Visitors to Puerto Princesa can’t miss the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Underground River and the picturesque Cowrie Island. This private tour offers a seamless way to experience both natural wonders, with a scenic drive, guided paddleboat journey, and time to relax on the beach. Whether you’re marveling at the cave formations or snorkeling in the pristine waters, this day trip promises an unforgettable adventure. But what else can travelers expect from this unique Puerto Princesa excursion?
Key Points
- A full-day private adventure to the UNESCO-listed Underground River and Cowrie Island in Puerto Princesa.
- Includes transportation, an English/Tagalog-speaking guide, and a traditional Filipino lunch.
- Explore the underground river’s cave formations and diverse wildlife on a 45-minute paddleboat tour.
- Enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking at the picturesque Cowrie Island.
- Flexible booking options with free cancellation and no upfront payment required.
Tour Overview
This tour offers a full-day adventure that takes visitors to two of Puerto Princesa’s top attractions – the UNESCO-listed Underground River and the picturesque Cowrie Island.
It begins with an early morning hotel pickup, followed by a 90-minute journey to the countryside. Visitors will then board a boat to the Underground River and explore its wonders on a paddleboat tour.
Visitors start their day with an early hotel pickup, followed by a 90-minute journey to the countryside for a paddleboat tour of the Underground River.
After a Filipino lunch, the tour heads to Cowrie Island, where guests can swim, snorkel, or kayak.
Air-conditioned transportation and an English/Tagalog-speaking guide are provided throughout the day.
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Pricing and Inclusions
The tour is priced from $325.00 per group, which can accommodate up to 2 participants.
The 9-hour adventure includes pickup and drop-off within 15 kilometers of Puerto Princesa Airport, an air-conditioned van, and a live English/Tagalog guide. Guests can also access an audio guide in multiple languages.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Participants don’t need to pay upfront – they can reserve their spot and pay later.
The tour covers visits to the UNESCO-listed Underground River and Cowrie Island, with activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Underground River Experience
After an early morning hotel pickup, the tour participants embark on a 90-minute journey to the countryside.
They then board a boat for a ride to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
Once there, they explore the underground river by paddleboat, taking in the stunning cave formations and diverse wildlife.
The tour guide provides insights and information about the natural wonder.
The 45-minute river tour allows guests to experience this unique ecosystem at their own pace before heading back to shore for a traditional Filipino lunch at Sabang Beach.
Cowrie Island Adventure
Following the tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, guests now head to the picturesque Cowrie Island for the second part of their adventure.
At Cowrie Island, they can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking in the turquoise waters. Guests will have the opportunity to relax on the white sand beach and savor refreshing coconut juice.
The tour also provides a chance to witness local wildlife, including monkeys and monitor lizards. This afternoon visit to Cowrie Island completes the full-day experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of Puerto Princesa.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Guide Services
For this tour, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 15 kilometers of the Puerto Princesa Airport.
Guests will be transported in an air-conditioned van throughout the day. A live tour guide fluent in English and Tagalog will accompany the group, providing insights and commentary.
Plus, an audio guide is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, German, and French. This ensures a seamless and informative experience for all participants, regardless of their native language.
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Tour Highlights and Experiences
Guests on this tour can visit two destinations at their own pace, allowing them to fully enjoy the experiences. They’ll enjoy picturesque views of Puerto Princesa’s countryside, forests, and beaches. Wildlife sightings, such as monkeys and monitor lizards, add to the adventure. At Cowrie Island, guests can relax on the white sand beach and enjoy refreshing coconut juice.
| Tour Highlights | Description |
| — | — |
| Countryside Views | Picturesque vistas of Puerto Princesa’s landscapes |
| Wildlife Sightings | Encounter monkeys, monitor lizards, and more |
| Cowrie Island | Relax on the white sand beach, enjoy coconut juice |
| Flexible Pacing | Explore the destinations at your own comfortable pace |
Important Considerations
Some key considerations for this tour include suitability and accessibility.
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or cruise ship guests due to the nature of the activities and transportation. Guests should bring a change of clothes, towel, beachwear, toiletries, and a valid ID.
While picturesque views and wildlife sightings are part of the experience, the tour may be canceled due to poor weather conditions.
Guests staying outside the 15-kilometer radius from the airport may not receive free hotel transfers, so they should arrange their own transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’re some of the frequently asked questions about this tour?
Guests often wonder if the tour is suitable for wheelchair users or cruise ship passengers (it’s not).
They also ask what items to bring, like change of clothes, towel, and passport.
Many want to know if the tour is affected by weather (it may be cancelled for poor conditions).
And those staying farther from the airport inquire about free hotel transfers (only within 15km).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Combine This Tour With Other Puerto Princesa Attractions?
Yes, you can combine this tour with other Puerto Princesa attractions. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary and visit additional sights during your day-long adventure.
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Underground River Cave?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the underground river cave. However, the tour requires visitors to use only handheld cameras or smartphones to take photos, as tripods and other large equipment are not permitted.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?
The maximum group size for this private tour is up to 2 participants. The tour is priced at $325.00 per group, allowing travelers to explore the destinations at their own pace with a private experience.
Are Life Jackets and Other Safety Gear Provided During the Activities?
Yes, life jackets and other necessary safety equipment are provided for all activities, including the boat ride to the Underground River and any water-based pursuits at Cowrie Island, ensuring participants’ safety throughout the tour.
How Fit and Able-Bodied Do I Need to Be for This Tour?
The tour is suitable for moderately fit and able-bodied guests. It involves boat rides, walking, and some water activities, so participants should be comfortable with moderate physical exertion. Those with mobility issues may find certain aspects challenging.
The Sum Up
The Private Underground River and Cowrie Tour offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences in Puerto Princesa. Explore the UNESCO-listed Underground River‘s cave formations, then unwind at the picturesque Cowrie Island, enjoying activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. With a scenic drive, delicious local cuisine, and professional guide services, this tour provides an unforgettable way to discover the beauty of Puerto Princesa.
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