Philippines Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s last great frontiers for luxury yacht charter. Spread across more than 7,640 islands in the western Pacific, this vast archipelago offers a cruising ground that is almost impossibly diverse: towering limestone karsts rising from emerald lagoons, coral reefs so rich they sit at the very heart of the Coral Triangle (the global epicentre of marine biodiversity), Second World War shipwrecks draped in soft coral, and long stretches of white-sand coastline where your yacht will be the only vessel in sight. Palawan alone – consistently voted one of the world’s most beautiful islands – could fill an entire charter season, and it represents just one province out of 82.

What makes the Philippines especially compelling for crewed charter is the combination of raw natural spectacle and genuinely warm hospitality. Filipino culture is famously welcoming, and that warmth extends to every level of the yachting experience – from your onboard crew (many of the world’s finest yacht stewardesses and deckhands are Filipino) to the fishing villages where your tender pulls up and children wave from the shoreline. The infrastructure is developing rapidly: Manila’s yacht clubs and marinas now handle vessels up to 50 metres, Subic Bay offers a deep-water freeport with full technical services, and private resort islands across the Visayas and Palawan cater to superyacht guests with the kind of discreet, five-star attention that was once the preserve of the Maldives.

Whether you are planning a week among the lagoons and limestone towers of El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, a wreck-diving expedition through the sunken Japanese fleet at Coron, or a grand Philippine odyssey from Manila south through the Visayas to Palawan, this guide covers every key region in detail – seasons, distances, signature experiences, and the yachts best suited to each cruising ground. Start planning your Philippines charter with Boatcrowd and let our team match you to the perfect yacht and itinerary.

Why Charter a Yacht in the Philippines

Unrivalled Marine Biodiversity

The Philippines sits at the apex of the Coral Triangle, a region containing 75% of all known coral species and roughly 40% of the world’s reef fish. The archipelago’s waters are home to more than 500 species of hard and soft coral, over 2,000 species of fish, and charismatic megafauna including whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, hawksbill and green sea turtles, and thresher sharks. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea, protects nearly 100,000 hectares of pristine reef ecosystem. For snorkellers and divers aboard a charter yacht, this translates to world-class underwater encounters on virtually every stop – from the nudibranch-rich muck-diving walls of Anilao (two hours south of Manila) to the cathedral-like coral gardens of Apo Reef, the second-largest contiguous reef in the world.

Dramatic Limestone Seascapes

Palawan’s karst geology produces some of the most visually striking cruising scenery on the planet. The Bacuit Archipelago off El Nido is a scattered constellation of 45 limestone islets whose sheer cliffs plunge into lagoons of almost surreal colour – the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are accessed through narrow cliff openings that feel like passages into another world. Around Coron, volcanic limestone towers rise from mirror-still bays where freshwater lakes sit in collapsed volcanic craters. There is nothing quite like dropping anchor in Coron Bay at dawn, the karst peaks silhouetted against a pink sky, knowing that beneath the surface lie the hulls of a sunken Second World War fleet.

Warm, Uncrowded and Genuinely Welcoming

Unlike the more established Mediterranean and Caribbean charter circuits, the Philippines remains refreshingly uncrowded on the water. Even in peak season (December through April), a well-planned itinerary will find you anchoring alone in protected bays that would be standing-room-only in the BVI or the Côte d’Azur. Water temperatures hover between 27–30°C year-round, visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres, and the air temperature rarely drops below 25°C even in the coolest months. Filipino hospitality is legendary – the genuine delight locals take in welcoming visitors is palpable in every village, every market and every beachside bar.

History, Culture and Cuisine

Four centuries of Spanish colonial rule, followed by American administration and Japanese occupation, have layered the Philippines with a cultural richness that rewards exploration from the water. Manila’s Intramuros – the walled city built by the Spanish in the 1570s – is best reached by yacht from Manila Bay. Corregidor Island, 26 nautical miles west of Manila, preserves the poignant ruins of the Pacific War’s most famous last stand. The cuisine is a vibrant fusion of Malay, Spanish, Chinese and American influences: fresh ceviche-style kinilaw, slow-roasted lechon (whole suckling pig), adobo braised in vinegar and soy, and some of the freshest sashimi-grade tuna you will find anywhere in Asia. Your onboard chef can source ingredients from local fish markets where the catch arrives by outrigger banca just hours before it reaches your plate.

