travel: ~120 miles

Flying with Seawind significantly reduces travel time while offering a more direct and comfortable journey.

Departures: Monday & Thursday mornings year-round

Ketchikan - Hyder $250 per person

Hyder - Ketchikan $250 per person

Hyder Round Trip Flightseeing $350.00 per person

Check-In

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure at the Seawind office in Ketchikan.

Reserve Your Flight

Who This Flight Is For

Scheduled flights are ideal for:

Residents traveling between Hyder and Ketchikan

Visitors exploring Hyder and the Stewart, BC region

Travelers seeking a scenic alternative to boat travel

Those needing reliable passenger, mail, or freight service

Plan Your Flight to Hyder

Reliable, scheduled service between Ketchikan and Hyder
Experienced pilots with deep knowledge of local conditions.
Customs coordination support for international travelers
Efficient transport for both passengers and freight
Scenic route through one of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes

Contact us today to plan your departure and secure seamless transport from Ketchikan to Hyder.

Reserve Your Flight

Begin Your Seawind Adventure

Reach Out & Choose Your Experience

Clear Scheduling & Communication

We confirm flight details and provide transparent updates around timing and weather.

Arrival & Safety Briefing

Meet our team, receive a clear safety briefing, and get comfortable before departure.

Experience Alaska from the Air

Fly confidently with pilots who know these landscapes – and care about your experience.

Reserve Your Flight

Scheduled Flights Frequently Asked Questions

More FAQs

Do I need to go through customs?

Non-U.S. passport holders traveling from Hyder to Ketchikan are required to clear U.S. customs upon arrival; however, this option may not always be available. We will need passenger names, date of birth, proof of citizenship/residency, and customs to meet the airplane upon arrival to view passports.

Do I need to notify Seawind about my nationality?

Yes. Advance notice is required for customs coordination if you are not a U.S. passport holder. Seawind will assist with notifying U.S. Customs and coordinating your arrival.

How do I book a seat or freight?

Please contact us or call us directly at (907) 225-1206.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure at the Seawind office in Ketchikan to check-in.

How is freight handled?

Freight is charged at a minimum of $25 per package (up to 25 pounds), with an additional $1 per pound for weight above that.

How long is the flight?

The flight typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions.

How often do flights operate?

Flights operate twice weekly, on Monday and Thursday mornings.

What happens if the weather delays the flight?

Flights are weather-dependent. If delays are necessary, Seawind will keep passengers informed and reschedule as needed.

What luggage can I bring?

Each passenger may bring up to 40 pounds of luggage. Additional weight is charged at $1 per pound.

Seawind 5++ My first seaplane experience and there are no words except WOW, and thanks Seawind. The scenery was breathtaking, the weather perfect, but the ground crew, the pilot and the plane made us feel comfortable, safe and valued... If we saw orcas, the pilot flew towards them. Bears, mountain goats, waterfalls and cruise ships all up close(&personal). Rolf is a top seaplane pilot and we can not wait to return and repeat this experience of a lifetime.

Screenspoon

Very nice experience We splurged and did this with our kids ages 9, 13 and 13. Leslie was great and offered a child discount which some of the others did not. Steve did an awesome job and we really appreciated the beauty of Alaska. I highly recommend this company.

Cwheelh1

SeaWind Aviation will not let you down! Worth every penny. We had an incredible time on our flight through the Misty Fjords. We lucked out with a gorgeous sunny morning. I had no idea there are so many lakes! Waterfalls, rivers, everywhere you look the view is unbelievable. Absolutely beautiful. The take off and landing were so smooth we couldn’t tell if we’d landed on or left the water. The flight was smooth and comfortable. The noise canceling headsets with microphones were awesome and made it so easy to still interact with each other and the pilot during the flight. The lake landing was a treat to get out and wander nearby. We had a rough start realizing that the third party we had booked through hadn’t communicated with SeaWind and they didn’t have our reservation the morning of our flight! You can only imagine our panic! Leslie went above and beyond to find a way for us to get in a plane, even though they were fully booked for the day. She worked a miracle and we could not be more grateful! Don’t hesitate for a second to book a tour with SeaWind Aviation. They care about their customers, their prices are very competitive, the employees are friendly, welcoming, and put us right at ease. I can’t say enough good about our experience. We will definitely fly with them again. Thank you SeaWind for a marvelous time!

