Moalboal: Pescador Island Hopping & Kawasan Canyoneering

Imagine waking up early in Cebu and setting out on a full-day adventure that combines vibrant marine life, stunning waterfalls, and adrenaline-pumping canyoning—all for $142. This tour, arranged by Enjoy Cebu Travel and Tours, takes you from Cebu City or Mactan Island to the quiet town of Moalboal, where the natural beauty of the Philippines unfolds in its most exhilarating forms.

The experience kicks off with a marine-focused morning at Pescador Island, where the coral gardens and abundant fish keep snorkelers enchanted. Then, the day turns active with a Kawasan Canyoneering—a journey through rivers, waterfalls, and canyons that promises both thrill and scenic beauty.

We love that this tour offers a balanced mix of sea and land adventures, and that it includes a personal guide to ensure safety and capture memories. The only potential drawback? It’s a long day—about 12 hours in total—so it suits those with a good level of energy and enthusiasm for outdoor activities.

If you’re someone who enjoys marine life, loves a bit of adventure, and appreciates the value of a well-organized, all-in-one experience, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Vibrant Marine Life: Snorkel at Pescador Island among coral gardens, sardines, and sea turtles.
• Adrenaline & Nature: Kawasan Canyoneering offers a mix of river trekking, waterfalls, and lush canyons.
• Personalized Experience: Each guest enjoys a 1:1 guide, including photo and video coverage.
• All-Inclusive Value: Price covers transportation, gear, permits, lunch, and activities.
• Early Start: Departures start early from Cebu or Mactan, ensuring a full day of adventure.
• Flexible & Safe: Tours are rescheduled or canceled if weather conditions threaten safety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Moalboal Tour Experience

The Journey to Moalboal

Starting early around 5:30-6:00 AM, we boarded a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with our guide. The 2.5 to 3-hour drive covers roughly 90 km, giving us time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and prepare for the day ahead. The route itself is straightforward, with the anticipation building as we head toward this lesser-known part of Cebu.

Pescador Island Snorkeling

Arriving at Pescador Island, the first highlight is immediately visible. This tiny island is famous for its vibrant coral gardens teeming with colorful fish. We loved the way our guide explained that although the coral and fish are stunning, the real treat is swimming among sardines—a swirling, shimmering mass that’s simply mesmerizing.

One reviewer mentioned, “Snorkeling here was like being in a natural aquarium,” which perfectly captures the experience. We saw graceful sea turtles gliding nearby, a highlight for many. The snorkeling activity lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, giving us plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

A practical note: Fins are not included in the snorkeling gear, so bringing your own fins or preparing to rent locally makes sense if you want to maximize comfort. The coral gardens are accessible, but good swimming skills help you enjoy the best spots.

Transition to Canyoneering Bliss

After the marine adventure, it’s time to switch gears. We headed to our base camp in Badian, where our guide helped us gear up for the canyoneering. A brief 10-minute transfer took us to the briefing area, where we received a quick 5-minute safety orientation.

The personal guide-to-guest ratio of 1:1 is notable; it ensures safety and personalized support, which is reassuring when tackling the more challenging parts of the tour. Guests are encouraged to try ziplining, which adds an optional thrill—not required but a fun bonus if you’re feeling adventurous.

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Kawasan Canyoneering: Adventure and Scenic Beauty

The core of this experience is the Kawasan Falls Canyoneering. We loved the way our professional instructors guided us through the turquoise rivers and waterfalls, sharing insights about the lush surroundings. The activity involves navigating rivers, jumping into natural pools, sliding down waterfalls, and walking along narrow canyons.

The timing is carefully designed to maximize enjoyment—after a quick safety briefing, you’re led through the canyon, which is both challenging and beautiful. You’ll get wet, muddy, and exhilarated, but the sense of achievement balances all that. For many reviewers, the highlight was the fresh water swims and the stunning views of the lush canyon walls.

Our guide captured plenty of photos and videos, giving us lasting memories of this adrenaline-filled activity. The experience lasts about 2 hours, but it’s enough to feel both tired and thrilled.

Kawasan Falls & Lunch

After canyoneering, we briefly visited the famous Kawasan Falls. The falls are a picturesque spot for photos and a quick dip—perfect for cooling off and relaxing after the energetic canyon trek. The lunch at the Badian base camp was a delicious highlight—fresh local dishes that refuel your energy for the ride home.

Return Journey

The trip back begins in the late afternoon, with a scenic drive that takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Expect to arrive back in Cebu City or Mactan Island around 6:00-7:00 PM, depending on traffic. It’s a long day, but each moment is packed with activities and sights worth the effort.

What We Loved About This Tour

The diversity of activities really stands out—combining marine life exploration with land-based adventure makes it a full-spectrum experience. The personal safety and support offered by guides, including photo and video coverage, helped us relax and enjoy each activity fully.

Another plus is the value for money; for $142, you get transport, gear, permits, meals, and guided adventures. It’s a comprehensive package that offers more than just a day out—it’s a chance to truly connect with the natural beauty of Cebu.

A Consideration for Travelers

This tour is quite demanding physically. The canyoneering involves water jumps, slippery rocks, and some exertion, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children under 7, or those with back problems. If you’re a non-swimmer, ask your guide about safety precautions, but it’s worth noting that swimming skills are beneficial for full enjoyment.

Also, because the tour is weather-dependent—especially the canyoneering—it’s wise to check the schedule for 3rd Wednesday closures for maintenance. Flexibility is key.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re an active traveler who loves a mix of marine wildlife and outdoor adventure, this tour offers tremendous value. It’s ideal if you want to see the best of Moalboal’s underwater life and experience the thrill of Kawasan Canyoneering in one day.

Families with older children, couples, or groups of friends will find this a memorable, well-organized outing. Just be prepared for a full day and some physical activity.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or designated location in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Are snorkeling fins provided?
No, fins are not included in the snorkeling gear, so you might want to bring your own or rent locally.

Can children join the tour?
Children under 7 years old are not allowed to join canyoneering. It’s best suited for older children and adults who are comfortable in water and active outdoor settings.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While swimming skills help, the guide provides safety support. However, non-swimmers should inform guides beforehand.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour may be canceled or rescheduled for safety reasons, especially for canyoneering. Check in advance if weather conditions are forecasted to be poor.

How long does each activity last?
Snorkeling at Pescador Island (2-2.5 hours), Canyoneering (about 2 hours), and additional activities like ziplining are scheduled to ensure a full day.

Is food included?
Yes, a local lunch with a drink is included at the Badian base camp.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

This Moalboal tour offers a wonderfully balanced day of marine exploration and land adventure, perfect for travelers eager to experience some of Cebu’s most iconic natural sights. The combination of vibrant underwater life at Pescador Island and the exhilarating Kawasan Canyoneering makes it a memorable outing, especially for those who value guided support and safety.

It’s best suited for active, curious travelers who don’t mind getting wet and muddy and want a comprehensive day that showcases the best of Cebu’s outdoors. With its included gear, personal guides, and delicious local lunch, this experience provides great value for an unforgettable adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious first-timer, this tour promises a day filled with beautiful sights, adrenaline, and authentic Filipino hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here: