From Manila: Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Lake Tour w/ Guide

Manila , Philippines

From Manila: Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Lake Tour w/ Guide

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(16 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Explore Taal Volcano on a Scenic Boat Tour Around Taal Lake

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Taal Volcano, one of the Philippines' most iconic and active volcanoes. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off from Manila, and learn about Taal’s history, including the dramatic 2020 eruption that sent ash plumes as far as Manila, forcing over 150,000 people to evacuate.

Your adventure begins with a drive to Tagaytay City, where you’ll stop at Tagaytay Picnic Grove, 665 meters above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views of Taal Volcano rising majestically from the lake, and capture the perfect photo with your driver’s help.

At Taal Lake, take a small-group boat ride (max of 5 people plus local guide for safety) with a local guide who will point out significant sites on Volcano Island. Get up close to the steaming volcano, learn about its ongoing activity (currently under Alert Level 1), and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape before returning to your hotel.

Available options

From Manila: Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Lake Tour w/ Guide

Pickup included

What's included

Picnic Groove Entrance and LGU Fees

Island Volcano Boat Sightseeing operated by Government Regulated Station (Local Guide, Boat Captain)

We offer convenient pickup and drop-off services directly from your hotel lobby or the airport.

TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee

Round Trip Transportation, Driver, Fuel, all Toll Fees

Boat rental fees, all taxes, entrance fees, Local Boat Tour Guide and environmental fees included.

Detailed itinerary

Head over to the Taal Volcano ridge in Tagaytay City and see first hand the steams coming from Taal Volcano eruption. This is a sightseeing tour. Taal Volcano suddenly erupt at 2:36pm on Sunday, January 12, 2020 ,making all flee from the island volcano. For the next 24 hours, ashes coming from the crater reach Metro Manila and nearby areas as 150,000 people flee from their homes. Taal Volcano is now considered the most active complex volcano after this eruption. See the devastation firsthand and the dramatic views of Taal Lake and steaming Volcano Island from the ridges of Tagaytay City.

Stop 2

Boat ride in front of the Volcano (No Trekking in the Crater as the Volcano still under Eruption Alert)

What's not included

Breakfast and lunch are not included, but delicious local cuisine is available for purchase on site.

Personal expenses, including optional activities like ziplining, horseback riding, other add-ons.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a small-group private tour, accommodating a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 participants per boat with Local Guide.

Picnic Grove will serve as an alternative to Palace in the Sky, depending on visibility and weather conditions.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Available at guests' expense, payable upon entry (e.g., Zipline, Horseback Riding, etc.)

Taal Lake and Taal Volcano activities are weather-dependent. In the event of heavy rain, typhoons, storms, flash floods, or an eruption alert, local authorities may suspend activities for safety reasons without prior notice.

Please provide your hotel name in the Special Requirements section, private message, whatsapp when booking. We offer pickup directly from your hotel lobby.

Important notes

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Manila

Manila, the vibrant capital of the Philippines, is a dynamic blend of historic charm and modern urban life. Known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and diverse culinary scene, it offers a unique experience for every traveler.

Top Attractions

Intramuros

The historic walled city of Manila, Intramuros is a must-visit for its Spanish colonial architecture and rich history.

Historical Half to full day Free to PHP 500

Rizal Park (Luneta Park)

A historic urban park dedicated to the national hero Jose Rizal, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to PHP 50

Manila Ocean Park

A marine-themed park offering a variety of attractions, including an underwater world, marine exhibits, and interactive experiences.

Entertainment Half to full day PHP 500-1,500

Binondo

The world's oldest Chinatown, Binondo is a vibrant district known for its Chinese-Filipino heritage, delicious food, and historic sites.

Cultural Half to full day Free to PHP 500

National Museum of Fine Arts

A museum showcasing the finest examples of Filipino art, from the colonial period to contemporary works.

Museum 1-2 hours PHP 50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Adobo

A savory dish made with chicken or pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, then braised until tender.

Main Dish Can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting meat with tofu or mushrooms.

Sisig

A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face, ears, and other parts, seasoned with calamansi, chili peppers, and onions.

Appetizer Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Halo-Halo

A popular Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and topped with leche flan, ube halaya, and ice cream.

Dessert Can be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting dairy-based toppings.

Lechon

A whole roasted pig, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, often served during special occasions and festivals.

Main Dish Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Canyoneering at Pagsanjan Falls Ziplining at Subic Bay Island hopping in Batangas Picnicking in Tagaytay Swimming at Laiya Beach Dining at Greenbelt Chapel Exploring Intramuros Visiting Binondo Chinatown

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the coolest and driest time of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22°C to 32°C 72°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Filipino (Tagalog), English
Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese), Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Philippine Peso (PHP)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Manila is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you, especially in crowded areas
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Ninoy Aquino International Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

PNR Manila Station

By bus

Taft Avenue Terminal, Cubao Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Iconic and affordable, but can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Intramuros Binondo Makati Malate Quezon City

Day trips

Corregidor Island

46 km from Manila • Full day

A historic island fortress that played a significant role in World War II, offering a glimpse into the Philippines' wartime past.

Pagsanjan Falls

100 km from Manila • Full day

A stunning waterfall located in the province of Laguna, offering a picturesque and refreshing escape from the city.

Tagaytay

55 km from Manila • Half to full day

A popular weekend destination known for its cool climate, stunning views of the Taal Volcano, and a variety of dining and accommodation options.

Festivals

Sinulog Festival • Third Sunday of January Pistahan ng Pulilan • Last Sunday of April Ligaya sa Kalinga Festival • June 20-25

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Tagalog, such as 'kumusta' (hello) and 'salamat' (thank you), to show respect and appreciation for the local culture
Carry small denominations of PHP for convenience, as some establishments may not have change for large bills
Use app-based transportation services, such as Grab, for safer and more convenient travel, especially at night
Be patient and understanding, as the pace of life in the Philippines can be slower than in some Western countries
Try local delicacies and street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices