Coron Water Ride Thrills

Coron Water Ride Thrills: A Balanced Look at the Ultimate Sea-Fun Package

If you’re planning a trip to Busuanga Island and craving more than just lounging on the beach, the Coron Water Ride Thrills tour might catch your eye. For about $37 per person, this three-hour adventure promises a series of water-based activities centered on Royal Island, accessible via a quick speedboat ride from Coron Harbor Square. It’s a straightforward, activity-packed option designed to revitalize your time in the Philippines with splashes, laughs, and a splash of adrenaline.

What we really like about this experience is the variety it offers—riders can opt to try one or all of the water activities, making it versatile for different energy levels and adventure appetites. The inclusion of clear-bottom kayaks adds a little extra magic, allowing you to peer below the surface without getting wet if you prefer a more relaxed pace. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s organization can be unpredictable, as evidenced by a review citing a last-minute cancellation that ruined a traveler’s day. This highlights the importance of checking the cancellation policy and understanding that weather or minimum group size might impact your plans.

Designed primarily for those who love water sports or are eager to try something new, this tour is best suited for active travelers or families with children over 4 years old, who can partake in the banana boat ride. It’s also a good pick for anyone staying in Coron who wants a quick, fun escape without the hassle of arranging multiple activities or transportation.

Key Points

• Variety of activities: Choose from five water-based options, including banana boat, flyfish, and glass-bottom kayaking.
• Flexibility: Participate in just one activity or all of them during your time on Royal Island.
• Inclusive features: All packages include clear-bottom kayaks; upgrades include round-trip hotel transfers.
• Accessibility: Minimum age requirements vary, starting from 4 years old for the banana boat.
• Duration and Value: At about 3 hours, the cost ($37) offers a decent slice of active fun with easy access from Coron.
• Potential drawbacks: The experience’s reliability can be affected by weather or group size, so be prepared for possible cancellations.

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

Meet at Coron Harbor Square

Your day begins at Coron Harbor Square, a bustling hub that’s easy to find and close to many accommodations. Here, a friendly coordinator will check you in and give a brief rundown of the activities, emphasizing safety rules and what to expect during your trip. The group size is capped at 30, which helps keep the atmosphere manageable and friendly.

The Speedboat Ride to Royal Island

The journey to Royal Island is quick—just a few minutes on a speedboat—giving you a taste of Coron’s vibrant marine landscape while setting the tone for the day. This transfer is included in your package, and it’s a lively start, often accompanied by scenic views and the chatter of fellow travelers.

Water Activities on Royal Island

Once on the island, the real fun begins. The tour offers five water activities, which range from exhilarating to relaxing. The standout options include:

• Banana Boat: Perfect for families or groups looking for a laugh. The minimum age is 4, so even young kids can hop on. Be prepared for a bumpy, giggle-filled ride.
• Flyfish: Designed for the more adventurous at 18 years and older, this ride simulates flying above the water while being pulled by the boat—a thrilling experience.
• Donut: Suitable for ages 10 and up, this is a fun, towable ride that lets you glide across the water with friends or a partner.
• Glider: Also for ages 10 and above, this activity involves riding a glider that allows you to skim the water’s surface and take in the views.
• Glass-Bottom Kayaks: Included with every package, these provide a calmer, scenic way to explore the shallow waters around the island without getting wet or tiring yourself out.

Safety and Assistance

Guides are on hand to help you get in and out of the rides, and they’re known for taking photos and videos of the moments you’ll want to remember. A review from August 2022 highlights how helpful the guides were—helping with the equipment and making sure everyone was safe and comfortable.

Timing and Flexibility

You’ll have several hours to play, relax, and explore at your own pace. Whether you want to try one activity or all, the timing is flexible enough to suit your preferences. Keep in mind, the tour ends back at Coron Harbor Square, making it a convenient, self-contained experience.

The Value of the Tour: Is It Worth It?

At $37, this water thrill ride offers a decent bang for your buck, especially considering the inclusion of the kayaking and the potential for multiple activities. The quick transfer and the variety of options make it a convenient way to add some adventure to your Coron itinerary. However, the experience’s success hinges on weather conditions and group size, which can occasionally result in cancellations or delays—as noted in some reviews.

While the activities themselves are straightforward, they cater to different interests. For families or groups with mixed ages, the banana boat and donut rides are great for kids, while the flyfish and glider appeal more to thrill-seekers. The glass-bottom kayaks add a touch of calm and scenic beauty, perfect for those wanting to enjoy the marine life without a lot of effort.

Consider the reviews

One reviewer from August 2022 shared, “My wife and I truly enjoyed ourselves! The guides made sure to help us in and out of the water rides and took videos and photos of us.” This personal touch can make the experience more memorable. However, another reviewer from June 2024 described a “bad experience” where their booking was canceled just two hours beforehand without explanation, emphasizing the importance of confirming bookings and understanding the tour’s cancellation policy.

How does this compare with other Coron activities?

For those contemplating multiple tours or looking for something active but not overly complicated, this water ride offers a straightforward, high-energy option. It’s not as comprehensive as full-day tours or those with cultural or island-hopping elements but fills a niche for quick, fun water-based fun.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventure lovers and families with children over 4, who want to try different water rides in a single session. It’s perfect for travelers staying near Coron Harbor who prefer a hassle-free, all-in-one water activity, or for groups seeking a lively, social outing. If you’re someone who enjoys water sports but prefers the safety and guidance of a tour, this package hits the right notes.

However, if you’re looking for a more structured or exclusive experience, or if weather or cancellations are concerns, you might want to consider alternative options or confirm your booking well in advance.

FAQ

What activities are included in the Coron Water Ride Thrills tour?
You can enjoy five water activities, including a banana boat, flyfish, donut, glider, and glass-bottom kayak.

Is there an age requirement for the activities?
Yes. The minimum age for the banana boat is 4, donuts and gliders are 10, and the flyfish is 18.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, the roundtrip speedboat transfer from Coron Harbor Square to Royal Island is included. Upgrades for hotel pickups are available separately.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, giving ample time for activities and relaxation.

Can I participate in just one activity?
Absolutely. You’re free to choose one or all activities during your time on the island.

Is the kayaking equipment included?
Yes, all packages include the use of clear bottom kayaks.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Final Thoughts

The Coron Water Ride Thrills tour offers a lively introduction to the marine fun that Coron has to offer, with a good mix of active rides and scenic kayaking. Its price point and inclusion of multiple activities make it a compelling choice for travelers eager to add some splashy excitement without a full-day commitment.

While the potential for cancellations or weather-related hiccups is worth keeping in mind, the guide assistance and variety of rides generally deliver a memorable, fun-filled experience. It’s well-suited for families, groups, or anyone looking to shake up their Coron itinerary with some water-based adventure.

If you’re seeking a straightforward, energetic way to experience Coron’s waters and enjoy a mix of thrills and scenic views, this tour ticks many boxes. Just remember to double-check your booking and be prepared for the weather—and most importantly—have fun splashing around!

Ready for some water action? Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just want to see the sea from a different perspective, Coron Water Ride Thrills can add that extra splash to your trip. Just go prepared, and enjoy the ride!