With a pilot’s license and the right skills, soaking up the sun, exploring expansive coastlines or swimming in crystal clear water at some of the world’s best beaches is a dream that’s in your reach. From the United States to the Philippines to Europe and beyond, these beaches are sure to provide you with an unforgettable trip.
Here are 10 of the world’s top beaches that you can jet off to once you get your pilot’s license.
1) Baía do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha (Brazil)
Airport: Fernando De Noronha Airport
The first beach on our list is known for its crystal clear waters, spectacular diving opportunities, panoramic cliffs and secluded setting. Baia do Sancho, an island off the northeast coast of Brazil, and is considered one of the best beaches in the world. The island has its own airport, Fernando De Noronha Airport, which is only accessible by private aircraft.
2) Pismo Beach, California (U.S.A.)
Airport: Oceano County Airport
One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in California is Pismo Beach. And it’s easily accessible for private aircraft, with the Oceano County Airport located just a few minutes away by foot. Just park the plane, and be on the beach in no time. With the airport’s onsite campground and many rental properties directly on the beach, accommodations are made easy.
3) Tamanu Beach Aitutaki, Cook Islands (Near New Zealand)
Airport: Aitutaki Airport
Located in the middle of the Pacific are the Cook Islands, one of the most gorgeous atolls in the world. One of the area’s most famous beaches, Tamanu Beach on Aitutaki Island, offers plenty of fun in the sun — from lounging in the pristine white sand to swimming in the bright blue water to exploring the plethora of underwater wildlife. Plus, flying into Aitutaki Airport offers a dramatically beautiful view from above that you won’t soon forget.
4) Maho Beach, Saint Martin (Caribbean)
Airport: Princess Juliana Airport
Maho Beach is a famous Caribbean Island in Saint Martin. One of the most popular sites in the world for plane spotters, who visit the beach to watch aircraft land at Princess Juliana Airport as they swoop in just a short distance above their heads. This is one of the few places where planes can be viewed in their flight path just above the runway. The beach itself featuring white sand and almost no vegetation thanks to the constant jet engine blasts.
5) Traigh Mhor Beach, Outer Hebrides (Scotland)
Airport: Barra Airport
It’s not just the tropical areas of the world that hold the world’s best beaches—Europe has its fair share of breathtaking beaches as well. Traigh Mhor Beach, located on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, is a wonderful place to take a stroll and admire coastal scenery. Flying into Barra Airport may be one of the most thrilling approaches a pilot can experiences, as its the world’s only beach airport. In fact, it has been voted as the world’s most spectacular landing.
6) Cagban Beach, Malay (Philippines)
Airport: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport
Cagban Beach in the Philippines is known for fine sand and clear waters, with plenty of water sports, restaurants, hotels and shops. Private aircraft will land at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, take a short walk to the nearby ferries at the Caticlan Jetty Port, and in no time, be sitting on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
7) Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands)
Airport: Owen Roberts International Airport
Seven Mile Beach, located on the western shore of small, 75-square-mile Grand Cayman island, is the perfect beach destination for a pilot. Plus, the entire stretch of beach is public property, so it’s easy to find overnight accommodations. In just a single afternoon, you can grab lunch at a seaside restaurant, catch a beach-volleyball game with locals, ride jet skis along the coastline and go snorkeling in Cemetery Reef, known for its rocky formations full of sea life.
8) Kalapaki Beach, Kauai, Hawai’i (U.S.A.)
Airport: Port Allen Airport
Known as the “Garden Isle” of Hawaii, Kauai is famous for its lush rainforests, breathtaking Na Pali Coastline, untouched beaches and the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon. For those that are flying to Hawai’i, make sure to stop at Kalapaki Beach, one of the highlights of the island. From swimming and surfing to boogie boarding and stand up paddle boarding to just lounging in the sun, you’re guaranteed to experience paradise at this beach.
9) Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island, Whitsundays (Australia)
Airport: Great Barrier Reef Airport
The approach to Great Barrier Reef Airport is one of the most exciting in aviation, taking you across beautiful island beaches and turquoise ocean vistas. Catseye Beach itself is a perfect crescent of sand overlooking the royal-blue reefs and forested mountains of Hamilton Island. Fly into this scenic spot and spend the day soaking up the sun’s rays or exploring the magnificent shoreline.
10) Ocracoke Beach, North Carolina (U.S.A.)
Airport: Ocracoke Island Airport
Land at Ocracoke Island Airport, walk out to the parking lot, turn right — and you’ll be on the beach! Ocracoke Beach in North Carolina, known as the “Pearl of Outer Banks”, has miles of wild, secluded beaches that are perfect for beach driving, and surf fishing, shelling, swimming, lounging and beachcombing. With heavy protections in place, Ocracoke Island and its beaches are home to nothing but sand, surf, and dunes for miles. No resorts, condominiums or motels. Just complete seclusion in an unbelievable setting.
Do You Want to Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Destinations?
Whether you’re someone that wants to learn to fly or a certified pilot that wants to further their education, Inflight Pilot Training can help you gain the freedom to explore the world’s best destinations.
We are a leading flight instruction company serving Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a reputable training program and an extensive roster of highly skilled, certified flight instructors, we can give you the freedom to fly wherever you wish.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.