Cebu South Adventure: Whale Sharks, Sumilon & Kawasan Falls

Summary

Whale shark swim Sumilon sandbar & canyoneering tour in Cebu

You’ll swim beside gentle whale sharks in Oslob, feel cool mist at Tumalog Falls, stretch out on Sumilon Island’s sandbar, then leap and slide through Badian’s canyons before reaching Kawasan Falls—all with a local guide and lunch included. It’s one of those days you’ll replay in your head long after you’ve left Cebu.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the water shimmered in Oslob—almost too blue to be real. We’d barely finished our light breakfast (rice cakes and coffee, nothing fancy) when our guide, Mark, handed us snorkels and grinned like he knew a secret. I was nervous about the whale shark encounter—those creatures are huge up close—but honestly, it felt peaceful. You could hear your own breath underwater and see their spotted backs sliding by. Someone next to me squealed through their snorkel; I just floated there, trying not to mess it up for the fish or myself.

Tumalog Falls was next—just a short drive from the whale sharks. The air changed as we got closer: cooler, heavy with mist and that earthy smell you get near waterfalls. It’s not a long stop (maybe half an hour), but standing under those thin curtains of water felt like pressing reset on my brain. There were local kids laughing nearby, splashing each other and yelling something in Cebuano I couldn’t catch. I tried to join in but mostly just slipped on the rocks—Mark laughed and said everyone does that their first time.

Sumilon Island’s sandbar looked almost fake from the boat—a strip of white against all that turquoise. We had about two hours there, which sounds long but goes fast when you’re just lying back watching clouds or wading out till your toes disappear in soft sand. Lunch came after (grilled fish, rice, mangoes), eaten with wet hands because nobody bothered to dry off properly. The sun was sharp but not mean; I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk.

I didn’t really know what “canyoneering” meant until we started hiking up into Badian’s hills for the last part of this Cebu South adventure. It’s loud—water rushing everywhere—and you have to jump off rocks or slide down smooth boulders into blue pools below. My legs shook after one of the higher jumps (I’m not ashamed), but our guide kept cracking jokes and showing us how to land safely. By the time we reached Kawasan Falls itself, my shoes were full of pebbles and my arms ached in a good way. The falls are busy but somehow still feel wild—maybe it’s all that cold spray on your face.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale Sharks, Falls & Adventure

• Whale shark interaction
• Visit Tumalog Falls
• Relax at Sumilon Island sandbar
• Canyoneering in Badian to Kawasan Falls
• Explore Kawasan Falls

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Cebu South tour?

Yes, pickup from any hotel in Cebu or Mactan is included.

How long do you spend swimming with whale sharks?

The whale shark interaction lasts about 30 minutes.

What is included for lunch during the tour?

A full meal lunch is served after visiting Sumilon Island sandbar.

Are entrance fees covered for all attractions?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in the package price.

Is canyoneering at Kawasan Falls suitable for beginners?

You should have moderate fitness; guides provide safety gear and instructions.

How much time do you get at Sumilon Island sandbar?

You can spend up to 2 hours relaxing on the sandbar.

Are towels provided during this day trip?

Yes, towels are included for guests on this tour.

Can children join this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; some activities may not be suitable for young kids.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup anywhere in Cebu or Mactan, entry fees for every stop (whale shark swim in Oslob, Tumalog Falls, Sumilon Island sandbar), snorkeling gear and towels, plus a full lunch after Sumilon. Canyoneering equipment—helmets, life jackets, aqua shoes—is provided along with a local guide at every spot before drop-off back at your hotel.