The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in the Philippines

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 $106

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 Oslob: Whale Shark Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 32 reviews · 1 day · from $86

Leave Cebu before dawn for Oslob, where a local guide takes you by boat to swim or snorkel beside whale sharks for 30 to 45 minutes. The $86 private day trip includes transport, fees, gear, and safety instruction. Rey may be your driver, though guide assignments can vary.

“Everything went great. We got to where we're supposed to be on time. Will recommend! Thanks Sir Rey”

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8.Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark and Moalboal Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · 1 day · from $117

Start early with private pickup, a safety briefing, and a boat ride to see Oslob whale sharks. After breakfast, continue to Moalboal for sardines, coral, and possible turtles. English-speaking guides, gear, transfers, and underwater photo help are included.

“The trip on the whole felt very disorganised. We had no idea what was happening next or who we were supposed to ask. We also didn’t get snorkels or flippers for the Moalboal activity, just goggles, which was disappointing as it was advertised as a snorkel tour. Saying this, it was great to see the sardines, whale sharks and the turtles, a very rare experience. We also appreciated how early the tour started giving us a lower wait time for the whale sharks. I would highly recommend renting the Go-Pro for 550 pesos, the videos are great!”

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9.Oslob: Whale Sharks, Inambakan Falls & Moalboal Sardines

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · 1 day · from $132

Start before dawn for Oslob whale sharks, then visit five-tier Inambakan Falls and snorkel Moalboal’s sardine run. Enjoy hotel pickup, private transport, equipment, entrance fees, and English or Tagalog guides. Guide Jowen has earned praise for friendly help and local insight.

“Esperienza bellissima, si parte molto presto ma ne vale assolutamente la pena. Guide molto gentili e disponibili.”

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10.Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming and Tumalog Falls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 16 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $79Best value

Start before dawn for a 3 to 4-hour drive from Cebu to Oslob, swim near whale sharks with provided gear, then visit Tumalog Falls. English support, hotel pickup, fees, and transport are included. Expect a long day, possible 2 to 3-hour wait, and a shared-tour setup unless you choose private service.

“the trip was fantastic very long day but amazing to get to swim with the whale sharks. we would have loved a bit more communication from the guide as to what was happening and when. as I had to ask a lot of questions to find out. overall this tour is an absolute must!”

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11.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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12.Oslob: Whale Shark Tour with Sumilon & Moalboal Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 8 reviews · 1 day · from $81

Start before dawn with private hotel pickup, then visit Oslob for whale shark viewing, Sumilon Island’s sandbar, and Moalboal’s Sardine Run. The tour includes transport, boat transfers, gear, guides, fees, and a local lunch. Expect a demanding day, possible Oslob waits, and crowded water.

“Merci beaucoup pour cette superbe journée, on s'est vraiment amusées et passé un moment inoubliable !! Sans aucune hésitation je recommande cette activité 👌 Certes une journée intense mais ça vaut tellement le coup, n'hésitez pas vous en aurez plein les yeux 🙃”

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13.Oslob: Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Trio Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 7 reviews · 1 day · from $103

Travel from Cebu, Oslob, Moalboal, or Lapu-Lapu City to swim with whale sharks, visit Tumalog Falls, and boat to Sumilon Island. English-speaking guides, car service, fees, boat rides, and snorkeling gear are included. Jason has earned praise for helpful driving and photos.

“It was an amazing experience and absolutely worth the time! Swimming with the whale sharks was unforgettable, and all the other activities we did were also so worth it. Everyone was helpful and truly memorable. Special shout-out to Jason, who drove us around and showed us so many beautiful places😌 He was very knowledgeable, guided us throughout the trip, took great photos for us. I would 100% recommend this experience and will definitely come back again!”

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14.Cebu: Whale Shark Swim, Kawasan Falls & Sardine Run

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 5 reviews · 1 day · from $135

Leave Cebu around 2:00 to 3:00 am for whale sharks in Oslob, Kawasan Falls in Badian, and Moalboal’s sardine run. You get a Filipino lunch, equipment, guides, entrance fees, and hotel transfers. Expect a small group of up to 10, long drives, and crowded popular sites.

“I was pick up in my hotel on time at 2 am. Good car only for me we arrive to the shark whale place at 440 am, made a line for 30 min got number. After that time to see sunrise and breakfast until call to get in the Water at 740 am, was good the swim with shark whale departed at 830 am to Moalboal to snorkel with sardines and two turtles with a prívate guide he took good vídeos swim was around 30 ir 45 minutes I skiped lunch and we had time to stop in a nearby waterfall outside the plan for 20 minutes entrance 100 pesos…”

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15.Cebu:Whale Shark, Waterfall, and Sardine Run Group Tour+Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · from $107Top rated

You’ll visit Oslob for a guided whale shark encounter, swim at multi-tiered Inambakan Falls, then snorkel near Pescador Island with sardines and possible sea turtles. Local guides, breakfast, equipment, transfers, and entrance fees are included. Guide Jason is noted for attentive help throughout the day.

“Everything well organised and accordingly to description. Also cheaper with respect other tours. Lunch break should be organised a little bit better.”

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