Sam Riggs on Seaplanes, Aviation, and Building a One-of-a-Kind Experience for Virginia Aviation

For the first time in Discover Virginia Podcast history, we’re taking the conversation off the ground. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Riggs, founder of Coastal Seaplanes, while flying in a coastal seaplane — marking our first-ever interview recorded in the air. Launching directly from the water and soaring above Virginia’s coastline, this episode captures local innovation and storytelling from an entirely new perspective. Mid-flight, we make a pit stop at The Tides Inn in Virginia, where we land on the water and take viewers along for a bonus on-location tour of one of Virginia’s most iconic waterfront destinations. It’s part aviation, part entrepreneurship, and part destination discovery — all in one experience. Once back in the air, Sam breaks down what it really takes to operate a seaplane business, from safety and regulations to building unforgettable experiences that elevate Virginia tourism. We explore: How Coastal Seaplanes created a one-of-a-kind aviation experience What makes water-based aviation uniquely challenging The logistics behind landing at premier destinations like The Tides Inn Why experiential businesses are redefining how people explore Virginia How bold, local ideas can create national-level attention This episode is more than an interview — it’s a Discover Virginia milestone, blending adventure, business, and destination storytelling in a way we’ve never done before. If you want to see Virginia from a completely new angle, this is a flight you won’t want to miss. Who should we interview next? Support the show Discover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204  Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach