If you’re planning a trip to Coron, the tour that takes you to the Calauit Wildlife Safari and Black Island offers an exciting blend of wildlife encounters and natural beauty. This full-day experience is designed for travelers who want a taste of Africa’s iconic animals without leaving Palawan, coupled with snorkeling, caves, and scenic vistas.
What we love about this tour is the opportunity to feed and get close to giraffes and zebras, an experience that’s both rare and memorable. The Black Island caves are another highlight, offering a surreal setting that outshines even the snorkeling. That’s complemented by a well-organized itinerary that balances wildlife, cultural landmarks, and scenic adventures.
A potential consideration is the length of the zoo visit — some travelers find it a bit long, especially if the second part feels less engaging. Also, because it’s a shared group tour, the pace might not be perfect for everyone. However, for those who enjoy socializing and a guided experience, it’s a strong option.
This tour suits adventurous travelers, family groups, or anyone keen to experience a mix of wildlife and natural landscapes in a single day. If you’re looking for value-packed, authentic experiences with knowledgeable guides, this could be a great choice.
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Experience
- Starting Point: Comfortable Pickup and Transport
- Calauit Safari: Africa in Palawan
- Exploring Busuanga: Local Landmarks and Malbato Church
- Black Island: Snorkeling, Caves, and Scenic Views
- Final Notes and Practicalities
- What Past Travelers Say
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
- Final Recommendation
- Our Top Picks in Coron
- More Safari Adventures in Coron
- More Lunch Experiences in Coron
- More Tour Reviews in Coron
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Coron we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points
- Wildlife Encounters: Close-up feeding of giraffes and zebras in a safari setting.
- Scenic Spots: Black Island’s stunning caves and dramatic cliffs for exploring and photos.
- Cultural Highlights: Visit Malbato Church, a rustic stone-and-seashell church on a hill.
- Flexible and Convenient: Includes roundtrip transport, permits, and a picnic lunch.
- Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides share insights about animals and sites.
- Shortcomings: The zoo portion may feel a bit lengthy for some, and time on Black Island can be tight.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Coron
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Coron
Starting Point: Comfortable Pickup and Transport
The tour begins early in the morning with hotel pickup within Coron town proper. The air-conditioned van ensures a comfortable start, especially after a night’s sleep, as you head toward Calauit port. The drive itself offers a chance to get a sense of local scenery and set the tone for an adventurous day.
Once at the port, the group boards a tourist boat with safety gear, ready to set sail for Calauit Wildlife Safari. The boat ride provides a relaxed prelude to your wildlife encounters, with plenty of opportunities for photos and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Calauit Safari: Africa in Palawan
Arriving at Calauit, you get an informative orientation—a crucial step to understand the park’s rules and the importance of responsible tourism. Then, your knowledgeable guide leads you on a tour through the park, where you’ll see animals like giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and waterbucks wandering freely.
The highlight is definitely the feeding session with the giraffes. As one reviewer raved, “Feeding giraffes and even petting them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” You’re literally eye to eye with these gentle giants, a surreal moment that’s worth every penny. The zebras are equally close, although some may note they can bite if you get too close — a reminder to be cautious.
The guide’s insights make the experience richer, sharing details about the animals’ origins and the park’s unique history. For many, this part of the tour feels authentic and engaging, rather than a typical zoo visit.
Exploring Busuanga: Local Landmarks and Malbato Church
After the safari, you’ll head back to Busuanga town for a quick exploration. A visit to Malbato Church offers a glimpse into local architecture and culture. Built with stones and seashells, this rustic church on a hill provides a scenic backdrop and a peaceful stop before heading to Black Island.
More Great Tours NearbyBlack Island: Snorkeling, Caves, and Scenic Views
The final part of the day takes you to Black Island—a highlight for many. The island’s spectacular reef is perfect for shallow water snorkeling and free-diving, with a dramatic drop-off that creates an impressive underwater landscape. Whether you want to snorkel or simply relax on the white sand beaches, Black Island delivers.
But what truly steals the show are the caves. The first cave is massive — reaching at least 40 feet high. When the sunlight hits the inside, the crystal-clear pools shimmer, creating a mystical atmosphere. Many reviewers mention the caves as the “perversely beautiful” part of the trip, with Emanuel saying, “Black Island is really beautiful,” especially appreciating the caves and grotto.
The lunch served here is a simple yet satisfying picnic, with bottled water and snacks included. It’s enough to fuel your exploration and enjoy the surroundings.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Coron
Final Notes and Practicalities
The entire day lasts around 10 hours, which can seem long but is packed with diverse experiences. The tour’s price of $88 per person includes all permits, entrance fees, boat rides, animal feeding, and a guide — making it a decent value considering the variety of activities.
Transportation is comfortable and reliable, with a small group of up to 15 participants. This keeps things intimate and allows guides to tailor the experience where possible. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of wildlife, cultural sights, and natural beauty, though it’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues or altitude sickness.
What Past Travelers Say
One reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable guides and stunning views. Emanuel shared, “Feeding giraffes and petting them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” noting the park’s uniqueness. Bernard pointed out that the zoo part felt a bit long and that the Black Island time was too short, which might matter if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for adventurers eager to see wildlife up close in a natural setting. It’s also great for families or couples looking for a full day packed with diverse activities. If you’re after an authentic, guided local experience that combines wildlife, culture, and scenic landscapes, this tour ticks all those boxes.
However, if you prefer a leisurely pace or are worried about long walking or boat rides, you might want to consider how the schedule suits your style. The tour’s focus on shared group participation means it’s best for those comfortable with a lively, organized day.
FAQs
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes roundtrip air-conditioned van service, a licensed guide, boat rides, permits, animal feeding, a picnic lunch, bottled water, snacks, and beach cottages.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, with pick-up and drop-off within Coron town proper.
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transport is an air-conditioned van, providing a pleasant journey to and from the sites.
Can I feed the animals myself?
Yes, feeding the giraffes and zebras is part of the experience, and many find it the highlight.
Are there any cultural visits?
Yes, you’ll visit Malbato Church, a charming stone-and-seashell construction on a hill.
Is snorkeling included?
While the reef around Black Island is great for snorkeling, the tour emphasizes cave exploration; snorkeling is available but not the main focus.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, flip-flops, beachwear, cash, and a charged smartphone.
Are there any restrictions or disabilities?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, altitude sickness, or over 95 years old.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a well-rounded day of wildlife encounters, cultural insight, and natural beauty. With the chance to get close to giraffes and zebras, explore impressive caves, and relax on pristine beaches, it delivers a genuine taste of Palawan’s diversity. The guides’ knowledge and the scenic settings add depth to the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
It’s especially suitable for travelers who don’t mind a full schedule and want an engaging, activity-packed day. The combination of wildlife, cultural sites, and scenic landscapes provides a great value — especially when you consider all the included permits, transport, and meals.
This experience balances adventure with comfort and authenticity, making it a memorable highlight for many visitors to Coron.
Coron: Calauit Safari Black Island Lunch & Transfer included
“The van was terrible. A lot of time was wasted.”
Final Recommendation
If you’re seeking an immersive day that combines wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s best for those who appreciate guided experiences, enjoy meeting animals up close, and want to see a different side of Palawan beyond beaches. For travelers eager for a mix of adventure and cultural connection, this tour delivers on many fronts. Just remember to bring your camera, some cash, and a sense of curiosity.
You can check availability for your dates here:
