Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Oslob, Cebu: Includes Kawasan Falls visit

Swim with whale sharks, then cool off under a waterfall

A full-day snorkeling and waterfall tour from Cebu combines whale shark encounters in Oslob with a trek to Kawasan Falls in Badian. You board a boat at dawn to snorkel and swim alongside the gentle giants, then travel inland to hike jungle trails and dip in the emerald pools beneath the three-tiered cascade. The tour includes private transport, meals, snorkel equipment and a live English or Filipino-speaking guide.

The experience

The morning starts on the water off Oslob's coast, where you enter the sea with snorkel gear to swim alongside whale sharks: the world's largest fish, which gather here year-round to feed. The boat positions you for close encounters without disturbing the animals. You move at their pace and stay in the water as long as conditions allow. Breakfast and bottled water are provided before departure, so you start the day fueled and hydrated.

After the whale sharks, the tour heads inland to Kawasan Falls near Badian. You trek through jungle trails lined with towering trees and local wildlife, a moderate walk that builds anticipation for what's ahead. The waterfall itself drops in three tiers into emerald pools. You can swim in the pools or rent a raft for a different vantage of the cascading water. Lunch is included after this section, eaten near the falls or at a local stop on the return.

The full day runs 14 hours from pickup to drop-off, so plan for an early start and a late return. Private transportation means your group travels together in one vehicle, and the guide handles logistics (timing, safety briefings, equipment setup) throughout. This pace suits travelers who want both the water time and the land exploration without splitting the experience across two separate days.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Cebu location.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• breakfast before the boat.
• lunch near Kawasan Falls.
• all park fees and taxes.
• snorkel equipment and its use.
• a live guide fluent in English or Filipino.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (3 to 70 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Filipino

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Oslob Whale Sharks

Is this one for you?The 14-hour day and early start suit travelers with a free morning and afternoon in Cebu who want to pack both whale sharks and waterfalls into one outing. If you prefer a shorter excursion or a later departure, look for half-day snorkeling tours that focus on Oslob alone.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Filipino.

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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is provided and fitted for you before entering the water. The guide briefs all swimmers on how to use the gear and how to move safely around the whale sharks. The water is calm in Oslob's bay, and you stay close to the boat.

What are the whale sharks like when you're actually in the water with them?

Whale sharks in Oslob are accustomed to swimmers and feed on plankton near the surface, so they move slowly and predictably. They're enormous, up to 40 feet long, but gentle and unbothered by respectful swimmers nearby. You'll see their spotted pattern and watch them feed, but the encounter is on their terms. The guide keeps the group at a safe distance.

Is the hike to Kawasan Falls difficult?

The trek through jungle trails to the waterfall is moderate, not strenuous, but steady walking on uneven ground. You'll pass through dense vegetation and cross streams. Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals, and bring a change of clothes for after the pools. The three-tiered falls reward the walk with deep emerald water for swimming.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The tour runs 14 hours total, so pickup is early morning (typically around 6 or 7 a.m.) to reach Oslob for the whale shark window. You return to your hotel or meeting point in the late afternoon or early evening. Exact times depend on your pickup location in Cebu.

Is lunch included, and are there dietary options?

Yes, lunch is included as part of the tour. Breakfast is also provided before the morning boat departure. Inform the guide of any dietary restrictions when you book so the operator can arrange suitable meals.