Coron Private Tour B: Barracuda Lake and Smith Beach

Coron Private Tour B: Barracuda Lake and Smith Beach – A Detailed Look

If you’re heading to Coron, Philippines, and want a mix of natural beauty and adventure, Coron Private Tour B offers an inviting way to explore some of the archipelago’s most photogenic spots. For about $107 per person and lasting around 8 hours, this tour takes you around the Calamian Islands, visiting Barracuda Lake, Smith Beach, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, and Reef Garden. It’s a well-rounded day that promises plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing—perfect for nature lovers and water enthusiasts alike.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the chance to swim in crystal-clear lakes with unique temperature shifts—like Barracuda Lake—and the opportunity to relax on a pristine sandy beach. The picnic lunch provided is an added bonus, giving you a chance to enjoy local flavors amid stunning scenery.

However, a key consideration is that the experience can be quite crowded, and some reviews mention stiff timelines and less-than-warm customer service, which might put off travelers craving a more relaxed or personalized vibe. Still, if you’re eager to tick off multiple spots in one day and don’t mind the crowds, this trip could be a good fit—especially for those who want a full-day activity with a mix of adventure and relaxation.

This tour is best suited for active travelers interested in snorkeling, swimming, and scenic views, and who are comfortable with strict schedules. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a highly personalized experience or have difficulty walking or swimming, given the mention of challenging paths and the non-swimmer restriction.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Visit multiple iconic spots within the Calamian Archipelago in one day.
• Swim in Barracuda Lake, known for its temperature shifts and clear waters.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking up the scenery.
• Crowded spots and strict timelines may limit flexibility.
• Includes transportation and guide, with added costs for equipment rentals.
• Best suited for active, adventurous travelers comfortable with crowds.

In-Depth Review: What Makes This Tour Worth Considering

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The core appeal of Coron Private Tour B lies in its well-curated itinerary, designed to give you a taste of Coron’s most beautiful water destinations. It starts with a visit to Barracuda Lake, a striking body of water surrounded by thick trees that give it a postcard-perfect backdrop. You’ll love the way the lake’s dramatic temperature changes—warm at the surface, cooler deeper down—offer a refreshing swim that feels almost like a natural spa experience.

Not everyone will find the path to Barracuda Lake easy, as strong shoes are recommended due to the difficult terrain. Once there, the waters are so clear you can see the bottom, making it ideal for a dip or some snorkel exploration if equipment is available. Several reviews mention the lake as a highlight, especially for its dramatic setting and uniqueness.

Next up is Skeleton Wreck, a sunken WWII ship that has become an artificial reef teeming with colorful fish. Swimming around the wreck can feel like stepping into a historical underwater tableau, with the added thrill of touching the rusty edges as the tide drops. Reviewers mention that the wreck is a fun and interesting stop, with one noting the vibrant marine life as a major plus.

While the tour covers spots like Twin Lagoon, Reef Garden, and Smith Beach, the focus remains on swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The trip is designed as a full day of water-based activities, with the boat serving as your moving base.

What Travelers Love: The Natural Beauty and Food

We loved the way this tour combines scenic beauty with a relaxed picnic lunch. Sitting on Smith Beach, with its soft sand and gentle waves, while enjoying a tasty meal and panoramic views, sets a perfect moment for unwinding. Many reviews mention the delicious food as a standout, with one reviewer noting it as a positive aspect of the experience.

Another aspect that stands out is the variety of locations covered—each offers a different vibe, from the dramatic lake to the wreck and the tranquil lagoon. The opportunity to snorkel in crystal waters teeming with marine life is a big draw, especially if you’re into underwater exploring.

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Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

The main drawback, according to reviews, is the crowded atmosphere at many stops. Despite being a private tour, some travelers felt the schedule was rigid and felt pressured to follow specific timelines. One reviewer expressed disappointment about the crew’s attitude, describing them as not very friendly and pushing for activities even when guests were hesitant.

Plus, service issues were noted—such as difficulty with rebooking or rescheduling if health emergencies occur. If you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed, flexible experience, this may be a concern. It’s worth noting that non-swimmers are not suitable for this tour, given the focus on swimming and snorkeling.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What Costs Extra

The tour includes a guide, boat, picnic lunch, and hotel-wharf pickup and drop-off. This makes it fairly convenient, especially if you’re staying somewhere central. However, items like water shoes, masks, snorkels, fins, and kayaks are available to rent at additional costs, which can add up depending on your needs.

The environmental fee isn’t included in the price, so you should budget for that extra expense. The tour lasts about 8 hours, so be prepared for a full day out. Pickup times are approximate, and you’re advised to wait in your hotel lobby 15 minutes before departure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous, water-loving travelers eager to explore multiple sites in a single day. If you’re comfortable with strict schedules and don’t mind some crowds, you’ll appreciate the variety and the stunning scenery. It’s especially good if you want a value-packed day with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on a beautiful beach.

However, if you prefer more personalized attention or a more leisurely pace, you might find this tour somewhat rushed. Those with mobility issues or who are not comfortable swimming should look for alternatives.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a great way to see several key spots around Coron in one day, especially if you enjoy water activities and scenic vistas. The price is fair considering the all-day transportation, guide, and lunch included, giving good value for travelers looking for a full water-based adventure.

The stunning lakes and lagoons, combined with the opportunity to snorkel among colorful fish and explore a WWII wreck, make this a memorable outing. The experience of relaxing on Smith Beach with a picnic lunch is an added bonus, providing a tranquil contrast to the busy snorkeling spots.

That said, the crowd levels and rigid schedule may not suit everyone, particularly those seeking a more flexible or intimate experience. If you’re okay with these factors and prioritize seeing multiple highlights in one day, this trip could be a perfect fit.

For travelers craving authentic natural beauty, good value, and a touch of adventure, this tour delivers most of what you’d hope for — with some caveats about crowds and service. Be prepared for a fun, active day, and you’ll likely leave with plenty of photos and stories to share.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour price covers a guide, boat, picnic lunch, and hotel-wharf pickup and drop-off services. Equipment rentals like masks, snorkels, fins, water shoes, and kayaks are available at extra cost.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 8 hours, with specific start times depending on availability.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, this tour is not suitable for non-swimmers because it involves swimming and snorkeling activities at various stops.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera if you have one, and possibly water shoes if you prefer to use rental gear. Comfortable footwear for the walk to Barracuda Lake is recommended.

Can I reschedule if I have an emergency?
Rescheduling might be difficult; one reviewer mentioned the tour provider was unhelpful with rebooking. It’s advisable to confirm your plans and be prepared to go on the scheduled date.

Is the lunch vegetarian or can it be customized?
The tour provides a picnic lunch, but details about dietary options aren’t specified. It’s best to check directly if you have special dietary requirements.

How crowded are the spots on the tour?
Multiple reviews mention that the destinations can be quite crowded, even on private tours. Be prepared for busy scenes.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Most travelers enjoy Barracuda Lake for its dramatic setting and unique temperature shifts, along with swimming around the Skeleton Wreck.

Is the tour worth the price?
Considering transportation, guide, multiple locations, and a picnic lunch, it offers good value for a full day of water-based exploration in Coron.

Navigating Coron’s waters and spots can be a gift, especially if you’re prepared for some crowds and a tight schedule. With careful planning and realistic expectations, this tour can deliver a memorable mix of adventure, beauty, and relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here: