Cebu Moalboal: Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure with Lunch

Cebu’s Kawasan Falls is famous for its turquoise waters and lush scenery, but for those craving a bit more adrenaline, the Kawasan Canyoneering tour takes things to the next level. This guided journey combines river jumps, water slides, and waterfall leaps, all led by knowledgeable guides who make safety a priority. We’ve looked into this experience to give you a detailed, honest overview—perfect for travelers who love outdoor adventures and authentic local cuisine.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides who keep everything safe and fun. Second, the breathtaking natural scenery that makes every jump and slide feel like a scene from an adventure movie. Third, the delicious homemade Filipino lunch, which is a refreshing break after all the water action. That said, a possible consideration is the moderate physical fitness level required—it’s not a casual stroll, but if you’re comfortable with water-based activities, you’ll love it.

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor challenges and are comfortable around water. It’s ideal for those seeking a full-day adventure that combines nature, thrill, and local culture. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, travelers with back problems, or those with mobility or heart issues.

Good To Know

• Adrenaline-filled river jumps, slides, and waterfall leaps make this tour exciting.
• Guides like Ken, Christian, James, and Louie receive high praise for their helpfulness and photography skills.
• Authentic Filipino lunch offers vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, and halal options, served by a caring local mom.
• Perfect for active travelers with moderate fitness levels who want a day full of adventure.
• Pick-up and drop-off included from Moalboal and Badian, ensuring convenience.
• Weather-dependent — poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so keep an eye on the forecast.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Kawasan Canyoneering Experience

The Introduction and Logistics

Starting from Moalboal, the tour typically begins early in the morning, with hotel pickups arranged in areas like Panagsama Road, Tuble Road, or near White Beach. The transportation—comfortable vans—drive for about 30 minutes to the Matutinao River, the epicenter of your adventure. This early start means fewer crowds at the falls, which many reviewers appreciated, emphasizing the peaceful, almost private vibe of their experience.

Once you arrive, you’ll gear up with helmets, life jackets, and safety equipment—provided, along with sturdy canyoneering shoes. The guides are licensed professionals who prioritize safety without sacrificing fun. Reviewers like Rain and Megan consistently highlighted how helpful and attentive the guides, such as Gerald, Caleb, and Ryan, were in supporting those with concerns, encouraging even the more hesitant to jump and explore.

The Adventure Begins: River Jumps, Slides, and Climbing

Your journey down the Matutinao River involves a mix of swimming, climbing, sliding, and jumping. The water’s cool and invigorating, perfect for staying alert. The highlights include jumping from waterfalls, sliding down natural rock slides, and navigating through narrow river passages. For many, the thrill of jumping from heights up to 10 meters (around 33 feet) is the main draw, although all jumps are optional—reviewers emphasize that you can skip any if you’re uncomfortable.

A standout feature is the Tarzan swing, where you swing out over the water and leap off into the pool below, a move that gets many adrenaline seekers excited. The guides are excellent at timing and coaching, making sure everyone feels secure before taking the plunge. Several reviews mention how guides like Jonathan and Ryan took the time to take professional-quality photos and videos, capturing these moments perfectly.

The Waterfall Leaps and Natural Beauty

The journey culminates at Kawasan Falls, where the water is clear and inviting. Here, some of the most dramatic jumps happen—like jumping from the top of a waterfall into the deep pool. For those less keen on jumping from great heights, there are alternative routes, but many reviewers say the guides are great at encouraging confidence and making sure everyone gets a shot at the big jumps.

The surrounding scenery is lush and untouched, making this more than just an adrenaline rush—it’s an immersion in nature’s raw beauty. Quiet moments spent lounging by the water or taking in the views are common in reviews, especially from visitors who appreciated the guides’ efforts to ensure everyone had ample time to enjoy the setting.

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Post-Adventure Rest and Feast

After the water fun, the tour pauses for a homemade Filipino lunch prepared by a local mom. The meal features local flavors, with vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and halal options available, reflecting the guides’ thoughtful approach. Reviewers like Max and Eimear raved about the quality and authenticity of the meal, saying it felt like a genuine taste of Filipino hospitality.

The lunch is served in a relaxed, natural setting, with sweet and tangy iced tea to refresh your palate. Many guests comment that this break feels well-deserved after the physical activity, and it provides a chance to chat with fellow travelers and share stories.

Return and Final Impressions

The trip concludes with comfortable van rides back to Moalboal, typically taking about 30 minutes from Kawasan Falls. The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, giving ample time for action and relaxation. Reviewers consistently praise the well-organized nature of the day, with some mentioning early start times as a way to beat the crowds and maximize fun.

The Real Value of the Kawasan Canyoneering Tour

At $49 per person, this tour offers an impressive mix of adventure, safety, and local culture. The price includes all safety gear, a professional licensed guide, transportation, and that delicious homemade lunch, which many reviewers say is worth a lot more than the extra cost of some other tours. The guides’ photos and videos—often their best souvenirs—are an extra bonus, capturing moments you wouldn’t want to miss.

Considering the reviews praising guide attentiveness, scenic beauty, and the variety of jumps, it’s clear this experience offers excellent value. The tour’s safety measures and group sizes (maximum of 13 people per guide) ensure a personalized and secure outing, which is reassuring for first-timers or less confident swimmers.

Who Would Love This?

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want a full-day adventure filled with water-based fun and scenic beauty. It’s especially suited for those with moderate fitness levels, as it involves some walking, climbing, and jumping. Families with older children (over 12) who are comfortable in water will enjoy it, but it’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or those with significant mobility or medical issues.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from Moalboal, Badian, and Alegria, making the trip hassle-free.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes. Optional items like waterproof cases or dry bags are not included but can be helpful.

Are the jumps mandatory?
No, all jumps, including from waterfalls, are optional. Guides encourage but do not pressure anyone into leaping.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It requires a moderate fitness level, involving swimming, climbing, and walking. It’s not suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

What about the weather?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a homemade Filipino lunch is part of the experience, with options for vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, and halal diets.

Can I buy photos and videos?
Many guides, like James and Ken, take photos and videos during the trip, which you might be able to purchase or download later.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a day packed with water adventure, scenic beauty, and genuine Filipino hospitality, this Kawasan Canyoneering tour offers incredible value. The guides’ friendliness, combined with the thrill of jumping and sliding, creates a memorable experience that appeals to adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The included homemade lunch and hassle-free transfers make it a convenient choice for travelers staying in Moalboal.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy active outings and are comfortable around water. It’s not ideal for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility or medical issues. But for everyone else, it promises a fun, safe, and authentically Filipino adventure that will leave you with stories to tell for years.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a group, or a family, this experience delivers on excitement and natural beauty, making it a highlight of any Cebu itinerary. Just pack your sense of adventure—your guides will do the rest!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby