Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark, Simala Church & Ka Treasure Argao

This full-day tour covers some of Cebu’s most memorable sights—swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, marveling at the elaborate Simala Church, and unwinding at Ka Treasure Water Terraces. Priced at $111 per person, it offers a mix of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty in about 10 hours. The tour departs from key locations like Cebu City, Mandaue, or Lapu-Lapu, making it accessible whether you’re based downtown or closer to the coast.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to get up close with the gentle giants of the ocean, and the scenic views at Ka Treasure. These moments are truly unique and make the trip worthwhile. That said, it’s important to note that weather conditions can influence parts of the itinerary—particularly the water terraces—and some travelers might find the day quite packed.

This tour suits adventurous travelers, spiritual seekers, or families who want a balanced mix of active and relaxing moments. It’s especially great for those who appreciate guided experiences and value well-organized logistics. If you’re craving an authentic glimpse of Cebu’s natural and spiritual highlights in one day, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Entirely focused on highlights: whale sharks, Simala Church, water terraces
• Value for money: includes all entrance fees and guided tours
• Time-efficient: covers three key locations in one day
• Guided experience: knowledgeable guides ensure safety and context
• Flexible pickup options: multiple departure points
• Weather considerations: some activities depend on good weather

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Cebu Highlights Tour

The Oslob Whale Shark Encounter

Starting early, the tour kicks off with a trip to Oslob—famous for its whale shark watching. For many, this is the main event; swimming alongside these gentle giants is nothing short of awe-inspiring. You’ll be briefed on safety and interaction guidelines, which is reassuring given the potential for misunderstandings around wildlife.

The experience lasts about three hours including preparation, safety talk, and time in the water. From the reviews, many find this the highlight of the day. One traveler, Mariel, said, “Super fun! An experience of a lifetime. Always been a dream to swim with whale sharks and the entire process was so smooth thanks to our driver and guides!!” This suggests a well-organized and smooth encounter, which is crucial when dealing with large animals in open water.

The key here is to respect the animals—guidelines are in place to ensure both your safety and the sharks’ well-being. You’ll likely get the chance to snorkel and observe these impressive creatures as they glide through the water.

Visiting Simala Church

After the water adventure, the tour heads to Simala Shrine, a striking castle-like church that stands out among Cebu’s landscape. This site is a major pilgrimage destination, famed for miraculous stories and its elaborate architecture. It’s a peaceful place to reflect, light a candle, or just admire the intricate sculptures and lush gardens.

From one review, Lindsay mentioned that “the highlight was certainly the whale sharks and our super accommodating driver”, but also noted that due to weather, they skipped the water terraces and visited a waterfall instead. That flexibility is part of the experience—the guides seem eager to adapt if weather or other conditions aren’t ideal.

The grounds of Simala provide excellent photo opportunities and a serene atmosphere. It’s an opportunity to connect with local faith traditions and enjoy a moment of calm amidst the busy day.

Relaxing at Ka Treasure Water Terraces

The final stop is Ka Treasure Water Terraces in Argao, a hidden gem that offers a chance to unwind in crystal-clear cascading waters. Surrounded by lush mountains, the resort’s series of water terraces create a peaceful environment.

Here, you can take a refreshing dip, relax in a hammock, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely break after a busy morning and early afternoon.

One reviewer appreciated the stunning views, calling the experience a “refreshing oasis”. The cool waters and quiet environment make for a perfect way to end the day, especially for those who love nature and tranquility.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup can be arranged from five locations: Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Moalboal, or Oslob, offering flexibility depending on where you’re staying. The day begins early, with the whale shark encounter in Oslob, lasting about 3 hours, which includes the safety briefing and water time.

Following that, the tour proceeds to Simala Church for about 2.5 hours. This includes sightseeing, walking around, and some spiritual reflection. The last leg of the journey takes approximately 1 hour at Ka Treasure Water Terraces, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

End the day with drop-off at your preferred location, with options to leave from Cebu City, Moalboal, or other nearby areas.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off, which adds convenience
• Guided tour of Oslob with all entry tickets
• Exploration of Ka Treasure Water Terraces
• Guided visit to Simala Shrine
• All necessary fees for whale shark watching

Not Included:

• Personal expenses like food, drinks, or souvenirs
• Meals beyond breakfast (you’ll need to bring or buy your own lunch and dinner)
• Special dietary needs, which should be communicated in advance
• Travel insurance

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

We loved the detailed guidance provided by local guides, who are clearly knowledgeable and attentive. Their explanations around whale shark safety and cultural insights at Simala make the visit more meaningful—and safer.

You’ll appreciate the flexibility of the itinerary, especially if weather turns sour. The guides seem eager to ensure you still have a memorable experience, even if it means substituting activities like visiting a waterfall instead of the water terraces.

A note on timing: while the tour is quite full, it’s designed to maximize what you see in one day. Expect to be on the move, but also to stand in awe of Cebu’s natural and spiritual beauty.

Value-wise, the tour includes all entrance fees and guided assistance, which simplifies planning and ensures you won’t be surprised by hidden costs. The price might seem steep for a single day, but when you consider the transport, guides, and entry fees covered, it’s quite competitive.

For families or less experienced swimmers, the whale shark encounter is generally safe and well-supervised, but non-swimmers should note that some activities involve water. The experience is very well-organized, and guides are attentive to safety concerns.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see marine giants, spiritual seekers interested in Simala, or nature lovers wanting a peaceful water retreat. It’s ideal if you have limited time but want to pack in some of Cebu’s best sights.

However, if your priority is a more leisurely pace or more in-depth exploration, you might prefer to split these highlights into separate outings.

The Sum Up

This Cebu day tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The whale shark encounter is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts, while the Simala Church provides a peaceful, spiritual counterpoint. The water terraces add a refreshing, scenic finish, perfect for unwinding.

The experience is well-organized, and the guides tend to be knowledgeable and accommodating—key ingredients for a smooth, enjoyable day. The price covers all the essentials, making it a good value for those looking to see multiple highlights without the hassle of arranging transport and tickets individually.

If you’re after an authentic, memorable slice of Cebu that includes nature, spirituality, and fun, this tour will likely meet your expectations. Just be prepared for an active day, and keep your camera handy—you’ll want to remember these sights forever.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who are comfortable in water and can walk comfortably will enjoy swimming with the whale sharks and exploring the scenic spots. Always check with the guide on safety and age restrictions.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
You should wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time, which varies based on your location. Confirm your pickup details when booking.

Are the water activities safe?
Guides provide safety briefings and oversee all water activities. As long as you follow instructions, you should feel secure while swimming with the whale sharks and at the water terraces.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. The weather can be hot, so protection from the sun is a good idea.

Can I skip any part of the itinerary?
Yes, if weather or other conditions prevent certain activities, guides are flexible and may suggest alternative visits, such as a waterfall instead of the water terraces.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While non-swimmers can observe from the boat, swimming with the whale sharks requires at least floating ability. Guides are attentive to safety, but this activity is generally best suited for swimmers.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

This tour offers a genuine taste of Cebu’s natural beauty and spiritual sites, all wrapped into one well-organized day. Whether you’re thrilled by the ocean giants, captivated by the architecture, or simply looking to relax in scenic surroundings, it’s a solid choice for a memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: