Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar With Kawasan Falls

Imagine an unforgettable experience where you come face-to-face with the gentle giants of the sea – whale sharks. This thrilling encounter in their natural habitat offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close. After this awe-inspiring adventure, you’ll have the chance to relax on the breathtaking Sumilon Sandbar, where soft white sands and crystal-clear waters beckon you to unwind. But the journey doesn’t end there, as you’ll also explore the captivating Kawasan Falls, where you can swim in turquoise pools and bask in the beauty of cascading waterfalls, all while surrounded by lush tropical scenery. Prepare to be immersed in a world of wonder and natural beauty.

Key Points

• This private tour offers the opportunity to swim alongside the majestic whale sharks, the largest known species of fish, reaching up to 40 feet.

• Visitors can relax on the soft, white sands of the picturesque Sumilon Sandbar and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.

• The tour includes a refreshing experience at the breathtaking Kawasan Falls, known for its stunning three-tiered waterfalls and turquoise pools.

• The tour provides flexibility to tailor the experience based on personal preferences and includes essential equipment, entrance fees, and transportation.

• The tour has earned a 5.0 rating and offers an unforgettable experience, with knowledgeable staff and a safe, attentive driver throughout the day.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This private tour offers an exhilarating opportunity to encounter the gentle giants of the sea – the majestic whale sharks – as well as explore the stunning Sumilon Sandbar and the breathtaking Kawasan Falls.

You’ll get up close and personal with the whale sharks, swimming alongside these incredible creatures.

After the whale shark encounter, you’ll visit the picturesque Sumilon Sandbar, where you can relax on the soft, white sand.

The tour also includes a stop at the Kawasan Falls, where you can enjoy the refreshing waters and stunning natural scenery.

With a private tour, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor the experience to your preferences.

Transportation and Pickup Details

The private transportation service includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventures.

Guests can be collected from their hotels in the Cebu City, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, Moalboal, and Oslob areas, with pickup times varying by location:

• Cebu area at 3:00 AM
• Oslob at 6:00 AM
• Moalboal/Badian at 4:00 AM

The driver will greet guests at the hotel lobby and assist with luggage if the drop-off location differs from the pickup point, providing a comfortable and hassle-free experience throughout the tour.

Inclusions and Equipment

The tour package includes a variety of essential equipment and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Snorkeling gear, including a life jacket and mask, is provided for the whale shark swimming activity. Entrance and government fees are also included in the package price.

Breakfast and lunch are provided, with options for fast food or local cuisine available at an additional cost.

Fins can be rented for 150 pesos, and GoPro cameras are available for rent in Oslob for 600-800 pesos, though the SD card isn’t included.

These inclusions and equipment rentals help to make the overall experience seamless and hassle-free for participants.

Important Information

Confirmed at the time of booking, the tour package offers important details for participants to be aware of.

The itinerary notes that the Kawasan Falls and Sumilon Island are closed every third Wednesday of the month for government clean-up. Plus, visitors are advised to avoid Sundays due to potential crowds.

To ensure a comfortable experience, guests are encouraged to bring extra swimming attire, towels, and toiletries, as changing rooms are available in Oslob. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation options.

Following these recommendations will help travelers make the most of this exciting adventure.

• Kawasan Falls and Sumilon Island closed every 3rd Wednesday for clean-up
• Avoid visiting on Sundays due to potential crowds
• Bring extra swimming clothes, towels, and toiletries; changing rooms available

Customer Experience and Reviews

Based on a single review, this tour has earned an impressive 5.0 rating. Travelers highlight a safe and attentive driver, knowledgeable staff at the whale shark center, and gentle whale sharks. The beautiful Kawasan Falls and stunning Sumilon Sandbar also left a lasting impression. While it was a long day, reviewers felt the tour offered good value for the money and highly recommend it to others.

Aspect	Rating	Reviewer Comment
Safety	5	"Our driver was extremely safe and attentive throughout the entire day."
Staff Knowledge	5	"The staff at the whale shark center were very knowledgeable and provided great information."
Whale Shark Experience	5	"Swimming with the gentle giants was an unforgettable experience."
Kawasan Falls	5	"The Kawasan Falls were absolutely breathtaking, a true hidden gem."
Overall Value	5	"We felt this tour was excellent value for the price we paid."

Whale Shark Encounter

Visitors are treated to an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of the sea – whale sharks. These majestic creatures, the largest known species of fish, can grow up to 40 feet in length.

The exhilarating encounter allows guests to snorkel alongside the whale sharks as they gracefully glide through the crystal-clear waters, feeding on plankton and small fish. The experience is both awe-inspiring and humbling, as participants gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonder of these incredible animals.

The tour’s snorkeling gear and expert guides ensure a safe and memorable encounter that will leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.

• Snorkel alongside the largest known species of fish, the whale shark
• Witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat, feeding on plankton
• An exhilarating and humbling experience that fosters appreciation for marine life

Sumilon Sandbar Tour

After the exhilarating encounter with the gentle whale sharks, the tour moves on to explore the stunning Sumilon Sandbar.

Situated just off the coast, this pristine, crescent-shaped stretch of sand is a true natural wonder. Visitors can walk along the sandbar, soak up the sun, and take in the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

The sandbar is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. With its serene atmosphere and picturesque setting, the Sumilon Sandbar promises an unforgettable experience.

Guests can marvel at the beauty of this unique natural formation before continuing their adventure at the next stop, the majestic Kawasan Falls.

Kawasan Falls Experience

Leaving the tranquility of the Sumilon Sandbar behind, the tour now ventures to the majestic Kawasan Falls. Nestled in the lush, verdant hills of Badian, Kawasan Falls is a stunning three-tiered waterfall that cascades into a series of turquoise pools.

Guests can bask in the refreshing mist, swim in the cool waters, and even jump from designated areas into the natural pools below. The surrounding landscape is nothing short of breathtaking, with towering limestone cliffs and dense, tropical foliage.

• Guests can explore the different levels of the waterfall, each offering a unique perspective and experience.

• The crystal-clear waters of the pools are perfect for swimming and relaxation.

• Adventurous travelers can take the plunge and jump from select areas into the inviting waters below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I See the Whales up Close During the Encounter?

Yes, during the whale shark encounter, visitors can swim alongside the gentle giants and observe them up close. The tour provides snorkeling gear, allowing participants to get an intimate view of the majestic whale sharks.

Is Swimming With the Whales a Safe Activity?

Swimming with whale sharks is generally considered a safe activity, as they are gentle filter-feeding giants that pose no threat to humans. With proper safety precautions and guidance from experienced staff, swimmers can get up close to these majestic creatures.

How Long Is the Drive From the Hotel to the Activity Sites?

The drive from the hotel to the activity sites can vary, but the tour provides a private transportation service with hotel pick-up and drop-off. Pickup times range from 3:00 AM in Cebu to 6:00 AM in Oslob, depending on the location.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment Instead?

You’re welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. However, the tour provides complimentary snorkeling gear including a life jacket and mask. This ensures proper fit and safety during the whale shark swimming activity.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements to Participate?

There are no age or fitness requirements to participate in this tour. Guests of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the activities, though children should be accompanied by an adult. The tour operator can accommodate a range of abilities.

Recap

This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter majestic whale sharks, explore the stunning Sumilon Sandbar, and marvel at the beauty of Kawasan Falls. Enjoy the natural wonders of the region, from swimming alongside gentle giants to relaxing on pristine white sands and swimming in turquoise pools. It’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the breathtaking landscapes and marine life of this captivating destination.