Top 6 Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips in the Philippines

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: 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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5.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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6.Oslob: Whale Shark Tour with Sumilon & Moalboal Snorkeling

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

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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