The Apo Island tour from Dumaguete offers travelers an unforgettable experience exploring the island’s vibrant marine life. With a maximum group size of 15, participants can enjoy a personalized adventure starting at 6:00 am. The tour includes transportation, top-notch snorkeling gear, and a delightful lunch, all while benefiting from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide. Visitors can encounter sea turtles, giant clams, and a myriad of colorful underwater creatures, all while the tour adheres to eco-friendly practices. This comprehensive package promises both enjoyment and environmental responsibility, leaving one eager to uncover more about this remarkable excursion.
Key Points
- The full-day Apo Island tour from Dumaguete offers an intimate experience with a maximum of 15 travelers, including lunch, transportation, snorkeling gear, and a knowledgeable guide.
- Pickup is provided from hotel lobbies across the area, with an early 6:00 am start to avoid crowds and heat.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and has physical requirements, but the majority of travelers can participate in snorkeling and boat ride activities.
- Reviewers have praised the friendly and informative crew, the sightings of sea turtles and marine life, and the overall experience.
- Pricing concerns have been raised, with similar tours available at a significantly lower cost, though the host has acknowledged the feedback and committed to addressing pricing competitiveness.
Tour Overview
The Apo Island Tour from Dumaguete is a full-day excursion offered by Explore Cebu Tours & Travel.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, the tour includes lunch, air-conditioned transportation, snorkeling equipment, environmental fees, and a tour guide.
Pickup is provided at the hotel lobby, and the tour starts at 6:00 am, requiring a WhatsApp or Viber number for communication.
While not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions, most travelers can participate in the safe snorkeling experience, which offers sightings of sea turtles, eels, and giant clams.
The tour is priced from $145.00 per person.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dumaguete City.
Inclusions
The Apo Island Tour from Explore Cebu Tours & Travel includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience. Travelers will enjoy a delicious lunch, comfortable air-conditioned transportation, and high-quality snorkeling equipment. Plus, all necessary environmental fees and a knowledgeable tour guide are included in the package.
| Inclusions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | Air-conditioned vehicle | Snorkeling equipment |
| Environmental fees | Tour guide | Boat ride to Apo Island |
| Gratuities |
These inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable tour, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the natural wonders of Apo Island without worrying about additional costs or logistics.
Pickup Information
To begin the tour, Explore Cebu Tours & Travel provides convenient pickup from hotel lobbies across the area.
The company requires guests to provide a WhatsApp or Viber number for communication prior to the tour. This allows the team to coordinate pickup times and locations efficiently.
The tour starts bright and early at 6:00 am, ensuring travelers have ample time to explore Apo Island and its stunning marine life.
This early start also helps avoid the crowds and heat of the midday sun.
With pickup included, guests can relax and look forward to an unforgettable day on the island.
Health and Accessibility
Although the Apo Island Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate in the experience. The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
However, the tour operators note that the majority of travelers are able to comfortably take part in the snorkeling and boat ride activities. Participants should be aware of the physical requirements involved, such as navigating steps and walking on uneven terrain.
The tour operators prioritize safety and ensure that all travelers are provided with the necessary equipment and guidance to enjoy the Apo Island excursion to the fullest.
Feedback Highlights
Summarizing the customer feedback, reviewers have praised the friendly and informative boat crew and snorkel guide, who provided a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience.
Highlights from the reviews include:
- Sightings of captivating sea turtles, intriguing eels, and impressive giant clams
- A delightful lunch that complemented the overall experience
- A well-organized tour that adhered to eco-friendly practices
While one traveler suggested alternative options at lower prices, the host has acknowledged the feedback and expressed a commitment to offering competitive pricing and eco-friendly experiences.
Pricing Concerns
While the tour appears to offer a comprehensive package, one reviewer raised concerns about the pricing, suggesting the availability of alternative options at lower prices.
Specifically, the reviewer noted that other organizations offer similar tours for around €40 per person, which is significantly less than the $145 per person price for the Apo Island tour.
The host’s response acknowledged this feedback and expressed a commitment to providing competitive pricing alongside their eco-friendly experiences.
It’s important for the tour provider to continually assess their pricing structure to ensure they remain aligned with market rates and offer value to their customers.
Host Responses
The tour provider’s responses to the pricing concerns expressed in the customer feedback demonstrate a commitment to addressing this issue. They acknowledge the feedback and express a desire to offer competitive pricing and eco-friendly experiences.
This commitment is evidenced by:
- Recognizing the need to provide value for money
- Exploring alternative pricing options to remain accessible
- Emphasizing their focus on creating sustainable and responsible tours
- Prioritizing customer satisfaction and continuous improvement
- Demonstrating transparency and openness to constructive feedback
The host’s willingness to address pricing concerns and provide high-quality, eco-conscious experiences suggests a proactive approach to addressing customer needs and maintaining the tour’s reputation.
Booking and Availability
To book the Apo Island Tour, interested travelers can contact the tour provider, Explore Cebu Tours & Travel, through their website or by reaching out directly.
The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Pickup is available from the traveler’s hotel lobby, and the tour starts at 6:00 am, allowing ample time to explore the island.
Travelers must provide a WhatsApp or Viber number for communication.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions, though most travelers can participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Apo Island?
The best time to visit Apo Island is during the drier months between March and June when the weather is sunny and the seas are calm, making for ideal snorkeling and diving conditions.
How Long Does the Boat Ride to Apo Island Take?
The boat ride to Apo Island takes approximately 30-45 minutes from the mainland of Dumaguete. The travel time can vary depending on weather conditions and the boat’s speed, but it’s generally a short and scenic journey to this renowned diving and snorkeling destination.
Are There Any Additional Activities Available on the Tour?
The tour includes snorkeling at the Apo Island Marine Sanctuary, where travelers can spot sea turtles, eels, and giant clams. There’s also a boat ride to the island and a provided lunch, but no other additional activities are mentioned.
What Is the Typical Group Size for the Tour?
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers per group. This allows for an intimate and personalized experience as travelers explore Apo Island’s marine life and natural beauty with the guidance of the tour’s friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?
The tour can be customized to travelers’ preferences within the maximum group size of 15 participants. Guests can communicate their needs through WhatsApp or Viber, and the tour provider will accommodate requests to the best of their abilities.
Recap
The Full Day Apo Island Tour from Dumaguete offers an exceptional opportunity for travelers to explore the vibrant marine life of Apo Island. With a personalized approach, eco-friendly practices, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Participants can enjoy snorkeling, spotting sea turtles and giant clams, and indulging in a delightful lunch, all while supporting sustainable tourism.