Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa beckons travelers with its breathtaking natural wonders. One such marvel is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subterranean River National Park, where a private boat tour promises an unforgettable journey through a vast cave system. Glide past towering limestone formations, observe diverse wildlife, and uncover the park’s rich biodiversity – all while immersed in the serene beauty of this enigmatic underground world.
Key Points
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park via a private boat tour, starting at $325 per group.
- Witness the park’s impressive cave system, including towering stalactites, stalagmites, and diverse wildlife like the endangered Palawan Pangolin.
- Observe a variety of species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, during the guided tour of the underground river.
- Learn about the park’s critical biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts to preserve the delicate underground ecosystem.
- Enjoy round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and a licensed guide as part of the comprehensive tour package.
Overview of the Private Underground River Boat Tour
The Private Underground River Boat Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
The 1-day activity includes a private boat ride along the underground river and through the impressive cave system. Priced from $325 per group (up to 3 participants), the tour highlights include viewing stalactites, stalagmites, and large chambers, as well as observing diverse wildlife.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on a private boat tour showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, and diverse wildlife.
Round-trip transportation, buffet lunch, licensed guide, and all entrance fees are included.
Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is free, but the tour isn’t suitable for certain medical conditions.
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Discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nestled within the lush forests of Palawan, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beckons adventurous travelers.
This underground river boasts:
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An impressive 8.2 km navigable underground waterway
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Towering limestone cliffs, stalactites, and stalagmites
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A diverse ecosystem home to endangered species like the Palawan Pangolin
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Informative guided tours that educate visitors on the park’s biodiversity and conservation efforts
Visitors can explore this natural wonder by embarking on a private boat tour, gliding through the serene, subterranean landscape and witnessing the breathtaking geological formations up close.
Exploring the Impressive Cave System
As visitors board the private boat, they embark on a captivating journey into the heart of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park’s impressive cave system.
They’ll encounter an otherworldly landscape of towering stalactites, massive stalagmites, and vast chambers.
The tour guide shares insights into the cave’s unique biodiversity, explaining how this UNESCO World Heritage Site protects an array of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, mammals, and bats.
Visitors marvel at the natural beauty and learn about the park’s conservation efforts to preserve this incredible underground wonder for future generations.
Observing the Diverse Wildlife
During the private boat tour, visitors can observe a diverse array of wildlife that call the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park home.
The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to:
A biodiversity-rich haven, home to an array of birds, reptiles, mammals, and countless bat species.
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Birds, such as the iconic Philippine Cockatoo
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Reptiles, including monitor lizards and crocodiles
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Mammals, like the endangered Philippine Pangolin
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Numerous species of bats that roost in the cave system
Guides will share insights about the importance of conserving this fragile ecosystem and its remarkable inhabitants.
Visitors can marvel at the natural wonders while gaining a deeper appreciation for the park’s ecological significance.
More Great Tours NearbyLearning About Biodiversity and Conservation
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park not only boasts a captivating underground river system but also serves as a critical habitat for a wealth of biodiversity.
Home to diverse flora and fauna, the park’s ecosystems support an array of birds, reptiles, mammals, and unique bat species.
The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the park’s conservation efforts, which aim to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site‘s natural resources.
Visitors gain insights into the importance of safeguarding the delicate balance of this underground wonder and its surrounding environments for future generations to explore and appreciate.
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Inclusions and What to Expect
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Puerto Princesa, a boat ride to the underground river entrance, and a buffet lunch.
The tour includes transportation, a boat ride, and a buffet lunch.
A licensed tour guide accompanies visitors throughout the experience. All entrance fees and permits are included, and gratuities are optional.
Visitors should bring:
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Comfortable shoes
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Hat
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Camera
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Sunscreen
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Water
Smoking, eating, drinking, and flash photography are prohibited inside the cave.
Guests should dress comfortably for walking and sun exposure.
Important Information and Considerations
While the tour is generally accessible, it is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. Smoking, eating, drinking, and flash photography are prohibited inside the cave. To ensure an enjoyable experience, the tour guide provides all essential information.
| Requirements | Recommendations |
|————–|—————-|
| Free cancellation | Comfortable shoes |
| Not suitable for certain conditions | Hat, camera, sunscreen, water |
| Prohibited activities | No smoking, eating, drinking, flash photography |
| Tour guide provides information | – |
| – | – |
Preparation and Restrictions
To ensure an enjoyable experience, participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited inside the cave, as is using flash photography. This helps preserve the delicate cave environment and wildlife.
Visitors should dress comfortably for walking and protect against sun exposure, as the tour includes a boat ride to the underground river entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, and eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited inside the cave to protect the environment.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration can’t be extended, as it’s a pre-set 1-day experience. However, travelers can explore the area further independently after the tour or consider adding optional activities to their itinerary.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?
The maximum group size for the private underground river boat tour is 3 participants. The tour pricing is from $325.00 per group, covering up to 3 people.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users. Participants should be able to walk and navigate the cave environment comfortably.
Can I Use My Drone to Capture Aerial Footage During the Tour?
Drones are not permitted on the tour. The use of drones is strictly prohibited for safety and environmental reasons within the protected national park area.
The Sum Up
The Private Underground River Boat Tour in Puerto Princesa offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the natural wonder of the UNESCO-listed Subterranean River National Park. From navigating the impressive cave system to observing the diverse wildlife, this enriching adventure provides an in-depth exploration of the region’s remarkable biodiversity and conservation efforts. With convenient inclusions and essential information, it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s magnificence.
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