Cebu Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Canyoneering Group Tour

Cebu Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Canyoneering Group Tour

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure packed with wildlife encounters and adrenaline-pumping activities, this tour from Cebu offers plenty of both. Priced at $137 per person, it takes you from Cebu’s bustling east coast to the tranquil waters of Oslob for whale shark watching, then onto Badian for canyoneering, and finally to Kawasan Falls — or its alternative site, Kabutongan Falls, due to recent closures. With a 12-hour itinerary, it’s a long day, but one that promises memorable moments.

What we appreciate most about this experience is how it combines marine wildlife viewing with rugged outdoor activity. Watching the gentle giants of the sea is truly breathtaking, and the canyoning section – with jumps as high as 30 feet – offers a raw, physical challenge that keeps your adrenaline high. Plus, the chance to unwind at scenic Kawasan Falls or its substitute makes the trip well-rounded.

One thing to keep in mind is the timing and group setting — the tour starts very early, around 3:00 AM, and is a shared experience, so patience with waiting times, especially for the whale sharks, is necessary. This tour suits energetic travelers who don’t mind early mornings and are comfortable with physical activities, especially since canyoneering is considered extreme and not suitable for everyone.

If you love authentic outdoor experiences combined with close encounters of marine life, and you’re okay with long hours and group tours, this adventure could be a great fit. It’s especially suited for those eager to see Cebu’s natural beauty firsthand, even if it means a bit of waiting and physical exertion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive day-trip covering whale sharks, canyoneering, and waterfalls
• Early morning start with hotel pickup between 3:00 and 3:30 AM
• Includes all necessary safety gear and entrance fees, making it a hassle-free experience
• Shared tour with a group, best for those comfortable with crowd dynamics
• Canyoneering involves jumps up to 30 feet — physically demanding but exhilarating
• Kawasan Falls is temporarily closed; the tour now includes Kabutongan Falls for canyoning

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itself

Starting the Day: Early Pickup & Travel

This tour kicks off between 3:00 and 3:30 in the morning with a hotel pickup in Cebu City, Mactan, or Lapu-Lapu. This early start is necessary to maximize daylight and give ample time for all activities. We found the pickup process straightforward — just remember, if you’re not waiting in the lobby at the designated time, the driver will move on, and there’s no refund for no-shows. The group, often small to medium-sized, heads south, and the ride offers a chance to wake up with some scenic views en route.

Oslob Whale Shark Encounter

The journey’s first highlight is the trip to Oslob, where swimming and snorkeling alongside whale sharks is a major attraction. For many travelers, this is the main reason for the tour. You get a 30-minute window to observe and swim with these gentle giants, thanks to included snorkeling gear, life jackets, and guides.

From reviews, we learn that the experience can be a mixed bag. One traveler commented, “Long wait for the whale sharks tour, where you don’t really swim, you just hold to the boat and there’s one whale shark going from one end of the row to the other. Still really amazing to be up close.” This suggests that patience is key, and sometimes the experience might be more about watching rather than free swimming. But even with the wait, the proximity — hearing the whales’ fins and seeing them glide effortlessly — makes it worth it.

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From Marine Life to Rugged Cliffs: Canyoneering

After the whale shark experience, you’ll enjoy a break for lunch in Badian. The included meal offers a much-needed energy boost before the adrenaline rush of canyoneering. This activity entails scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, and swimming through Badian’s scenic cliffs and river gorges.

The highlight here is the chance to jump off cliffs as high as 30 feet. The guides are experienced and dedicated to safety, but this activity is not for everyone. It’s physically demanding and involves some risk, especially for those with health issues or fear of heights. As one reviewer noted, “Canyoneering is a very extreme sport that includes jumping off cliffs and trekking downstream: all participants are expected to be in good health.”

Due to recent restrictions, the tour now conducts canyoneering at Kabutongan Falls instead of Kawasan, which still offers exciting jumps, treks, and swimming. The landscapes here are stunning, and the thrill of navigating these rugged waters is truly memorable.

Relaxing at Kawasan or Kabutongan Falls

After the physical challenge, you’ll get to unwind with a relaxing swim at Kawasan Falls or the alternative site. The falls are known for their clear, turquoise water and lush surroundings, perfect for a peaceful break. However, since Kawasan Falls was temporarily closed for cleanup, the tour now uses Kabutongan Falls. Although slightly less famous, it offers similar opportunities for swimming and photos.

One reviewer summed it up: “Had a great day, especially the guide was really nice and was always making sure we were safe.” Guides play a crucial role in making the experience enjoyable and safe, especially during canyoneering.

Returning Home

After a full day of adventure, the group is transported back to Cebu City, with drop-offs at five different locations. Expect to arrive back around late evening, exhausted but full of stories and photos.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to whale shark watching and canyoneering, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, lunch, and guides. This makes it good value — you won’t be scrambling to pay extra for essentials.

However, it does not include breakfast or insurance, so plan accordingly. The tour also offers ziplining as an optional add-on, which can be booked on-site if you’re craving more adventure.

Practical Tips

• Bring a change of clothes, towel, and cash for extras or souvenirs.
• Luggage or large bags are not allowed — pack light.
• Be prepared for an early start and some waiting time at each activity.
• If you want to record your jumps or underwater moments, rental GoPro cameras are available for 600-800 pesos; don’t forget your SD card.

Authentic Experiences and Real Feedback

From actual reviews, we see that guides are generally well-received for their safety-conscious approach. One traveler mentioned the guide “was really nice and was always making sure that we were safe,” which is comforting given the physical nature of the activities.

However, patience might be tested during whale shark encounters, especially if waiting times are long. As one reviewer pointed out, “Long wait for the whale sharks tour, where you don’t really swim, you just hold to the boat,” which might be disappointing for those expecting more free swimming. Still, the chance to view these creatures up close keeps the experience exciting.

The scenery and views are consistently praised. The rugged cliffs of Badian and the lush greenery surrounding Kawasan or Kabutongan Falls make for excellent photo opportunities and memorable scenery. Guides tend to be knowledgeable, helping travelers navigate the activities and explaining the natural surroundings.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour offers a well-rounded adventure suitable for travelers who love outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. It’s an excellent option if you’re eager to experience whale sharks in the wild, push yourself during canyoneering, and relax at a famous waterfall — all in one day.

It’s best suited for energetic travelers comfortable with early mornings, group settings, and physically demanding activities. The inclusion of safety gear and guides makes it accessible to most, but those with health issues or fear of heights should approach with caution.

The tour provides a great sense of accomplishment — from getting close to gentle giants of the sea to conquering rugged cliffs — with enough downtime to enjoy the scenery and refresh. The price reflects the combination of activities and logistics, making it a value-packed, once-in-a-lifetime kind of day.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Pickup occurs between 3:00 and 3:30 AM, giving you a very early start to maximize your day.

Is this a group tour?
Yes, it’s a shared tour with a group, typically involving other travelers. Patience with waiting times, especially at whale shark encounters, is recommended.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to whale shark watching and canyoneering, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, lunch, and a local guide.

Can I bring my own camera or GoPro?
Yes, and GoPro rentals are available on-site for 600-800 pesos. Remember to bring your SD card if you want to record your adventures.

Is the canyoneering activity suitable for everyone?
It’s quite extreme, involving jumps, climbing, and rappelling. Participants should be in good health, and it’s not recommended for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with health issues.

What about Kawasan Falls?
Due to temporary closures for cleanup, the tour now visits Kabutongan Falls, which offers similar swimming and scenic opportunities.

How long is the whole tour?
It lasts approximately 12 hours, from early morning pickup to late evening return.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a lunch is included, typically in Badian, after the canyoneering activity.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, towel, cash for extras, and be sure to pack light as large luggage isn’t permitted.

Is insurance included?
No, insurance is not provided, so consider your own coverage for physical activities.

Final Word

This Cebu tour offers a solid mix of marine wildlife, outdoor adventure, and scenic beauty for those ready to tackle an early start and some physical challenges. The guides are generally praised for their friendliness and safety awareness, making it a good choice for adventurous travelers who want a true taste of Cebu’s natural wonders.

While the wait times and the physical demands might not suit everyone, those who embrace the adventure are likely to walk away with unforgettable stories and stunning photos. Whether you’re thrilled by the chance to see whale sharks or eager to conquer rugged cliffs, this day trip is a compelling way to experience Cebu’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.

If you’re seeking an active, authentic, and slightly adrenaline-fueled experience, this tour hits the mark. Just be prepared for an early start, some waiting, and a workout — and you’ll find it well worth the effort.

You can check availability for your dates here: