Snorkeling in Cebu: Whale sharks, Sumilon & Kawasan Falls

Whale sharks at dawn, then island and waterfall in one long day from Cebu

A full-day snorkeling and sightseeing tour from Cebu that departs before sunrise, includes 30 minutes in the water with whale sharks in Oslob, moves to Sumilon Island for snorkeling and beach time, and ends at Kawasan Falls with trekking or optional canyoneering. Breakfast and lunch are provided, along with snorkeling gear and private vehicle transport. The guide speaks English or Japanese.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whaleshark swim, Sumilon Island, Kawasan Falls

• Leave hotel before sunrise
• Have breakfast at nearby restaurant
• 30 minute whaleshark snorkeling
• Snorkel and beach bum at Sumilon Island
• Trek or canyoneer at Kawasan Falls

The experience

The day starts before dawn from your Cebu hotel. A three-hour drive south takes you through mountain and sea views to Oslob, where you board a small paddled boat for 30 minutes of snorkeling with whale sharks, though sightings are not guaranteed. After that, a 10-minute boat ride brings you to Sumilon Island, a marine sanctuary with a long white sand beach where you snorkel again and have time to walk the sand bar.

Kawasan Falls in Badian is the final stop, ranked the sixth most beautiful waterfall in the world. You trek to the falls, or choose canyoneering as an optional add-on (PHP 2,300 per person). A zipline is also available for PHP 600. Breakfast happens at a nearby restaurant early on. Lunch is included and served during the day. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the private vehicle means no shared transport or schedule changes mid-tour.

The full outing runs about 14 hours from pickup to return. Children from age 5 can join, and infants sit on an adult's lap. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them when booking. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What’s included

• Breakfast at a restaurant.
• snorkeling equipment.
• lunch.
• private vehicle transport from your hotel.
• English or Japanese-speaking guide.
• snorkeling time at Oslob with whale sharks and at Sumilon Island's marine sanctuary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by LEISUREPRO JOURNEYS TRAVEL SERVICE

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Japanese, so you follow the commentary comfortably throughout the day. If you speak another language, confirm the guide's language when you book, since the tour is led in one of those two.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the whale shark snorkeling like in Oslob?

Oslob whale shark snorkeling happens from a small paddled boat for 30 minutes, though sightings are not guaranteed. You're in the water with the gentle giants, which is why the activity draws travelers from across the region.

How much time do I spend at Sumilon Island?

Sumilon Island includes both snorkeling in the marine sanctuary and beach time on the white sand bar, so you get water and shore in one stop. The 10-minute boat ride from Oslob gets you there.

What happens at Kawasan Falls?

Kawasan Falls is where you trek to the waterfall itself. Canyoneering is optional and costs PHP 2,300 per person if you want a more active experience. A zipline costs PHP 600.

Does the tour include meals?

Breakfast at a nearby restaurant and lunch during the day are both included. Vegetarian options are available if you let the operator know when you book.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to bring your own.

What time does the day start and end?

Pickup happens before sunrise from your Cebu hotel, and the full outing lasts about 14 hours, returning you in the late afternoon or early evening.