Private Underground River Day Tour With Lunch From El Nido

The private underground river day tour from El Nido promises a truly immersive and exclusive adventure in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Whisking visitors away from the crowds, this carefully curated experience offers a chance to explore the breathtaking cave system at a leisurely pace, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights into the unique ecosystem. From the early morning pickup to the delectable lunch spread, every aspect of the tour is designed to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey. However, the true allure lies in the opportunity to witness the natural wonder of the underground river, a captivating sight that leaves an indelible impression on all who behold it.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Lunch Experiences In El Nido.

Key Points

• Private tour experience with a maximum of 8 participants for a personalized exploration of the Underground River.
• Early morning departure at 4:00 AM to ensure timely access to the Underground River and minimize wait times.
• Kayak ride through the cave system with an audio tour, providing an immersive and informative experience.
• Buffet lunch served at Sabang Wharf after the Underground River exploration.
• Convenient hotel pickup from El Nido and return transportation to either El Nido or Puerto Princesa.

Tour Overview

The Private Underground River Day Tour from El Nido, Philippines, offers a personalized and intimate experience for visitors.

This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 8 people, provides the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off at either El Nido or Puerto Princesa.

With an early morning departure at 4:00 am, the tour includes a kayak ride through the underground river’s cave system, accompanied by an audio tour that explores the ecosystem.

Visitors will also enjoy a buffet lunch at Sabang Wharf.

The tour price of $282.06 and up covers all entrance fees, permits, and national park charges, as well as the environmental management charge and fuel surcharge.

Inclusions and Pricing

This Private Underground River Day Tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities and services. The tour provides a buffet lunch on Sabang Wharf, as well as all necessary entrance fees, permits, and national park fees. Plus, the Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) and fuel surcharge are included in the price. Guests will enjoy the services of a professional guide and driver, and transportation by air-conditioned tourist van. Souvenir photos are available for purchase, though gratuities and optional activities are not included.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Buffet Lunch	Gratuities
All Entrance Fees	Optional Activities
Environmental Charges	N/A
Professional Guide & Driver	N/A
Air-Conditioned Van	N/A

The tour is priced from $282.06 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size. This non-refundable rate ensures a personalized experience with a maximum group size of 8 people.

Itinerary and Logistics

Early morning marks the start of this Private Underground River Day Tour, with guests departing as early as 4:00 am.

The early start is necessary to access the coveted Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival at the Sabang Wharf, guests will embark on a thrilling kayak ride through the cave, accompanied by an audio tour that provides insights into the unique ecosystem.

After the cave exploration, a buffet lunch awaits at the Sabang Wharf, allowing visitors to refuel.

The tour then concludes with a return journey to either El Nido or Puerto Princesa, subject to weather conditions.

Guests are advised to be prepared for potential alternative activities in case of cancellations due to inclement weather.

Customer Feedback Highlights

Customers expressed mixed reviews for the Private Underground River Day Tour, with both positive and critical comments.

Positive feedback highlighted the enjoyable cave experience and knowledgeable guide service.

However, some issues were noted, such as the early departure time, long waiting periods for permits, and discrepancies between the private versus group tour experiences.

• Customers praised the cave exploration and audio tour, which provided insights into the unique ecosystem.

• Criticisms centered around the 4 AM start time, extended waits, and unexpected group elements that contradicted the "private" tour description.

• Specific concerns included lengthy delays for permits and additional activities offered during the waiting period.

• There were also complaints about the actual tour experience not aligning with the private, personalized service that was promised.

Host Response to Feedback

The tour operator acknowledged the customer feedback and expressed apologies for the inconveniences experienced.

They explained that the early departure time of 4:00 AM was necessary to ensure timely access to the underground river, as this popular attraction has limited entry capacity.

The host also committed to reviewing their procedures to improve the overall tour experience in the future.

While they can’t control external factors like waiting times for permits, the operator assured customers that private services would be provided for transfers and boat access, even if the boat ride within the cave itself would need to be shared with other groups.

Private Vs. Group Experience

A key distinction with the Private Underground River Day Tour is the difference between the private and group experience.

While the tour offers a personalized, small-group setting with a maximum of 8 people, there’s a noticeable contrast in the on-site activities.

• Inside the cave, the tour is shared with other visitors, with transport by a communal boat rather than a private vessel.
• This can lead to longer waiting times and a less exclusive experience compared to a fully private tour.

However, the private aspect shines through in the transfers, with dedicated transportation from and to the guest’s hotel.

Plus, the guide and driver provide a tailored service, ensuring a more personalized journey overall.

Transportation and Transfers

One of the standout features of the Private Underground River Day Tour is the seamless transportation and transfer arrangements. Guests are conveniently picked up from their hotels in El Nido and transported by an air-conditioned tourist van.

The tour includes return transportation, either back to El Nido or to Puerto Princesa, depending on your’ needs. The vehicles are comfortable and well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey.

Plus, the tour includes all necessary permits and fees, such as the Environmental Management Charge, so travelers don’t have to worry about additional expenses.

With these efficient transportation and transfer services, guests can focus on enjoying the stunning underground river experience.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainable practices are a key priority for the Private Underground River Day Tour. The tour operator is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and preserving the natural beauty of the underground river.

This is achieved through several measures:

• Adherence to strict regulations and guidelines set by the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park authorities.

• Limiting group sizes to a maximum of 8 people, reducing the strain on the delicate ecosystem.

• Proper waste management, with all trash being responsibly disposed of or recycled.

• Use of environmentally-friendly materials and equipment, such as non-motorized kayaks, to minimize disturbance to the river and its inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though a buffet lunch is provided on the Sabang Wharf. It’s important to note any restrictions or recommendations from the tour operator regarding outside items.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, but they may be restricted in certain areas like the underground river due to environmental regulations. Guests should follow any instructions from the tour guides regarding photography and videography.

What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 8 people. The minimum group size is not specified, but the tour is offered as a private experience with personalized attention for small groups.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Kayaking Activity?

The tour provider doesn’t require any special equipment or gear for the kayaking activity. Guests will be provided with all necessary equipment, including life jackets, to safely explore the cave. Participants should wear comfortable, water-friendly clothing and shoes.

Can I Extend or Modify the Tour Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?

The tour operator generally allows modifications to the itinerary, though additional activities may incur extra costs. Travelers can inquire about extending the tour or adding optional experiences to customize their excursion, subject to availability and any applicable fees.

Recap

The Private Underground River Day Tour from El Nido offers a breathtaking and exclusive experience in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. With a small group size, personalized attention, and seamless logistics, this tour provides a comfortable and memorable journey through the stunning cave system. Visitors can expect exceptional value, environmental sensitivity, and an opportunity to enjoy the park’s unique ecosystem.