Cebu:WhaleShark Watching & Kawasan Canyoneering Private Tour

When it comes to exploring Cebu, combining wildlife encounters with adrenaline-pumping adventures is a winning formula. This private tour offers the chance to swim with gentle giants and test your limits amid lush waterfalls—all in one day. It’s a full-on experience packed with natural beauty, exciting activities, and plenty of authentic moments.

We love how this tour balances wildlife interaction and thrilling outdoor pursuits—perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing. The personalized service means fewer crowds and a more tailored experience. The expert guides really elevate the trip with their knowledge and friendly attitude. But, keep in mind, the canyoneering involves jumping and trekking, so it’s best suited for active travelers in good health. This tour suits adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts eager for a diverse day out in Cebu.

Good To Know

• Personalized Private Tour provides flexibility and comfort.
• Close encounters with whale sharks in their natural habitat are unforgettable.
• Kawasan Canyoneering offers a mix of hiking, jumping, and swimming in scenic surroundings.
• The tour is value-packed at $148, including all entrance fees, gear, and lunch.
• Guides like Jerry and Jerome are praised for their professionalism and friendliness.
• The experience is suitable for ages 7 and up, with safety gear provided.
• Timing is flexible, with pick-up available from multiple locations.
• Expect a full 10-hour day with a balance of activities and travel time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cebu’s Unique Combo: Whale Shark Watching & Canyoneering

This tour is a prime example of why Cebu is such a popular adventure destination. Combining the gentle magic of swimming with whale sharks with the adrenaline rush of Kawasan Canyoneering, it offers a well-rounded adventure that appeals to diverse interests. We’ll break down what makes each part special and what you should expect at every turn.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Pickup and Departure

Your day starts with an early morning pickup from 13 different locations, including Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and nearby towns like Moalboal and Oslob. This flexibility makes it easier to fit the tour into your Cebu itinerary without hassle. The pickup time is scheduled to maximize your day, but check availability to confirm the exact start.

Stop 1: Oslob for Whale Shark Encounter

After a comfortable transfer, you’ll arrive at Oslob, a well-known spot for close whale shark sightings. Breakfast is served here, giving you a moment to fuel up before the main event. The highlight? Snorkeling with whale sharks—a gentle, awe-inspiring experience that’s safe and well-organized.

Your guide will prepare your snorkeling gear—mask and life jacket—and provide safety instructions. Since Oslob’s policy means other guests will be on the boat, expect a small group setting rather than complete solitude, but guides like Jave are praised for their helpfulness and friendliness, making everyone feel at ease. Several reviews mention guides Jerry and Jerome, who go out of their way to make the experience memorable, often sharing interesting facts about these magnificent creatures.

Tip: The encounter lasts about 30 minutes, and many travelers find it deeply moving. We loved that the guides emphasize respecting the whale sharks’ natural environment, adding an educational layer to the fun.

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Stop 2: Lunch in Badian

Next, it’s time to refuel with a local lunch in Badian. The 30-minute break provides a chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy some Filipino dishes. The flexibility of a private tour means you can request specific preferences, ensuring a satisfying meal.

Stop 3: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

The final adventure takes place at Kawasan Falls, where a guided canyoneering tour awaits. You’ll gear up with a helmet, life jacket, and trekking shoes, ready to navigate a scenic landscape of waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear pools.

This activity involves scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, and swimming, making it suitable for energetic travelers in good health. Guides like Jerry and Jerome are experienced and attentive, providing safety tips and encouragement throughout. One reviewer mentioned how these guides made the experience ‘really special,’ and their local knowledge enhances every moment.

Expect about 3 hours of exploring the waterfalls, hiking along rocky paths, and swimming in natural pools. The views along the way are stunning, with lush green surroundings and cascading water providing plenty of photo opportunities.

Drop-off and End of Tour

After an action-packed day, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or chosen location, with options including Cebu City, Mactan, or nearby towns. The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, balancing activity and travel comfortably.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Balance of Wildlife and Adventure

What excites us most about this tour is its diversity. You’ll start with the calm, awe-inspiring presence of whale sharks, which is a bucket-list moment for many travelers. Then, the energy shifts to adventure sports through Kawasan Canyoneering, which gets your adrenaline pumping.

Expert Guides and Personalized Service

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides—such as Jerry, Jerome, and Jave—are a highlight. Their friendly demeanor, local knowledge, and safety-conscious approach elevate the experience. Having a private tour also means you can customize the timing and stops, making it more comfortable and tailored.

Cultural and Natural Immersion

You’ll get a taste of Filipino hospitality at lunch, plus the chance to enjoy scenic views and natural landscapes along the way. The combination of marine and land-based activities offers a well-rounded view of Cebu’s diverse environment.

Value for Money

At $148 per person, this tour includes all entrance fees, snorkeling gear, canyoneering equipment, and lunch. Considering the many activities packed into one day, it offers excellent value. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off further enhances its appeal, especially for travelers looking to maximize their time without the hassle of organizing transport.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Health and age requirements: Canyoneering is an extreme sport involving jumping and trekking; participants should be in good health. The minimum age is 7 years old.
• What to bring: Change of clothes, towel, toiletries, and a micro SD card for photos if renting a GoPro.
• Timing: Check availability for the starting times, as the tour runs roughly 10 hours.
• Flexibility: The tour is private, so you can adjust the schedule slightly with your guide.
• Photos and videos: GoPro rentals are available for around 600-800 pesos, and guides are helpful in capturing the moments.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a mix of wildlife and outdoor thrills in one day. It’s suited for those comfortable with water activities and physical movement, thanks to the active nature of canyoneering. Families with children over 7 years old will find it suitable, provided they are in good health.

Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see the majestic whale sharks and explore Kawasan’s scenic waterfalls, while thrill-seekers will love testing their limits with jumps and rappels. The excellent guides and private setup ensure a smooth, memorable day.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded Cebu adventure that hits both marine life and lush landscapes, this tour hits all the right notes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickups are available from many hotels within Cebu City, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, Moalboal, and Oslob.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, allowing ample time for each activity and travel.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees for whale shark swimming and canyoneering, snorkeling gear, guides, and lunch.

Can I join if I’m not a strong swimmer?
Snorkeling with whale sharks involves wearing a mask and life jacket, suitable for non-swimmers. Canyoneering requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Are the guides experienced?
Yes, guides like Jerry and Jerome are highly praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and safety-conscious approach.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, towel, toiletries, and possibly a micro SD card if you want to record your adventures.

Is there an age limit for canyoneering?
Yes, participants need to be at least 7 years old for safety reasons.

What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
You can request specific meal preferences during booking or inform your guide beforehand.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
Check availability for starting times, but mornings are typically preferred for whale shark encounters and the best waterfalls conditions.

To sum it up, this private Cebu tour offers a fantastic mix of marine encounters and land-based adventure, all delivered with the guidance of friendly, knowledgeable locals. It’s an active, exciting way to experience some of the best natural sights and creatures Cebu has to offer—ideal for travelers who crave a full, varied day out.

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