Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Travelers looking for an action-packed day in the Philippines often ask about combining marine wildlife encounters with waterfall adventures. This tour, offered by Enjoy Cebu Travel and Tours, promises just that—swimming with gentle whale sharks in Oslob followed by the exhilarating canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. With an average rating of 4.5 from eight reviews, it’s clear many find this journey worth their while, but like any adventure, it has its nuances.

We love the seamless mix of both marine and freshwater experiences, the professional guidance, and the scenic drives that make the long day feel even more special. The chance to snorkel alongside the largest fish in the world and then scramble through waterfalls under expert supervision is a real thrill. However, some travelers note that the logistics can be a bit unstructured, especially regarding timing and optional activities.

This tour suits those eager for a full-day adventure that’s both active and awe-inspiring. If you’re comfortable with a moderate physical activity and want to tick two major Philippine highlights off your list, this tour offers a compelling value with its comprehensive inclusion of transportation, guides, and meals.

Key Points

• Two in one: Combines marine life encounters with waterfall canyoning for a diverse day of adventure.
• Expert guides: Well-reviewed guides ensure safety and enhance the experience, especially during canyoneering.
• Good value: At $108, the tour includes transportation, activities, a beachfront lunch, and entrance fees.
• Timing flexibility: Early departures mean long travel hours, but the scenic drive is part of the adventure.
• Unstructured logistics: Some reviews mention minor issues with timing and communication, so patience is helpful.
• Suitability: Best for active travelers, age 7+, who are in good health and comfortable in water and on foot.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience: What to Expect

Early Departure and Scenic Drive

Most departures from Cebu City or Mactan happen between 2:00 am and 5:00 am, depending on your chosen itinerary. The roughly three-hour drive along the southern coastline offers beautiful views of the Philippines’ lush landscape and coastlines. While early mornings may feel daunting, the promise of an unforgettable day ahead keeps spirits high.

Whale Shark Encounter in Oslob

Once in Oslob, the highlight begins. You’ll spend about 30-45 minutes swimming and snorkeling with the world’s largest fish—the whale sharks. Reviews reveal that the experience is generally amazing, with guides like Hon, Jonas, and Briel praised for their care and attentiveness. One traveler noted that despite some inattentiveness at the start, the encounter was fun, and the whales were close enough for excellent photos.

Expect to observe these gentle giants gliding effortlessly through the water, often within arm’s reach if you stay close to the guides. The activity is generally safe for all ages, with no restrictions for children or adults, making it a popular family activity. When reviewing the experience, some noted that the encounter might be slightly hurried if the group is large, but guides tend to do their best to ensure everyone gets a good look.

Lunch with a View

Midday, you’ll stop at a local restaurant or beachfront base camp for a scenic lunch, giving everyone a chance to recharge. The included meal usually features Filipino favorites, served with a view of the ocean. Travelers have appreciated the opportunity to relax and discuss the mornings’ highlights, often remarking on the quality of the food and the friendly service.

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Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Adventure

In the afternoon, the tour shifts gears to Kawasan Falls Canyoneering in Badian. This activity involves trekking, climbing, jumping, and swimming through a series of turquoise waterfalls and natural pools. The experience is usually about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and group size.

Multiple reviewers highlight the professional guidance of instructors like Hon, Jonas, and Briel, who are attentive and safety-conscious. One mentioned that the trail is challenging if you’re out of shape, especially with steep climbs and jumping from heights of 5-7 meters. The activity is suitable for children 7+ but requires a certain level of physical fitness.

The highlight for many is the adrenaline rush from jumping into crystal-clear waters and the thrill of navigating the rugged terrain. Some travelers say it was their first ziplining or canyoning experience, but the guides made them feel safe and supported.

Additional optional activities like ziplining are available, but they come with extra costs and are not included in the standard package. If you’re a fan of adventure activities, you might want to consider adding ziplining or renting a GoPro for capturing the surefire photo moments.

