Whale Shark Swimming and Canyoneering: the 4 Best Combos

1.Cebu City: Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 665 reviews · 16 hours · from $124Our pick

Start before dawn for Oslob’s whale sharks, then head to Badian for lunch and three hours of Kawasan Falls canyoneering. Local guides such as Ray, Ronaldo, Jo, and Marcelo help with jumps, photos, and footing. Expect a 16-hour day, possible whale shark waits of two to three hours, and a long drive from Cebu City.

“This activity was amazing!! Even though it was only a short time viewing the whale sharks, the tour guides took full advantage of the time we had and became our personal photographer/videographer with the GoPro we rented (which was very affordable!). It was a shame that Kawasan falls was unavailable due to natural circumstances and we ordered the zip line which we couldn't do, but the alternative falls we went to (Inambakan Falls) was just as beautiful! The climb up was steep but our allocated tour guides were so helpful and patient! Could not recommend this activity enough and would happily go back and relive the experience again! Hopefully this…”

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2.Cebu: Whale Shark Swim and Kawasan Canyoneering Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 318 reviews · 1 day · from $106Best value

Start with a 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. pickup, reach Oslob for a supervised whale shark swim, then head to Badian for three to four hours of canyoneering. Local guides handle safety and often take photos. Lunch, gear, fees, and hotel transport are included.

“If you are on a time limit then this activity is a must - although it’s a lot to do in a single day, so if you are more flexible then definitely break them up. The transport was great, guides all great and the Whale sharks amazing!”

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3.Oslob Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · from $197Top rated

Start before dawn for Oslob whale shark watching, then cool off at Tumalog Falls before a four-hour canyoneering run through Badian’s river gorge to Kawasan Falls. A private air-conditioned vehicle, breakfast, lunch, safety gear, and entrance fees are included. Expect a long day, early pickup, wet adventure, and plenty of driving.

“Thank you to Bobby, our driver who took exceptionally good care of us. We requested to be dropped off at Moalboal after the tour, and he kindly accommodated and sent us to our hotel. He also showed us baby sharks along the way to canyoneering. Thanks so much Bobby!! Also want to say thank you to our canyoneering guides, Shyra and Jamela. They made the adventure so much more fun with their enthusiasm, singing and just positive energy. They took the most amazing photos of us, knew all the angles etc. We were pretty tired after whale sharks but their energy hyped us up. Thank you so much guys! You…”

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4.Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming and Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · from $119

Start before dawn with a shared boat ride beside Oslob’s whale sharks, then continue to Badian for three hours of guided canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. Guides such as Arnel, Jeremiah, Mandu, and Raynz are praised for safety and photos. Hotel transfers, lunch, gear, and a private vehicle option are included.

“Hotel pickup is extremely early (2am). Swimming right next to a whale shark! Pay for the goPro, it's better and your phone is safe. Canyoneering is amazing, so beautiful. Moderate fitness level is best. Each person has a guide. Very friendly, knoRead more”

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