Cebu: Whale Shark Swim and Kawasan Canyoneering Tour

If you’re after an action-packed day that mixes marine marvels with natural adventure, this Cebu tour might just be your perfect match. It combines two of the island’s top attractions—swimming with gentle whale sharks and tackling the rugged, exhilarating canyoneering route at Kawasan Falls. While it’s a full day and requires some early mornings, the experiences you’ll gather are worth every minute.

What we love about this tour? First, the opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks in Oslob—an experience that’s both breathtaking and ethically guided. Second, the adrenaline rush of canyoning through stunning landscapes, with jumps, swims, and natural slides that will get your heart pounding. Finally, the delicious local lunch and well-organized transport make the long day comfortable and rewarding.

One potential challenge? The early start and long hours in transit can be tiring, especially if you’re not a morning person or prefer shorter outings. But for those craving a full-immersion adventure, it’s a small price to pay.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of wildlife encounters and outdoor adrenaline. It’s perfect for active families, couples, or groups who want a day packed with variety and authentic Cebu experiences.

Key Points

• Two-in-One Experience: Combines whale shark snorkeling and canyoneering in one day.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides ensure respectful whale encounters and safe canyoning.
• Value for Money: For $108, you get a full day of adventure, transport, gear, and meals.
• Long Day, Rich Rewards: Expect early mornings, but lots of memorable moments.
• Scenic Journey: Comfortable transfers and stunning landscapes en route.
• Authentic Experiences: Close-up wildlife interactions and adrenaline-fueled activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at What to Expect

Starting the Day: Early Pickup and Journey to Oslob

The adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup—most reviews mention being collected from Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, or Mandaue City. The transfer is in either a shared or private vehicle, depending on your choice, but everyone agrees the ride is comfortable enough for a 2.5-hour scenic drive southward. As you leave the city behind, you’ll pass lush greenery and rural landscapes, setting the stage for the day ahead.

Multiple reviews highlight the punctuality and friendliness of drivers like Michael or Jowen, who make the long drive enjoyable. Expect to arrive early at the whale shark site—some as early as 4:15 am—giving you a head start and avoiding the biggest crowds.

The Whale Shark Encounter: Magic at Oslob

Once at Oslob, your guide will help you secure your priority number, allowing you to skip the long lines that form later in the day. The experience itself usually lasts around 30-45 minutes of actual swimming time, but the wait can be longer, especially if you’re there during peak hours. Reviewers mention that this early start is worth it, as you’ll swim with the gentle giants before they get too crowded.

Your guide will give a briefing on responsible interaction—emphasizing respect for the animals and eco-friendly practices. You’ll hop onto a traditional outrigger boat, which adds to the authenticity, and then snorkel in open water, often in the company of other travelers. The water can be choppy, and some reviewers advise that the whale shark experience might not be ideal for very young children or those with medical conditions, but most find it awe-inspiring.

While some critics note the touristy feel and the feeding practices (feeding krill to keep sharks close), many appreciate the ethical efforts of guides to minimize impact and ensure safety. Nadine Da Silva calls this experience “something we will have forever,” and multiple reviewers remark on how majestic these creatures are up close.

Transition to Canyoneering: Scenic Drive to Kawasan

After the whale shark adventure, you’ll meet your driver again for a roughly 2-hour drive to Badian, the starting point for your canyoneering trip. Expect to pass through more rural, scenic areas as you approach the mountainous landscape surrounding Kawasan Falls.

Many reviewers mention the drive as part of the adventure, with some noting the transport can get a bit cramped if you’re in a larger group. However, the scenic views and the anticipation of canyoning keep spirits high.

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Canyoneering: Action in the Natural Landscape

Once at Kawasan, you’ll gear up with life jackets, helmets, and Trekking shoes provided by the tour. The guides, like Ronald and Romel, are praised for their professionalism and helpfulness. Expect a trek through breathtaking terrain, which might include climbing, rock-hopping, and navigating natural water channels.

The most talked-about part? The cliff jumps—some of which are of various heights, catering to different comfort levels. Reviewers highlight the exhilaration of jumping into cool, clear pools and sliding down natural water slides carved into rocks. The guides often go out of their way to take photos and videos, making it easier to relive the excitement afterward.

The tour’s highlight is reaching Kawasan Falls, where you can take a breather, swim in the pristine waters, or simply enjoy the stunning views. Many mention that the water here is “refreshingly cold” and perfect for cooling off after the physical activity.

Lunch and Return Journey

Post-adventure, you’ll have a delicious local lunch at the Canyoneering Camp, often included in the $108 fee. Reviewers say the meal is substantial and flavorful, with some recommending bringing snacks for the long day.

The return trip is a more relaxed affair, with most travelers grateful for the comfortable transport and the chance to reflect on their day. The overall experience is tailored to be well-organized, with many reviews emphasizing how guides and drivers make everything smooth, even after a long day of activities.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many reviews mention guides like Anelac, Wesley, Nil, and Ronaldo—not only for their professionalism but also for their cheerfulness and the personal touch they bring, such as helping take pictures or ensuring everyone’s safety. Nadine Da Silva notes that everything was “very organized,” while Millie points out that despite the long day, each activity was “so pretty and unforgettable.”

Some guests highlight the value for money; for $108, you get transport, gear, meals, and two major experiences—a good deal considering the logistics involved. Others say their guides went above and beyond—helping with photos, managing wait times, and making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable.

Practical Tips from Reviewers

• Arrive early to beat crowds and maximize your experience with the whale sharks.
• Bring a waterproof camera or rent a GoPro to capture the moments.
• Expect a long day, so wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for a lot of walking, jumping, and swimming.
• The lunch is generally good, but bringing snacks could help tide you over if you’re hungry later.
• The tours are weather-dependent—cancelations or rescheduling may happen if conditions aren’t ideal.

Is This Tour Worth Your Time and Money?

For those who crave a full-immersion adventure in Cebu, this tour offers an unbeatable combo of marine wildlife and rugged outdoor fun. It’s great value, especially considering the expert guides, gear, transportation, and meals included. The early start and long hours might bother some, but most find the experiences deeply rewarding.

If you love wildlife encounters, the thrill of canyoning, or simply want an active day out with memorable moments, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s a solid choice for active travelers who don’t mind the early mornings and long drives.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Adventure lovers seeking adrenaline and new wildlife encounters.
• Families or groups wanting a full day of fun and exploration.
• Travelers who appreciate well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides.
• Those keen on ethical wildlife experiences and natural scenery.
• People looking for value for money—getting two major activities in one day.

This experience isn’t ideal for pregnant women, young children under 7, or persons with mobility issues due to the physical nature of canyoneering and the early start. Also, be aware that weather can impact the day, so flexibility is key.

FAQ

Is there an age limit for the canyoneering?
It’s generally not recommended for children under 7, and the physical activity might be challenging for older or less mobile travelers.

How long does the whale shark swim last?
The actual snorkeling with whale sharks typically lasts about 30-45 minutes, but wait times can extend the overall experience.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Water shoes or trekking shoes are provided, but a waterproof camera or GoPro can be rented for capturing your moments.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women due to the physical demands of canyoneering and the early start.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, you can reschedule or request a refund.

Can I book a private tour?
Yes, private options are available, offering more flexibility and exclusive transportation, ideal for couples, families, or groups seeking privacy.

Final Thoughts

This Cebu tour offers a great balance of wildlife wonder and outdoor adventure in a single day. It’s perfect for travelers who want to pack in as much authentic fun as possible—swimming with whale sharks in the early morning and then conquering Kawasan’s rugged waterways. The guides are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, making the long hours feel shorter.

While it requires a long day and early start, the memories created—close encounters with majestic creatures and adrenaline-filled jumps—are worth every minute. The tour’s value is strengthened by the inclusion of gear, transport, and meals, making it a hassle-free way to experience Cebu’s best.

If you’re fit, adventurous, and eager to experience both ocean magic and mountain thrills, this tour is a top contender. Just be prepared for a full day, some long drives, and a splash of dirt and water—this is truly an all-in outdoor escapade.

You can check availability for your dates here: