Cebu: Whale Shark, Tumalog Waterfall, and Moalboal Tour

If you’re looking to pack a lot into one day in Cebu, this tour offers a balanced mix of marine encounters, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant underwater scenes. For about $112 per person, you’ll visit Oslob, Tumalog Waterfalls, and Moalboal, with all transportation and guides included. It’s a busy day, but one that really captures the essence of Cebu’s natural beauty and marine life.

Two things we particularly like? First, the close-up experience with whale sharks—these gentle giants are a highlight that’s both awe-inspiring and surreal. Second, the visit to Tumalog Waterfalls offers a peaceful, almost magical break from the day’s more energetic activities. You’ll love the variety this tour provides, from underwater snorkeling to relaxing waterfall dips.

A potential consideration? The tour is quite packed, which might mean long hours on the road and a hectic schedule. If you prefer slow, unhurried travel or are traveling with very young children, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those craving an intense, authentic taste of Cebu’s highlights, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive day of adventure, especially those interested in marine life, waterfalls, and natural beauty. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see the Sardine Run, swim with whale sharks, and enjoy scenic spots, all in one go.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure through Oslob, Tumalog, and Moalboal offers a diverse experience.
• Swimming with whale sharks is a major highlight, guided by local experts.
• Tumalog Waterfalls provides a peaceful, scenic retreat and a chance for a refreshing swim.
• Snorkeling in Moalboal offers encounters with sardines and sea turtles, creating memorable underwater moments.
• Transportation is comfortable and roundtrip from your hotel, making logistics straightforward.
• The tour is private, ensuring personalized attention, but is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with back problems.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour offers a thoughtfully planned day that covers Cebu’s most compelling highlights with a focus on accessible, natural experiences. Starting with Oslob, you’ll get to see whale sharks in their habitat. Guided by local experts, you’ll snorkel alongside these gentle creatures, which is often described as surreal and unforgettable. Reviewers have noted how smoothly the process runs—there’s a short queue at Oslob, and the guides make the experience both safe and enjoyable.

Next, the trip continues to Tumalog Waterfalls, a lesser-known gem that’s worth the visit. As you approach, the landscape opens into lush greenery and cascading waters. The guided walk to the falls is relatively brief but rewarding. Once there, you can take a dip in the cool, shallow pool under the waterfalls—perfect for cooling off and soaking in the scenery. A reviewer, Aoife, mentioned, “Our driver Alvin made the day so enjoyable and comfortable,” highlighting how the guides and transport contribute to a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Finally, the day moves to Moalboal, famous for its vibrant marine life and the Sardine Run — a spectacle where thousands of sardines swim in perfect unison, creating a shimmering, hypnotic display. Snorkeling here is often a highlight, with chances to see sea turtles and colorful reefs. The underwater scenes are described as “vibrant” and “breathtaking,” making it a perfect finale to a busy day.

What You Can Expect

The transportation is air-conditioned, comfortable, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics less stressful. The tour is run as a private group, which means more flexibility and personalized service. Guides are professional, experienced, and speak good English, helping ensure safety and engagement throughout.

The timing is flexible but typically begins early, given the day’s full schedule. You’ll spend around 2.5 hours in Oslob, including snorkeling with whale sharks; 1.5 hours at Tumalog; and another 1.5 hours snorkeling in Moalboal. All entrance and environmental fees are included, so you won’t face unexpected costs.

What We Love

One reviewer, Aoife, shared, “Felt like we had the place to ourselves,” pointing out that with a knowledgeable guide, you can avoid long lines and enjoy the experience more intimately. The guides make a difference—they’re not just there for logistics but actively contribute to safety and fun.

Another aspect we appreciate is the value for money. For just over a hundred dollars, you get three major sights, guides, transfers, and entrance fees. The tour’s inclusive price makes it a practical option for travelers wanting a comprehensive day out without worrying about hidden costs or figuring out transport.

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A Word of Caution

Since the itinerary is quite packed, be prepared for an early start and full day. The activities are scheduled tightly, so if you’re someone who prefers a relaxed pace or is traveling with young children or those with health issues, you might find the schedule demanding. Also, weather can impact some activities, especially the waterfall visit or snorkeling, so flexibility is key.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see Cebu’s marine and natural highlights in a single day. It’s perfect if you want to swim with whale sharks, witness the Sardine Run, and enjoy scenic waterfalls, all with a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transport. However, it’s less suitable for families with very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with back problems due to the early start and full schedule.

The Sum Up

Combining marine encounters, waterfalls, and scenic snorkeling, this tour provides a well-rounded taste of Cebu’s natural beauty. The guided assistance, comfortable transfers, and inclusive pricing make it a smart choice for travelers who want to maximize their day without the hassle of planning every detail.

While the schedule is busy, the variety of experiences ensures you’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment and plenty of incredible memories. The knowledgeable guides and stunning sights help justify the cost, making it a strong value for those wanting a full-day adventure.

This tour offers a fantastic opportunity for those seeking authentic, engaging experiences that showcase Cebu’s famed marine biodiversity and natural scenery—a memorable day that captures the spirit of the Philippines.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately a full day, with activities spread out and scheduled around 2.5 hours at Oslob, 1.5 hours at Tumalog, and 1.5 hours snorkeling in Moalboal.

Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from your hotel is included, providing a comfortable, hassle-free experience.

Can I snorkel with whale sharks?
Yes, the tour includes a guided snorkel session with whale sharks in Oslob, with safety instructions provided beforehand.

Is food included?
The tour offers a delicious lunch to recharge after the morning activities, but snacks or drinks outside the meal are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with back problems due to the physical demands and schedule.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and perhaps an underwater camera to capture the moments. Touching marine life is not allowed.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Activities may be canceled or rescheduled in case of bad weather, especially the waterfall visit or snorkeling. Flexibility is advised.

In short, this tour combines the thrill of seeing whale sharks with the serenity of Tumalog Waterfalls and the vibrant marine life of Moalboal. It’s a busy but rewarding day designed for those eager to experience some of Cebu’s most iconic sights—an enjoyable, memorable way to spend a day in the Philippines.

You can check availability for your dates here: