If you’re dreaming of a day packed with wildlife encounters and adrenaline-pumping adventure, this Cebu Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Canyoneering tour promises to deliver. Offered by Mcrich Travel, it combines two of Cebu’s most popular activities—snorkeling with the gentle giants of the sea and conquering rugged cliffside canyons—into one thrilling package.
While it’s a long day and involves some extreme sports, it’s perfect for those eager to soak up authentic Cebu experiences without breaking the bank. The tour gets high marks for guides’ knowledge and stunning scenery, though some travelers have noted it can sometimes involve waiting. Still, for adventure lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, it’s an outing that’s hard to beat.
What we love about this tour is how it balances wildlife, nature, and adventure in a single day. You get the chance to see whale sharks in their natural habitat, scramble over scenic cliffs, and finish with the lush beauty of Kawasan Falls (or an alternative, since it’s temporarily closed). The value for the price is quite competitive considering the inclusions like lunch, gear, and guides.
A key consideration is the early start—pickups are between 3:00 and 3:30 AM—so it’s not for night owls. Plus, it’s best suited for those in good health who’re comfortable with physical activity, especially the canyoneering part. This tour suits adventurous travelers, wildlife lovers, or anyone wanting a well-rounded day out in Cebu.
Good To Know
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- Authentic wildlife encounter: Swim with gentle whale sharks in Oslob
- Adventurous activities: Scramble, jump, and rappel through Badian’s cliffs
- Beautiful scenery: Scenic views from cliff jumps and Kawasan Falls (or its replacement)
- Full-day experience: Approximately 12 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off
- All-included value: Gear, guides, entrance fees, and lunch included
- Early start: Pickup between 3:00 and 3:30 AM, so be prepared for a long day
An In-Depth Look at the Tour
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The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins early, with pickup from your Cebu hotel around 3:00–3:30 AM. This means you’ll need to be ready bright and early, but it ensures you make the most of the day. After a roughly 2 to 3-hour drive, you’ll arrive in Oslob for your whale shark adventure.
Whale Shark Viewing and Snorkeling: Once in Oslob, you’ll join a guided tour where you’ll snorkel with these gentle giants—an iconic experience in Cebu. Guides like Mcrich Travel’s team are praised for their knowledge, ensuring you get close to the whale sharks while maintaining safety. Reviewers mention a long wait during peak times, but also say it’s still worth it to see these magnificent creatures up close, even if you’re mostly holding onto the boat during the wait.
After the whale shark encounter, you’ll have a 30-minute break for breakfast, fueling up before heading to Badian for the adrenaline rush of canyoneering. The scenic drive offers a chance to relax and enjoy the lush surroundings.
Can You Canyoneer in Badian?
This part of the tour is often highlighted as the most thrilling. Expect to climb, scramble, jump, and rappel over cliffs amid gorgeous scenery. The activity involves jumping from heights up to 30 feet, so it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted or those with health concerns. Guides are reputed to be friendly and safety-conscious, ensuring you’re protected with helmets, life jackets, and aqua shoes.
Due to an official temporary closure of Kawasan Falls (as of June 2, 2023), the tour now takes guests to Kabutongan Falls, but the excitement remains the same. Reviewers have shared that this part of the trip is the highlight, with many appreciating the expert guidance and the chance to conquer the cliffs.
The Scenic Finish at Kawasan or Kabutongan Falls
Traditionally, this tour ends with a relaxing swim at Kawasan Falls. However, since the falls are temporarily closed for cleanup, the tour now includes a visit to Kabutongan Falls. You’ll still enjoy a refreshing dip and scenic surroundings—a perfect way to cool down after the adrenaline of canyoneering.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch and Return
After the canyoning, a 30-minute lunch break provides a chance to refuel. Expect local dishes, often served buffet-style, giving you a taste of Cebu’s flavors. Post-lunch, there’s a leisurely 3-hour guided hike in the area, which adds a bit of sightseeing and outdoor activity before heading back.
The day concludes with drop-off at five designated locations in Cebu—Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Banilad, and Apas—allowing for easy access to your hotel or next destination.
How Does the Experience Feel?
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This tour offers a balanced mix of calm and adrenaline. The whale shark encounter is quite gentle—not a swim-through experience but more of a snorkel while holding on to the boat, which some reviewers found disappointing. One guest mentioned, “Long wait for the whale sharks, where you don’t really swim, you just hold to the boat,” but still described the close encounter as amazing.
Meanwhile, the canyoneering segment is definitely intense. Expect jumping off cliffs, trekking through rivers, and rappelling, all under the supervision of attentive guides who ensure safety at every step. The views from the cliffs tend to be highly praised, with many saying it’s “an awesome experience,” especially if you enjoy physical challenges.
The scenery throughout the day is another highlight—lush landscapes, rugged cliffs, and clear waters. Reviewers describe the guide’s knowledge as a big plus, with some mentioning that guides like Kevin and Tony made the trip more enjoyable by sharing local insights and ensuring everyone felt safe.
Practical Details and Tips
Transport & Timing: Expect a long day, with early pickup and a 12-hour duration. The drive from Cebu can take around 2 hours to Oslob, then additional travel to Badian. The group size is small enough to feel personalized but large enough for camaraderie, typically with other travelers sharing the experience.
Pricing & Value: At $137 per person, the tour includes entrance fees, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, lunch, and guides. While it’s a fair price considering the activities, travelers should weigh the early start and physical demands against the overall experience. The inclusion of lunch and gear broadens its appeal, especially for those who prefer everything organized.
What to Bring: Pack a change of clothes, towel, cash for extras like souvenirs or optional zipline add-ons, and don’t forget your camera. Since large luggage isn’t allowed, travel light.
Health & Safety: The tour is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with back problems—the canyoneering involves jumping and trekking. Participants should be in good health and prepared for an extreme sport.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?
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This Cebu Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Canyoneering adventure is perfect if you’re craving a full day of diverse outdoor activities. It’s ideal for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to experience Cebu’s natural beauty and wildlife in one go. The guides’ expertise and the stunning vistas make it worthwhile despite the early start.
You’ll find that the value is high given the comprehensive nature of the tour—covering wildlife, scenery, and adrenaline. The long wait times during peak whale shark hours are a small drawback, but the overall authenticity and excitement tend to outweigh this.
If you’re comfortable with physical activity and eager to see Cebu’s most iconic sights, this tour offers a memorable, adrenaline-fueled day. Just be prepared for an early wake-up call and a busy schedule, and you’ll leave with a camera full of photos and stories to tell.
FAQs
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Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7 due to the physical demands of canyoneering and the early start.
What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, towel, cash for extras, and your camera. Large luggage isn’t allowed on the tour.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is included, typically featuring local dishes.
What gear is provided?
Snorkeling masks, life jackets, safety helmets, and aqua shoes are included.
Is the whale shark experience a full swim?
No, most guests hold onto the boat during the wait and snorkel alongside the sharks—though close enough to appreciate their size and grace.
How strenuous is canyoneering?
It involves jumping from cliffs up to 30 feet, climbing, and trekking downstream, so good health and fitness are advised.
What if Kawasan Falls is closed?
The tour now visits Kabutongan Falls instead, maintaining the same adventurous spirit.
How early do I need to be ready?
Pickups are between 3:00 and 3:30 AM, so set your alarm early!
To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded day of wildlife encounters and outdoor adventure that’s hard to match in Cebu. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a good value, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a taste of everything—nature, adrenaline, and authentic local experiences.
You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby