Loch Lomond Seaplanes
Loch Lomond Seaplanes
4.5
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About
Unforgettable iconic seaplane flights over one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world!
Alexandria, Scotland
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Loch Lomond Seaplanes
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
473 reviews
Excellent
413
Very good
19
Average
5
Poor
9
Terrible
27
Jane L
Norwich, UK100 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The highlight of our three day trip to Scotland was the seaplane flight over the western isles. The seaplane is located right on the edge of Loch Lomond on the south western side, near Balloch. It’s a bit tricky to find, however the postcode takes you right into the grounds of Cameron House and to the edge of the Loch where the seaplane is berthed. (A tip do visit the Boathouse building to use the washrooms before the flight as there are no washrooms on the plane).
David our pilot had gained over 40 years of experience and is extremely knowledgeable about Scotland. During the flight David pointed out all of the Western Islands and gave us lots of interesting information and history relating to the area, he knows the area so well. The flight lasted about 55 minutes and we flew over Bute, Islay, Arran and Jura as well as taking in several of the spectacular Lochs. We soared above snow capped mountains and the colours and the scenery was breathtaking.
The flight was smooth and the views were spectacular and certainly sparked our interest in seeing more of the Western Isles.
The plane seats around 8/9 passengers and each passenger has a window seat so loads of opportunities for taking photos.
After the flight we were served a welcome glass of prosecco and had the chance to ask David and his team more about the area and the flight and aircraft. It’s a new plane and costs about £2.5 million !
It was a privilege to fly with David and we would do it all over again and again
David our pilot had gained over 40 years of experience and is extremely knowledgeable about Scotland. During the flight David pointed out all of the Western Islands and gave us lots of interesting information and history relating to the area, he knows the area so well. The flight lasted about 55 minutes and we flew over Bute, Islay, Arran and Jura as well as taking in several of the spectacular Lochs. We soared above snow capped mountains and the colours and the scenery was breathtaking.
The flight was smooth and the views were spectacular and certainly sparked our interest in seeing more of the Western Isles.
The plane seats around 8/9 passengers and each passenger has a window seat so loads of opportunities for taking photos.
After the flight we were served a welcome glass of prosecco and had the chance to ask David and his team more about the area and the flight and aircraft. It’s a new plane and costs about £2.5 million !
It was a privilege to fly with David and we would do it all over again and again
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy F
Carlisle, UK12 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
What a fantastic experience. The views of the Scottish coast, Isles & Lochs were amazing on a beautiful, clear day. The pilot gave us lots of information about the places we were flying over en route. Very well organised with full safety briefing before you board. I booked this flight a couple of years ago but due to the Scottish weather it has been cancelled a few times, the office staff have always been very friendly & helpful with extending our Premium ticket, well worth the extra cost. Hope to do it again & will certainly be recommending to friends & family. Well done!
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
swilson1999
Carluke, UK1,039 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Unfortunately our original flight was cancelled due to lockdown, however we woke the morning of our flight checked the weather and called the company and luckily they had two spaces that day. After a safety briefing and the plane being sanitised we were seated inside along with three others. We were lucky enough to get the back seat and were definitely socially distanced from the people in front. We were also told to keep our masks on during the flight which wasn't an issue. Then we were off. The pilot was very informative and had a great sense of humour also. We took off after taxing out into the middle of Loch lomond. Absolutely stunning views the whole way and a very smooth flight with only a couple of little bumps. The flight was slightly shorter than advertised however we flew out over Portavadie and over towards Islay and Jura and round Gigha, the scenery was absolutely outstanding. The whole experience, especially as we're in the middle of a pandemic was outstanding from take off to landing. Only thing missing was a glass of bubbly. Well done to everyone for a great day out and thank goodness for great weather
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mich
2 contributions
Jun 2020
I am sure if you manage to go on the trip the experience looks as though it could be wonderful.
HOWEVER, cancelling seems to be an issue.
Response time is slow, stock replies when you request information.
I booked back in Jan, had to cancel due to COVID in April.
Still have not received my refund.
They blame the banks and credit card companies and ask you to pursue via them.
I would give this company a wide berth.
HOWEVER, cancelling seems to be an issue.
Response time is slow, stock replies when you request information.
I booked back in Jan, had to cancel due to COVID in April.
Still have not received my refund.
They blame the banks and credit card companies and ask you to pursue via them.
I would give this company a wide berth.
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John R
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
If you are booking this as part of a trip which we did, don’t bother as it will inevitably lead to disappointment. Our initial day we booked was changed and then on the rearranged day we were due to take the trip it was cancelled due to weather. The annoying thing was the day we had initially booked was sunny and fine but apparently was a pilot rest day, as was the next day (despite not flying the previous three days!) we were told it’s cancelled more than it actually flies. Then we had to battle to get a refund. When we eventually received it we found we were charged for the gift card we never used. Very disappointing.
Written May 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mr R, I can understand your frustration and the disappointment you experienced when your flight was cancelled due to weather - we too are disappointed when the weather gets in the way, but, unfortunately, that is the one thing that we cannot control.
As you will know, any outdoor experience in the UK is subject to weather, particularly one taking in the views at a mile every 20 seconds over a 100 mile tour route. However, for those who are unaware of the UK weather patterns you will see that we are very up front and provide a great deal of weather information (Ts&Cs, FAQs, etc) on our website, particularly, about how it may affect our service, I note that you wisely bought the Premium Refund Ticket Option, in case of weather problems.
If I may, I'd like to add a few details to supplement your information: Due to staff rescheduling we contacted you over six weeks before your flight to offer you alternative dates and you chose the Sunday two days before your original booking. Of course, the weather was disappointing on that day as it could have been on any day chosen so long in advance. Interestingly, your flight on the initial date that you booked would also have been cancelled due to poor visibility and low overcast cloud in the early part of the day.
Just a correction for you - the aircraft did fly in the three days before and indeed the day after your flight (14 flights). Strict laws govern a pilot's duty hours and days off, hence, of course, the reason for the initial schedule change.
For your information, we fly some 800-1,000 flights per year and carry over 8,000 passengers so cancellations are clearly not as you state. LLS has now carried over 150,0000 passengers.
There was no battle for a refund which I believe reached you a day or so late on the 28 days stated in our Ts&Cs - after we process a refund, delays, beyond our control, can be experienced as the refund makes its way through your credit card company. Once again, I'm sorry that the weather caused you such a great disappointment.
Regards
Written May 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lavita1
Glasgow, UK16 contributions
Apr 2022
I have been frustrated in several attempts to redeem a gift voucher purchased in my name.
The first two cancellations were due to adverse weather conditions; the second of these was announced only a few minutes before scheduled take-off, leaving prospective passengers with a wasted journey at their own cost.
Knowledge of the third cancellation emerged only because I took the initiative to phone the office on the day. The lady insisted that she had sent several emails and made repeated calls to my number. No such communications were made. Apparently, the pilot was isolating with COVID and a substitute was undergoing an intensive training programme. I began to smell a rat.
I received an email yesterday regrettably informing me of a further cancellation due to the Civil Aviation Authority refusing to issue a licence! I find this as bizarre as it is disturbing.
I was referred to the managing director who smugly informed me that a refund could not be deposited using my credit card details. He feared it could be scam; an interesting choice of terminology. One could be forgiven for suspecting this to be a stalling tactic on the part of a business which finds itself in a parlous (sink or swim?) situation. Perhaps I can be reassured otherwise?
No consideration has been taken of the gross personal inconvenience this shambles has caused. The MD added insult to injury by proceeding to make aggressive threats when I indicated a reasonable intention to voice my dissatisfaction via social media.
I notice that online advertising now features the caveat: "This company's Type B operating licence was suspended in March 2021." This does not augur well and I would feel no sympathy should the scenario play itself out with the company's demise.
This has been a difficult review to submit but I believe an alert of some nature needs to be published if decent members of the public are to be spared unnecessary exasperation and a financial hit that raises serious questions.
The first two cancellations were due to adverse weather conditions; the second of these was announced only a few minutes before scheduled take-off, leaving prospective passengers with a wasted journey at their own cost.
Knowledge of the third cancellation emerged only because I took the initiative to phone the office on the day. The lady insisted that she had sent several emails and made repeated calls to my number. No such communications were made. Apparently, the pilot was isolating with COVID and a substitute was undergoing an intensive training programme. I began to smell a rat.
I received an email yesterday regrettably informing me of a further cancellation due to the Civil Aviation Authority refusing to issue a licence! I find this as bizarre as it is disturbing.
I was referred to the managing director who smugly informed me that a refund could not be deposited using my credit card details. He feared it could be scam; an interesting choice of terminology. One could be forgiven for suspecting this to be a stalling tactic on the part of a business which finds itself in a parlous (sink or swim?) situation. Perhaps I can be reassured otherwise?
No consideration has been taken of the gross personal inconvenience this shambles has caused. The MD added insult to injury by proceeding to make aggressive threats when I indicated a reasonable intention to voice my dissatisfaction via social media.
I notice that online advertising now features the caveat: "This company's Type B operating licence was suspended in March 2021." This does not augur well and I would feel no sympathy should the scenario play itself out with the company's demise.
This has been a difficult review to submit but I believe an alert of some nature needs to be published if decent members of the public are to be spared unnecessary exasperation and a financial hit that raises serious questions.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mr ……..
Further to our conversation yesterday - the ticket was bought for you as a gift and on your behalf the purchaser accepted the terms and conditions for this UK outdoor experience.
My staff passed the call to me because they did not wish to continue the conversation with you. I explained the situation in detail once again to you and tried to assist but I too also had to terminate the call early.
You asked for a refund which was no problem at all, despite it being an non-refundable ticket. However, as refunds for all credit card purchases need to go back on the original card (as mandated by the credit card companies and stated in our Ts&Cs) it was not possible to send the refund to YOUR card (there is no banking process for this - it is physically not possible) – I explained that to you – not smugly. You then threatened to go tripadvisor and trash our company …. and so here we are.
Our telephone records show the calls made to your phone back in March.
No license was refused by the CAA – once again, you were told in detail that there was an admin delay.
For your information, we do not require a Type B operating license. There is no advertising to that affect.
All communications data is recorded.
Regards
Written April 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Johnny E
5 contributions
May 2022
This was the highlight of our trip! We had heard so much about this amazing experience. The company is owned by Dave West, a very experienced pilot who runs the only commercial Seaplane service in the UK.
There were 9 of us on the trip and we were lucky enough to be piloted by Dave, who not only clearly enjoys his work and is an exceptional pilot but is also a fountain of knowledge both geographically and historically about the highlands and Islands but commentates in with a great wit, putting us all at ease as we cruised round the Western Isles.
The smoothest of landings finished off an experience of a lifetime seeing the beautiful Western Isles in all their glory!
I couldn't recommend this trip highly enough!
There were 9 of us on the trip and we were lucky enough to be piloted by Dave, who not only clearly enjoys his work and is an exceptional pilot but is also a fountain of knowledge both geographically and historically about the highlands and Islands but commentates in with a great wit, putting us all at ease as we cruised round the Western Isles.
The smoothest of landings finished off an experience of a lifetime seeing the beautiful Western Isles in all their glory!
I couldn't recommend this trip highly enough!
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Stallard
2 contributions
Apr 2022
For my 70th birthday a daughter bought myself and my wife a trip on the Loch Lomond floatplane flight. It was fantastic! The weather to start with looked iffy but by flight time it had cleared to a sunny sky with a cool breeze.
Leaving from Cameron House at 11:35 on April 18th (birthday) the meet and greet then the safety briefing were completely quickly and professionally with humour and authority. The flight took us over the Clyde and inner islands beyond Bute/Loch Fyne - spectacular views!
We were allocated to seats at the pilot's discretion and this worked well with all seats being comfy and each having a window of their own. The commentary from the right seater was very informative and again delivered with humour and insight.
The flight lasted about 45mins in the air plus taxi time and was a little bumpy but nothing outrageous and everyone enjoyed themselves. Both the take-off and landing were quite smooth. Our thanks to everyone involved from my daughter to the flight crew - well done all.
Leaving from Cameron House at 11:35 on April 18th (birthday) the meet and greet then the safety briefing were completely quickly and professionally with humour and authority. The flight took us over the Clyde and inner islands beyond Bute/Loch Fyne - spectacular views!
We were allocated to seats at the pilot's discretion and this worked well with all seats being comfy and each having a window of their own. The commentary from the right seater was very informative and again delivered with humour and insight.
The flight lasted about 45mins in the air plus taxi time and was a little bumpy but nothing outrageous and everyone enjoyed themselves. Both the take-off and landing were quite smooth. Our thanks to everyone involved from my daughter to the flight crew - well done all.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LozzaStocks68
Camberley, UK23 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
AMAZING experience. David (our pilot) was really lovely and gave us a commentary as we flew over the lochs and mountains. It is clear he flies because he loves it and wants to share the experience. Stunning views. It’s truly worthwhile. Service from the very first call to enquire to the end of our flight and photos after was absolutely superb. Would highly recommend!
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy R
Helensburgh, UK44 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
A truly unforgettable experience!! Due to adverse weather conditions a couple of times the flight was rescheduled and 3rd time lucky, i had the best and memorable experience ever on the island discovery classic tour. I fully recommend Loch Lomond Seaplanes, from the admin staff to the staff and pilot at the Seaplanes moorings, Cameron House have all been professional, knowledgeable and so down to earth.
The experience and scenery is amazing, an unforgettable experience. I will be booking this again, i loved every minute of it.
The experience and scenery is amazing, an unforgettable experience. I will be booking this again, i loved every minute of it.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie17115
Blyth, UK21 contributions
Prices please ?
John C
Manchester, UK273 contributions
Was a present but the package we had enabled us to rebook due to adverse weather on the day, twice. Prosecco after the trip is a nice touch!
Maria C
Greater London, UK5 contributions
Hello I’ve booked a trip up to Scotland in July and very much want to book a trip on the seaplanes, would I need to book the one with insurance considering July is a great month for weather 😜. I’m all for saving pennies.
Thanks.
Maria.
LLSeaplanes
1 contribution
Hi Maria, the weather in Scotland is very changeable and unpredictable all year - it is a maritime airmass. Our PREMIUM TICKET is our standard ticket and our CLASSIC is our discount ticket but it does come with terms and conditions which are standard across the experience industry. In fact, we are the only company that we know who offers a Premium type ticket.
For customers who have limited time in the area and would find returning if cancelled due weather difficult or impossible I would recommend the PREMIUM ticket with the refund option.
Regards
_richardfurminger
Greater London, UK
What type of float plane is it?
Cougars09
Kirkcaldy, UK92 contributions
It's a 10 seater cessena caravan.
Peter B
Northampton99 contributions
Do all passengers get a window view?
EdinburghCouple2a
Edinburgh, United Kingdom100 contributions
Yes
phillip7
helensburgh4 contributions
What British TV channels are available please?
LLSeaplanes
1 contribution
Not applicable on a seaplane
Eileen C
Aberdeenshire, UK35 contributions
What is the cost of seaplanes?
LLSeaplanes
1 contribution
Hi, if you have a look at our website there is a great deal of information for the different locations that we serve which I hope will answer you question - also if you call 01436 675030 our staff will certainly help you
Rgds
ceeScotland
scotland11 contributions
How many people go on the seaplane at the same time and also do you need amy form of ID with you
Many thanks
LLSeaplanes
1 contribution
Hi, up to nine passengers can be carried on a tour. No photo ID required - you will need your booking information if you have pre-booked.
Rgds
Loch Lomond Seaplanes - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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