Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour

The Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour offers travelers an opportunity to enjoy the remarkable natural wonders of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a captivating underground river and a mesmerizing firefly display, providing a unique and unforgettable experience. With convenient transportation and a delectable local-style lunch included, this tour promises to be a highlight of any visit to the Philippines. But what secrets does the underground river hold, and how do the fireflies create such a spellbinding show?

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Key Points

This 10-hour tour takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park for a guided canoeing adventure through impressive limestone formations.
The tour includes a firefly watching experience, showcasing bioluminescent insects in their natural habitat, as well as a local-style buffet lunch.
Pickup and drop-off from accommodations within 5 km of Puerto Princesa City Airport, along with all necessary fees and gratuities, are included in the $86.83 per person tour price.
Travelers can optionally add a zipline adventure or mangrove paddle boat tour to the itinerary during their free time in Puerto Princesa.
Based on 85 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5, with positive feedback on the guide, transportation, and value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Puerto Princesa tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, including a visit to the renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and a firefly watching tour.

Priced at $86.83 per person, the 10-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later booking option.

The itinerary includes transportation, a guided underground river tour, optional activities, meals, and a firefly experience.

Highlights include visiting a New Seven Wonder of the World and UNESCO site, as well as seeing fireflies in their natural habitat.

The tour includes all necessary fees and gratuities.

Looking for more options in Puerto Princesa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Activities

After pickup from accommodations within 5 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City Airport or the airport itself, the tour begins with a 2-hour van ride to Sabang Wharf.

Travelers then take a 20-minute water taxi to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, where they embark on a 45-minute guided canoeing tour of the Underground River.

Optional activities include a zipline adventure or mangrove paddle boat tour.

Following the river tour, visitors enjoy a 1.5-hour local-style buffet lunch at Sabang Wharf.

The tour then provides 2 hours of free time in Puerto Princesa before a 30-minute dinner at an offsite restaurant.

The day concludes with a 45-minute firefly watching tour.

Tour Highlights

One of the tour’s main highlights is visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Nature.

Guests will enjoy a guided canoeing tour through the underground river, marveling at the impressive natural limestone formations.

A guided canoeing tour through the underground river, marveling at the impressive natural limestone formations.

Another highlight is the firefly watching tour, where visitors can witness the mesmerizing display of these bioluminescent insects in their natural riverside habitat.

The tour also includes prearranged hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a convenient and seamless experience for travelers.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local-style buffet lunch and dinner, all necessary boat transfers, and entrance fees.

It also covers the services of a professional tour guide and driver, as well as the environmental fee for the Underground River.

However, the tour excludes children under 13 years, wheelchair users, and those with mobility impairments.

Plus, guests can’t bring large bags or luggage on the tour. Gratuities for the tour staff are included in the price.

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Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Based on 85 reviews, travelers have given the Puerto Princesa tour an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5.

The guide and transportation received ratings of 4.1 and 4.4, respectively, while the value for money was rated 4.2.

Travelers appreciated the insights into Puerto Princesa’s history and the unique firefly experience, though some suggested adding more activities between tour segments to reduce downtime.

Travelers appreciated the historical insights and firefly experience, but suggested adding more activities to reduce downtime between tour segments.

The boat ride was noted as noisy at times.

There's plenty more to explore in Puerto Princesa

Getting to the Underground River

Travelers embark on a 2-hour van journey from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang Wharf, where they’ll board a 20-minute water taxi to reach the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The journey is scenic, offering glimpses of the lush, tropical landscape. Upon arrival at the park, visitors proceed to the underground river’s entrance, where they’ll join a guided canoeing tour to explore the natural wonder. The tour takes around 45 minutes, allowing ample time to marvel at the cave’s impressive limestone formations and unique ecosystem.

| Transportation | Duration |

|—————-|———-|

| Van from Puerto Princesa City | 2 hours |

| Water taxi to National Park | 20 minutes |

| Guided canoeing tour | 45 minutes |

Exploring the Subterranean River

Upon reaching the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, visitors embark on a guided canoeing tour to explore the underground wonder.

The 45-minute journey takes them through the winding river, past towering limestone formations, natural rock formations, and diversity of cave wildlife.

Travelers witness the stalactites and stalagmites adorning the cavern walls, created over thousands of years. An audio guide provides insights into the river’s geology and ecosystem.

Stalactites and stalagmites adorn the cavern walls, formed over millennia. An audio guide illuminates the river’s geology and ecosystem.

The tour culminates in the dramatic cathedral-like chamber, showcasing the river’s sheer scale and grandeur.

Visitors emerge in awe of this natural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Witnessing the Firefly Spectacle

After returning from the underground river, guests embark on a captivating firefly watching tour.

The tour takes visitors to a nearby mangrove forest where they witness the mesmerizing display of nature’s light show. Thousands of fireflies illuminate the trees, creating a magical atmosphere.

The guides provide insights into the behavior and ecology of these fascinating insects. Visitors are encouraged to remain quiet and observe the fireflies in their natural habitat.

The experience lasts approximately 45 minutes, offering a serene and unforgettable end to the day’s activities.

Guests return to their hotels with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the Puerto Princesa region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is open to all ages, except for children under 13 years old. Wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments are also excluded from participating in the tour due to the nature of the activities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour package includes lunch and dinner, so outside food and beverages are not allowed. This helps maintain the tour experience and cleanliness of the sites visited.

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not fully accessible for people with disabilities. It excludes wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments. Travelers should check with the tour provider about specific accessibility accommodations before booking.

How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Tour?

The tour excludes travelers with large bags or luggage. Passengers are advised to bring only essential items, as storage space is limited on the transportation and during the various activities.

Are There Any Tips or Recommendations for the Firefly Watching Experience?

To make the most of the firefly watching experience, it’s recommended to bring a small flashlight or headlamp, dress in dark clothing, and arrive early to observe the fireflies’ natural bioluminescent display. Staying quiet and moving slowly will also enhance the experience.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Princesa: Underground River and Firefly Watching Tour offers a captivating exploration of one of the Philippines’ natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy the park’s stunning landscapes, witness the mesmerizing display of fireflies, and enjoy a delectable local-style lunch. With a convenient transportation service and an experienced guide, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the remarkable biodiversity of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

You can check availability for your dates here: