Planning a day out in Puerto Galera and wondering if a snorkeling tour is worth your time and money? We’ve looked into a popular package offered by CTPH TOUR that promises a mix of reef exploring, underwater caves, and marine life encounters—all within a budget-friendly price of $40 per person. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, the detailed itinerary, reviews, and features suggest this could be a fantastic option for budding snorkelers and nature lovers alike.
What we love about this tour is its focus on diverse snorkeling spots—the Coral Garden, underwater caves, and giant clam sites offer multiple chances to see different marine ecosystems. The inclusion of roundtrip transport from White Beach simplifies logistics, and the gear provided makes it accessible even for those who don’t own their snorkeling equipment. Plus, the small boat capacity ensures a more intimate experience compared to larger, crowded tours.
However, a consideration to keep in mind is that weather conditions can impact the experience—poor weather might mean rescheduling or cancellations without refund. Still, the overall value for the price, combined with the focus on beginner-friendly sites, makes this a potentially rewarding day out.
This tour seems best suited for travelers looking for a guided, hassle-free snorkeling experience with a focus on natural beauty. It also appeals to those who want a quick, half-day adventure that covers multiple snorkeling spots without the need for extensive planning.
Key Points
- Affordable price point at $40 per person for multiple snorkeling sites
- All-inclusive: transport, gear, entrance fees, and medical coverage
- Multiple snorkel stops: underwater cave, coral garden, giant clam site
- Small group size ensures personalized attention
- Flexible scheduling with options if weather impacts plans
- Suitable for beginners and those wanting an easy, guided activity
If you’re considering a snorkeling adventure while visiting Puerto Galera, this tour offers a well-organized way to explore some of the area’s most beautiful underwater spots without breaking the bank. The $40 fee covers a comprehensive experience, including transport, snorkeling gear, and access to three distinct sites, which is quite reasonable given the diversity packed into just 3 to 4 hours.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on accessible, family-friendly sites like the Coral Garden, which is renowned for its shallow waters teeming with vibrant coral and marine life. Plus, the inclusion of underwater cave snorkeling and giant clam sightings gives you a broader glimpse of the local marine ecosystem, making it ideal for both novices and those wanting to see something a little different from the usual reef.
One potential drawback is the dependence on good weather conditions—since the activity is weather-sensitive, poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling, which might be inconvenient if you’re on a tight schedule. But overall, this tour is best suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, guided introduction to Puerto Galera’s underwater beauty, especially if they’re keen to avoid the hassle of arranging multiple excursions independently.
Key Points
- Diverse snorkeling locations provide a rich experience with reef, caves, and marine life
- Cost-effective at $40 per person, considering all inclusions
- Guided tour with a licensed guide ensures safety and expert insights
- Small group size enhances comfort and personalized attention
- Convenient pickup from White Beach simplifies logistics
- Good for beginners thanks to shallow, easy-to-access sites
Into underwater exploring? These other snorkeling spots in Puerto Galera might work for you
Stop 1: Underwater Cave Snorkeling
This is the first stop, and you’ll likely find it a fascinating introduction to Puerto Galera’s underwater scenery. The cave snorkel, lasting about an hour, offers a slightly different experience from open reef snorkeling. Travelers report that guides are attentive, and the limited boat capacity (max of 3 PAX per boat) makes for a cozy, less chaotic environment.
The cave itself might be shallow enough for novices to feel comfortable, yet it’s still an adventurous spot with the thrill of exploring underwater formations. The tour includes admission tickets, so no extra costs here. Reviewers have appreciated that the guides are knowledgeable and helpful, often pointing out interesting features like unique rock formations or marine creatures they spot along the way.
Stop 2: Giant Clam Snorkeling
The second stop focuses on spotting giant clams, a highlight for many. The site is free of charge for participants and is characterized by its calm, shallow waters—perfect for beginner snorkelers. Guests have noted that seeing the giant clams up close is a memorable experience, especially since they tend to be quite large and fascinating.
This part of the tour is about an hour long, giving you ample opportunity to observe these impressive creatures and perhaps take some photos. Reviewers mention that the water here is quite clear, making the clams easy to spot even for first-timers.
Stop 3: Coral Garden Snorkeling
The final stop is at the Coral Garden, a well-loved snorkeling site for its vibrant coral and abundant reef life. This is likely the highlight for most—divers rave about the colorful corals and the variety of fish swimming just beneath the surface.
The Coral Garden’s shallow waters are ideal for novices, and the experience is supported by snorkeling gear and life vests provided by the tour. Visitors have said that the guides are attentive in helping with gear and pointing out marine species, making it perfect for those new to snorkeling.
The tour price covers everything you need for a seamless experience:
– Roundtrip inland shuttle from White Beach ensures hassle-free transportation
– Entrance and terminal fees are included, so no surprise costs
– Licensed guide on a small boat (max 3 PAX) for personalized attention
– Snorkeling gear: masks, vests, and fins
– Coverage for medical emergencies provides peace of mind
– Souvenir to remember your day
However, it’s important to note that anything not explicitly mentioned as included is extra—you might want to bring cash if you plan to rent additional gear or visit nearby spots not covered in the itinerary.
- Start early at 8:00 am to make the most of daylight and avoid crowds
- Bring a waterproof camera or phone case—the underwater scenery is worth capturing
- Wear sun protection—a hat, sunscreen, and a rash guard are advisable
- Prepare for a small boat ride; those prone to seasickness should consider medication
- Check the weather forecast before booking, as poor weather can lead to cancellations
- Group size is small, so expect a more intimate experience with personalized guides
- No previous snorkeling experience needed—these sites are beginner-friendly
This Puerto Galera snorkeling tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience the region’s marine life without a hefty price tag. It’s best suited for beginners and casual snorkelers who want guided access to some of the most beautiful spots in the area. The included gear, small group size, and multiple sites make it a good value for a half-day adventure.
Travelers looking for a stress-free, well-organized outing will appreciate the logistics support and attentive guides. On the flip side, those who crave more advanced diving or longer underwater exploration might find this tour a bit limited. Still, if your goal is to see vibrant coral, encounter giant clams, and explore underwater caves—all with minimum fuss—this option ticks most boxes.
Overall, it’s a practical, budget-friendly way to tick off some top snorkeling sites while enjoying Puerto Galera’s natural beauty. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this tour provides a relaxed, memorable introduction to the region’s underwater treasures.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip inland shuttle from White Beach is included, making pickup and drop-off easy.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, with three snorkeling stops.
Can I book this tour in advance?
Absolutely. It’s typically booked around 16 days ahead, giving you time to plan.
What gear is provided?
Snorkeling masks, life vests, and fins are included, so you don’t need to bring your own.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, the sites are shallow and accessible, and guides are experienced in helping novices.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are group discounts available?
The tour is private for your group, so there are no shared group discounts, but the price is quite reasonable.
What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, waterproof camera, water, and perhaps a light snack. Extra cash for souvenirs or additional gear is optional.
Can I snorkel at other nearby islands?
The tour focuses on the three main sites listed, but you can rent boats for other excursions separately.
How many people are in each boat?
A maximum of 3 PAX per boat ensures a personalized experience.
This snorkeling adventure in Puerto Galera offers a balanced mix of accessible, engaging sites and practical amenities, making it a solid choice for those wanting a taste of the region’s vibrant marine world with minimal fuss.