Cebu Group Tour: Whaleshark Watching & Kawasan Canyoneering

If you’re looking to pack a full day of adventure into your Cebu trip, this group tour offers an enticing mix of marine marvels and adrenaline-pumping canyon exploration. From swimming alongside the world’s gentle giants, the whalesharks, to tackling rugged waterfalls and cliff jumps, it promises a bit of everything. The fact that it’s designed as a well-organized group experience means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers, all while ticking off two of Cebu’s top attractions.

Three things we really love about this tour are its diverse activities—catering to both marine lovers and thrill-seekers, the value for money at just $118 per person considering the transportation, gear, and meals included, and the local guides who seem to bring extra safety and insights to the experience. That said, a potential concern is the long day’s schedule, which can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to outdoor activities or early starts. Still, this tour is best suited for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of water fun and physical activity—and who don’t mind getting a little muddy and wet along the way.

Good To Know

• Includes transportation, gear, and lunch, providing excellent value.
• Perfect for adventure seekers comfortable with physical activity and outdoor conditions.
• A well-organized day that moves smoothly through different locations with guided support.
• Combines marine wildlife encounters with exhilarating canyon adventures.
• Duration of about 8 hours, so good planning is needed for those with tight schedules.
• Group size seems manageable, with guides ensuring safety and fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Diving Into the Experience: What to Expect

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour kicks off with pickup from eight different locations, including Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and beyond, making it flexible for various accommodation options. Expect to be on the road for roughly three hours from your hotel to Oslob. That’s a fair bit of travel, but during the ride, guides often share local insights and tips, helping build anticipation for the day ahead.

Once in Oslob, the highlight is swimming alongside whale sharks. The tour includes guided marine viewing, snorkeling gear, and the chance to see these gentle giants up close. According to reviews, guides provide safety instructions and ensure everyone is comfortable, which is reassuring given how close you’ll be to these impressive creatures. You might find that the experience is surreal, especially if you’re used to seeing marine life only in aquariums.

After about 30 minutes of whale shark viewing, you’ll head back into the van for the roughly one-hour drive to Badian. Here, the real thrill begins with Kawasan Canyoneering. This part of the tour typically lasts around 3.5 hours and is packed with diverse activities—trekking, cliff jumps, slides, and swimming. Guides emphasize safety and proper technique, especially for the jumps from 10 to 30 feet, but remember, it’s an extreme activity and requires a decent level of fitness.

Kawasan Canyoneering: An Adventure for All Senses

The journey to Kawasan Falls involves trekking through lush tropical forests, offering scenic trail views and a chance to enjoy Cebu’s natural beauty. Many reviews praise the visual appeal of the surroundings, with plenty of photo opportunities of cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools.

Once at Kawasan Falls, you’ll have time to swim in the cool waters, relax on bamboo rafts, or just soak in the scenery. The falls are described as stunning and photogenic, and many travelers appreciate the opportunity to cool off after the exertion of canyoneering. The entire adventure lasts about 3 to 5 hours, including walking, jumping, sliding, and swimming.

The Thrill of Cliff-Jumping and Sliding

The jumping sections are a major draw—multiple jumps from cliffs of varying heights keep the adrenaline flowing. The guides make sure jumps are done safely, and for those less confident, they often suggest safer options or alternative activities. If you’re a fan of natural water slides, you’ll love the rock slides, which are a refreshing way to descend into pools.

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Post-Activity Relaxation and Return

After the canyoneering, you’ll enjoy a local Filipino lunch, often featuring delicious traditional dishes. Many reviews mention the quality and flavor of the meal, which is a great way to refuel after a vigorous morning.

The day wraps up with the return trip to Cebu, with drop-offs at various locations, including Cebu City, Talisay, and Maribago. Expect to arrive back around 8 hours after pickup, making for a full but rewarding day.

The Practical Side: What You Should Know

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $118 per person covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees to the whale shark site and Kawasan Canyoneering, snorkeling gear, canyoneering gear (lifejacket, helmet, trekking shoes), and lunch. These inclusions mean you won’t have to worry about additional costs for essential equipment or meals, which is a big plus for budget-conscious travelers.

However, meals before the tour are not included, so having breakfast is recommended. You’ll also need to consider optional extras like Go-Pro rentals (Php 600-800) or the zipline (Php 600), which are available on-site if you want to capture memories or get an extra thrill.

Timing and Booking

The tour runs for about 8 hours, with availability-dependent start times. It’s advisable to check ahead and confirm the exact pickup time, which will be sent a day before. Keep in mind that tours require a minimum of 4 participants, so if your group is smaller, you might need to reschedule or be flexible.

What to Bring

Given the activities, pack change of clothes, a towel, water, and waterproof gear (camera, bag, shoes). Since you’ll be in and around water and mud, avoid bringing large luggage or oversize bags.

Important Considerations

• The activity is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues (back or heart problems).
• Be prepared for an active day, with trekking, jumping, and swimming involved.
• Guides are mostly English-speaking, and safety is prioritized, but always listen carefully to instructions.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of guides like Boss J Cebu Tours, who ensure safety and fun. One reviewer mentioned that the guides “kept a close eye on everyone,” which helps first-timers feel secure during jumps. Others noted that the guide’s tips helped improve their confidence, especially during cliff jumps.

Several travelers appreciated the delicious Filipino lunch, describing it as a satisfying end to the day. The scenic views during the drive and at Kawasan Falls also get special mention, as many say they exceeded expectations and provided great photo opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This combination of marine wildlife and rugged adventure makes the tour perfect for active travelers who crave variety. If you’re comfortable with snorkeling, jumping, and hiking, and want to maximize your Cebu experience without multiple bookings, this tour offers great value. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with friends or family who want a shared adventure, as the group setting fosters camaraderie.

However, if you prefer relaxed sightseeing or are not physically inclined, some parts of the day could be challenging. Still, the well-guided nature of the tour helps make sure everyone stays safe and enjoys each activity at their own pace.

To sum it up, this tour is a robust, exciting experience that captures the essence of Cebu’s natural beauty and adventure spirit. From the awe of swimming with whalesharks to the adrenaline rush of canyon jumps, it’s a well-rounded day that truly offers a taste of Cebu’s diverse landscape.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?
The whole experience lasts around 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Filipino lunch is provided during the canyoneering stop.

What gear is included?
Snorkeling gear (lifejacket, mask) and canyoneering gear (lifejacket, helmet, trekking shoes) are all included.

Can I join if I’m not a good swimmer?
While snorkeling is involved, guides are experienced and will assist. Stay close to the guides and communicate your comfort level.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with several pickup points available.

What should I bring?
Bring change of clothes, towel, water, waterproof camera, beachwear, waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes.

Is the activity suitable for children?
Not for children under 7; the activities are physically demanding and involve safety risks.

Can I cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Are there optional extras?
Yes, you can rent a Go-Pro or try the zipline on-site for additional fees.

In summary, this Cebu tour offers a balanced blend of marine discovery and outdoor thrill, packaged into a manageable and well-organized day. Whether it’s your first time swimming with whalesharks or your adrenaline kicks in over canyon jumps, it’s an activity that promises memories—and plenty of stories to tell.

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