Cebu: Private Sumilon Island & Optional Whale Shark Swim

Cebu’s Sumilon Island offers a unique opportunity to take in breathtaking natural beauty. This private tour promises an unforgettable day, with highlights ranging from pristine beaches and serene lagoons to the thrilling chance to swim with whale sharks. Priced at $105.14 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transport, and a scenic boat ride, allowing visitors to fully experience this island paradise. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Sumilon Island has something to captivate every traveler.

Contents show

Key Points

Private tour of Sumilon Island from Cebu City, Mactan, or Lapu-Lapu City, with a duration of 11-13 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transfer, entrance fees, and boat ride to Sumilon Island.
Offers optional upgrades for resort access, lunch buffet, and use of facilities like snorkeling gear.
Provides the opportunity for an optional whale shark swimming experience with a safety briefing.
Tour not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and children under 7 are prohibited from snorkeling with whale sharks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private tour of Sumilon Island offers an opportunity to explore this exclusive destination from $105.14 per person.

The tour lasts 11-13 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour lasts 11-13 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transfer, entrance fees, and a boat ride to the island.

Guests can upgrade to include resort access, a lunch buffet, and use of facilities.

However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Cebu

Itinerary and Activities

The tour kicks off with a pickup from accommodations in Cebu City, Mactan, or Lapu-Lapu City, followed by an early morning departure to Oslob city. After a boat ride, visitors have 4-5 hours to explore Sumilon Island’s stunning lagoon, pristine beaches, and local wildlife. An optional whale shark swimming experience is available, with a safety briefing provided. Guests can also upgrade to access the resort’s facilities, including a lunch buffet, towels, and snorkeling gear.

| Activity | Duration | Included |

|———-|———-|———-|

| Island Exploration | 4-5 hours | Entrance fees, boat ride |

| Whale Shark Swimming | – | Optional upgrade |

| Resort Access | – | Lunch buffet, towels, snorkeling gear |

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as private air-conditioned transportation.

Entrance fees and a boat ride to Sumilon Island are also included. Guests can opt for the whale shark swimming experience, which comes with a safety briefing.

The tour includes a boat ride to Sumilon Island and the option to experience swimming with whale sharks, with a safety briefing provided.

Those who choose the resort access option will enjoy the use of facilities, towels, snorkeling gear, and a lunch buffet.

However, the itinerary is subject to local conditions and weather, and the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Children under 7 are prohibited from snorkeling with whale sharks but can watch from the boat.

Important Information

Not suitable for people with mobility impairments, the tour may not be accessible for all.

Certain restrictions apply for children under 7 years old – they’re prohibited from snorkeling with the whale sharks but can observe from the boat.

Visitors must refrain from touching or harming the whale sharks, as this is strictly forbidden.

The itinerary is subject to local conditions and weather, which may cause changes or delays.

This tour offers an immersive experience in Sumilon Island and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, provided guests adhere to the following guidelines:

No mobility impairments
Children under 7 can’t snorkel with whale sharks
Don’t touch or harm the whale sharks
Itinerary may change due to local conditions and weather

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about this tour? According to the feedback, the overall rating is 3 out of 5 based on 7 reviews.

Customers praised the guide and transportation, rating them 5 out of 5. However, they expressed concerns about time management, long transit, and lack of food and water during the trip.

The guide and transportation received high praise, but customers expressed concerns about time management, transit, and lack of refreshments during the trip.

Opinions on the value for money and experience quality were mixed, especially regarding the whale shark swimming and island visit time. Some felt the experience didn’t quite live up to expectations, while others found it satisfactory.

Customers’ experiences seem to vary, but the tour could benefit from better logistical planning.

Hope to spot more marine life? These other whale watching options in Cebu are worth considering

Exploring Sumilon Island’s Lagoon and Beaches

Upon arriving at Sumilon Island, visitors can explore its picturesque lagoon and pristine beaches.

The island offers a diverse array of activities:

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear lagoon, where vibrant marine life can be observed.
Sunbathing and swimming on the white sand beaches, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Hiking along trails to discover hidden coves and scenic viewpoints.
Relaxing in the shade of coconut palms, taking in the tranquil island atmosphere.

With ample time to take in the natural wonders of Sumilon Island, visitors can truly appreciate the beauty and serenity of this tropical paradise.

Whale Shark Swimming Experience

Although an optional activity, the whale shark swimming experience is a popular highlight for many visitors to Sumilon Island. Participants receive a safety briefing before entering the water to swim alongside these gentle giants. Children under 7 are prohibited from in-water interactions but can observe the whale sharks from the boat. Swimmers must follow strict guidelines to avoid disturbing the whale sharks. The experience is subject to local weather and water conditions, and availability is not guaranteed. The tour operator emphasizes the importance of responsible, sustainable tourism to protect the whale sharks.

| Considerations | Details |

| — | — |

| Age Limit | Children under 7 cannot swim with whale sharks |

| Safety | Mandatory safety briefing, guidelines to avoid disturbance |

| Duration | Depends on local conditions and whale shark sightings |

| Sustainability | Responsible tourism practices to protect the animals |

Resort Access and Amenities

An optional resort access upgrade allows visitors to Sumilon Island to enjoy the island’s facilities and amenities.

The upgrade includes:

Access to the resort’s private beaches and lagoon.
Use of the resort’s swimming pool, fitness center, and other recreational facilities.
A lunch buffet featuring local and international cuisine.
Complimentary towels, snorkeling gear, and other beach essentials.

This upgrade provides a more luxurious and comfortable experience on the island, allowing guests to fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty while also having access to modern amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Visa Requirements for Visiting Sumilon Island?

There are no visa requirements to visit Sumilon Island. The tour package includes hotel pickup, boat transportation, and access to the island’s facilities. Visitors should ensure they have the necessary travel documents for their overall trip to the Philippines.

Is There an Age Limit for the Whale Shark Swimming Experience?

Yes, there’s an age limit for the whale shark swimming experience. Children under 7 aren’t allowed to swim with the whale sharks but can watch from the boat.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear to the Island?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear to the island. However, the resort also provides snorkeling equipment for guests as part of the included amenities. Bringing your own gear may be more convenient if you have a preferred set.

Are There Any Cultural or Religious Restrictions on the Island?

There are no known cultural or religious restrictions on Sumilon Island. The island is a popular tourist destination, and visitors are generally free to explore and enjoy the island’s natural beauty and activities without any significant limitations.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Resort Access Upgrade?

The cancellation policy for the resort access upgrade allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers who may need to change their plans.

The Sum Up

Sumilon Island’s private tour from Cebu offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the island’s natural beauty. With a range of activities and amenities, including the thrilling whale shark swimming experience, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, or resort-style relaxation, this Sumilon Island experience is a must-consider for your Cebu itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: