A private seaplane turns a half-day road or ferry transfer in Palawan into a flight of under an hour, straight from the water near your hotel to the beach at your resort. Here is what it really costs in 2026, and what decides the price.
Short answer: a private scenic flight starts at ₱50,000 (about US$850) for the whole aircraft. A private transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido starts at ₱150,000 (about US$2,600). The price is per flight, not per person, so up to four guests with luggage fly for the same price.
2026 seaplane prices in Palawan
| Flight | Time in the air | Price (whole aircraft) |
|---|---|---|
| Scenic flight | 30 minutes | ₱50,000 – ₱60,000 about US$850 – 1,050 |
| Scenic flight | 50 minutes | ₱80,000 – ₱90,000 about US$1,400 – 1,550 |
| Puerto Princesa ↔ El Nido | about 50 minutes instead of 5+ hours by road |
₱150,000 (May–Nov) ₱180,000 (Dec–Apr) about US$2,600 – 3,100 |
| El Nido ↔ Coron | about 45 minutes instead of 6–8 hours by ferry |
Price on request |
| Day adventure: Puerto Princesa → Port Barton | Return the same day | from ₱150,000 about US$2,600 |
| Day adventure: Puerto Princesa → Balabac | Return the same day | from ₱295,000 about US$5,100 |
| Multi-day private expedition | 2 days and more | US$2,500 – 30,000 planned around your trip |
Prices in Philippine pesos. US dollar figures are approximate. Scenic flight prices depend on the number of guests (1–6). Final price confirmed in your quote.
What decides the price
1. Flight time and route
The biggest factor is how long the aircraft flies, including getting into position. A one-way transfer usually includes the aircraft's flight back to base, which is why a one-way and a return on close dates can cost almost the same.
2. Group size and weight
One flight carries up to four guests with their luggage. Larger groups fly in two or more rotations. On routes with a road connection (Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Port Barton, Balabac), up to six guests can fly together while extra luggage travels by private van.
3. Season
December to April is high season in Palawan. Some routes cost more in those months, and dates fill up early.
4. Where you are going
Remote islands like Balabac, with no easy road or ferry, are where a seaplane saves the most time. Those flights are longer and priced accordingly.
Ways to pay less
- Share the plane. If another group flies the same route on the same day, you can fly together and split the cost.
- Fly on an empty leg. When the aircraft is already flying your way for another client, that leg can be offered at a lower price.
- Close dates. If your flight fits around another booking within a few days, we can often offer a reduced price. You keep your own dates.
- Pay in full. Paying the full amount at booking (more than 7 days before the flight) saves 5%.
Is it worth it?
Compare it with what you get back. Puerto Princesa to El Nido is about 5 hours on a winding road; by seaplane it is about 50 minutes. El Nido to Coron is 6–8 hours of ferry and transfers; by seaplane it is about 45 minutes. For a group of four on a short holiday, that is most of a vacation day returned, and the flight itself becomes one of the highlights of the trip.
Questions people ask
Is the price per person or per plane?
Per plane. You charter the whole aircraft privately, so the price is the same for one guest or four.
How many people can fly?
Up to four guests with luggage per flight. Up to six on road-connected routes when extra luggage goes by van. Larger groups fly in rotations.
How much luggage can I bring?
It depends on the number of guests and the total weight. Soft bags are best. We confirm your allowance in the quote, so tell us your group's luggage weight when you ask.
What aircraft do you fly?
A de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver on floats, the classic bush seaplane, flown by Captain Raymond. Every seat has a window.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel more than 72 hours before your flight and you get 80% back (a 20% cancellation charge applies). Between 72 and 48 hours you get 50% back, between 48 and 24 hours 30%, and within 24 hours or for a no-show there is no refund. If we cancel for weather or safety, you choose a new date or a full refund of the flight.
How do I get an exact price?
Send your route, date and number of guests through our inquiry form. Captain Raymond replies with your price, usually within the day.
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Tell us where and when. We reply with your private flight price, usually within the day.
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