Cebu: Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Run

Three marine moments in one day: whale sharks, a waterfall pool, and a living river of sardines

A full-day tour from Cebu combines three separate marine and waterfall experiences: snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob, swimming at Tumalog Falls, and witnessing the sardine run and sea turtles in Moalboal. Hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, local snacks, and free GoPro rental with underwater photography assistance are included. The tour runs 10 to 12 hours with an English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale sharks, falls, and snorkeling

• Pickup from hotel
• Drive 3-4 hours to Oslob
• Swim with whale sharks
• Visit Tumalog Falls
• Snorkel sardines run and turtles in Moalboal
• Drive back to hotel

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in a Toyota Hiace Grand.
• snorkeling equipment.
• free GoPro rental with underwater photography assistance.
• admission to Tumalog Falls and snorkeling sites.
• local snacks.
• coffee and tea.
• all fees and taxes.

Times

• Every day 04:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 8

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to 4h before

Ages Adult (4 to 95 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems

Operated by Cebu Southern Tours

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

The day starts with a 3–4 hour drive south from your hotel to Oslob, passing through provincial towns and lush scenery. Once there, you enter the water to snorkel alongside whale sharks: massive, gentle creatures that move through the shallows. The encounter is the centerpiece of the morning, and the operator provides snorkeling equipment and a free GoPro rental so you can capture the moment with help from an underwater photographer.

After Oslob, a short trip brings you to Tumalog Falls, where a curtain-like cascade drops from high cliffs into a pool set deep in greenery. You wade in the cool water, take photos from the cliff base, and walk the jungle setting before heading to the final stop. Entrance fees are included, and there is time to linger without rushing.

Moalboal is where the tour shifts to a different kind of spectacle: the sardine run. Thousands of sardines swirl in unison in crystal-clear water, and you snorkel through the school. Sea turtles glide through the same reefs, and you have the chance to swim near them. The guide stays with you throughout both snorkeling sections to ensure safety. After the day's adventures, the driver returns you to your hotel with local snacks and refreshments provided along the way.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are whale sharks like when you swim next to them in Oslob?

Whale sharks in Oslob are gentle giants that move slowly through shallow water. They are massive but peaceful, and snorkeling alongside them lets you watch their bodies glide past without aggression or threat. The encounter happens in their natural feeding grounds, so the experience is unscripted and depends on where the sharks are on the day you visit.

Can I bring my own camera, or do I have to use the free GoPro?

You can bring your own camera. The free GoPro rental is an additional option. If you want it, let the team know before the tour. An underwater photographer is available to assist with the GoPro, but you are welcome to use your own equipment as well.

What is the sardine run like compared to the whale shark encounter?

The sardine run is a school of thousands of small fish moving in unison, creating a shimmering, living curtain in the water. It is a different kind of marine spectacle from the whale sharks: more about witnessing a coordinated mass of smaller creatures rather than individual large animals. Sea turtles are also present in the same waters at Moalboal.

Is lunch included, or do I need to arrange my own food?

Lunch is not included, but the operator can make suggestions and escort you to a variety of restaurants at Moalboal so you can choose what suits your preferences. Local snacks and coffee or tea are provided during the tour.