7 Cebu Whale Watching Tours Worth the Early Start

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

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

Start before dawn for a whale shark swim in Oslob, then continue to Badian for lunch and three hours of canyoneering. Guides such as Ray, Jordon, Marcelo, and Ronaldo are praised for safety and photos, while the long drive and possible two to three hour wait require patience.

“Had a phenomenal time Canyoneering, my guide Johnrey, did an amazing job helping me through the canyon, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, cliffs and trails. I had so much fun and he took some great photos! Zip lining was a blast! Felt like I was flying’s highly recommend. Whale shark swimming was fun, but there were a lot of people. The boatmen were very helpful and took some nice photos. Driver was good, but transportation was rough, especially sitting in the back of the van. Be ready for a long car ride - bring snacks, a book, music, portable charger, bug spray.”

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2.Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 343 reviews · 10 hours · from $106Best value

Leave Cebu around 2:00 to 3:00 AM for Oslob’s whale shark encounter, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run and turtle snorkeling. Breakfast, lunch, gear, entrance fees, and hotel transfers are included. Private tours make good sense for groups of four or more.

“The best tour guide ever. Rudeal Yab is kind, patient and went out of his way for us. We did the whale shark, Waterfall and sardine run tour he was on time to pick us up at 2 am and we were dropped off at 8:30 pm.. he was happy for us to take our time and guided us where we needed to go throughout the day. He’s a great communicator and was quick to respond when I messaged him on WhatsApp. I highly recommend Rudeal for your Philippines excursions.”

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3.Cebu: Whale Shark Swim and Kawasan Canyoneering Tour

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

Start with a 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. pickup, reach Oslob for a guided whale shark swim, then head to Badian for 3.5 hours of river trekking, swimming, slides, and optional jumps. Local guides such as Arnel, Norbert, and Oslan help with safety and photos. Lunch and hotel transfers are included.

“It’s a lot of driving and a lot of waiting around but it’s so worth it. The whale sharks are amazing and the canyoning was the scariest and best experience of my life. If you don’t like heights, it won’t be for you. It’s very challenging physically but it was worth it!”

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4.Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 266 reviews · 10 - 14 hours · from $113

Start before dawn with a guide such as Mae, Ken, or Norvina, then meet whale sharks in Oslob and snorkel with turtles and sardines in Moalboal. Transport, equipment, fees, towels, showers, and water are included. Expect a 10 to 14-hour day with plenty of road time.

“Wow. Genuinely what an amazing day. The biggest thanks to Mae and Glenn for an experience I will truly never forget. They were the kindest and made sure the whole day was run smoothly, start to finish! I’ll be in awe of this for a very long time to come 🥹💛”

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5.Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 82 reviews · from $117

This small-group Cebu day tour links Oslob’s whale sharks and monkey sanctuary with Moalboal’s sardine run and sea turtles. Expect a very early pickup, long road transfers, certified guides, hotel transport, fresh coconut, and free GoPro rental with an underwater photographer when available.

“I went to see the whale sharks, the falls and the monkey. The guide was brilliant and the transport was amazing: while the guide was guiding us, the driver was waiting on the van so at every stop we could be very close to the place we wanted to visit and also we could live the stuff we didn't need”

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6.Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 65 reviews · from $150

Start around 3:30 a.m. for a private drive from Cebu City or Mactan to Oslob, then continue to Tumalog Falls and Moalboal. Swim near whale sharks, sardines, and turtles with local guides such as Abam, Robbie, Ray, and Noel. Breakfast, lunch, gear, boat trips, and hotel pickup are included.

“We had an amazing time on this tour. All staff were attentive and helpful. Joesifpus, our driver, was the best; super informative and friendly. It was incredible swimming with all the different sea creatures and the whale sharks were so surreal to be with. Thanks so much for a great day! Side note: we hired GoPros at the two locations and it was the best decision as the crew made amazing videos for us.”

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7.Cebu: Whale Shark Oslob and Moalboal Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · from $119

You’ll leave Cebu around 2 a.m. with a private car and driver, reach Oslob for a regulated whale shark encounter, then continue to Moalboal for sardines, turtles, reefs, and photos. Guides such as Lope, Jason, and Raymond have helped make the long day run smoothly, though the early start and road time are demanding.

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