A Cruising Ground for Every Pace

The Philippines’ sheer scale means you can tailor a charter to virtually any interest. Adrenaline seekers can dive 30-metre-deep Second World War wrecks in Coron, swim with whale sharks off Oslob, or kitesurf the trade winds of Boracay. Families will love the calm, shallow lagoons of El Nido and the protected marine reserves where children can snorkel beside sea turtles in waist-deep water. Couples seeking romance can anchor in private coves where the only footprints are their own, with a candlelit dinner on the beach arranged by the crew. And for guests who simply want to decompress, there is no better therapy than watching a Philippine sunset from the flybridge, a cold San Miguel in hand, as the sky turns from gold to magenta over the South China Sea.

Top Destinations in the Philippines

• Manila – The gateway to the Philippine archipelago, where Manila Bay opens onto Corregidor Island and the beaches of Batangas. The Manila Yacht Club and growing marina infrastructure provide a solid base for day charters to Corregidor’s wartime ruins or south to Anilao, one of Asia’s premier dive sites. Manila is the natural starting point for longer voyages heading south to Mindoro, the Visayas and Palawan.

• Palawan – A 450-kilometre sliver of an island stretching south-west into the Sulu Sea, Palawan is the Philippines’ undisputed crown jewel for yacht charter. Its western coast faces the South China Sea with long, empty beaches and world-class dive sites, while its eastern shores look onto the sheltered waters of the Sulu Sea. Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital, offers provisioning and the famous Underground River (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Palawan’s northern reaches – El Nido and Coron – are the headline cruising grounds.

• El Nido – A mini-archipelago of 45 limestone islets scattered across Bacuit Bay, El Nido is where the karst towers, emerald lagoons and hidden beaches of every travel poster actually exist. Short distances between anchorages (most are under 5 nautical miles apart) make this the ideal cruising ground for guests who want variety without long passages. The Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are the headline stops, but quieter gems like Cadlao Island, Helicopter Island and the sandbars of Snake Island reward a slower pace.

• Coron – Lying roughly 50 nautical miles north of El Nido, Coron is the wreck-diving capital of Asia. On 24 September 1944, American carrier planes sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships in Coron Bay; today, ten major wrecks lie in 10–40 metres of warm, clear water, draped in soft coral and teeming with marine life. Above the waterline, Coron Island is an ancestral homeland of the Tagbanwa people, with volcanic limestone lakes (Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake), the Twin Lagoon, and hot springs at Maquinit. Nearby Culion Island adds colonial-era architecture and superb macro diving.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in the Philippines

Peak Season: December to April (Amihan / North-East Monsoon)

The amihan – the prevailing north-east monsoon – brings the Philippines’ best charter weather. Skies are predominantly clear, humidity is lower, and rainfall drops to near zero across Palawan and the western Visayas. Air temperatures sit comfortably between 25–32°C (77–90°F), sea temperatures hover around 27–29°C, and visibility on the reefs regularly exceeds 25 metres. December and January are the most pleasant months – cooler evenings, light breezes and calm seas – while February through April are the warmest and driest, with April often delivering the best underwater visibility of the year. This is also the busiest period: the most sought-after charter yachts book out months in advance, and El Nido’s lagoons attract the highest visitor numbers. Book early and let your Boatcrowd specialist secure the best dates and anchorages.

Shoulder Season: November and May

November marks the transition from the habagat (south-west monsoon) to the amihan, and conditions improve rapidly through the month. By late November, Palawan is largely dry and the seas have settled. May is the opposite transition – still warm and mostly fine, though occasional afternoon showers begin to build. Both months offer quieter anchorages, softer charter rates and excellent diving conditions. Sea temperatures in May can reach 30°C, making it one of the warmest months for swimming.

Wet Season: June to October (Habagat / South-West Monsoon)

The habagat brings warmer, more humid conditions and periodic heavy rain, particularly on western-facing coastlines. Palawan’s western shores receive the brunt of the monsoon, but the eastern side (facing the Sulu Sea) remains comparatively sheltered. Crucially, Palawan sits south of the main typhoon belt and very rarely receives a direct hit, making it one of the safer Philippine regions during this period. Chartering is still possible from June through October with careful itinerary planning – mornings are often clear and calm, with rain arriving in the afternoon – and the reward is dramatically reduced visitor numbers, lush green landscapes and the lowest charter rates of the year. However, the typhoon risk across the wider Philippines (particularly Luzon and the Visayas) peaks between July and October, and crossings from Manila south should be planned with professional weather routing.

Signature Experiences

• Kayak El Nido’s Big Lagoon – Paddle a kayak through a narrow cliff opening into the Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island, where sheer karst walls rise 30 metres on every side and the water beneath you shifts from jade to sapphire depending on the depth. The silence inside the lagoon is total – just the drip of your paddle and the occasional cry of a white-bellied sea eagle circling overhead.

• Dive Coron’s WWII Shipwrecks – Descend into the cargo hold of the Irako, a 147-metre Japanese refrigeration ship sunk in September 1944, now resting upright in 42 metres of water and encrusted with soft coral, sea fans and sponges. Schools of batfish swirl around the mast, lionfish hover in the companionways, and the sheer scale of the wreck is humbling. Your dive guide can take you through ten different wrecks over three or four days.

• Swim in Barracuda Lake, Coron – Swim in a collapsed volcanic crater lake where the water temperature shifts from a cool 28°C near the surface to a startling 38°C at depth, thanks to volcanic thermal vents beneath the lakebed. The visibility is extraordinary, and the underwater rock formations are unlike anything you will see on a reef dive.

• Private Beach Dinner in El Nido – Your chef and stewardess set up a candlelit dinner on a private beach in the Bacuit Archipelago – grilled seafood sourced from local fishermen that morning, calamansi-dressed salads, and ice-cold Philippine craft beer. No other guests, no other lights, just the Milky Way overhead and the South China Sea lapping at the sand.

• Visit Corregidor Island – Board the tender and cruise 26 nautical miles from Manila Bay to this fortress island where General MacArthur made his last stand before the fall of the Philippines in 1942. Walk through the ruins of the mile-long Malinta Tunnel, see the battery emplacements that held off the Japanese fleet, and stand on the spot where MacArthur boarded a PT boat under cover of darkness, vowing ‘I shall return.’

• Snorkel the Reefs of Anilao – Just two hours south of Manila by yacht, the reefs around Anilao in Batangas province are nicknamed the Nudibranch Capital of the Philippines. More than 60 dive sites line the coast, with macro life that rivals Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait: flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, pygmy seahorses and a kaleidoscope of nudibranchs in every colour imaginable.

• Explore the Underground River, Puerto Princesa – Glide through the emerald waters of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world (8.2 kilometres). The limestone cathedral chambers inside, dripping with stalactites and alive with swiftlets and bats, are accessible only by boat.

Yacht Types Available

• Luxury Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – The most versatile choice for Philippine island-hopping. Crewed vessels in the 78–99-foot range typically accommodate 6–10 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins, with a crew of 3–5 (captain, chef, steward/ess and deckhand). Cruising speeds of 18–28 knots allow you to cover ground efficiently – El Nido to Coron in around three hours – while still having time for multiple swim stops, dives and beach excursions each day. Modern flybridge motor yachts carry a full complement of water toys (jet ski, seabobs, paddleboards, snorkelling gear) and offer flexible itineraries across the Philippines’ scattered island groups. Weekly rates typically start from around $33,000–$55,000 depending on season, yacht and inclusions.

• Superyachts (100’+) – For larger groups or those seeking the ultimate in space, privacy and spectacle, Philippine superyacht charters deliver a floating five-star experience. Accommodation for 8–12 guests in lavish staterooms, crews of 6–15+, expansive deck areas (often with jacuzzis, outdoor cinemas and sun lounges), and a full arsenal of water toys from jet skis to diving compressors. Superyacht charters in the Philippines typically run on MYBA terms (base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance of 30–35% to cover fuel, food, beverages and port fees). Weekly rates for 100’–130’ superyachts start from roughly $90,000–$175,000; the largest mega yachts command $250,000+ per week. Crew gratuity is customarily 10–15% of the charter fee.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans in the 55’–80’ range offer exceptional stability, generous deck space and a shallow draft that is tailor-made for the Philippines’ reef-fringed anchorages and lagoon entrances. Catamarans in this range typically sleep 6–10 guests in spacious cabins and carry a crew of 3–4. Their twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling, making them the most comfortable option for guests prone to seasickness and for families with young children. The shallow draft also means your captain can nose into lagoons and sandy shallows that deeper-keeled vessels cannot reach – a significant advantage in El Nido and Coron. Weekly rates start from approximately $35,000–$50,000 depending on season and model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in the Philippines cost?

Charter pricing depends on yacht size, type, season and inclusions. As a broad guide, crewed motor yachts in the 78’–99’ range start from around $33,000–$55,000 per week during peak season (December–April), often on an all-inclusive basis. Superyachts (100’–130’) typically start from $90,000–$175,000 per week on MYBA terms – the base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 30–35%) covering fuel, food, drinks and port fees. The largest mega yachts can reach $250,000–$500,000+ per week. Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from roughly $35,000–$50,000 per week all-inclusive. Rates during the wet season (June–October) are typically 20–30% softer. Crew gratuity is customarily 10–15%. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote based on your dates, group size and preferences.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in the Philippines?

Yes. Boatcrowd’s Philippine fleet includes a growing selection of premium power catamarans from builders like Sunreef and Lagoon in the 55’–80’ range. These vessels are ideally suited to the Philippines thanks to their shallow draft (essential for entering El Nido’s lagoons and Coron’s reef-fringed bays), exceptional stability, and generous living space. Most come fully crewed with a captain, chef and steward/ess, and operate on an all-inclusive basis. They are particularly popular with families and multi-generational groups who appreciate the extra beam, the absence of rolling, and the ability to anchor close to shore in sheltered coves.

Can I charter a yacht in the Philippines for a film or TV production?

Absolutely. The Philippines’ dramatic landscapes have served as backdrops for major international productions, including the reality series Survivor (multiple seasons filmed in Palawan and Caramoan), and the country’s karst seascapes have featured in travel documentaries, fashion shoots and automotive commercials by brands including BMW, Lexus and National Geographic. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera crews, lighting rigs and talent. Our team coordinates with local port authorities for filming permits, drone permissions and logistical support. With year-round warmth, 12 hours of tropical daylight, and scenery that needs minimal post-production enhancement, the Philippines is a location scout’s dream.

Is the Philippines a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone celebration?

Few places on earth offer a more romantic setting than a private Philippine island at sunset. Your crew can orchestrate every detail – from a proposal on a deserted sandbar in El Nido (complete with champagne and a photographer arriving by tender) to a honeymoon itinerary with couples’ massages on deck, private beach dinners under the Milky Way and rose-petal turndowns in your master stateroom. Milestone birthdays and anniversaries are equally well catered for: a beach barbecue with a Filipino acoustic band for a 40th, a gourmet degustation dinner anchored off Coron’s Twin Lagoon for a golden wedding, or a sunrise yoga session on the foredeck followed by a day exploring hidden lagoons for a 50th. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire and we’ll make every moment count.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Multi-generational family charters are one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Philippines. Yachts and catamarans are available in configurations sleeping 8–12+ guests, with flexible cabin layouts to suit grandparents, parents and children. Crews are experienced with guests of all ages: children get age-appropriate snorkelling instruction, treasure hunts on deserted beaches and kid-friendly menus, while grandparents appreciate calm anchorages, comfortable sun lounges and attentive service. El Nido’s sheltered lagoons and Palawan’s warm, shallow bays are among the safest and most family-friendly cruising grounds in Southeast Asia. Catamarans are especially popular for families – the stability, wide beam and easy swim-platform access make life aboard relaxed for every generation.

Can I combine Palawan, El Nido and Coron in one charter?

Yes, and it’s one of the great advantages of chartering in this region. A popular one-week route begins in El Nido, explores the Bacuit Archipelago for two or three days, then cruises north to Coron (roughly 50 nautical miles, around three hours on a motor yacht) for wreck diving, lagoon exploration and hot springs. On a ten-day charter, you could extend south to Puerto Princesa for the Underground River and Apo Reef, or north to Busuanga for remote island-hopping. Distances are manageable and passages are sheltered during the amihan season. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a multi-destination route that maximises variety without wasting time on long crossings.

Is it safe to charter a yacht in the Philippines during typhoon season?

The Philippine typhoon season runs roughly from July to October, with peak activity in August and September. The good news for charter guests is that Palawan – the primary cruising ground – sits south of the main typhoon belt and very rarely experiences a direct hit. Chartering in Palawan during the wet season is possible with careful weather monitoring and flexible itinerary planning. That said, crossings from Manila or the Visayas involve more exposed waters, and professional weather routing is essential during this period. For the calmest conditions and the widest choice of yachts, the December–April amihan season is strongly recommended. Your Boatcrowd specialist can advise on the best timing for your specific itinerary.