Up Up and Away

Travel

Jun 17

Cessna Caravan float plane Manaus Brazil Amazon fishing

Ever flown in a float plane?

More importantly, have you ever landed safely in a float plane?

There are only two ways to get in and out of the fishing waters of the Amazon – boat or float plane. The plane is a lot faster, but also a lot more cramped and a little bit scary. The weight of your luggage is limited (not great), the seating is cramped, and there’s definitely no drink service or restroom, but you won’t have to worry about that. The entire ride has amazing scenery that’ll keep you occupied.

For our first trip into the Amazon in 2011, our pilot stuck a piece of notebook paper with a hand-drawn map and GPS coordinates to the windshield. At that point there was no turning back.

float plane pilot with gps coordinates on notebook paper

How do you return to the airport? Duh, turn the sheet upside down.

He spotted our houseboat from the air, but we couldn’t just plop down on top of it. It was on a bend, so he had to circle the area to find a long enough stretch of water. I was a little freaked out, but the landing was smooth and the next time was a pleasure as well. I’m ready to get back into one. Whether it be in the Amazon, Alaska or someplace I haven’t dreamt about yet, it’s often the best way to get to some incredible locations. If you haven’t been on one (or more) you’re missing out.