Dumaguete City is a surprisingly lively hub of activity and natural beauty. While it’s often known as the university town of Negros Oriental, it’s also a fantastic starting point for exploring lush lakes, waterfalls, and marine wonders. We particularly like the Dumaguete Tours in English because it offers a highly personalized experience, combining natural sights with customized recommendations tailored just for you. Whether you want to hike around twin lakes or learn about local cuisine, these tours put you in capable hands, led by guides who truly know the area.
If you’re eager to explore the countryside or enjoy some snorkeling, Dumaguete has several excellent options. The Full Day Apo Island Tour is a favorite for underwater lovers, while the Casaroro Falls & Twin Lakes Tour takes you straight into some of Negros’ most dramatic scenery. For a quick escape, the Dumaguete: Twin Lakes Balinsasayao nature adventure and city tour offers a gentle introduction to the area’s natural highlights. Whichever you choose, these options show why Dumaguete is a top base for authentic Filipino adventures.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of tours, from private personalized excursions to small-group adventures. The standout includes the Dumaguete Tours in English for a full, flexible day with a local guide, and the Full Day Apo Island Tour for snorkeling in pristine waters. For outdoor lovers, the Casaroro Falls & Twin Lakes Tour combines a scenic waterfall with mountain lakes, while the Dumaguete: Twin Lakes Balinsasayao nature adventure offers a less intense, more relaxed nature outing. Finally, the Dumaguete Oslob Whaleshark Tour offers the chance to swim with gentle giants, although reviews note some variability in experience. Read on for detailed descriptions of each.
1. Dumaguete Tours in English
For around $189 per group (up to four people), this private, fully customized tour offers the chance to explore Dumaguete’s natural wonders with an experienced English-speaking guide. James, a guide originally from Los Angeles now living in the Philippines, makes this tour stand out. He’s known for responding quickly and sharing insightful tips on everything from local restaurants to hidden spots.
The day includes visits to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, where you’ll enjoy a scenic drive, then a possible hike to a beautiful observation tower (weather permitting), and a stop at Pulangbato Falls, where you can dip your feet in the cool water under the waterfall. The tour emphasizes comfort and flexibility, with pickup from your hotel and tailored recommendations along the way. The hiking involved is moderate, but not necessary for everyone.
What makes this tour unique is the personalized approach and James’ local knowledge, making it as much about cultural insights as natural beauty. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and expertise, often noting that the trip exceeded expectations. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, private experience that covers a lot of ground in a day.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for those seeking a flexible, in-depth look at Dumaguete’s top natural sites with a knowledgeable guide.
2. Dumaguete: Twin Lakes Balinsasayao nature adventure and city tour
For $75 per person, this half or full-day private tour combines a scenic drive and nature walk with a taste of local life. It’s perfect if you want to see the twin lakes and enjoy a simple, relaxed introduction to the area. The tour includes a visit to the Alimyon Kapehan, a local restaurant with great views over the town and sea, where you can savor Filipino flavors while soaking up the scenery.
This tour is less about hiking and more about soaking in the natural atmosphere. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer a gentle pace, want to avoid crowds, and appreciate easy access to beautiful landscapes. It’s an ideal choice if you’re short on time but want to experience Negros’ lush greenery and tranquil lakes.
What makes this option stand out is its focus on local ambiance and a personalized touch, with a private guide to answer questions and point out details. It’s a straightforward, affordable way to enjoy the lakes while avoiding the bus crowds.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a relaxed, local experience perfect for travelers who want an easy introduction to Negros’ natural beauty without strenuous activity.
3. Full Day Apo Island Tour from Dumaguete
At number 3 is the Full Day Apo Island Tour, costing about $145 per person. This is a highlight for anyone interested in snorkeling and marine life. The trip includes a boat ride to Apo Island, known for its vibrant coral reefs and turtle encounters. You’ll stop at Turtle Point, where you can swim alongside sea turtles in shallow waters—an experience that many find unforgettable.
After a fresh island lunch, you have the option to trek for panoramic views along the Habagat Trail, which rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of the coastline and marine reserve. The tour’s appeal lies in its combination of underwater adventure and scenic land views, making it a full-body experience in just one day.
The boat crew and snorkel guides are praised for their friendliness and professionalism, with reviewers mentioning how they felt safe and well-informed. This tour is ideal for active travelers who want a mix of beach, wildlife, and casual exploration.
Bottom Line: Apo Island offers excellent snorkeling and a relaxed island vibe, making this tour perfect for ocean lovers and those wanting a stress-free day in the water.
4. Dumaguete Oslob Whaleshark Tour
If swimming with whale sharks is on your bucket list, this tour for around $161.80 takes you from Dumaguete to Oslob on Cebu Island. It’s a shorter, 4-5 hour experience, focusing solely on the famous whale shark viewing. The Oslob tours are well-known for the chance to see these gentle giants up close.
The experience involves snorkeling in designated areas, with guides ensuring safety and helping you spot the sharks. However, reviews are mixed—some travelers note it can feel a bit commercialized or crowded, with the experience varying depending on the day’s conditions. Still, if your priority is to tick off this bucket list item, it’s hard to beat the proximity and ease of access from Dumaguete.
Be aware that admission tickets are not included in the price, and timing can affect the quality of your encounter. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see whale sharks but willing to accept the logistical and environmental trade-offs.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a rare chance to swim with whale sharks, but be prepared for crowds and variable experiences.
5. Dumaguete Casaroro Falls & Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Tour
At around $172, this full-day adventure is perfect if you want an active, outdoorsy experience. It combines a challenging hike to Casaroro Falls with visits to the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao & Danao. The trail to Casaroro Falls involves a steep, 100-foot descent down a long staircase, so good footwear and a bit of stamina are necessary.
Once at the falls, you can enjoy swimming and picnicking in an impressive setting. Later, the tour takes you to the lakes, where a boat ride and scenic views await. The guide helps you navigate river crossings and trail sections, making it suitable for travelers comfortable with moderate hiking.
While there are no reviews yet, the clear itinerary and inclusion of lunch and bottled water make this a solid choice for active travelers. It’s best suited for those who want a full day of outdoor adventure with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: If you’re physically prepared and want to combine waterfalls and lakes into a single trip, this tour delivers a comprehensive outdoor experience.
How to Choose Your Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interest level, and fitness. For a personalized, flexible experience, the Dumaguete Tours in English offers tailored exploration, perfect if you’d like a private guide. If your main goal is to snorkel and see marine life, the Apo Island full-day tour is hard to beat. For those wanting a gentle introduction to the area’s lakes, the Twin Lakes adventure offers simplicity and comfort. And if swimming with whale sharks is a must, the Oslob tour hits the mark despite some variability in crowds.
Timing also matters—try to book well in advance during peak seasons, especially for popular tours like Apo Island or whale shark excursions. Keep in mind that some tours involve moderate hiking or outdoor activity, so pack appropriate gear.
Final Thoughts
Dumaguete offers a diverse range of tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. The private Dumaguete Tours in English is excellent for personalized exploration, while the Apo Island snorkeling trip appeals to ocean lovers. For those seeking scenic hikes and waterfalls, the combination tour to Casaroro Falls and Twin Lakes delivers a full outdoor adventure.
No matter which you choose, booking early ensures you get the preferred date and time, especially during busy travel seasons. Consider your interests—whether it’s wildlife, waterfalls, or cultural insights—and pick the experience that best fits your trip. The natural beauty of Negros is waiting, so get planning and enjoy your time in Dumaguete.