Return Journey and Reflection

After a full day of adventures, the drive back to Cebu City or Mactan typically arrives around 7:00 pm, wrapping up an action-packed day. Several reviews mention that the return trip is smooth, though some express concerns about the dangerous driving on winding roads—so sit back and enjoy the scenery, but keep your seatbelt on.

Practical Details and Tips

• Transportation: Included round-trip transport from Cebu City or Mactan, with extra charges (PHP 500) if pickup/drop-off is outside designated areas.
• Duration: Expect a long day, around 12 hours from pickup to drop-off.
• Cost: $108 per person, which covers transportation, guides, activities, entrance fees, and a meal—considered good value for the full-day experience.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera to capture the moments.
• Extras: You might want to rent a GoPro (PHP 550) for capturing the adventure, as guides are available to take photos and videos.

Important Considerations

• Age Restrictions: Canyoneering participants must be at least 7 years old; whale shark watching has no age restrictions.
• Health & Safety: Participants should be in good health, able to swim, and free from medical issues like back, heart, or pregnancy-related conditions.
• Weather & Safety: Activities may be canceled or postponed in bad weather, with 24-hour notice.
• Logistics: Some travelers experienced confusion over pickup times due to communication issues, so clarify your pickup details beforehand.

Authentic Reviews: What Travelers Say

Many reviewers praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the guides, with comments like “Hon, Jonas, and Briel took excellent care of me,” and “The guides were super friendly and helpful.” The scenic views and clear waters at Kawasan Falls often steal the show—one traveler called it “beautiful,” with many noting the zipline and jumping from cliffs as the highlight.

However, some reviews mention logistical hiccups, such as unplanned changes in pickup times or feeling unsafe due to dangerous driving on winding roads. It’s worth noting that a few found the trail challenging if they weren’t in shape, but most agree that the adrenaline rush and stunning scenery made it worthwhile.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking for a full-day, action-filled tour. If you like snorkeling with marine wildlife and don’t mind physical activity, you’ll enjoy the whale shark encounter. Meanwhile, the waterfall canyoning appeals to those craving a mix of hiking, jumping, and swimming in natural pools.

Families with children 7 and above will find this engaging and manageable, provided everyone is comfortable in water and physically active. Those who prefer a more relaxed day might find the long drive and physical exertion a bit tiring but will be rewarded with unforgettable memories.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a fantastic balance of marine wildlife and waterfall adventure, making it a great choice for travelers wanting diverse experiences in one day. The inclusion of transportation, guides, and meals provides good value, and the scenic drives add to the overall charm.

While logistical issues have been noted, most travelers agree that the guides’ professionalism and the awe-inspiring sights make the experience worthwhile. It’s perfect for active, curious travelers ready for a day of exploration and excitement. Just be prepared for an early start, a bit of physical activity, and an unforgettable story to tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Cebu City or Mactan is included, with extra charges if pickups are outside certain areas.

How long does the whale shark swimming last?
The actual swimming or snorkeling with whale sharks usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.

Are children allowed to participate?
Yes, whale shark watching has no age restrictions, but participants for canyoneering must be at least 7 years old.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Optional: rent a GoPro for PHP 550.

What is the activity level for canyoneering?
It involves trekking, climbing, jumping, and swimming, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The trail can be challenging if out of shape.

Can I do ziplining?
Ziplining at Kawasan Falls is available but not included in the standard package; extra costs apply.

What if the weather is bad?
Activities may be canceled or postponed if weather conditions are unsafe, with a 24-hour notice.

How long does the whole tour last?
Expect a full day, generally about 12 hours, from early pickup to return.

What’s the best way to capture the experience?
You can rent a GoPro for PHP 550, or bring your own waterproof camera. Guides are available to assist with photos and videos.

This combined adventure delivers a great mix of nature, wildlife, and adrenaline, making it a solid choice for those wanting a diverse Philippine experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: