Cebu Group Tour: Whaleshark Watching & Kawasan Canyoneering

If you’re planning a trip to Cebu, this combined tour offers a wonderful way to see some of the island’s most iconic natural attractions without the hassle of organizing multiple trips yourself. For $118, you get to swim alongside the gentle giants of the ocean in Oslob, then venture into the rugged beauty of Kawasan Falls with an adrenaline-pumping canyoneering adventure in Badian. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, making it a full but highly rewarding day.

What we especially love about this tour is how it balances marine wildlife encounters with physical activity in lush, scenic environments. The chance to see whale sharks up close is genuinely memorable, and the canyoneering pushes your limits with thrilling jumps and slides. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and necessary gear means you can focus fully on the experience.

A small caveat is that the tour involves some extreme activity, especially in canyoneering, so it’s not suited for everyone—particularly children under 7, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues. But if you’re in good health and craving a mix of marine and land adventures, this trip will suit you perfectly.

This tour works best for adventurous travelers, groups, or families with teens who are physically capable of handling some jumping and trekking. It’s especially appealing if you want an action-packed day that showcases Cebu’s most striking natural sights.

Key Points

• Balanced experience: Combines marine wildlife with rugged land adventures.
• All-in-one value: Includes transportation, gear, lunch, and guides at a competitive price.
• Authentic encounters: Close-up with whale sharks and scenic waterfalls.
• Physical activity: Trekking, jumping, sliding—be prepared for some exertion.
• Safety focus: Guides ensure jumps are safe, but extreme activities require good health.
• Flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve with pay later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Cebu Adventure

The Itinerary and Logistics

Your day starts early with hotel pickup in one of eight designated locations, including Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, and nearby towns. The journey from your hotel to the first major stop, Oslob, takes approximately 3 hours. While this might seem long, it’s a chance to relax and enjoy the changing scenery en route—lush tropical landscapes, rice fields, and glimpses of the coast.

Once in Oslob, your guide will take you to the whale shark watching spot, where you’ll don snorkeling gear—lifejacket and mask included—and have around 30 minutes of close encounters. The experience of swimming alongside these gentle giants, often described as “huge but peaceful,” is a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Visitors often comment on how calm and curious the whale sharks are, making the experience accessible even for first-timers.

Afterward, you’ll hop back into the van for a roughly 1-hour drive to Badian, home to the famous Kawasan Falls. The scenic route, with its views of limestone cliffs and lush greenery, primes you for the adventure ahead.

Kawasan Canyoneering – The Heart of the Adventure

The canyoneering experience is the highlight for many thrill-seekers. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your local guides who equip you with lifejackets, helmets, and trekking shoes. The trek begins with a 30-45 minute walk through tropical forest, setting the tone with peaceful nature and anticipation.

The actual canyoneering involves multiple jumps from cliffs of 10 to 30 feet, natural rock slides, swimming through pools, and navigating narrow canyons and waterfalls. Guides emphasize safety, ensuring jumps are done securely, but you should be comfortable with heights and physical activity. Some reviews mention the “jumps are fun but definitely require a good head for heights,” so think about your comfort level.

The highlight is reaching Kawasan Falls, a three-tiered waterfall with crystal-clear waters. Here, you can swim, relax, or even take photos of the breathtaking backdrop. Many guests remark on how refreshing and scenic the falls are, perfect for cooling off after the exertion.

The entire canyoneering adventure lasts around 3-5 hours, depending on pace and group size, after which you’ll enjoy a local Filipino lunch—a tasty way to refuel before heading back to Cebu.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour takes care of most essentials: hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, snorkeling and canyoneering gear, and a local guide. The included lunch, usually Filipino local dishes, is well-received, providing authentic flavors after a morning of activity.

However, travelers should note the additional costs for optional activities such as ziplining or GoPro rentals. Also, insurance and airport transfers are not included, so plan accordingly.

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The Experience: Authentic and Action-Packed

Many reviews highlight how well-organized the tour is, with prompt pickups and clear instructions. The guides are praised for their friendliness and safety-conscious approach. The scenery along the route is as impressive as the activities—think lush forests, limestone formations, and cascading waterfalls.

One reviewer shared that the whale shark viewing felt surreal, commenting, “It’s like swimming with friendly dinosaurs.” Others appreciated the thrill of cliff jumping, seeing it as a safe but exhilarating challenge when guided by professionals.

The balance of adventure and relaxation is key here: after all the jumping, swimming, and hiking, you get a chance to unwind in beautiful surroundings, making the whole day feel very well-rounded.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Be ready with change of clothes, towel, waterproof camera, and waterproof shoes.
• The tour requires a minimum of 4 participants, so it’s best to book in advance or be flexible with dates.
• Not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or those with health issues, especially back or heart problems.
• To get the most out of the tour, arrive prepared for physical activity—comfortable shoes, water, and sunscreen are essentials.

The Value and Who Should Consider This Tour

At $118, the price represents good value considering all included gear, lunch, transportation, and guides. The experience of swimming with whale sharks, combined with the adrenaline of canyoneering, justifies the cost for many adventurous travelers.

If you’re looking for a full-day exploration that mixes marine life encounters with rugged land adventures, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for active families, groups of friends, or solo travelers craving a diverse experience. Just remember, this is physically demanding, and safety is emphasized throughout—so be honest about your fitness level.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t recommended for children under 7 years old due to the physical nature of the activities, especially canyoneering and jumping from cliffs.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a change of clothes, a towel, water, a waterproof camera, beachwear, a waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes. Oversized luggage or large bags are not allowed.

How long is the whale shark encounter?
You get about 30 minutes of guided swimming or snorkeling with the whale sharks, which is enough to get a memorable up-close view.

Is the tour flexible in case I want to reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

How strenuous is the canyoneering part?
It’s physically active, involving trekking, jumping, sliding, and swimming. Guides ensure safety, but you should be in good health and comfortable with heights.

What food is included in the tour?
A Filipino local lunch is provided, usually well-liked for its authentic flavors and hearty portions.

Are guides fluent in English?
Yes, live guides speak English and will assist in ensuring you have a safe, enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to pack a punch of adventure into a single day, this tour offers a blend of unforgettable wildlife encounters and adrenaline-fueled land activities. The opportunity to swim with whale sharks is a rare highlight, providing a gentle, awe-inspiring connection with nature. Meanwhile, the canyoneering offers a chance to see Cebu’s rugged beauty from a different perspective—through jumps, slides, and waterfalls.

The entire experience is designed to give you both thrills and serenity, set against some of Cebu’s most stunning scenery. It’s especially suited for adventure seekers, active families, or anyone wanting a comprehensive taste of Cebu’s natural beauty in one exciting day.

If you’re prepared for some physical activity and looking for a true adventure, this tour will likely be one of your trip’s highlights. It’s a well-organized, value-packed experience that combines the best of the Philippines’ marine and terrestrial landscapes—an authentic, memorable day in Cebu.

You can check availability for your dates here: