Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks & Kawasan Canyoneering Group Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with wildlife encounters and adrenaline-pumping activities in the Philippines, this tour from Cebu offers a compelling mix. It combines the awe-inspiring experience of swimming with gentle whale sharks in Oslob with an exhilarating canyoneering adventure in Badian’s rugged cliffs, finishing with the tranquil beauty of Kawasan Falls. While it’s a long day—about 10 hours—it’s packed with unforgettable moments that will resonate long after your trip.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances nature’s marvels with adventure sports, making it suitable for those who crave diverse experiences in a single day. The chance to see whale sharks up close in their natural environment is a real highlight, and the canyoneering offers a physical challenge amid stunning scenery. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves a fair amount of travel and physical activity, which might not suit everyone—especially if you’re not in good health or travel with young children. Still, if you’re up for a full day of excitement and natural beauty, this tour is a fantastic choice.

This experience suits adventurous travelers who don’t mind a busy schedule and want a taste of both wildlife and adrenaline. It’s also great for those who appreciate authentic local landscapes and are comfortable with a good amount of walking, climbing, and jumping. Families with older children, thrill-seekers, and nature lovers will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Unique combination of whale shark swimming and canyoneering offers a diverse day of adventure.
• Guided tour with hotel pickup makes logistics easier, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.
• Physical activity involved—climbing, jumping, rappelling—requires good health and a sense of adventure.
• The scenic beauty of Cebu’s coastline and waterfalls makes the long day worthwhile.
• Limited group size (up to 10 participants) ensures a personalized experience.
• Cost includes entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and lunch, providing good value for a full-day excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Guide to the Tour

Starting the Day: From Cebu to Oslob

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel, with options covering Cebu City, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, and nearby areas. This broad pickup zone adds convenience but remember to check your specific location availability. The day kicks off early, with a pickup around 8 am, giving you a full 10 hours of adventure.

Once on the road, the drive offers a glimpse of Cebu’s vibrant coastal scenery, setting the mood for the day ahead. The journey to Oslob is comfortable, with a focus on making sure you’re ready for the recent highlight: swimming with whale sharks.

Oslob Whale Shark Encounter

The first real highlight: getting into the water alongside these massive yet gentle fish. The experience lasts around 30 minutes, and it’s often described as “a surreal moment” by previous travelers. The water is usually calm, and with snorkeling masks and life jackets provided, it’s accessible even for those who aren’t expert swimmers.

Expect a shared boat experience, meaning you may share the water with other groups, as per local policies. While this can mean a bit of waiting—sometimes 2-3 hours during peak season—the chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is well worth it. Some reviews mention the thrill of spotting multiple whale sharks, while others enjoy the tranquility of observing these fish glide effortlessly beneath the surface.

Lunch Break in Badian

Post-whale shark experience, the tour moves to Badian for a local lunch—a chance to refuel before the next adventure. The lunch is usually included, and the setting is scenic, often with views of the surrounding cliffs and the sea. It’s a good moment to relax, share stories with your guide and fellow travelers, and prepare for the next adrenaline rush.

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Canyoneering in Badian

After lunch, it’s time for canyoneering—a favorite among adventure lovers. The activity involves scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, and swimming through the rugged terrain of Badian. The scenery is stunning, with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters making every step worth the effort.

The highlight: jumping off cliffs as high as 30 feet—an experience many describe as “heart-pounding” yet exhilarating. The tour provides all necessary gear—life jackets, helmets, trekking shoes—and a local guide ensures safety and guidance throughout.

Some reviews emphasize the thrilling nature of the activity; one said, “It’s not for the faint of heart, but the views and adrenaline make it unforgettable.” The activity is physically demanding but doable for anyone in good health and aged 7 and above, provided they’re comfortable with heights.

Kawasan Falls: A Perfect Ending

After your canyoning adventure, the tour concludes with a relaxing swim at Kawasan Falls. The falls are often described as serene and beautiful, with calm waters ideal for cooling off after the physical exertion. This peaceful moment offers a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures before heading back.

Return and Drop-off

The journey back to your hotel is typically smooth, with drop-offs available across multiple locations including Cebu City, Mactan, and nearby areas. The entire experience, from pickup to return, is designed to be hassle-free, making it accessible for travelers who want to maximize their day without worrying about logistics.

The Value of This Tour

At $122 per person, this tour packs in a lot of memorable activities. The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, lunch, and the canyoneering equipment—meaning there are few hidden expenses. When you consider the cost of individual activities booked separately, it’s a competitive and convenient package.

The small group size (limited to 10 participants) helps ensure you’ll receive personal attention and safety oversight, which is especially important during physically demanding activities like canyoneering.

What Travelers Say

Many reviewers highlight the stunning views and the exhilaration of jumping off cliffs. One mentioned, “The scenery was breathtaking, and the jumps made my trip unforgettable.” Others appreciated the professional guides, noting they felt safe and well-led throughout.

Some travelers mention waiting times for whale shark swimming during peak season—about 2-3 hours—but the overall consensus is that the experience is worth the wait. The tour’s flexibility and inclusion of lunch, gear, and entrance fees add to the overall value.

Suitable for Whom?

This tour is best suited for adventurous spirits who enjoy active outdoor pursuits. It’s a great fit for families with older children (minimum age 7), thrill-seekers, and those wanting a full day of diverse experiences. If you’re comfortable with climbing, jumping, and swimming, you’ll likely adore it.

However, it’s not ideal for pregnant women, people with back or mobility issues, or those with heart conditions. Travelers looking for a more relaxed sightseeing day may find this to be a bit too intense.

The Sum Up

In essence, this tour offers a rich blend of wildlife encounters and adrenaline-pumping activities that showcase Cebu’s natural beauty. While it demands physical energy and patience during peak whale shark season, the stunning views, the thrill of canyoning, and the chance to see gentle giants in their habitat make it an experience that’s well worth the effort.

It’s a perfect choice for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts looking for a full-day adventure that combines culture, scenery, and excitement. If you’re comfortable with outdoor activities, want to tick off multiple must-see attractions in one go, and enjoy a bit of thrill, this tour will leave you with stories to tell for years.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 10 hours long, starting around 8 am. Exact timings can depend on pickup locations and seasonal factors.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available at most hotels in Cebu City, Mactan, Lapu-lapu, Moalboal, and Oslob areas.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers hotel transfer, entrance fees for whale shark watching and canyoneering, snorkeling masks, life jackets, lunch, and canyoneering gear such as helmets and trekking shoes.

Are meals included?
Yes, a local lunch is included after the whale shark activity and before the canyoneering.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, a towel, and possibly a waterproof bag for valuables. Fins are not included but can be rented separately.

Is the activity suitable for children?
Canyoneering is suitable for children aged 7 and above, but younger children or those with mobility issues should consider their physical readiness.

What if I don’t want to do canyoneering?
This tour is designed with both activities as part of the experience, but if you prefer just the whale shark swim, it’s worth noting that during the peak season, waiting times can be 2-3 hours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing you flexibility in your travel plans.

This Cebu adventure blends the spectacular with the active, giving you a chance to connect with nature and challenge yourself—all in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: