Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour

The Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour promises an unparalleled adventure, where nature’s wonders unfold before your eyes. Set out on a captivating journey through the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, immersed in the grandeur of limestone formations. As the day fades, witness the enchanting display of fireflies in a nearby mangrove forest, complemented by the bioluminescent plankton. This tour caters to nature enthusiasts seeking a unique blend of exploration and tranquility, leaving them eager to uncover more of the Philippines’ hidden gems.

Key Points

This tour offers a comprehensive experience, including the Puerto Princesa Underground River and firefly watching, priced at $83.04 per person for a 10-hour tour.
The tour includes hotel pickup, meals, boat transfers, entrance fees, and a professional tour guide, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive experience.
Visitors can explore the UNESCO-recognized Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, admiring its limestone formations and diverse wildlife during a guided paddle tour.
The tour also features an evening firefly watching experience, where visitors can witness the enchanting display of bioluminescent plankton and fireflies in a nearby mangrove forest.
The tour is suitable for adults, children, and infants, with safety measures such as life jackets provided during the boat rides.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Half-day Puerto Princesa City Tour

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour includes visits to the renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River and a firefly watching experience.

Priced from $83.04 per person, the 10-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

It includes hotel pickup, lunch and dinner, all boat transfers, entrance fees, a professional tour guide, and an environmental fee.

While gratuities, luggage, and those under 13 or with mobility issues are excluded, the tour accommodates adults, children, and infants.

Participants can enjoy the thrilling underground river paddle boat tour and the mesmerizing firefly and bioluminescent plankton display in the evening.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with hotel pickup from accommodations within 5 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport or the airport itself, starting at 8:00 AM.

Travelers will then travel to Sabang Wharf, where they’ll embark on a boat ride into the cave and enjoy a paddle boat tour of the Underground River.

Lunch is provided before the optional activities:

Zip-lining
Mangrove paddle boat tour
Dinner at an offsite restaurant, followed by firefly watching and bioluminescent plankton viewing.

Throughout the day, you will be accompanied by a professional tour guide who can provide commentary in English and Tagalog.

Safety is prioritized, with life jackets provided for all boat rides.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch and dinner, all boat transfers, entrance fees, a professional tour guide, and the environmental fee of Php 150.

However, it excludes gratuities, luggage or large bags, and participants under 13 years or those with mobility impairments.

The tour is suitable for adults aged 7-99 and children aged 3-6, with infants 2 and younger also welcome.

Safety measures include the provision of life jackets for all boat rides.

Guided Experience and Languages

A live tour guide is available to lead the Puerto Princesa tour in both English and Tagalog.

The tour caters to a wide range of participants, including:

Adults aged 7-99
Children aged 3-6
Infants 2 and younger

Safety is prioritized, with life jackets provided for all boat rides.

The guided experience ensures visitors can fully enjoy the Underground River and firefly watching activities, with knowledgeable local experts to enhance the overall tour.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the 57 reviews, the Puerto Princesa tour earns an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Travelers were particularly impressed with the transportation service, giving it a 4.4/5 rating. The value for money also scored highly at 4.2/5.

Highlights included the enthusiastic tour guides, smooth pickups, and the amazing experiences at the Underground River.

However, some found the firefly tour to be too loud and rushed.

Pickup and Transportation

Tour participants receive hotel pickup from accommodations within 5 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport or directly from the airport itself. The pickup service is included in the tour package, ensuring a smooth start to the day’s adventures.

The transportation provided offers several advantages:

Convenience: Guests don’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or finding their own way to the tour meeting point.
Efficiency: The pickup service streamlines the journey, minimizing delays and allowing the tour to proceed on schedule.
Personalization: The pickup is tailored to each guest’s location, providing a personalized and hassle-free experience.

Explore the Underground River

After the hotel pickup, the group travels to the Sabang Wharf, where they board a boat for the journey into the renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The underground river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature, renowned for its impressive limestone cave system. Participants paddle through the cave on a guided tour, marveling at the stunning rock formations, natural chambers, and abundant wildlife along the way. The tour culminates with lunch before returning to the city, providing an unforgettable glimpse into this natural wonder.

Feature	Description
Destination	Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Activity	Guided boat tour through the underground river cave system
Highlights	Limestone formations, natural chambers, and diverse wildlife
Duration	Approximately 2-3 hours
Amenities	Life jackets provided for safety

Witness the Firefly Watching

As evening falls, the tour group departs for a nearby mangrove forest, where they’ll witness the enchanting display of fireflies lighting up the night.

The firefly watching experience offers a few key highlights:

Bioluminescent plankton: Along With the fireflies, the tour includes a chance to observe the stunning bioluminescent plankton that glows in the water.
Offsite dinner: Before the firefly watching, the group enjoys a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, providing a chance to refuel and experience more of the local cuisine.
Knowledgeable guide: A professional tour guide accompanies the group, sharing insights about the fireflies and the unique ecosystem of the mangrove forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food on the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow participants to bring their own food. The tour package includes lunch and dinner, so outside food and drinks are generally not permitted during the activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Zip-Lining Activity?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any age restrictions for the zip-lining activity, but participants must meet the minimum height and weight requirements set by the zip-lining operator. It’s best to inquire about specific age limits when booking the tour.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a set 10-hour experience. However, participants can opt for additional activities like zip-lining or mangrove paddle boat tours during the scheduled tour time.

Are There Any Medical Requirements for the Boat Rides?

The tour provider doesn’t specify any medical requirements for the boat rides. However, they do note that the tour may not be suitable for participants with mobility impairments. It’s best to check with the provider directly for any special needs.

How Can We Request a Private Tour for Our Group?

To request a private tour, travelers can contact the tour operator directly. They’ll be able to customize the tour for the group’s size and preferences, and provide pricing details. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized experiences.

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Recap

The Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour offers a captivating day of exploration and wonder. Guests can discover the stunning UNESCO-listed underground river, then witness the enchanting firefly display in a nearby mangrove forest. With convenient hotel pickup, guided experiences, and inclusive dining, this tour provides a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Puerto Princesa.