Connector521006

Amazing adventure Amazing views! Incredible experience for our family The pilot was great and showed us the most beautiful scenery’s

Rosa

Worth it! Amazing! Friendly staff and very accommodating. I was mid-cruise when I called to see availability. Knowing that I didn't have access to much communication being on a cruise they handled everything for me and when I got to my next port. I had an email confirmation waiting for me. Everyone was organized well and the flight was great. I was a bit scared but once we took off, all that fear was gone. Beautiful views all around and a very comfortable flight. The hour flew by, pun intended? Not intended? You decide.

Ross

I met with Pia Larson of Fingerprint Marketing to discuss marketing for a preschool business I was considering purchasing in a new (to me) market, or an expansion of my existing preschool in a market where I am well established. Pia was great at explaining how her company would be able to benefit either situation I chose, even though both would have very different marketing needs. I love that Fingerprint Marketing really looks at your individual business and what it needs for a successful marketing plan. There is no one size fits all when it comes to building a brand and marketing it successfully. She helped me understand how important it is to optimize search engine results and provided me with some great information on gathering customer reviews. As I decide whether I will be creating a new brand from the ground up and breaking into a totally new market, or revamping and expanding my current preschool brand, I am confident that working with Fingerprint Marketing will help me achieve success either way. I’m excited to make a final decision and get started with Pia and her team as soon as possible!

Andrea

Must Do Absolutely breathtaking. Gorgeous views throughout the trip. Best thing to do on a day in port. Best excursion of our entire Alaskan cruise.

Bronson

Loved it! Allow a few hours for this, but it’s so worth it! Made our trip to Alaska. Max our pilot was fantastic, pointing out spots on the way and looking for animals on the flight, the scenery was absolutely incredible. If you are considering this it’s definitely worth the money and you will not regret it! Highlight of our trip for sure! The playlist as we were flying was awesome too. Thank you!

Lalalkatelalala

A NÃO PERDER Excelente serviço Paisagens deslumbrantes pelos fiordes com paragem na água Recomendo vivamente este tour aos Misty Fjords com a Seawind

Ana

Seaplane filled This was the best view of Alaska and an amazing experience. So glad we did this. Breathtaking. Easy to book with our large group.

Haygirl16

Floatplane Excursion What a wonderful experience we had on our floatplane excursion with Seawind Aviation. Steve went out of his way to make sure we had a safe and personalized experience. Instead of a taped narration Steve talked with us about where we were, the history, geography, wildlife and highlights of the area. The areas he took us to were breathtaking. Leslie met us at the doc promptly and with a warm smile, it was great getting a feel for the area from the perspective of a young mom. They made us feel so at home. This will be our first excursion we will book when we go there again. Best time ever!!!

Phillip

Highlight of our trip!!! We were a group of 12 and half of us did a bear tour and the other half did Misty Fjords and carb feast. Both groups agreed that the Seawind Aviation tours were highlight of our trip. From the moment of booking, customer service was impeccable... and we drove them crazy with last minute changes. They were able to accommodate all of our requests and communication was always timely. It was a pleasure working with them and we cannot recommend enough!!!

Mecampo

Scheduled Seaplane Flights: Ketchikan to Hyder

Reliable service with extraordinary views through Misty Fjords National Monument.

A scheduled flight through one of Alaska’s most remarkable landscapes

Aircraft

Passengers Per Flight

Maximum Load

Trip Info

What makes this Charter unique?

Direct International Access

Efficient, Private Travel

Handled with Experience

Why This Route

Departures: Monday & Thursday mornings year-round

Ketchikan - Hyder $250 per person

Hyder - Ketchikan $250 per person

Hyder Round Trip Flightseeing $350.00 per person

Check-In

Who This Flight Is For

Scheduled flights are ideal for:

Plan Your Flight to Hyder

Contact us today to plan your departure and secure seamless transport from Ketchikan to Hyder.

Begin Your Seawind Adventure

Reach Out & Choose Your Experience

Clear Scheduling & Communication

Arrival & Safety Briefing

Experience Alaska from the Air

Scheduled Flights Frequently Asked Questions

Contact

Location

Hours

Explore

Seawind Aviation, Inc. operates under a special permit from the United States Forest Service and is an equal opportunity provider.