Various

Boat Operator – Benji


This boatman might no longer be available.

His primary source of income by profession, Benji also runs a regular schedule to Coron on Fridays, 2 days, with a one day trip back leaving on Sundays.

Every operator has their own contacts or relatives who have islands you can explore or people to meet and stay at on different islands, making tours by each operator special. But what makes Benji’s tours extra special is his particular love for Emperador, a local brandy, with the contagiously jovial mood it brings with it once you settle down for the evening.

Keep in mind though that he manages several boats and crews, so it might be just the luck of the draw which boat he actually captains. But if you like to party, send him a special request and try to work out a deal!

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And if you need something larger, this is his brother’s boat, which he can also pilot:

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The master captain himself.
Below: Takling, island owned by his father-in-law
and where he often likes to camp overnight on his tours.

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Below, entertainment hut on Calacala,
another island owned by one of his relatives and an exclusive to his tours. 

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Yours truly celebrating his son’s birthday with them.

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Below: more pics from his camera, this time of the local Eli caves.

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His new boat:

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He wrote: We serve towels also to my guest all in white color with the beddings.

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Mango swans.

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You can join or book one of our private custom Palawan boat tours between El Nido and Coron. Tons of paradise beach islands to see along the way, excellent snorkeling in crystal clear waters, caves to explore, Spanish fortress and much more. Completely off the beaten path!

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Back to our boat sizes and list of boat operators.


Lou PrataliLou Pratali
11:04 25 Jul 23
This is a must to do!!Super ultimate tour is the best with Kayangan and barracuda lake, twin lagoons (my favorite), coral garden (blue fabulous coral) were the best. It’s really worth it to pay for private tour (3500 to 4000 PHP). You will also have to pay for entrance fees (150 to 200PHP by location) and eventually shopping at the market - must do (count 300 for 2 for fish, pork, fruits and vegetables, water).
Gérard BENOITGérard BENOIT
16:11 07 Feb 23
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the beautiful Gulf of Bacuit.Seeing the comments, I contacted Mel.Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.The flight attendants were very friendly and very helpful.And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I cannot recommend Mel and his team highly enough.A big thank-you.
Alyse TarbottonAlyse Tarbotton
23:48 30 Aug 22
This tour went well above all our expectations! I couldn't recommend this enough! The boat crew, captain and tour guide were nothing but amazing, everyone was so kind, helpful and friendly. The crew knew the best spots to visit that weren't overcrowded with tourists, 3 times we were lucky enough to have whole islands to ourselves! It was my partner's birthday while away and everything went above and beyond, bonfire, cake, birthday card, singing and celebrating with us.If you love camping this is definitely a tout you should do, it has been the highlight of our trip!!
Danish KayaniDanish Kayani
10:24 31 Oct 19
Coron is the best place i have ever seen.. picturesque. Beautiful. Peaceful
We booked a 4 days/3 nights private boat trip from Coron to Sibaltan. The organization went very well from the beginning, the owner answered to all my questions, and we were able to choose which islands to visit and where to sleep. The first night we slept in a bungalow in Banana Island, the second we camped in Araw beach and the last we slept in a seafront bungalow builded on a tree in Pical on Iloc Island.The islands in that area are the most beautiful islands I have ever seen, with clear water, lots of coral reef and fishes to see, white sand and almost deserted. The crew was very friendly and polite and they organize every single meal and for camping they give you a tent which was just perfect! This was our highlight in our 2 weeks in the Philippines and I wish I had booked a longer trip. A private trip gives you the freedom to decide where and when to go.
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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.

No Comments

  • Lory

    Hi SailorSam!

    How can I book a guided tour around Linapacan thru Benji? We’re visiting Coron end of the month and Linapacan is high on our list.

    Thanks!

    • sailorsam

      Best to always contact me through the Contact form top of each page, otherwise I should receive an email notification of this comment and to which I can respond directly to you, as long as you punch in your correct email address. I assume I’ve already done so for this.

  • Mark Haan

    Hi again, you emailed me sometime ago.
    I would like to hire a boat, we didnt want to share, its me and my family..total 4. My kids are 11 and 13.
    The boat we wish to hire must have some shade like Benjis boat. We are interested in a 4 night excursion, we can camp ideally. Arriving around the 1st November. So what do we do from here, how do we book and confirm. Do we contact Benji directly with a phone number? Do we need to bring a tent ? Get back to me when you can, regards, Mark Haan

    • sailorsam

      Hi Mark, already sent you a direct email. All the boats have shade and tents. Once you book and pay the deposit, I will send you the contact details to the boat operator of your choice and other information, such as possible places to island hop along (you will be in charge of the boat, so you can choose).

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