Beyond Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and the Islands it’s still a rare occurrence to see floatplanes. With a resurgence in their use and new technologies in design and construction, you may see an occasional seaplane overhead or taxiing to a dock near you. Now, with the launch of a new operation in Hampton Roads, VA the entire Chesapeake Bay and Outer Banks are part of that trend.

Growing up on the southern Chesapeake Bay of Virginia, I occasionally saw military seaplanes flying out of the Willoughby Bay and Ocean View area of Norfolk Naval Station and was always fascinated with them. Then, no more sightings by the mid-1960s. I’ve always been curious why a region with as many bays, creeks, and rivers as the mid-Atlantic doesn’t have more floatplanes. 

As an active member of the Virginia Harbor Safety Committee, which is a public-private partnership of maritime stakeholders, I attend quarterly meetings to maintain awareness of issues and activities related to the waterways and harbors of the state. That’s where in 2024 Sam Riggs, owner and operator of Coastal Seaplanes, introduced his plans to start regional service on the Chesapeake Bay, Outer Banks, and beyond. It took him longer than anticipated.

When asked about why and how the Hampton Roads area interested him, Sam, a pilot with exceptional credentials flying in remote Alaska, Utah, and Louisiana, said, “Chesapeake Bay was a great opportunity. It’s an incredible area, but the infrastructure is a challenge. Bridge tunnels, remote areas of the Eastern Shore, and reminding regulatory entities of their own rules and provisions that allow us to operate were all impediments. But now for the first time in the oldest harbor in the United States, there’s a commercial sea plane base.”

I asked Sam whether he agrees that chartering Coastal Seaplanes from a marina or other waterfront location is an appropriate option for skippers who want to return home after a local delivery or trip to a marina where their boat may stay for a while? For me, all I can imagine is never having to ask someone to pick me up again, plus the joy of seeing the water from the air. Sam said, “We move yacht owners, guests, and crew directly between marinas, waterfront homes, and regional airports without long drives or complicated logistics. Our seaplanes land on protected waters and pull up near marinas and waterfront properties, allowing boaters to step from airplane to boat in minutes.”

The aircraft that Sam and his pilots fly are amphibious and use retractable landing gear for serving airports so guests coming to your boat can be met at a general aviation facility and dropped at an appropriate dockside destination. It’s also worth noting that you can charter air tours and dinner destinations to selected waterfront restaurants that you may not visit due to overland trips and traffic.

Coastal Seaplanes is the first seaplane operator in Virginia’s history authorized to conduct commercial operations within federal channels, specifically in the Elizabeth and York Rivers. In tandem with that milestone, Coastal Seaplanes has established Virginia’s first commercial seaplane bases in strategic locations at Cape Charles, Chisman Creek, Mathews County, Deltaville, Irvington, and Onancock. The Outer Banks was recently added to this list. 

Thinking about the history of the region, it occurred to me that all of these ports and creeks were once served by steamboats that plied the Bay delivering passengers, mail, and cargo to remote wharfs. What a delight that over almost a century following their demise, we can use many of the same docks and waterways in a seaplane, rather than highways, for accessing these remote and charming destinations. 

Learn more about Coastal Seaplanes here.

Photos by Matt Hildreth  @matt_Hildreth