Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New7Wonders of Nature, is an opportunity not to be missed. This 9-hour tour from the city proper promises an immersive experience, complete with a scenic van ride, a guided boat tour through the stunning subterranean river, and a delectable buffet lunch. With a focus on biodiversity and conservation, the tour offers valuable insights into the park’s unique ecosystem. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour caters to a restricted group size, ensuring a personalized and smooth journey. However, the weather can be a deciding factor, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

Key Points

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Key Points

  1. The tour is priced at $43.28 per person and lasts 9 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

  2. The tour includes round-trip transportation from within 15 km of Puerto Princesa City Airport, a guided tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and a buffet lunch.

  3. The tour features a 1.5-hour van ride to Sabang Wharf, a 20-minute water transport to the underground river, and a 45-minute guided tour of the underground river.

  4. Restrictions apply for pregnant women, individuals with heart issues, and babies under one year, and dietary requirements should be communicated in advance.

  5. The tour is limited to 12 persons per van, and cancellations may occur due to inclement weather conditions, such as typhoons.

Tour Overview and Pricing

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Tour Overview and Pricing

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour from the City Proper is priced from $43.28 per person and lasts 9 hours.

This tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the option to reserve the spot without upfront payment.

Pickup is provided within 15 km of the Puerto Princesa City Airport, with an additional charge for locations beyond that radius.

The tour features a van ride, photo stops, and a guided tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is home to a limestone karst landscape and an underground river that emerges into the sea.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Itinerary and Experience

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with a pickup within 15 km of the Puerto Princesa City Airport.

Guests then embark on a 1.5-hour van ride to the Sabang Wharf. Along the way, they’ll enjoy a photo stop and sightseeing for 30 minutes.

Next, they’ll take another 20-minute water transport to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Here, a guided tour through the scenic underground river lasts 45 minutes.

After the tour, visitors return to the Sabang Wharf for a 1.5-hour lunch break before the van ride back to Puerto Princesa.

Natural Wonders and Biodiversity

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Natural Wonders and Biodiversity

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park boasts a limestone karst landscape with an underground river that emerges into the sea.

The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences, creating a unique mountain-to-sea ecosystem. This natural wonder is a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation, home to various endemic species, including fish, crabs, bats, and snakes.

The park’s diverse flora and fauna showcase the importance of preserving this delicate environment.

Visitors can witness the park’s natural beauty and learn about its ecological significance during the guided tour, which provides an enlightening and enjoyable experience.

Inclusions and Amenities

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Inclusions and Amenities

What does the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour include? The tour package covers round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and the necessary entry permits and fees.

Travelers will also enjoy a guided tour of the underground river and a ride in both a pump-boat and a paddle-boat to access the cave. The tour is led by a licensed guide who provides an audio device to enhance the experience.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, including pregnant women, those with heart issues, wheelchair users, and babies under one year old.

Key inclusions are:

  • Pick-up and drop-off service
  • Buffet lunch
  • Round-trip boat transfers
  • Licensed tour guide and audio device
  • Entry permits, parking, and terminal fees

Restricted Groups and Considerations

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Restricted Groups and Considerations

Certain groups aren’t recommended for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour due to various safety and accessibility concerns.

Pregnant women, individuals with heart issues, wheelchair users, and those prone to vertigo or seasickness should avoid this tour. Babies under one year old are also not permitted.

Tour operators request that participants inform them of any dietary restrictions the night before the tour so that accommodations can be made. Plus, food isn’t allowed inside the natural park.

The tour may be canceled due to inclement weather, such as typhoons. These restrictions and considerations are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Tour Group Size and Notification

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Tour Group Size and Notification

The joiner tour for the Puerto Princesa Underground River is limited to 12 persons per van. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, the tour operator requests that guests inform them the night before the tour. This allows for proper planning and coordination.

Some other important considerations include:

  • Children must be accompanied by adults.
  • Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance.
  • The tour may be canceled due to typhoons or severe weather.
  • No food is allowed inside the natural park.

Dietary Accommodations and Restrictions

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Dietary Accommodations and Restrictions

Dietary requirements should be communicated to the tour operator in advance.

If you have any special dietary needs, it’s important to let the operator know beforehand. This allows them to accommodate you during the included buffet lunch.

Vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options may be available if requested. Plus, no outside food is allowed inside the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

The tour operator can ensure you’re well-fed during the excursion. Be sure to mention any allergies or restrictions when booking your tour to guarantee a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Weather Cancellations and Customer Feedback

While the tour operator does their best to accommodate dietary needs, there are times when the tour itself may need to be canceled due to inclement weather.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart issues, wheelchair users, those with vertigo or seasickness, or babies under 1 year. The operator recommends informing them of any dietary restrictions in advance.

Additionally:

  • The tour may be canceled due to typhoons or severe weather conditions.
  • No food is allowed inside the natural park.
  • The overall customer rating is 4.3/5, with reviews highlighting enjoyable experiences and enlightening tours.
  • The joiner tour is limited to 12 persons per van.
  • Children must be accompanied by adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Puerto Princesa- Underground River Tour From City Proper - Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, food and drinks are not allowed inside the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Visitors must respect the park’s rules and avoid bringing any food or beverages to help preserve the natural environment.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Larger Groups?

There are no mentions of group discounts or packages in the provided information. However, the tour company may offer special rates for larger groups. It’s best to inquire directly with the operator about any such options.

How Long Does the Round-Trip Transfer Take From the City Proper?

The round-trip transfer from the city proper to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and back takes approximately 3 hours, with a 1.5-hour van ride each way as part of the tour itinerary.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Duration?

There doesn’t seem to be an option to extend or customize the tour duration. The standard tour package is 9 hours, including pickup, transportation, guided cave exploration, and lunch. Any modifications would need to be arranged directly with the tour operator.

Can We Use Our Own Cameras and Equipment During the Boat Ride?

Visitors can use their own cameras and equipment during the boat ride. However, flash photography is not permitted inside the underground river to protect the delicate ecosystem.

Recap

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the world’s natural wonders. With its scenic van ride, guided boat tour, and buffet lunch, the tour provides an immersive experience highlighting the park’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, the tour ensures a smooth journey with its small group size and accommodations, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable adventure.