The 8 Best Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips in Cebu

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 343 reviews · 10 hours · from $106Our pick

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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2.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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3.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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4.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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5.Cebu: Sumilon Sand Bar, Whale Sharks & Sardines Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 15 reviews · 14 hours · from $126

Leave your Cebu hotel before dawn for Oslob’s whale sharks, Sumilon Island’s shifting sandbar, and Moalboal’s sardines and turtles. This private 14-hour outing includes transfers, guides, boat rides, and activity fees. Bring lunch money, a towel, and patience for possible whale shark queues.

“Na filipínské poměry velmi dobře zorganizované, zejména plavání se žraloky, opravdu je zde velké množství turistů a opravdu je dobré stsrtovat co nejdříve ( my jsme jeli ve 2 hod ráno). Díky tomu jsme vše stihli a užlili jsme si i ostatní aktivity. Všichni organizátoři a průvodci jsou velmi milí a dělají svoji práci výborně”

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6.Cebu: Whale Shark Snorkeling & Kawasan Canyoning Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 12 - 15 hours · from $152

Leave Cebu before dawn for Oslob whale shark snorkeling, then continue to Kawasan Falls for a guided canyoning route with rock slides, jumps, and swimming. A small group of up to nine, English or Japanese guidance, lunch, equipment, insurance, and a free GoPro rental are included.

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7.Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Kawasan Canyoning Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $155Top rated

Start with a 3 a.m. Cebu pickup, snorkel near Oslob whale sharks, then tackle Kawasan Falls canyoning with a professional instructor. Lunch, gear, insurance, towels, GoPro rental on request, and hotel transfers are included. Japanese-speaking assistant Mae may be available.

“The sea was so beautiful! We were able to take lots of photos with a GoPro. Even though I don't understand much English, I was able to enjoy myself without worry!”

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8.Cebu: Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 1 day · from $111

Set out before dawn from Cebu or Mactan for whale shark watching in Oslob, turquoise Kawasan Falls, a local lunch in Badian, and 1.5 to 2 hours with sardines and turtles in Moalboal. Private transport, gear, fees, and guide support are included. Driver Rey may handle your day.

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