Puerto Princesa: Underground River Tour With Lunch

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty. This 8.2-kilometer boat tour takes travelers through a network of caves adorned with unique rock formations and diverse ecosystems. With knowledgeable guides to enhance the experience, adventurers can enjoy the region’s rich biodiversity. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the tour’s requirements, as it may not suit all travelers. Discover the wonders that await on this unforgettable journey.

Key Points

1. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River tour offers a boat ride through an 8.2-kilometer underground river with stunning cave formations and diverse aquatic life.
2. The tour provides an opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s ancient cave ecosystems and learn from knowledgeable guides.
3. Participants must meet certain requirements, such as being over 5 years old and not having mobility issues or claustrophobia, to ensure a safe experience.
4. The tour includes safety equipment, such as life jackets, and an environmental fee of $150.00 for access to the site.
5. The boat ride experience may involve getting slightly wet, and participants are advised to bring waterproof bags for their electronics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the main attraction of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient cave formations and diverse underground ecosystem. Visitors can take a boat ride through the 8.2-kilometer river, marveling at the stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations.

The river is home to several species of bats, swiftlets, and aquatic life. Exploring this natural wonder is an unforgettable experience, though it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia due to the narrow passages and slightly wet conditions during the boat ride.

Key Highlights of the Tour

Although the Puerto Princesa Underground River is the main attraction, the tour also includes other key highlights that make it a well-rounded experience.

Visitors can explore the Caves of Lascaux, known for their ancient paintings and geological formations. The tour also provides an opportunity to discover the diverse ecosystems of the underground rivers.

Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides share insights, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of the natural wonders they’re experiencing.

Knowledgeable guides share insights, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of the natural wonders they’re experiencing.

With safety equipment provided and a boat ride through the river, the tour offers a combination of adventure and education for a memorable day.

Entrance and Safety Requirements

To access the Puerto Princesa Underground River, visitors must meet certain entrance and safety requirements.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, people with mobility issues, or those with claustrophobia. Participants must wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket due to the cooler cave temperatures.

Photography with flash is prohibited, and waterproof bags are advised to protect electronics from the slightly wet boat ride. Safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Visitors must also pay an environmental fee of $150.00. These requirements ensure a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the UNESCO-listed underground river.

What to Expect on the Boat Ride

During the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour, visitors can expect a captivating boat ride through the subterranean waterway.

The boat will glide silently through the calm, mirror-like river, allowing passengers to admire the stunning geological formations and cave ecosystems. Travelers may get slightly wet, so waterproof bags for electronics are advised.

The boat ride provides an up-close experience with the river’s unique biodiversity, including rare species of plants and animals found only in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tranquil journey offers a truly immersive and memorable exploration of this natural wonder.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tips for Preparing and Packing

Preparing for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour requires careful consideration.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Bring a light jacket as the cave temperatures can be cooler. Pack a waterproof bag or case to protect your electronics from splashes during the boat ride. Avoid wearing loose or flowing clothing that could catch on rocks or vegetation.

Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no food options inside the cave. Familiarize yourself with the tour’s age and mobility restrictions to ensure you’re prepared.

With the right gear and mindset, you’ll be ready to explore this natural wonder.

Accessibility Considerations

Although the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers a unique and captivating experience, it may not be suitable for all visitors. The tour has certain accessibility considerations that travelers should be aware of. Here is a table outlining the key points:

| Consideration | Suitability |

|—————|————|

| Children under 5 | Not Recommended |

| Mobility Impairments | Not Suitable |

| Claustrophobia | Not Suitable |

| Comfort Level | Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light jacket |

| Boat Ride | Expect to get slightly wet, waterproof bags advised |

Visitors should carefully evaluate their physical abilities and comfort levels before booking this tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travelers to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives customers peace of mind and the flexibility to change their plans if needed.

Key points about the cancellation policy:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour

• Full refund for cancelled bookings

• No-show or late cancellations aren’t eligible for a refund

• Weather-related cancellations may occur with no alternative options provided

• Customers encouraged to review the policy carefully before booking

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have provided mixed reviews about their experiences with the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour. While some praised the guide’s attentiveness and the cave’s beauty, others expressed disappointment over tour cancellations due to weather with no alternative offers provided. This inconsistency is reflected in the overall rating of 2.7/5 based on 6 reviews. The tour’s key attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site and geological formations, seem to be well-received, but the lack of flexibility and customer service has left some visitors unsatisfied.

| Rating | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |

| —— | —————- | —————- |

| 5 stars | "Knowledgeable guide" | "Tour cancelled due to weather" |

| 4 stars | "Stunning cave formations" | "No alternative offered" |

| 3 stars | "Enjoyed the boat ride" | "Not suitable for young children" |

| 2 stars | "Fascinating underground ecosystem" | "Poor communication from organizers" |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunch Included in the Tour Price?

Yes, lunch is included in the tour price. According to the tour overview, the Puerto Princesa: Underground River Tour with Lunch costs $48.04 per person and the tour inclusions list "Lunch" as one of the items provided.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended. It’s a fixed 8-hour experience. However, travelers may be able to customize their itinerary within the tour’s timeframe, subject to availability and guide approval. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any flexibility.

Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?

The tour is available in multiple languages. Travelers can choose from English, Spanish, and local Filipino languages, allowing them to fully understand and engage with the guided experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old or people with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Participants must be able to navigate the uneven terrain and confined spaces of the underground river.

Can I Visit the Underground River on My Own?

Yes, visitors can explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River on their own. However, they’ll need to obtain permits and arrange transportation to the site. Guided tours provide convenience and expertise that solo travelers may find challenging to arrange independently.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers a unique and captivating experience for adventurous travelers. With its UNESCO-protected status, stunning cave formations, and diverse ecosystems, this tour provides an immersive exploration of nature’s wonders. While it may not be suitable for all, those able to participate can expect a memorable and enriching journey through one of the world’s natural marvels.

You can check availability for your dates here: