We tried Loch Lomond 'Seaplane experience' featuring smallest plane we've been on and stunning views

The Loch Lomond sea plane tour is hugely popular and for good reason
-Credit: (Image: Sena Murphy)


If you've been to Loch Lomond recently for a wee trip to Luss or a dinner at the iconic Duck Bay Marina, you might have spied the now-famous seaplane tour that takes off from the loch itself.

Recently, Uber announced that this seaplane would be the second instalment of its ‘Britannia’ series, which they say adds some magic to "quintessential British moments and places", giving people "once in a lifetime" chances to enjoy the tour for free.

Taking place over the past weekend, the limited-time event quickly saw tickets snapped up and we were invited along to see what people could expect from the tour itself.

There was wonderful views from every window as we explored the loch and the Firth of Clyde.
There was wonderful views from every window as we explored the loch and the Firth of Clyde. -Credit:Sean Murphy

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What was the tour like?

The small Loch Lomond seaplane at the jetty
The small Loch Lomond seaplane at the jetty -Credit:Sean Murphy

Fitting just six passengers per ride, the amphibious aircraft (a Cessna T206H) sits proudly at the end of a wee jetty close to the luxury hotel, Cameron House, on the banks of the loch.

It's not often we go into these things worried we could run the risk of becoming a Glasgow Live story ourselves if there were any problems, but to be honest, despite the fact the seaplane is so small, the team are absolutely brilliant, have everything covered, and the whole experience couldn't have gone smoother.

Following a short safety briefing featuring the latest life jacket technology (very cool), the Seaplane owner David introduced us to our pilot, the smartly turned-out Reece, and then we were led onto the pontoon the plane was secured to board.

What was the flight like?

After an incredibly smooth take-off (it was very cool to see the water spraying away beneath the wings as we reached the speed needed), we ascended thousands of feet into the air and were soon soaring over the sweeping landscapes of the loch itself, and heading out on a loop of the Firth of Clyde.

Part of the tour saw us fly over the famous Sugar Boat off the coast of Greenock.
Part of the tour saw us fly over the famous Sugar Boat off the coast of Greenock. -Credit:Sean Murphy

Reece was very knowledgeable and an able tour guide, as he deftly pointed out over the plane's sound system the scenic spots and landmarks we were passing, and it was pretty surreal to be so low down and reaching speeds of around 170 mph as we soared above the water.

On the flight, you are able to see coastal towns like Greenock and Dunoon from above, while landmarks like the Sugar Boat, the soaring Conic Hill and the open air pool at Gourock provided highlights as we passed them by.

It was truly awe-inspiring to see the numerous islands of the loch itself whizz by and we were shocked by how quickly the half hour flew by, so much so that we are already excited to come back and try it again.

It was very cool to see the open air pool at Gourock
It was very cool to see the open air pool at Gourock -Credit:San Murphy

What was the Uber tour?

Uber stated that it is now offering its services on more unique ways to travel including trains, and from September 21 to 23, the brand offered customers the chance to embark on a 30-minute "journey of a lifetime in the skies" over Loch Lomond for free.

Are there still tickets?

Sadly not, as it was only over the past weekend, the firm has yet to confirm if they'll be offering it again. However, all is not lost, you can still enjoy the tour via the Loch Lomond Seaplane website itself.

You can enjoy tours now with prices starting at £149 per person and the tickets will surely make for an unforgettable gift for a special occasion for anyone who loves the thought of exploring Scotland's islands from the sky.

Our Verdict

With over 20 years of experience, the Loch Lomond Seaplane team really know what they are doing and we loved every minute of our flight and would happily go again.

It was incredibly fun to see all of the pretty seaside towns from above while trying to spy wildlife like dolphins in the water and the elusive residents of Wallaby Island (Inchconnachan).

We can't wait to see what Scottish experience Uber take on next.

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