Fixed-wing flight
Return flights between Halifax and Sable Island aboard a twin-engine Islander aircraft.
Sable Island National Park Reserve
Sable Island Day & Sunset
by Air
A full day on the island, departing in the last light.
From $3,250 CAD per person + HST
Duration12–13 hours
DepartureHalifax airport
Group sizeUp to 6 guests
TravelBN-2A Islander
The experience
From first landing to last light.
Three hundred kilometres off the coast of Halifax lies a slender bar of sand shaped by wind and ocean currents. Sable Island is home to hundreds of wild horses and one of the world’s largest grey seal colonies.
This long-format expedition offers time to move thoughtfully through the island landscape before returning to the beach for the soft, warm light that precedes sunset.
Your route at a glance
Over the Atlantic. Onto the beach.
Return airplane journey from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to Sable Island National Park Reserve. Beach landing locations vary with conditions.
The journey
Land where the Atlantic meets the sand.
Your expedition begins at the Gateway terminal at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Following biosecurity procedures and an aircraft orientation, board a twin-engine BN-2A Britten-Norman Islander for the flight to Sable Island and a memorable landing on the beach.
Expedition film
Experience the journey before you depart.
A dedicated film introduces the flight, beach landing and the feeling of spending an unhurried day in one of Canada’s most remote landscapes.
Watch on YouTube ↗Tour video
Expedition highlights
A rare day, extended into evening.
Swipe or use the arrows to discover more.
Beach landing
Arrive directly on Sable Island’s broad Atlantic beach when conditions permit.
Wild horses
Explore dunes, beaches and the grazing areas most frequently used by the island’s horses.
Seal colonies
Observe seals from a respectful distance along the island’s shores. They may be on North Beach, South Beach or both; their locations vary from day to day.
Parks Canada
Begin with an introduction from Parks Canada staff and learn about this protected landscape.
Sunset departure
Return to the aircraft in the soft light before dusk and depart toward the setting sun.
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Through the lens10 photos · Scroll to explore · Click to enlarge
Your day
From morning departure to sunset flight.
Times are approximate and vary according to seasonal sunset time, weather and island conditions.
Meet at the Gateway terminal at Halifax Stanfield International Airport for check-in, biosecurity procedures and flight orientation.
Take off from Halifax Stanfield International Airport for Sable Island.
Arrive and land on the beach at Sable Island National Park Reserve.
Unload, take a short comfort break and prepare for the day’s exploration.
Receive an introduction and orientation from Parks Canada staff.
Explore dunes and beaches in search of wild horses with your Kattuk expedition guide.
Enjoy a locally sourced picnic lunch in the landscape.
Continue guided exploration, with opportunities to observe seals along the island’s shores where wildlife and conditions allow.
Return to the beach for a quiet farewell, final photographs and aircraft boarding before dusk.
Arrive back at the Gateway terminal. Return time varies with seasonal sunset.
What’s included
Fully hosted.
- Return BN-2A Islander flight
- Professional Kattuk expedition guide throughout
- Parks Canada orientation
- Six to eight hours of guided walking and exploration
- Locally sourced picnic lunch
- All park and landing fees
- Donation to the Sable Island Institute
- Photo package from your expedition
Not included
Plan ahead.
- Transportation to the Gateway terminal
- Travel insurance — strongly recommended; see the cancellation policy below
- Guide gratuities
- Personal purchases and expenses
- Costs that may arise from weather disruption
Activity and mobility
Comfortable walking on sand is essential.
Guests should be prepared to walk up to 10 kilometres or more without assistance on beaches, dunes and horse paths. The pace is relaxed, but every guest must be able to remain with the group.
Dress in layers for cooler, exposed conditions. There are no trees, no cellular service and little shelter beyond Parks Canada buildings.
- Waterproof outer layers
- Comfortable hiking footwear
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera and small backpack
- Essential medication
Tour documents
Download tour documents for this adventure (PDF) ↗Packing and preparation guidance for your trip. Your latest booking email confirms meeting times and final departure arrangements.
Before you reserve
Payment, cancellations & travel insurance.
A 50% deposit secures your place. Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Please review these terms before booking.
Guest cancellations
Bookings may be moved to another available date until 90 days before departure. Contact Kattuk to arrange a change.
More than 90 days before departure: Payments are refundable less an administration fee equal to 5% of the total tour price.
90 days or fewer before departure: Your booking is non-refundable.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
Unexpected illness, personal circumstances or travel disruption can prevent you from joining your trip. Because bookings are non-refundable within 90 days of departure, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip-cancellation coverage.
Check that your policy covers your tour, travel arrangements and circumstances, including applicable exclusions and purchase deadlines. Insurance is purchased separately; reimbursement depends on your insurer’s policy.
Weather cancellations
All guests must remain available for the scheduled departure and designated weather backup day. If Kattuk cancels the tour due to weather and it cannot operate on either day, your Sable Island tour payments will be refunded in full.
This tour refund does not cover separately booked flights, accommodation or other travel expenses.
Small-group expedition
$3,250 CAD per person + HST
Maximum group size of six guests.
Available dates, designated weather-backup days and payment options will be shown before checkout.
Moments from our adventures
Sable Island by Plane.
A glimpse of our Sable Island by Plane adventure, shared from Kattuk’s Instagram.
Watch this Reel on Instagram ↗If the Reel does not load, watch it on Instagram.
Plan your expedition
A little more detail.
Save the Sable Island by Plane brochure to browse at your leisure or share with a travel companion.
Book your expedition
Choose your departure.
Select an available date, review its weather-backup day, enter your guest details and complete your deposit or full payment securely online.
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Online booking
Live dates and availability will appear here.
The booking calendar is being prepared. In the meantime, our team can confirm upcoming departures personally.
Ask About DatesPrefer personal assistance?
Speak with Kattuk.
We are happy to answer questions about mobility, weather days, air travel or the expedition experience before you book.
Contact Kattuk