Cebu: Private Sumilon Island & Optional Whale Shark Swim

Cebu, the vibrant province in the Philippines, boasts a wealth of natural wonders. One such gem is Sumilon Island, a private paradise that beckons adventure-seekers. For just ₱2,422 per person, travelers can embark on an 11-13 hour tour, exploring the island’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear lagoon. But the true highlight? The optional opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea – the magnificent whale sharks. This exclusive experience promises an unforgettable encounter with these captivating creatures in their natural habitat. With private transportation, boat rides, and ample time to soak in the island’s beauty, the stage is set for an extraordinary Cebu adventure.

Key Points

• Private tour to Sumilon Island, including hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, entrance fees, and boat ride, starting at ₱2,422 per person.
• Opportunity to explore Sumilon Island’s beaches, lagoon, and local wildlife for 4-5 hours, with an optional whale shark swimming experience.
• Upgrade option for resort access includes facilities, towels, snorkeling gear, and a lunch buffet.
• Itinerary subject to local circumstances and weather conditions, with no refunds for missed whale shark sightings.
• Overall tour rating of 3 out of 5 stars based on 7 reviews, with room for improvement in the overall tour experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Offering a private tour to the pristine Sumilon Island in Cebu, this experience is priced from ₱2,422 per person.

The tour lasts 11-13 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can opt to reserve now and pay later.

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, and a boat ride to the island.

Travelers can explore Sumilon’s beaches, lagoon, and local wildlife for 4-5 hours. An optional whale shark swimming experience is available.

Upgrading to resort access provides use of facilities, towels, snorkeling gear, and a lunch buffet.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with pickup from the customer’s accommodation in Cebu City, Mactan, or Lapu-Lapu City.

Travelers then journey to Oslob City, where they’ll board a boat to Sumilon Island. Once there, they’ll have 4-5 hours to explore the island’s pristine beaches, lagoon, and local wildlife.

The optional whale shark swimming experience is available, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Upgrade options include access to the Sumilon resort, where guests can enjoy the facilities, use snorkeling gear, and indulge in a lunch buffet.

Guests are advised to bring necessary items like swimwear, towels, and sunscreen to make the most of their Sumilon Island adventure.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a private air-conditioned transfer to and from Oslob City. Once at Oslob, travelers will have access to the island’s entrance fees and boat ride. For those who choose the resort option, they’ll also enjoy the use of Sumilon’s facilities, towels, and snorkeling gear, plus a lunch buffet.

Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private air-conditioned transfer
Entrance fees and boat ride
Whale shark swimming (if selected)
Resort access, towels, snorkeling gear (if selected)
Lunch buffet (if resort option selected)

Important Information

Travelers should bring along swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen for their time on Sumilon Island.

The itinerary is subject to local circumstances and weather conditions, so it’s important to be flexible.

While the tour includes the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, sightings aren’t guaranteed, and no refunds will be given for missed sightings.

Children under 7 aren’t permitted to snorkel with the whale sharks but can observe them from the boat.

Touching or harming the whale sharks is strictly forbidden, as their wellbeing is of utmost importance.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on the provided information, customer reviews and feedback for the private tour to Sumilon Island in Cebu have been mixed.

The tour has an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars based on 7 reviews. Travelers positively rated the guide and transportation services, giving them 5 out of 5 stars.

However, some common criticisms include long transit times, insufficient time at Sumilon Island, and a lack of food and water during the trip.

While the tour offers an opportunity to explore the island’s pristine beaches and lagoon, as well as an optional whale shark swimming experience, the customer feedback suggests room for improvement in the overall tour experience.

Whale Shark Swimming Experience

What’s the optional whale shark swimming experience offered as part of the private tour to Sumilon Island?

Travelers can choose to upgrade their package to include the chance to swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea – whale sharks. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows participants to observe and even swim near these majestic creatures in their natural habitat off the coast of Oslob.

However, it’s important to note that whale shark sightings aren’t guaranteed, and there are strict rules in place to protect the animals, including a prohibition on touching or harming them.

Children under 7 are also not permitted to snorkel with the whale sharks, but can observe them from the boat.

Sumilon Island Exploration

One of the highlights of the private tour to Sumilon Island is the opportunity to explore its pristine beaches, lagoon, and diverse local wildlife.

Guests can spend 4-5 hours discovering the island’s natural beauty, from the soft white sand to the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon.

The tour includes entrance fees and a boat ride to the island, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the tranquil island setting.

Whether it’s strolling along the shoreline, spotting unique flora and fauna, or simply relaxing in the serene atmosphere, the exploration of Sumilon Island promises an unforgettable experience.

Transportation and Accommodation

The private tour to Sumilon Island starts with a convenient hotel pickup from accommodations in Cebu City, Mactan, or Lapu-Lapu City.

Travelers are then transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to Oslob City. From there, they’ll board a boat for the short ride to the pristine Sumilon Island.

The return journey follows the same route, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

For those who opt for the resort access upgrade, they’ll enjoy the use of the Sumilon resort facilities, including towels and snorkeling gear.

A hearty lunch buffet is also included in this package, providing a well-rounded experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Island?

You can bring your own food and drinks to Sumilon Island. However, there’s a lunch buffet option available if you select the resort access upgrade. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any specific policies regarding outside food and drinks.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Resort Facilities?

The resort facilities at Sumilon Island have no age restrictions. Guests of all ages can access and enjoy the resort amenities, including the beach, lagoon, and snorkeling gear, provided they’ve purchased the optional resort access upgrade.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time on the Island?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the time on the island. Travelers can upgrade their package to include more hours at Sumilon Island, allowing them to fully explore the pristine beaches and local wildlife.

Can I Purchase Additional Activities on the Island?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional activities on Sumilon Island. The tour offers upgrade options that provide access to the resort’s facilities, allowing guests to rent water activity gear and enjoy a lunch buffet during their time on the island.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Sumilon Island?

The best time to visit Sumilon Island is during the dry season from March to May. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions and better visibility for snorkeling and spotting marine life.

Recap

Cebu’s Sumilon Island offers a captivating private tour, providing an opportunity to explore stunning beaches, a crystal-clear lagoon, and even the chance to swim with gentle whale sharks. With a reasonable price tag of ₱2,422 per person, this 11-13 hour adventure includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and a boat ride to the island, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here: