Pagsanjan Falls Day Trip from Rizal: What to Expect

Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna is famous for the boat ride, not only the waterfall. You travel up a river gorge in a narrow canoe while boatmen paddle and pull you against the current, reach the falls, and ride back down through the rapids. It is a full-day outing, and it is close enough to Rizal for a day trip. This guide explains how the ride works, what to bring and what to check before you book.

Prices and arrangements differ by operator and change over time, so confirm every detail before you pay.

What Is Pagsanjan Falls?

The falls are also called Cavinti Falls, and the town of Pagsanjan is where most boat trips begin. The falls have three drops, and the tallest is most often given as about 120 meters, though some guides quote lower figures. The main falls are in Cavinti, Laguna, upriver from Pagsanjan. The area is about 100 km south of Manila, and operator pages usually quote around two and a half hours' drive from the city.

How the Boat Ride Works

• You ride a canoe that carries one to three passengers.
• Two licensed boatmen handle each canoe on the way up and down.
• The trip upstream can take more than an hour, depending on traffic on the river and the water level.
• Coming back, the canoe passes through 14 rapids, and this is the "shooting the rapids" part of the trip.

You will get wet from spray, so wear clothes that can get soaked and keep your phone and valuables in a waterproof pouch.

How Long Does the Trip Take?

A typical day tour from Manila runs about eight hours, including the transfer, the river ride, a lunch stop and the drive back. The exact time depends on the operator, the water level and how busy the river is. Leave early so you are not on the river in the heat of the afternoon.

What to Check Before You Book

• What the fee includes. Some packages include a life vest, a helmet, insurance, the transfer and lunch, while others charge for them separately. Ask for a list.
• The extras. Budget for lockers, vests, snacks and tips for the boatmen and the guide. Cash is useful here.
• Group size. Each canoe holds up to three, so a group of 10 will use several boats. Ask how they will be arranged.
• Water conditions. The water level changes the trip, so ask the operator on the day.
• Transport. Decide whether you will drive yourselves or use a van with a driver, and where you will meet.

What to Bring

• Swimwear or quick-dry clothes, and a full change of clothes
• A towel and a waterproof bag
• Water shoes or sandals with a strap
• Sunscreen and a hat for the walk
• Cash for fees, tips, lockers and food
• A light rain jacket for spray and wind

Getting There from Rizal

The trip is a day outing from Rizal. A private van with a driver is the most comfortable choice for a family, office group or barkada, since you can leave from your own pick-up point and return when the day is over. See our van rental with a driver page, and ask for a time estimate from your starting town, since it depends on the route and the traffic that day.

Combine It with Other Rizal Day Trips

Pagsanjan Falls fills a day on its own, so keep other stops for a separate trip. Our guides to a Tanay Rizal day tour, Daranak Falls and Pililla Wind Farm cover the nearer options.

Plan Pagsanjan Falls with CieloAmor

We arrange vans and day trips from Teresa, Rizal. Tell us your date, how many are traveling and your pick-up point, and we send a quote that lists what is included. You can also see our travel services and tour packages.