Cebu: Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Cebu, a vibrant province in the Philippines, offers a captivating combination of natural wonders. Visitors can embark on an exhilarating day tour, swimming alongside the majestic whale sharks in Oslob and exploring the stunning Kawasan Falls through a thrilling canyoneering adventure. This private excursion promises an unforgettable experience, with personalized encounters, safety gear, and included meals. However, the true allure lies in the delicate balance between adventure and respect for the marine environment. As you explore the details, the opportunity to witness these gentle giants and navigate the cascading waters of Kawasan Falls becomes an irresistible temptation.

Key Points

• This private day tour from Cebu includes whale shark swimming in Oslob and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, with prices starting at $142.40 per person.
• The tour offers flexible pickup and drop-off locations across Cebu, including Mactan-Cebu International Airport, for convenient access.
• The whale shark swimming experience allows approximately 30 minutes of close observation, while canyoneering at Kawasan Falls lasts around 3 hours.
• The tour includes transportation, equipment, guides, meals, and insurance, but is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions.
• Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, change of clothes, towel, and a micro SD card if renting a GoPro camera.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private day tour from Cebu takes travelers to Oslob for a chance to swim and snorkel with whale sharks, followed by canyoneering activities at Kawasan Falls in Badian.

The price for this 10-hour tour starts from $142.40 per person. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Guests also have the option to reserve now and pay later.

Pickup and drop-off locations include various cities and areas in Cebu, such as Moalboal, Mandaue City, Oslob, Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, Badian, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off locations across Cebu, including Moalboal, Mandaue City, Oslob, Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, Badian, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

This ensures easy access for travelers from various parts of the region. The tour’s flexibility is further enhanced by:

• Travelers can be picked up directly from their hotel or accommodation within the specified areas.
• The drop-off locations match the pickup points, providing a seamless end to the day’s adventure.
• For those arriving or departing by air, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport serves as a convenient pickup and drop-off point.

Whale Shark Watching Experience

One of the main highlights of the tour is the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the gentle, majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat in Oslob.

Guests will have around 30 minutes to observe these magnificent creatures up close, watching them gracefully glide through the water.

While the experience is thrilling, it’s important to note that the whale shark viewing area can get crowded during peak seasons, and guests may need to wait their turn to enter the water.

However, the tour’s private nature ensures a more personalized experience compared to larger group tours.

Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls

After the whale shark encounter, the tour continues with an exhilarating canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls.

Guests scramble, climb, jump, rappel, and swim through the scenic cliffs and waterfalls. This thrilling activity offers:

• Cliff jumps up to 30 feet
• Relaxing swim at the base of Kawasan Falls
• Provided canyoneering gear and a local guide to ensure safety and maximize the experience

The canyoneering portion lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

With the required equipment and knowledgeable guides, guests can safely navigate the challenging terrain and create lasting memories.

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Tour Inclusions and Requirements

Typically, the tour includes private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, a local guide, lunch, canyoneering equipment, breakfast, snacks, insurance, and tips. However, there are certain requirements and restrictions. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, those with back problems, mobility issues, heart conditions, epilepsy, or high blood pressure. The minimum age for canyoneering is 7 years. Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, and a towel. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. GoPro rental is available, but a micro SD card is required.

Inclusions	Restrictions
Private tour	No children under 6
Hotel pickup/drop-off	No pregnant women
Entrance fees	No back/mobility issues
Snorkeling gear	No heart conditions
Local guide	No epilepsy/high BP
Lunch, breakfast, snacks	Min. age 7 for canyoneering

Restrictions and Special Considerations

The tour has several restrictions and special considerations guests should be aware of.

The activity isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or individuals with:

• Back problems
• Mobility impairments
• Heart problems
• Epilepsy
• High blood pressure

Plus, the minimum age for canyoneering is 7 years. Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, and a towel. GoPro rental is available, but guests must bring a micro SD card.

During peak season, the average waiting time for whale shark swimming can be 2-3 hours due to Oslob’s policy.

Recommended Gear and Accessories

For the day tour, guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, such as athletic shoes or water shoes, that can get wet and provide good traction. Bringing a change of clothes is also recommended, as the activities can get messy. Plus, guests should pack a towel, sunscreen, and a hat or sunglasses to protect themselves from the sun.

To capture the day’s adventures, a GoPro or similar action camera can be rented for Php600 to Php800, but guests must bring their own micro SD card. The tour also provides snorkeling gear, canyoneering equipment, and life jackets, so there’s no need to bring those items.

Recommended Gear	Why
Comfortable Shoes	For traction and to get wet
Change of Clothes	To stay dry and comfortable
Towel	For drying off
Sunscreen and Hat	Sun protection
GoPro (optional)	To capture the experience

Important Logistical Information

Depending on the pickup location, guests can expect a car ride of up to 3 hours each way to reach the whale shark viewing site in Oslob and the canyoneering site in Badian.

The tour is a private experience, but other guests may be on the whale shark boat due to Oslob’s policy. Guests should expect an average waiting time of 2-3 hours for the whale shark swimming during peak season.

• GoPro rental is available for Php600 to Php800, but guests must bring their own micro SD card.

• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, epilepsy, or high blood pressure.

• The minimum age for canyoneering is 7 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or other disabilities that could make the physical activities unsafe or difficult. The tour operator recommends against participation for those with such limitations.

Can I Book the Tour at the Last Minute?

The tour allows last-minute bookings, but it’s recommended to reserve in advance. There’s a "Reserve now & pay later" option available, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

Are There Any Hidden Fees or Additional Costs?

The tour’s price includes all the major expenses like transportation, entrance fees, gear, meals, and insurance. There are no hidden fees or additional costs, though optional add-ons like GoPro rental may incur extra charges.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary. The tour provider allows flexibility in the schedule and activities to meet your preferences. Additional costs may apply for customized arrangements.

How Reliable Is the Tour Operator’s Service?

The tour operator’s service is highly reliable. They have positive reviews for punctual pickups, knowledgeable guides, and well-organized activities. Customers report a seamless experience from start to finish, with no issues encountered during the day tour.

Recap

This private day tour in Cebu offers an exhilarating combination of swimming with whale sharks and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. With convenient pickup, meals, and safety gear included, it’s an unforgettable adventure through Cebu’s stunning natural beauty. Travelers can experience the thrill of encountering these gentle giants and engage in exciting activities like cliff jumping and rappelling, all while respecting the local marine life.

You can check if your dates are available here: