Cebu: Kawasan Canyoning, Moalboal Snorkeling, & Turtles Tour

Cebu: Kawasan Canyoning, Moalboal Snorkeling, & Turtles Tour

Stepping into Cebu’s stunning landscape, this tour takes you from the city’s busy streets to some of the island’s most captivating natural spots. For $137 per person, you’ll spend about 12 hours exploring Kawasan Falls through an adrenaline-pumping canyoning adventure and then relax with a snorkeling session in Moalboal, where sea turtles and massive schools of sardines await. Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their love of Cebu’s wilderness with you.

What I particularly like about this experience is how it combines adventure and relaxation in one day—canyoning’s natural water slides and jumps give you that rush, while the snorkeling offers a peaceful close-up with marine life. The tour also includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes logistical planning easier.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour is quite full on time, with long van rides between spots, so patience is key. Plus, the physical demands—especially for canyoning—might not suit everyone, particularly those with health issues or fear of heights. Nevertheless, if you’re craving a full immersion into Cebu’s natural beauty and enjoy active pursuits, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This tour is best suited for adventure travelers, families with children over 7, and anyone eager to see Cebu’s famous waterfalls and marine life without spending days planning multiple trips. It’s a great way to hit two top highlights in one day, especially if your time is limited but you want a memorable experience.

Key Points

• Highlights include canyoning at Kawasan Falls and snorkeling with sea turtles and sardines in Moalboal.
• All necessary equipment and guides are provided, including life jackets and snorkeling gear.
• Long travel times between spots require patience but ensure scenic views along the route.
• Tour is suitable for those comfortable with physical activity and not pregnant or with certain health conditions.
• Small group size (up to 10) means more personalized attention and easier group coordination.
• The cost includes lunch, insurance, and all activity fees, offering good value for an all-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup & Early Start

This tour begins early, with pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 A.M., depending on your hotel. The early start might seem rough, but it’s essential to maximize daylight for the activities ahead. The van ride, lasting approximately 2.5 hours to Kawasan Falls, offers a chance to see glimpses of Cebu’s countryside, with lush greenery and small villages passing by.

Kawasan Canyoning: The Heart-Pumping Adventure

Once at Kawasan Falls, you’ll gear up for the canyoning experience, which is the main event. Expect to hike along the river, traverse slippery rocks, and slide down natural water chutes. It’s an active, wet, and exhilarating activity made safer by your guides, who are well-trained and friendly.

Several reviews highlight the quality of the guides. For example, Beatriz appreciated that their guide, Norvina, was “very helpful” and provided shampoo and towels for the post-activity shower, which adds a nice touch of comfort.

The highlight is jumping into the large, deep pool below the waterfalls—a perfect cool-down after all that climbing and sliding. The scenery is stunning, with crystal-clear water, towering cliffs, and lush forest surrounding you. The entire canyoning duration is around four hours, making it a substantial but manageable adventure.

Lunch Break & Scenic Drive

After canyoning, you’ll enjoy a provided lunch—a welcome pause after the physical exertion. The tour includes a scenic drive to Moalboal, giving you time to relax and soak in Cebu’s verdant landscapes. The van ride takes about 2.5 hours, and you might find the views along the way particularly atmospheric, with mountain vistas and rural scenes.

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Snorkeling in Moalboal: Marine Life at Its Best

The second big highlight is snorkeling in Moalboal, a renowned site for marine encounters. Here, you’ll see beautiful coral reefs, giant schools of sardines creating shimmering clouds, and sea turtles swimming gracefully nearby.

Tour guides are attentive, providing snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and tips for spotting the best marine sights. From reviews, we learn that seeing turtles and sardines was a major thrill for participants. Beatriz noted, “We saw lots of turtles and sardines,” and Paul mentioned the “gorgeous sardine run and some turtles,” emphasizing how memorable these moments are.

The snorkeling session lasts about an hour, enough time to float leisurely and take photos, with the guides often providing support or assistance as needed. The clarity of the water and the proximity of marine life make this a highlight for nature lovers.

Returning to Cebu: Wrapping Up the Day

After snorkeling, you’ll hop back into the van for a roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Cebu city. The return trip allows some time to relax, reflect on your day, and enjoy the scenic ride. Expect to arrive back at your hotel around 6:00 or 7:00 P.M., depending on traffic and how long you linger at each spot.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of canyoning and snorkeling offers a well-rounded adventure. It’s rare to find a day trip that gets you both adrenaline and serene marine encounters in one package. The guides’ friendliness and expertise seem to be consistently praised, giving travelers confidence that they’re in good hands.

The access to all gear, lunch, and insurance included in the price make this a straightforward purchase—no hidden costs or need for extra planning. Plus, the small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the long travel time—about 5 hours combined—so it’s a full day, and you’ll need to be comfortable with early mornings and long van rides. The physical activities, especially canyoning, can be strenuous and may not suit everyone, especially those with health issues or fear of heights.

Those seeking a very relaxed or purely cultural experience might find this tour too active or physically demanding. Also, the tour is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or travelers with certain medical conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers who want a taste of Cebu’s most famous natural attractions in one day. It appeals to travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable with physical exertion. Families with children over 7 and groups of friends looking for camaraderie and fun will find it particularly rewarding.

It’s less suitable for those seeking a slow-paced, leisurely day, or travelers with mobility or health limitations. But if you’re up for a full day of water and wild scenery, this tour delivers on promise and excitement.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers excellent value for travelers eager to combine adventure with nature exploration. The guides’ friendliness and professionalism, the stunning scenery, and the chance to see sea turtles and sardines up close make it a standout option in Cebu.

It’s a day that balances adrenaline and tranquility, making it perfect for active travelers who want to pack their Cebu trip with memorable moments. While it requires a good level of physical fitness and an early start, the payoff is well worth it. For those craving a lively, nature-focused adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes.

If you’re looking for a reliable, well-organized way to see some of Cebu’s best natural sights in one day—without the hassle of planning each detail—this tour delivers both on fun and value.

FAQ

Is there a minimum age for this tour?
Yes, children under 7 years old are not allowed on this tour.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and sandals for water activities.

Does the tour include all equipment?
Yes, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and towels are included, along with guides and insurance.

What if I don’t want to do canyoning?
This tour is centered around canyoning and snorkeling; if you prefer less activity, you might consider other options.

How long are the van rides?
The trip involves about 2.5 hours to Kawasan Falls and 2.5 hours back from Moalboal, so be prepared for long rides.

Is it suitable for non-swimmers?
Basic swimming ability helps, especially for snorkeling, but the guides are attentive and can assist.

Are meals included?
Yes, a provided lunch is part of the package.

Can I request GoPro or towel rentals?
Yes, upon booking you can request GoPro rentals; towels are also available.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Cebu tour offers a thrilling yet accessible way to experience the island’s natural wonders. Whether seeking adventure or simply a day in nature, it provides a memorable snapshot of Cebu’s vibrant landscapes and marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here: