booking
Our flights are not scheduled like the airlines. Instead just select whichever flight you want and pick an available time slot. We have time slots available on the hour, 4 days a week.
We currently fly Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 9am to 3pm (weather permitting).
Yes! You can book our River Dash and VIP Pilot Experience for one (1) person.
All other flights require a minimum of two (2) fares (or maximum of 3 passengers) to book a time slot on-line.
However, we do match passengers together on our STANDBY list – call us to register on 0437 719 088. We need to know the passenger weight, mobile contact number, available days, etc.
Any passenger is welcome to purchase 2 fares to avoid having to wait to be matched up.
Yes! You can buy any Gift Voucher for one (1) person at any time.
However, when they book, they will need to organise a buddy to purchase the second fare or they can call us to go on our STANDBY list – 0437 719 088.
When you have four…
What we do in this case is do two flights x two passengers. It does not cost any more and we time the flights immediately after each other. Just call us and we will arrange the schedule to fit your needs.
Our booking calendar is open about a year ahead. While you may be able to rock up on the day and go for a flight, we do recommend calling first so you won’t be disappointed. Our weekends book up about 3-7 days ahead.
Special Occasions – If you want to do a special flight that involves other suppliers, like our Romantic Picnic on Chambers Island*, OR if you want a special day and time, it is best to give us as much notice as possible. (At least 7 days).
*Select any flight and add the transfer or picnic when you get to the ‘Extras’ in the shopping cart.
Well, it just depends on which type of experience you are looking for. We get all five star reviews doors on and all five star reviews doors off, so they are both amazing, but they are two TOTALLY different experiences.
–DOORS ON is very peaceful… we are floating along, having a chat, talking about the aircraft and things we are seeing.
–DOORS OFF – is awesome, but…it is FULL ON, it’s windy, it’s noisy, there is nothing between you and the outside! We don’t talk because it is too noisy. One of our passengers described it as being ‘like skydiving sitting down’, and we think that’s a great description. So, they’re both great, it just depends on what excites YOU.
You can select ‘DOORS OFF’ in the ‘Extras‘ section of the shopping cart or on the day. It is $50 extra per flight not per person!
A lot of people assume our booking system is like the Airlines… if you can’t fly – you lose your money. However, that is not the case with Paradise Seaplanes! Your adventure is backed by our flexible, customer-friendly booking policy. We understand that life can be unpredictable, which is why we offer free rescheduling or full refunds up until the very day of your flight – no questions asked.
We totally understand! However, we do need passenger weights for each flight. A lot of people buying gift certificates do not know the weight of the person they are buying for, but it is a very important piece of information. The aircraft is tested and certified at a certain maximum weight, so we do need accurate numbers. If you’re not sure and need to guess, that’s fine as long as you guess on the heavy side. (Don’t worry. Nobody but the pilot will ever know what you put down.)
Unfortunately, a child occupies a seat exactly the same as an adult does and, because the aircraft costs the same to operate whether the person sitting in the seat is an adult or a child, we are unable to offer discounts for children.
However, that said, we do have a special intro flight for kids – Kid’s Seaplane Adventure Intro Flight.
No. Unfortunately, even though we would love to offer discounts, the aircraft costs the same to operate regardless of whomever is sitting in the seat. We have priced our flights as economically as possible to make it available for as many people as possible.
We have lots of ways for you to enjoy our flights and make them even more memorable or add that ‘bit extra’ for a really special occasion. You can select these options in the second part of your shopping cart experience or call us to book your special occasion, 0437719088.
Our extras include:
DoorsOff – Have an open cockpit experience – our Wilga is certified to fly without the doors and you get an I-am-really-flying experience – lots of wind and wow!
Photobooks – This is a very popular extra. Your own personalised brag book including photos of you and your adventure with professional photos of the airplane and area you flew over… choose from a 5×7 softcover or 8×10 hardcover 20-page photobook. Great for coffee tables and conversation starters.
GoPro hire – You get to make your own movie adventure! THIS is groovy and comes full audio of your flight. We give you tips, a highlights reel and raw footage… Relive your adventure every day!
Romantic picnic for 2 – get whisked away on an adventure flight and land at an island with a luxury picnic awaiting. Perfect for super special occasions and something you will both remember!
We also have
Boathouse soirees for up to 4
Marry Me skysign fly-overs or in-air fly-pasts
… and if you have an idea to make your event special, we are more than happy to help make your day brilliant!
Just call Shawn or Sandi at Paradise SeaPlanes.
Logistics
PREPARING TO FLY: The Drill –
You will receive a text on the morning of the flight (before 8am) to confirm weather conditions. Look for that text. It also includes a maplink.
Please arrive 15 minute before your scheduled flight. (This does not apply to the 9am flight – you can arrive at 9am.)
You will get your feet wet! Wear shoes you can kick off. Shorts and thongs are the go!
If you have purchased the ‘Doors Off’ option, bring a jacket in cooler weather, and something to tie your hair back if you have long hair – it is WINDY with the doors off.
Photos. You can take as much technology as you want. Cameras, go-pros, video recorders etc etc. Hang on to them. (The pilot will tell you he has dunked a few of his mobile phones over time.)
AT THE RIVER BANK: The Drill –
You will receive a flight briefing – we tell you all the things you need to know about the aircraft and safety.
Please complete and sign our Passenger Acknowledgement Form at your flight.
We provide you with a life vest and help you board the aircraft, demonstrate seat belts, exits, and headsets.
Boarding the aircraft is easy. If you can climb a ladder rung, you can do this. Ask us about extra assistance. – 0437 719 088.
Short answer: No.
If it is raining, if turbulence is forecast, it is too windy, or if the river is in flood, we will not fly. If you are booked in, we will advise you on the day, by text. We will either reschedule your flight with no penalty, or refund your money in full.
If you can climb stairs or a short ladder, you can access our Wilga 80.
The pilot will assist and instruct you how to access the aircraft. Walk from the river path across the beach to the waters edge. Enter the water and take a step onto the back of the float. Grab the pilot’s hand to steady yourself. Edge along the float. Take a step up onto the first rung. Next take the second rung, turn and sit in the seat. Bring your legs around into the aircraft.
We have had passengers that are mobility-challenged fly with us. The key factor in those cases has been having a friend who has been able to lift them in or support them while they climb in.
SUPPORT
We have had many passengers who have been afraid to fly or who have a fear of heights.
Every single one of them has come back with a big grin from ear to ear.
If you are afraid to fly, but don’t want to miss out on the experience, we suggest these steps:
Our Aircraft is a Blend of Vintage Charm and Modern Safety
At Paradise Seaplanes, we understand that our aircraft’s vintage appearance might raise a few eyebrows for those unfamiliar with its history. However, beneath that nostalgic patina lies a story of meticulous care, modern technology, and unwavering commitment to safety. All aircraft , including ours, are required to have extensive inspections every 50 hours by certified mechanics.
Additionally, five years ago, our beloved aircraft underwent an extensive restoration. While its exterior proudly showcases its seasoned journeys and rich history, internally, it’s as fresh and advanced as any modern-day plane. We stripped it down to its bare bones, ensuring that every single part was meticulously examined and restored.
– Bearings? Replaced.
– Flight controls? Rebuilt.
– Engine and propeller? Refurbished to their pristine conditions.
– Airframe? Thoroughly inspected and fortified.
Our top-tier mechanic was poised to give our aircraft a cosmetic makeover as well. We chose to preserve its original charm, an ode to its enduring legacy. This decision wasn’t about aesthetics alone; it was about honouring the timeless spirit of aviation.
Rest assured, when you board our aircraft, you’re not only experiencing a nostalgic journey through time but also benefiting from cutting-edge aviation safety standards. Our meticulous rebuild guarantees the same level of security and performance that any contemporary aircraft offers.
So, step aboard with confidence. Experience the magic of flight with the authentic charm of yesteryears, backed by today’s pinnacle of safety and engineering. At Paradise Seaplanes, we promise you a journey that’s as safe as it is unforgettable.
Bradman Ave at Minti St,
Maroochydore Q 4558
Located on the beautiful Maroochy River and Sunshine Coast biospheres.
15 min from SCAirport (MCY)
90 min from Brisbane (BNE)
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