How many passengers can the Cessna 208 Amphibian carry?

In its amphibian configuration, the 4R-CAE carries 1 pilot and up to 6 passengers. Useful load is approximately 1,300 kg, which allows for reasonable luggage alongside a full passenger complement.

Can the Cessna 208 Amphibian land on Sri Lanka's lagoons and reservoirs?

Yes. The aircraft's amphibious floats allow water landings on calm, open water bodies of sufficient size. The water landing distance is around 670 m under typical conditions. Suitable sites include coastal lagoons and larger inland reservoirs, subject to pre-flight assessment.

What is the difference between the 4R-CAE Amphibian and the standard Grand Caravan?

The 4R-CAE is fitted with retractable amphibious floats that allow both water and land operations. The standard Grand Caravan variants (such as the 4R-CAG) operate from runways only. The amphibian trades a small portion of useful load for water capability.

How long does a Colombo to Galle flight take on a Cessna 208 Amphibian?

Exact flight time depends on the specific route and departure point, but the southern coast is typically reachable from Ratmalana in well under 45 minutes by air — a journey that can take two to three hours by road. Lakpura can confirm precise flight times when booking.

What engine powers the Cessna 208 (4R-CAE)?

The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney turboprop engine, the same proven powerplant used across the broader Cessna 208 Caravan family. It delivers a maximum cruise speed of around 340 km/h and a service ceiling of 7,620 m.

Is the Cessna 208 Amphibian safe for tourist flights in Sri Lanka?

The Cessna 208 Caravan family has an extensive global safety record and is widely used in commercial air taxi and tourist operations. All charter operations coordinated by Lakpura comply with Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Authority regulations and are conducted by licenced pilots.

What is the maximum range of the 4R-CAE Amphibian?

The aircraft has a maximum range of approximately 1,720 km with standard fuel tanks holding 1,257 litres. This is sufficient to reach any destination in Sri Lanka from Colombo with considerable reserve fuel.

How far in advance should I book an amphibious charter with Lakpura?

For standard transfer routes, bookings can often be confirmed within a few days. For bespoke routes involving water landings at non-standard sites, several days to a week of advance notice is advisable to allow for route planning and water-site assessment.

Cessna 208 (4R CAE) Amphibian Airplane

Cessna 208 (4R CAE) Amphibian Airplane Cessna 208 (4R CAE) Amphibian Airplane Cessna 208 (4R CAE) Amphibian Airplane

The Cessna 208 (4R-CAE) Amphibian is a highly adaptable single-engine turboprop aircraft equipped with amphibious floats, enabling seamless operations from both land runways and water surfaces. Known globally as the Caravan Amphibian, this aircraft is ideal for scenic flights, passenger transfers, and logistics across coastal regions, lakes, and remote destinations where runway access is limited. It can carry up to 10 passengers plus 1 pilot, maintaining excellent cabin comfort and generous luggage capacity. With exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability on both land and water, the 4R-CAE is a preferred choice for tourism, air taxi services, and special operations in diverse environments.

Performance

Max cruise speed: 340 km/h
Max range: 1,720 km
Service ceiling: 7,620 m
Rate of climb: 4.1 m/s
Water takeoff distance: ~900 m (varies with weight & conditions)
Water landing distance: ~670 m

Dimensions

Wingspan: 15.88 m
Length: 12.67 m
Height: 5.52 m (including amphibious floats)
Cabin volume: 6.0 m³

Characteristics

Crew + passengers: 1 pilot + up to 6 passengers
Max takeoff weight (MTOW): 3,995 kg (amphibian configuration)
Useful load: approx. 1,300 kg
Fuel capacity: 1,257 L (standard tanks)
Engine type: Pratt & Whitney

Renowned for its amphibious versatility, efficiency, and operational independence from traditional runways, the Cessna 208 (4R-CAE) Amphibian is the ultimate solution for coastal air travel, island transfers, and adventure aviation operations.

Cessna 208 (4R CAE) Amphibian Airplane Cessna 208 (4R CAE) Amphibian Airplane Cessna 208 (4R CAE) Amphibian Airplane