Puerto Princesa City Underground River Tour Excursion

Exploring the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa City Underground River is a must-do experience for eco-conscious travelers visiting the Philippines. This guided tour takes visitors on a remarkable journey through a subterranean river that flows directly into the South China Sea, showcasing the region’s stunning natural beauty and unique biodiversity. With a focus on sustainable tourism practices, the excursion offers the chance to discover the Sabang Mangroves, the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, and the diverse geological formations that have captivated visitors for generations. Whether you’re seeking an adventure or a chance to learn about the Philippines’ natural wonders, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature, offering a unique caving and river exploration experience.

• The tour includes a paddleboat journey through the Sabang Mangroves and guided canoe trips, highlighting the natural beauty and ecological significance of the RAMSAR wetland site.

• Sustainable tourism practices, such as limited group sizes and local transportation and dining options, ensure minimal environmental impact and community involvement.

• The 6-hour tour includes boat transfers, van transportation, lunch, and gratuities, with pickup available from city center hotels for an additional fee for out-of-town accommodations.

• Advance booking is recommended due to limited availability during peak seasons, and valid ID must be presented at the underground river wharf.

Tour Overview

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour allows visitors to explore one of the natural wonders of the world – a UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, a RAMSAR wetland site in the Philippines.

As part of the city’s sustainable tourism program, the tour offers a paddleboat journey through the Sabang Mangroves and guided canoe trips, immersing travelers in the lush natural landscape.

Recognized as one of the 7 wonders of nature, this remarkable underground river is a highlight of any visit to Puerto Princesa.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

One of the many highlights of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is that the site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This prestigious recognition underscores the natural wonder and global significance of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

As one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the underground river is a unique geological formation that showcases an extensive cave system and a diverse ecosystem.

Traversing this navigable subterranean river, which flows directly into the South China Sea, is an unforgettable experience for visitors.

The UNESCO status further solidifies the Puerto Princesa Underground River’s standing as a premier ecotourism destination in the Philippines.

Sustainable Tourism in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has long embraced sustainable tourism as a cornerstone of its development strategy.

The city’s landmark Puerto Princesa Underground River tour exemplifies this commitment. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, the river is part of a RAMSAR-designated national park that prioritizes environmental protection.

The tour’s limited group size, guided activities, and inclusion of local transportation and dining experiences ensure minimal impact and maximum community involvement.

This sustainable approach has helped Puerto Princesa become a model for responsible tourism in the Philippines, attracting eco-conscious travelers while preserving the natural beauty that draws them there.

Tour Details and Duration

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour lasts around 6 hours, catering to a maximum of 10 travelers per group.

The tour includes admission tickets, boat transfers, van transportation, lunch, and gratuities. Pickup is provided from city center hotels, with an extra fee for out-of-town accommodations.

Cruise ship passengers must provide their name, age, and nationality for government permits. The underground river isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Guests are advised to bring water shoes, as the boat landing may involve calf-high water.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour includes boat transfers, van transportation, lunch, gratuities, and tips.

For visitors staying at city center hotels, pickup is provided. Those staying at out-of-town hotels will incur an additional fee.

Cruise ship passengers must provide their name, age, and nationality for government permits. Confirmation for the tour is received at the time of booking, or within 48 hours if booked within 2 days of travel.

The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are provided for cancellations. Guests will need to present a valid ID at the underground river wharf to access the tour.

Booking and Confirmation

Booking confirmations for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour are provided at the time of reservation, or within 48 hours if the tour is booked within 2 days of the travel date.

The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds will be issued for cancellations. Participants must present a valid ID at the underground river wharf.

• Confirmation is received upon booking, or within 48 hours if booked within 2 days of travel.
• The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds will be issued for cancellations.
• Participants must present a valid ID at the underground river wharf.
• Out-of-town hotel pickups incur an additional fee.
• Cruise ship passengers must provide name, age, and nationality for government permits.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

With an overall rating of 5.0 based on 4 reviews, the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers. The majority of reviews, 3 out of 4, awarded the maximum 5-star rating, with one 4-star review. Customers praised the excellent coordination, knowledgeable guides, and the overall exceptional experience. Recommendations include bringing water shoes, as the boat landing may involve calf-high water. Highlights mentioned by travelers include the beautiful countryside trip and the amazing cave exploration.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	3
4 stars	1
3 stars	0
2 stars	0

Recommendations for Visitors

When planning a visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, there are a few key recommendations for travelers to consider.

Visitors should wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes as the boat landing may involve wading through calf-high water.

Bringing a water bottle and sun protection is also advised, as the tour includes outdoor elements.

Plus, those with back problems or serious medical conditions should carefully evaluate the suitability of the tour.

Travelers should also be prepared to present their identification at the underground river wharf.

Finally, booking the tour in advance is recommended, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons.

• Wear water-resistant shoes
• Bring a water bottle and sun protection
• Evaluate suitability for medical conditions
• Bring identification for the wharf
• Book the tour in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a dress code, but comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe water shoes are recommended. Visitors should dress for the weather and be prepared for a boat trip and walking through the cave.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, a provided lunch is included in the tour package, so bringing your own may not be necessary. Check with the tour operator about any restrictions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it’s not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions or back problems due to the boat ride and cave access.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, as it’s a fixed 6-hour program. However, travelers can opt for additional pre- or post-tour activities to extend their overall experience at the Puerto Princesa Underground River site.

What Types of Camera Equipment Are Allowed?

Visitors are generally allowed to bring cameras and small photography equipment on the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. However, tripods and other larger gear may not be permitted due to space constraints in the boat and cave.

Recap

The Puerto Princesa City Underground River Tour Excursion offers an unforgettable journey through a UNESCO World Heritage site. Showcasing the area’s natural beauty and emphasizing sustainable practices, the tour provides travelers with a unique opportunity to explore the captivating subterranean river and mangrove ecosystem. Ideal for eco-conscious visitors, this excursion highlights the Philippines’ remarkable natural wonders and demonstrates the country’s commitment to responsible tourism.