Cebu: Private Sumilon Island & Optional Whale Shark Swim

Cebu offers an opportunity to explore the captivating Sumilon Island, where pristine beaches and vibrant marine life await. Visitors can embark on a private full-day tour, with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and boat transfers included. The highlight is the optional whale shark swim, where participants receive a safety briefing before diving into the island’s lagoon. This adventure promises an unforgettable experience amidst stunning natural beauty, with a flexible cancellation policy for a stress-free booking. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day on the beach or an exhilarating encounter with marine life, Sumilon Island has something to captivate every traveler.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Private Drivers In Cebu.

Key Points

• Full-day private tour to Sumilon Island, including hotel pickup, private transport, and boat transfers, priced from ₱2,430 per person.
• Opportunity to swim with wild whale sharks, subject to sightings, with safety briefing and guidelines in place.
• Option to upgrade for access to Sumilon resort, which includes a lunch buffet, snorkeling gear, and other amenities.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Age restriction for whale shark swim, with children under 7 only allowed to observe from the boat.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour to Sumilon Island offers a chance to explore a less crowded, clean beach destination. Priced from ₱2,430 per person, the 11-13 hour experience includes hotel pickup, private air-conditioned transport, and boat transfers to the island.

Visitors can admire the clear blue waters and spot various sea creatures. An optional whale shark swim experience is available, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Tours are available in Tagalog and English, with a flexible cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can upgrade to access the Sumilon resort, which provides a lunch buffet, gear rental, and use of facilities.

Experience Highlights

Discover the less crowded, clean beaches of Sumilon Island.

Admire the clear blue water and potential sightings of various sea creatures, like colorful marine life.

Opt to swim with wild whale sharks, an unforgettable experience.

Upgrade for access to the Sumilon resort, which includes a lunch buffet and use of additional amenities like snorkeling gear.

Itinerary Details

Travelers meet the driver at their hotel lobby in Cebu City, Mactan, or Lapu-Lapu City to begin the journey.

They’ll head to Oslob City and take a boat to the picturesque Sumilon Island. Upon arrival, guests can spend 4-5 hours exploring the island’s lagoon, sunbathing, and swimming in the clear blue waters, with potential sightings of various sea creatures.

The tour also offers an optional whale shark swimming experience, with a safety briefing beforehand. Alternatively, travelers can upgrade to access the Sumilon resort, which includes a lunch buffet, gear rentals, and use of the resort’s facilities.

The itinerary includes:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off
2. Private air-conditioned transfer
3. Boat transportation to the island
4. Whale shark swimming experience (if selected)

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as private air-conditioned transportation to and from the island.

Entrance fees, boat transportation to Sumilon Island, and the optional whale shark swimming experience are all covered.

If the resort option is selected, guests can enjoy the use of resort facilities, towels, and snorkeling gear, as well as a lunch buffet.

Visitors should bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Children under 7 are allowed to watch the whale shark experience from the boat, but can’t participate in the snorkeling activity.

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Cancellation Policy

Guests can cancel their tour free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy allows travelers to plan with confidence:

1. Cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
2. Receive a prompt refund via the original payment method.
3. Easily reschedule or modify the tour if needed.
4. Avoid penalties for last-minute changes in travel plans.

This liberal cancellation policy ensures a stress-free booking experience, allowing guests to focus on the exciting Sumilon Island adventure ahead.

Age Restrictions

Children under 7 can’t participate in the whale shark snorkeling activity, but they’re allowed to watch from the boat. The tour has this age restriction for safety reasons.

Whale sharks are large and powerful creatures, and the snorkeling activity requires strong swimming skills. The guide will provide a safety briefing and ensure all participants can safely interact with the whale sharks.

While younger children can’t join the snorkeling, they can still enjoy the stunning views and atmosphere of Sumilon Island during the tour.

Environmental Considerations

Are whale shark sightings guaranteed during the tour?

No, whale shark sightings aren’t guaranteed. The tour provider notes that environmental conditions may impact the likelihood of seeing these magnificent creatures.

While the tour does offer an optional whale shark swimming experience, there are no refunds provided for instances where whale sharks aren’t spotted.

Some key environmental considerations to keep in mind:

1. Weather patterns can affect whale shark migration and activity levels.
2. Water clarity and sea conditions may vary, impacting visibility.
3. Whale shark populations are wild and unpredictable.
4. Environmental regulations prohibit interfering with or harming the whale sharks.

Safety Guidelines

Strict safety guidelines are enforced to protect both guests and the vulnerable whale sharks during the swimming experience.

Guests must listen carefully to the safety briefing and follow the guide’s instructions at all times. It’s strictly forbidden to touch, feed, or get too close to the whale sharks. Aggressive behavior towards the animals will result in immediate exclusion from the activity.

For the safety of the creatures, no more than 6 swimmers are allowed in the water at once. Swimmers must maintain a safe distance of at least 4 meters and avoid sudden movements.

Safety is the top priority to ensure a responsible and memorable encounter with these magnificent marine animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Visitors are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks to Sumilon Island. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator or resort beforehand, as there may be some restrictions or additional fees for outside food and beverages.

Is There a Chance to See Other Marine Life Besides Whale Sharks?

According to the tour overview, visitors to Sumilon Island may have the opportunity to spot various sea creatures besides whale sharks. The clear blue waters of the island offer potential sightings of diverse marine life.

How Many People Are Typically in Each Tour Group?

The tour group size is typically small, with a maximum of 10-15 people per tour. This allows for a more personalized experience and easy access to the island’s attractions.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Using Resort Amenities?

There are additional fees for using the resort amenities on Sumilon Island. The resort access option includes access to the facilities, gear rental, and a lunch buffet for an extra cost.

Is There a Minimum Number of People Required to Book This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of people required to book. It’s a private tour, so individuals or small groups can reserve it. Additional fees may apply for using resort amenities like the lunch buffet and gear rental.

Recap

Set out on a private tour to Sumilon Island, where you’ll explore pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The optional whale shark swim offers an unforgettable experience. With a flexible cancellation policy and environmental considerations, this adventure promises a stress-free and memorable experience amidst stunning natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: