Coron Calauit Safari with Black Island

Calauit is an unusual stop in Palawan: a wildlife sanctuary where giraffes and zebras live alongside native animals such as Calamian deer and Palawan bearcats. The day pairs that safari visit with a swim at Black Island, making it a long outing with two very different settings.

I like the chance to feed giraffes with park rangers, and I like that Black Island adds cliffs, caves, and clear-water swimming to the day. The main trade-off is the journey: Calauit is far from Coron, so expect a long drive and a full day out.

• Giraffe feeding is the signature moment: Morning timing gives you a chance to help park rangers feed some animals.
• Wildlife is a mix: Expect African species such as giraffes and zebras, plus native Palawan animals. Some animals are in enclosures.
• Black Island changes the pace: The beach, cave, and swimming make a welcome contrast to the sanctuary visit.
• The day is long: Depart around 8 a.m. and return around 5 p.m., with a lengthy journey between Coron and Calauit.
• Fees and gear can add to the cost: Environmental fees are excluded, as are towels, snorkel gear, and aqua shoes.

From Coron to Calauit’s open country

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The safari begins with a road journey from Coron toward Calauit Island National Park. The drive takes roughly an hour and a half each way according to some outings, and can take closer to two hours. Roads on the way to the port have been described as bumpy, so this is not a quick hop from town. Bring water, and consider how you handle a long day in a vehicle before booking.

Departure is listed at 8 a.m. from Lualhati Park in Coron Town Proper, with return around 5 p.m. Hotel transfers are included for eligible pickups in Coron Town, but the meeting information also gives Lualhati Park as the departure point. Confirm your pickup arrangement with the operator in advance using WhatsApp or Viber, which you must provide for coordination.

The schedule can shift with weather and traffic, and parts of the route or stops may be changed if conditions require it. That flexibility matters on a day involving road travel and a boat trip. Keep the afternoon open and avoid scheduling a tight connection or dinner reservation for your return.

What the Calauit safari is really like

Calauit is not a drive-through safari in the style of a large African reserve. You visit the sanctuary with a guide and walk around designated areas and enclosures. Giraffes and zebras are the most anticipated animals, with gazelles and brown deer also listed among the species you may see. The local wildlife includes Calamian deer, estuarine crocodiles, Palawan bearcats, and Palawan spiny anteaters.

The chance to feed a giraffe is the moment that most often makes the safari memorable. Park rangers may invite you to help with a morning feeding, and several guide accounts describe this as a close and enjoyable encounter. It is also a better fit for children than simply looking at animals from a distance, though children should follow ranger instructions and stay with their group.

Set expectations carefully. Some larger animals may roam in open areas, but not every species is free-ranging. Visitors have raised concerns about the size of some animal enclosures and the way smaller animals are displayed. If animal welfare is central to your decision, you may want to ask the operator what areas and animals are included on the day, and consider whether this kind of sanctuary visit fits your values.

The visit’s scale is another consideration. The park is described as relatively small, and the experience may feel more like a guided wildlife walk than a broad safari expedition. For many people, seeing a giraffe at close range in Palawan is reason enough to go. If you expect hours of open savannah and a long vehicle-based animal search, this may not match the picture in your head.

Black Island brings the afternoon reward

After Calauit, the tour heads by boat to Black Island. Its limestone cliffs, beach, and caves give the afternoon a different feel from the wildlife visit. You can swim and relax, and the island’s quieter setting is part of its appeal. The cave close to the beach is a particular draw, with swimming inside possible when conditions allow.

This is also where timing can make or break the day. The island is a highlight, but the long route and lunch stop leave a limited window for exploring. Some outings have felt rushed, while weather or meal delays can reduce the time on the beach. If Black Island is your main reason for booking, ask how much time is normally allocated and understand that the schedule may change.

There is a reported shipwreck about 12 metres underwater, a short swim from shore, which may interest confident freedivers. Do not treat this as a guaranteed stop or a casual snorkel attraction: access depends on conditions and your own ability. A mask and snorkel set is not included, and can be rented for PHP150 per person. Aqua shoes are also listed at PHP150.

Black Island works well as a place to swim, explore the cave, and take a breather after the safari. It is not a substitute for a dedicated island-hopping or snorkeling day if your priority is spending hours in the water. Think of it as a scenic final stop on a wildlife-focused trip.

Lunch, transfers, and what the price covers

The tour includes round-trip transfers, an English- or Filipino-speaking guide, admission to attractions, a sightseeing boat trip, life jacket, refreshments, snacks, cottage rental, and a budget picnic lunch. That bundle helps explain the value: you are arranging a distant sanctuary visit, boat transport, and a beach stop in one booking rather than piecing together several legs yourself.

The food is a practical part of the day, not a reason to book. Lunch quality and timing can vary, and some outings have had late meals or a different restaurant than expected. Bring a snack of your own if you know you get hungry, and tell the operator about dietary restrictions before the trip. The supplied information asks participants to flag relevant restrictions and health conditions.

The headline price starts around US$45.55, but the cost depends on whether you choose the safari alone or the Black Island combination, and whether you book a join-in or private trip. The listed combination starts at US$46.85 for a join-in place; private combination rates vary by group size, from higher per-person prices for two people to lower rates for larger groups. The safari-only options can cost less. Compare the exact package before paying, since the labels Standard and Budget do not, by themselves, explain what changes between options.

Environmental fees are not included. The stated Busuanga fee is PHP150 for locals and PHP200 for foreign visitors, and the Coron environmental fee is PHP200 per person. Because fee collection has caused confusion, ask which fees apply to your booking and bring cash. Other personal expenses, tips, insurance, towels, snorkel gear, and aqua shoes are also excluded. A kayak rental is listed at PHP1,200 to PHP1,500 for the day.

Hotel pickup outside Coron Town can carry a surcharge of PHP3,000 each way for locations including Club Paradise, Busuanga Bay Lodge, Marina Del Sol, and El Rio Y Mar. Confirm the pickup price before you book if you are staying beyond town.

Choosing between join-in and private

A join-in tour is the simplest way to keep the price down if you are comfortable sharing transport and timing with a group. It can suit solo visitors and couples who want the combined experience without paying for a private vehicle. The operator’s guides have included Jem, Charles, Raymond, Jhun, and others, but the specific guide is not guaranteed. Experiences with guide support have ranged from hands-on help with photos and family needs to less attentive service, so set expectations and speak up if you need assistance.

A private tour offers more control for families, groups, or anyone travelling with a toddler or older relative. One family outing praised the guide Jhun for being patient with both a toddler and a senior, while other private-tour accounts describe guides helping with photos and accommodating small requests. Private rates fall per person as group size increases, so a larger party may find the upgrade worthwhile.

The long day also makes a private option useful if your group needs a gentler pace. Still, private does not mean every stop can be extended: weather, road conditions, and boat timing remain outside your control. Choose it for flexibility and a shared vehicle, not a promise of extra beach time.

Practical details before you set out

Arrive at the stated meeting point 10 minutes before the 8 a.m. departure. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, and the voucher is valid only for the date booked. A mobile voucher is accepted. Changes are allowed until 24 hours before the activity, subject to the booking conditions.

Children aged 0 to 2 can join free, and children aged 3 to 6 receive a 10 percent discount. Bring a valid government-issued ID for age verification and send a copy to the operator through WhatsApp or Viber as requested. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible and is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, or other serious medical conditions.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and any personal medication you need. Snorkel gear and aqua shoes are not included. If rough weather makes the boat portion unsafe, the operator may change the schedule, offer an alternative, or cancel; in the event of cancellation due to extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances, you can request a reschedule or full refund.

Should you book the Calauit and Black Island tour?

Book this if you want a distinctive wildlife stop and a beach visit in one day, and you are willing to spend several hours getting there and back. The giraffe feeding is the standout, while Black Island adds a lovely swim and cave visit. Families and groups may value the private option, especially when travelling with young children or older relatives.

Skip it if you want a relaxed, water-focused day, dislike long road journeys, or expect a vast, open-range safari. You should also weigh the sanctuary’s mix of free-roaming animals and enclosures if animal welfare is a deciding factor. For the right expectations, it is an unusual and memorable way to see a different side of Busuanga.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The listed schedule runs from 8 a.m. to about 5 p.m. Traffic, weather, and other conditions can change the timing.

Where does the tour depart?

The stated meeting point is Lualhati Park in Coron Town Proper. Hotel pickups are available for travelers staying in Coron Town hotels, so confirm your pickup details with the operator.

Are giraffes included in the safari visit?

Giraffes are among the animals at Calauit, and morning feeding may give you the chance to help park rangers feed them. Animal encounters depend on the day’s arrangements.

Is Black Island included?

It is included in the Calauit Safari Tour with Black Island package. A safari-only package is also available, so check the option name when booking.

Are environmental fees included in the price?

No. The stated fees are PHP150 for locals or PHP200 for foreign visitors for Busuanga, plus PHP200 per person for Coron.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a budget picnic lunch, along with refreshments and snacks. Food and timing may vary, so tell the operator about dietary restrictions in advance.

What should I bring for swimming?

Bring a towel and swimwear. A mask and snorkel set and aqua shoes are not included, but are listed for rent at PHP150 per person each.