Exploring the idyllic Apo Island off the coast of Dumaguete presents an enticing opportunity for nature enthusiasts. The Dumaguete: Apo Island Snorkeling and Hiking Joiners Tour promises a 5-hour adventure packed with diverse marine life and panoramic vistas. While past operational issues raise some concerns, the chance to swim alongside sea turtles and hike to breathtaking viewpoints may outweigh these challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour could offer a memorable way to learn about the island’s captivating natural beauty. However, prudent planning and research are advisable before embarking on this unique excursion.
Key Points
- The Apo Island Snorkeling and Hiking Joiners Tour offers a 5-hour experience, including transportation and activities, at a starting price of $145.92 per person.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation from Dumaguete City, snorkeling with sea turtles, and a guided hike to a panoramic viewpoint on Apo Island.
- The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or non-swimmers, and a moderate fitness level is required.
- While the tour has an overall rating of 1/5 based on a single negative review regarding a booking cancellation, the operator offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour booking process allows for a convenient spot reservation with a pay later option, but previous customer feedback highlights the need for improved communication and reliability.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Dumaguete to Apo Island Snorkeling and Hiking Joiners Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors, priced from $145.92 per person.
This 5-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Dumaguete City to the port, as well as ferry rides to and from Apo Island.
At the island, participants can snorkel with sea turtles, explore century-old coral gardens, and hike to a panoramic viewpoint.
The tour provides a serene escape from city life, showcasing Apo Island’s natural beauty.
Visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now without paying until later.
Itinerary and Transportation
The tour begins with pickup from Dumaguete, where participants board a van for a 1-hour journey. This is followed by a 45-minute water transport to Apo Island. Once at the island, the group embarks on a guided tour, sightseeing, and swimming for 4 hours.
| Transportation | Duration |
|---|---|
| Van | 1 hour |
| Water transport | 45 minutes |
| Activities at Apo Island | 4 hours |
| Return | 45 minutes water transport, 1 hour van |
At the end of the visit, the group returns via 45-minute water transport and a 1-hour van ride back to Dumaguete.
Highlights and Activities
Apo Island is renowned for its captivating coral gardens and diverse marine life, making it a prime destination for snorkeling enthusiasts. On this tour, visitors can snorkel alongside sea turtles and explore century-old corals, marveling at the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
The tour also includes a guided hike to a panoramic viewpoint, where travelers can soak in stunning vistas of the island and its surrounding waters.
This escapade offers a serene respite from the bustling city, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of Apo Island.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a rejuvenating experience, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Included and Excluded Features
This tour includes round-trip ferry transportation, round-trip transfer from Dumaguete City to the port, snorkeling with sea turtles, guided coral garden exploration, hiking opportunities, and stunning panoramic views.
However, meals, drinks, gratuities, and diving gear aren’t included.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or non-swimmers.
With a 1/5 overall rating based on one review, a previous customer reported a cancellation due to the tour operator not realizing the booking, expressing disappointment over the lack of options to reschedule.
Customer Feedback and Issues
Based on the provided information, the tour has received a low overall rating of 1/5 from a single review.
The reviewer, Julia from Germany, reported that the tour was cancelled due to the operator not realizing the booking. This resulted in disappointment, as there were no options to reschedule the tour.
The lack of flexibility and communication from the operator appears to be the primary issue highlighted in the customer feedback.
Potential customers should be aware of this before booking the tour, as it may impact their overall satisfaction and experience.
Booking and Reservations
The tour offers a convenient booking process, allowing customers to reserve their spot and pay later.
Simply visit the tour’s website or contact the operator to check availability and secure your place.
The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.
This policy ensures you can plan your trip with confidence, knowing you can receive a full refund if your plans change.
The convenient reserve now, pay later option also makes it easy to lock in your spot without an immediate financial commitment.
Safety and Accessibility
Ensuring the safety and accessibility of the Apo Island tour is a crucial consideration for the tour operator.
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or non-swimmers due to the physical activities involved. Snorkeling and hiking require a moderate level of fitness, so participants should be aware of their capabilities.
The tour operator provides life jackets and other necessary equipment to enhance safety.
However, the previous customer’s experience of a cancelled tour due to inadequate coordination highlights the need for better communication and contingency planning to ensure a seamless and reliable experience for all guests.
Additional Information
Along With the safety and accessibility considerations, there are a few other important details travelers should keep in mind when booking the Apo Island tour. The tour price ranges from $145.92 per person and includes round-trip transportation, snorkeling, and hiking. While meals, drinks, and gratuities are excluded, the tour provides a serene escape to discover Apo Island’s coral gardens and marine life. It’s worth noting that the tour has received a 1/5 rating based on a single review reporting a booking cancellation due to the operator’s oversight. To ensure a smooth experience, travelers are encouraged to review the tour details and policies carefully.
| Additional Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tour Duration | 5 hours | Free Cancellation |
| Departure Location | Dumaguete | Pay Later |
| Transportation | Van & Boat |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour information does not specify the group size. It is a joiners tour, so the group size can vary depending on the number of participants booking the tour on that day.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Customers can bring their own snorkeling equipment for the tour. However, the tour company provides snorkeling gear for those who don’t have their own. Using the provided equipment is included in the tour price.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a stated minimum age requirement. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, indicating the tour may not be appropriate for very young children or infants. Prospective participants should check with the tour operator for specific age guidelines.
Can I Request a Vegetarian/Halal Meal Option?
Yes, customers can request a vegetarian or halal meal option for the tour, though these would not be included in the tour price and would need to be arranged separately with the tour operator.
Will There Be Any Breaks or Rest Stops During the Tour?
There are breaks and rest stops planned during the tour. The itinerary includes a guided tour, sightseeing, and swimming at Apo Island for 4 hours, allowing time for participants to rest and recharge.
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Recap
The Dumaguete: Apo Island Snorkeling and Hiking Joiners Tour offers an adventurous 5-hour experience for $145.92 per person. Participants enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring coral gardens, and hiking to a panoramic viewpoint. However, past issues with booking cancellations and poor communication may be a concern. Prospective customers should carefully consider these factors when deciding to book this tour.