The Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the world’s natural wonders. Combining a boat ride through the mesmerizing underground river with a mesmerizing display of fireflies, this 10-hour adventure promises an immersive journey into the stunning beauty of Puerto Princesa. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel to the local-style buffet meals, every aspect of this tour is designed to provide an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply a chance to witness the enchanting natural world, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- This 10-hour tour includes visits to the UNESCO-listed Underground River and firefly watching, priced from $83.04 per person.
- The tour offers hotel pickup, local-style buffet lunch and dinner, boat transfers, and guided activities.
- Optional excursions like zip-lining and mangrove paddle boat tours are available for an additional fee.
- The Underground River portion is not suitable for children under 13 or those with mobility impairments.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 57 reviews, with mixed feedback on service quality.
Tour Overview
The Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour is a comprehensive full-day excursion that takes visitors to explore the UNESCO-listed Underground River and witness the enchanting bioluminescent display of fireflies.
Priced from $83.04 per person, the tour lasts 10 hours and is available in English and Tagalog. Pickup is included from accommodations within 5 kilometers of the airport.
The itinerary covers a boat ride into the Underground River cave, a local-style lunch and dinner, and an evening firefly watching experience.
Optional activities like zip-lining or a mangrove paddle boat tour are also available. The tour caters to adults, with restrictions for children under 13 and those with mobility issues.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Princesa.
Tour Highlights
Visitors to the Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour can look forward to an array of captivating experiences.
The tour highlights include:
- Marveling at the UNESCO-listed Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Witnessing the enchanting spectacle of fireflies illuminating the night sky in their natural habitat.
- Savoring a delicious local-style buffet lunch and dinner.
- Opting for exciting add-ons like zip-lining or a mangrove paddle boat tour.
These diverse activities ensure a well-rounded and memorable adventure, immersing visitors in the natural wonders and cultural richness of Puerto Princesa.
Itinerary
The day begins with a hotel pickup and transfer to the Sabang Wharf.
Participants then board a boat for a ride into the cave, followed by a paddle boat tour of the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River.
After the morning’s activities, a local-style buffet lunch is served.
The afternoon offers optional excursions like zip-lining or a mangrove paddle boat tour.
As evening falls, the group heads to an offsite restaurant for dinner before embarking on a firefly watching tour, featuring bioluminescent plankton.
Inclusions
Included in the tour package are hotel pickup and drop-off, a local-style buffet lunch and dinner, all necessary boat transfers, and entrance fees.
The tour also includes a professional guide and driver, as well as the environmental fee for the Underground River site. Gratuities are also covered, and participants can opt for additional activities like zip-lining or a mangrove paddle boat tour.
The package provides a comprehensive experience, ensuring travelers can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Puerto Princesa without worrying about the logistics. The inclusions make this tour an excellent value for money.
The key inclusions are:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch and dinner
- Boat transfers and entrance fees
- Professional guide and driver
Important Information
There are some important considerations for this tour. The underground river portion isn’t suitable for children under 13, wheelchair users, or those with mobility impairments.
Participants may get wet, so they’ll want to bring insect repellent and avoid bringing large bags or luggage. Life jackets are provided for all boat rides.
It’s worth noting the tour doesn’t allow luggage or large bags. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a reserve now & pay later option available.
Customer Reviews
Customers have provided a range of feedback on this tour. Based on 57 reviews, the overall rating is 4.2 out of 5. Reviewers praised the tour guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm, but had mixed reactions to the pacing and atmosphere of the firefly tour.
Key highlights include:
- Transportation: 4.4/5
- Value for Money: 4.2/5
- Service: 1/5 (noted as a concern in some reviews)
- Positive comments about the guides, and mixed reactions to the firefly tour experience.
While the tour’s overall rating is quite good, some areas for improvement have been identified, particularly around the service aspect.
Pricing and Booking
The Puerto Princesa tour offers various pricing options to accommodate different budgets. Priced from $83.04 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, lunch and dinner, all boat transfers and entrance fees, a professional guide, and optional excursions like zip-lining or mangrove paddle boating.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. While the tour provides excellent value, some reviewers noted concerns about the service quality.
Restrictions and Suitability
Who can participate in this Puerto Princesa tour? The tour has some restrictions on who can join. According to the information provided:
- Children under 13 aren’t suitable for this tour.
- Wheelchair users and individuals with mobility impairments can’t participate.
- Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.
- Participants may get wet during the boat rides, but life jackets are provided.
Despite these limitations, the tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed Underground River and witness the magical firefly watching experience.
Visitors should come prepared with their passport or ID, insect repellent, and a sense of adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Are Taken for COVID-19 During the Tour?
The tour provider follows COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitizing measures. Guests are advised to check the latest requirements before booking. The company’s policies prioritize the health and safety of all participants.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Travelers can generally bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though the tour provider includes lunch and dinner. It’s best to check with the tour company about any restrictions on outside items before the tour.
Is the Firefly Tour Affected by Weather Conditions?
The firefly tour can be affected by weather conditions. Heavy rain or strong winds may impact the visibility of the bioluminescent plankton and the overall experience. Tour operators typically monitor the weather and make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience for guests.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
While the tour itinerary is set, customers can’t extend the tour duration. However, some optional excursions like zip-lining or mangrove paddle boat tours may be added for an additional fee, subject to availability.
How Do I Contact the Tour Operator if I Have Additional Questions?
To contact the tour operator, travelers can call the provided phone number or email the listed address. The tour company’s contact information is usually included in the tour details or booking confirmation.
Recap
Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River and witnessing the captivating firefly display make for an unforgettable experience. With a comprehensive itinerary, convenient inclusions, and affordable pricing, this tour offers an immersive journey into the stunning natural wonders of Puerto Princesa. Suitable for a range of travelers, it’s an opportunity to discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World firsthand.
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