Manila Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Manila Shore Excursions
Manila
Bataan Death March memorial tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 350.00
Manila
Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 39.00
Manila
Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 60.00
Manila
Spectacular Manila to Tagaytay: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 8 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 105.00
Manila
Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 4 - 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 85.00
Manila
Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 60.00
Manila
Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City
Duration: 0.8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 30.00
Manila
Taal Volcano Experience: Scenic Countryside and Volcano Tour
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 140.00
Manila
Explore Intramuros: Introduction to Philippine History
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 55.00
Manila
Experience Manila's Heritage: Intramuros & More in Half a Day!
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 75.00
Manila
Private Tour: Amazing Taal Volcano & Pagsanjan Falls Tour (2in1)
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 125.00
Manila
Manila by Night: Discovering City Highlights with Intramuros
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 75.00
Manila
Immerse in Culture: Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Experience
Duration: 8 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 150.00
Manila
Taal Volcano Experience & A Hidden Waterfalls: A Dual Adventure
Duration: 8 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 150.00
Manila
Intramuros Walking Tour with Transportation by Don't Skip Manila
Duration: 4 - 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 83.34
Manila
Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***
Duration: 6 - 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 170.00
Manila
Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*
Duration: 6 - 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 139.00
Manila
Manila's Culinary Expedition: The Ultimate Food and Market Tour
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 115.00
Manila
Island Hopping Experience: Snorkeling & Bamboo Cottages!
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 180.00
Manila
Pagsanjan Falls-Taal Volcano-Tagaytay ultimate Day Tour frm MNL
Duration: 12 - 14 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 215.00
Manila
Banaue & Batad UNESCO 3days 2 nights Tour ( Private Group Tour Max 6 Travelers)
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 573.30
Manila
Half-Day Manila City Tour
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 107.70
Manila
Tagaytay, Taal Volcano & Heritage Town: A Journey of Discovery
Duration: 8 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 160.00
Manila
Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 120.00
Manila
Anilao Snorkel Safari: Explore the Amazing Underwater World
Duration: 8 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 160.00
Manila
Private Half-Day Makati (Old Manila) with Intramuros
Duration: 4 - 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 160.26
Manila
From Manila: Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Lake Tour w/ Guide
Duration: 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 125.00
Manila
Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024
Duration: 10 - 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 180.00
Manila
Pagsanjan Falls & Hidden Valley Springs: A Spectacular Combo Tour
Duration: 8 - 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 240.00
Manila
Day hike to Mount Daraitan with Tinipak River 2024
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 130.00
Related destinations to Manila
What should a first-time visitor expect from a Manila shore excursion?
For a first-time visitor, expect a compact introduction to layered history, bustling streets and varied neighbourhoods that sit close to major ports. A typical itinerary balances colonial-era sites with modern landmarks, offering context about Spanish, American and Filipino influences while keeping transit times short. Bring comfortable shoes and a lightweight rainproof layer because weather and walking are constant factors. This overview helps set realistic expectations for energy levels and sightlines during Manila shore excursions and assists in choosing whether to focus on culture, food or brief nature escapes.
Which top attractions are usually included on shore excursions in Manila?
Top attractions commonly visited include Intramuros with its cobbled lanes and Fort Santiago, San Agustín Church, Rizal Park, and the National Museum complex. Many itineraries also pass by historic districts, Chinatown, and scenic viewpoints along Manila Bay for sunset views. Guided stops often include short walks and photo opportunities, with time allotted to enter at least one major heritage site depending on ticketing and traffic. These highlights provide concentrated cultural context and are central choices on most Manila tours.
How do half-day excursions compare with full-day options from the port?
Half-day excursions typically focus on a single neighbourhood or a compact cluster of attractions like Intramuros and Rizal Park, allowing limited walking and a relaxed pace without long transfers. Full-day options extend to farther sites, such as Tagaytay for Taal views or provincial markets, and include more time for meals and optional museum visits. Full days require earlier departures and may be more physically demanding, whereas half-day plans suit those wanting a brief orientation before returning to the ship during standard embarkation windows for Manila shore excursions.
How much cultural and historical content is covered during a typical shore excursion?
Spanish colonial landmarks, wartime sites and Filipino cultural touchstones are usually covered through brief but informative narratives at each stop, often delivered by local guides knowledgeable about layered histories. Expect condensed interpretations: synopses of colonial rule, the life of national heroes, and postcolonial developments that shaped modern Manila. Visitors gain a clear sense of chronological context, yet deeper scholarship requires separate museum visits or themed tours. These cultural snapshots form the backbone of many Manila tours and help orient newcomers to the city’s complex past.
Are there opportunities to experience nature and scenery near Manila during a shore visit?
Nearby nature experiences are limited but accessible; short excursions can reach coastal promenades, mangrove areas and nearby lakes or viewpoints within a couple of hours from the port. Tagaytay and Taal Lake offer dramatic volcanic scenery for full-day itineraries, while Manila Bay provides sunset vistas close to the harbour. Urban parks and botanic spaces inside the city present pockets of greenery for relaxed walks. Time constraints and traffic determine how far from the port you can go when choosing Manila shore excursions focused on scenery.
What local foods and dining options are typically included or recommended on shore excursions?
Street food, regional snacks and classic Filipino dishes are often sampled during shore excursions, with many itineraries incorporating a food stop or market visit to try items such as adobo, sinigang, lumpia and halo-halo. Recommendations usually favour established eateries or curated stalls to balance authenticity with cleanliness. Meal breaks are typically scheduled to match the tour’s pace, allowing passengers to taste small portions rather than full feasts. Keep dietary preferences in mind, since many local dishes include pork, seafood and strong native flavours during Manila tours.
What level of physical activity should participants expect onshore?
Expect moderate physical activity overall, with periods of walking on uneven cobblestones, short stair climbs within historical sites and some standing during guided explanations. Heat, humidity and busy pavements can increase perceived exertion, so pacing is important. Most excursions offer rest breaks, and transportation minimises long walks between distant stops. Those with limited mobility should check itineraries for walking distances and surface types in advance. Guides can adapt routes where feasible, but the typical rhythm of Manila shore excursions involves steady but manageable physical engagement.
How accessible are shore excursions in Manila for travellers with mobility needs?
Accessibility varies by site: some colonial buildings and forts have uneven surfaces, steps and limited ramp access, while newer museums and waterfront areas generally provide elevators and accessible restrooms. Tour operators and port services can often provide vehicles with easier boarding and arrange shorter walking itineraries if notified in advance. It is advisable to request specific accessibility accommodations before arrival, provide accurate mobility details and confirm available facilities to ensure a smoother experience during Manila tours, especially at heritage sites where modifications may be constrained.
When is the best time of day and year to visit Manila on a shore excursion?
Early mornings and late afternoons are best for cooler temperatures and softer light, which also help avoid the midday heat and peak traffic. The dry season, roughly November to April, generally offers more predictable weather and lower rainfall, improving walking conditions and visibility at outdoor sites. Humid months and the rainy season can complicate schedules and increase travel times. Consider seasonal events and national holidays that may close sites or affect crowds when planning your visit to maximise comfort on Manila shore excursions.
Should visitors choose a guided shore excursion or explore independently from the port?
Guided excursions provide curated narratives, logistical coordination and local knowledge that streamline visits to multiple sites within limited timeframes, often including entrance arrangements. Independent exploration allows greater flexibility and personal pacing but requires advance planning for transport, entry tickets and timing to return to the ship. Consider language needs, mobility constraints and the amount of historical context desired when choosing between options. Travellers with little time or unfamiliarity with local conditions may find guided Manila tours more efficient, while experienced independent travellers might prefer self-directed exploration.
Which cruise lines visit Manila?
Cunard, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises and Azamara will all visit Manila this year.
What cruise ships will sail to Manila in 2026?
Manila will be visited by Queen Anne, Westerdam, MSC Magnifica and Azamara Onward.