Cebu: Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling

If you’re dreaming of a day in Cebu that combines wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery, this tour promises to deliver. From the majestic movements of whale sharks to the cascading waters of Kawasan Falls and the mesmerizing sardine run, it covers some of the island’s most iconic experiences. We’ve checked out the details, reviews, and what makes this trip a great pick — and where it might fall short.

What we love about this tour? The chance to see whale sharks up close, the scenic trek to Kawasan Falls, and swimming with schools of sardines in crystal-clear waters. It’s an all-in-one adventure that packs a punch. The guides seem to be knowledgeable and friendly, making each activity more enjoyable. The only potential drawback? The long day might be a bit tiring for some, especially with early starts and extensive travel.

This tour is perfect for travelers craving a mix of marine life and lush landscapes, especially those with limited time. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and want a comprehensive experience without splitting activities over multiple days, this could be your ideal Cebu package.

Key Points

• All-in-One Adventure: Combines whale shark snorkeling, Kawasan Falls visit, and sardine run.
• Expert Guides & Transportation: Local English-speaking guides and air-conditioned transport for comfort and safety.
• Great Value: For $133, you get multiple activities, entrance fees, gear, and transfers included.
• Long but Rewarding Day: Expect a start as early as 2 am and a full day of activities.
• Responsible Wildlife Interaction: Guides focus on conservation, ensuring respectful contact with marine life.
• Suitable for Most: Not suited for pregnant women; recommended for those comfortable with a physically active day.

This tour is designed to maximize one day’s worth of adventures across Cebu’s top natural attractions. Here’s a detailed look at what makes each part special and what you should be prepared for.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Whale Shark Watching — The Gentle Giants

The experience kicks off early, with pick-up in Cebu City, Mactan, or nearby areas. The goal is to get to the whale shark site as early as possible, with guides like Odie and Drian making safety and photo opportunities their priority. As some reviews highlight, arriving early means avoiding long queues — one guest mentioned queuing from 4:40 am for an hour before snorkeling, which emphasizes how popular this activity is.

Once on the boat, you’ll get a briefing on responsible interaction with these massive creatures, emphasizing conservation. The guides ensure both safety and a respectful distance, so the experience remains ethical and eco-friendly. Expect to see whale sharks glide gracefully beside your boat or in the water, their enormous bodies moving with gentle, deliberate motions. Several reviewers, like Jamillah, praised their guides for helping capture fantastic photos — “my guide Odie made sure I got the best shots with the GoPro.”

The thrill of swimming alongside whale sharks is unforgettable, but be aware that crowds can sometimes mean waiting your turn. Still, many found the effort worthwhile, with one reviewer calling it “super cool to see whalesharks up close.” The experience works well with snorkel gear provided, and guides will assist in ensuring you get the best shots.

Kawasan Falls — A Refreshing Escape

After the whale shark adventure, the tour moves on to Kawasan Falls, a highlight for many visitors. The journey to the falls involves a scenic trek through lush tropical foliage, streams, and forested paths. It’s not just the destination but the walk that adds to the magic — as some reviews note, guides make sure visitors are safe and comfortable along the way.

Once at the falls, you’ll enjoy multiple cascades and natural pools perfect for swimming. The turquoise waters are cool and invigorating, especially after the morning’s activity. Many travelers mention how the falls are even more stunning in person and appreciate the well-organized entrance fees included in the tour.

Some add-on options, like canyoning, are available if you’re feeling adventurous — one guest strongly recommends the canyoning, describing it as “amazing,” but note it’s suitable for ages 7 and up.

Sardines Run & Turtles — An Underwater Spectacle

The Moalboal coast offers a mesmerizing sardines run, where countless tiny fish form moving, shimmering clouds that attract predators and generate a hypnotic display. Snorkelers love this because it’s like swimming through a living, breathing kaleidoscope. Many reviewers, including Sarah, mention how impressive the sardines are, and some guides even help capture videos to remember the moment.

In addition, the chance to swim with sea turtles adds another layer of wonder. Graceful and majestic, these creatures are a joy to watch in their natural habitat. The guides ensure safe encounters, and guests often leave with impressive footage thanks to their assistance.

Additional Considerations — Timing, Equipment, and Comfort

The entire trip is lengthy, with early mornings starting around 2 am and returning late in the afternoon (around 5:30 pm). This means you should be prepared for a long day but also that you’ll hit the highlights while everyone else is still asleep. Guests like Amy and Sokratis appreciated the punctuality of transportation and the guides’ professionalism.

You’ll also need to bring essentials such as change of clothes, towels, waterproof cameras, and waterproof shoes. The tour provides snorkeling gear, including masks and life jackets, but bringing your own waterproof camera can elevate the experience.

Reviews consistently highlight the kindness and professionalism of the guides and drivers. Raul and Jave, for instance, received praise for their helpfulness and fun personalities. They make the long drive comfortable by sharing local stories and giving useful tips. Guests often mention how the guides go above and beyond — from helping with photos to managing schedules smoothly.

The air-conditioned transport and hotel or airport pickups add convenience, making it easier to focus on enjoying the day rather than logistics. The tour’s flexibility is evident, with options to customize activities or add canyoning if you’re feeling adventurous.

At $133 per person, this tour offers an impressive package: multiple activities, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and transfers. Many reviewers felt it was worth the price given the variety of experiences, especially since splitting these activities into separate days could be more time-consuming and costly.

The shared experiences with knowledgeable guides, the convenience of all-included costs, and the chance to see marine giants like whale sharks make this a compelling option for travelers seeking value. However, some noted the long day and early start, so it’s best suited for those with good stamina and a sense of adventure.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning each activity separately. It suits those who enjoy marine life, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes, especially if you’re comfortable with early mornings and a busy schedule.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns, some parts — like the trek to Kawasan Falls — might be challenging. Also, pregnant women should probably skip the activities that involve water or physical exertion.

This Cebu tour packs a diverse lineup of highlights into one well-organized day. From close encounters with whale sharks to swimming with turtles and exploring stunning waterfalls, it offers a rich taste of what Cebu has to offer. The guides and drivers are frequently praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and local knowledge, which adds value to the experience.

While the early start might be a hurdle for some, many find that the effort pays off in unforgettable memories and fantastic photos. For travelers eager to tick multiple natural wonders off their list and want a seamless, all-inclusive adventure, this tour is a solid choice.

It’s especially suited for those with limited time, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting a broad overview of Cebu’s marine and terrestrial beauty. Just come prepared for a long day, and you’ll likely leave feeling you’ve truly experienced the best of what this vibrant island offers.

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or airport, ensuring a comfortable journey.

What should I bring? Pack a change of clothes, towel, waterproof camera, comfortable clothes, beachwear, waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes for water activities.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, the optional canyoneering is suitable for kids aged 7 and up. Always check individual activity restrictions.

How long does the tour last? Expect a long day, starting as early as 2 am and returning around 5:30 pm, due to travel and multiple activities.

Are the guides knowledgeable? Yes, reviews highlight guides like Raul, Jave, Benje, and Odie for their friendliness, local knowledge, and helpfulness.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: