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This post is all about the Oslob Whale Shark Canyoneering Moalboal Hopping Tour, one of the most popular and exhilarating packages in Cebu. This tour lets you experience the best of Cebu's nature in one go: swimming with gentle giants, exploring breathtaking canyons, and meeting sea turtles. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip.
Planning Your Trip to Cebu?
Cebu is a paradise for ocean lovers, but did you know that the most incredible adventures are actually in the south of the island? When I first planned my trip, I was overwhelmed by all the options. Should I choose just canyoneering? Or just the whale shark tour? It felt like I had to pick between different once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
That's why a comprehensive package tour is really the best choice for first-timers or those with limited time. It takes care of all the complex logistics, letting you focus entirely on enjoying the activities. While the travel time from Mactan or Cebu City might seem long, trust me, a single-day tour that combines Oslob, canyoneering, and Moalboal is the most efficient way to maximize your adventure.
If you want to pack in all the highlights without spending multiple days in transit, this tour is exactly what you need. It's a must-do on many travelers' lists for a good reason.
This is a great place to start looking at all available options.
Why This Tour is Special
This specific tour package stands out because it solves the biggest challenge of traveling in southern Cebu: transportation and timing. The tour starts early in the morning for a fast track experience, meaning you get to see the whale sharks before the big crowds arrive. This makes a huge difference in how much you enjoy the experience, letting you get up close and personal without feeling rushed.
But what truly sets this tour apart is the quality of the service. From the moment you are picked up, everything is handled smoothly. The guides are not just escorts; they're professional photographers and safety experts. They are dedicated to getting you perfect photos and videos, especially during the thrilling canyoneering part, often giving 1:1 attention.
It's truly an all-inclusive experience. They provide delicious meals, clean towels, and comfortable transportation, ensuring you don't have to worry about a thing except having fun. The guides are friendly and genuinely enthusiastic about helping you enjoy your time, making even the long drives pleasant with conversation and music.
Detailed Tour Information
Let's break down what to expect from this full-day adventure, as it's quite a long day but totally worth it.
Oslob Whale Shark Encounter: The journey starts very early in the morning (around 3 AM depending on your location) to get to Oslob at dawn. After a quick breakfast, you'll transfer to small boats to meet the whale sharks. These gentle giants are absolutely massive, and seeing them up close is truly awe-inspiring. You get about 30 minutes in the water, which feels like a perfect amount of time to take pictures and soak in the experience.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: This is where the real adrenaline kicks in. The canyoneering involves navigating through rivers and jumping off waterfalls, sometimes from heights up to 10 meters (but there are alternative routes for those who prefer not to jump). The scenery is incredible, with turquoise waters and lush jungle surroundings. This part of the tour requires a good amount of physical effort, and you’ll definitely be tired afterward, but the feeling of accomplishment and fun is unparalleled.
Moalboal Hopping Tour: After the intense canyoneering, you'll head to Moalboal for a more relaxed snorkeling session. This is famous for two things: the Sardine Run (millions of sardines moving together like a giant, shimmering cloud) and a high chance of spotting sea turtles. Swimming alongside a turtle is truly magical and provides a peaceful end to the day's excitement.
Sample Itinerary
This tour typically runs for a full day, starting early in the morning and ending late at night. Here’s a rough timeline based on my experience:
2:00 AM - 3:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel or accommodation (Mactan/Cebu City).
3:00 AM - 6:00 AM: Drive to Oslob, taking advantage of the quiet roads. You can rest in the comfortable vehicle during this time.
6:00 AM - 7:30 AM: Arrive at Oslob, have breakfast (usually provided), and go for the whale shark encounter.
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Transfer to Kawasan Falls area (often includes a visit to Tumalog Falls via motorbike).
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Canyoneering experience, including jumps, swimming, and hiking through the canyons.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch time! (A delicious meal, sometimes K-BBQ, is provided to refuel after all the physical activity).
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Drive to Moalboal for snorkeling with the sardine run and sea turtles.
3:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Return drive back to your hotel, enjoying the sunset and reflecting on the incredible day.
Location Guide
This tour focuses on the southern part of Cebu Island, which is a significant drive from the main tourist hubs of Mactan Island or Cebu City.
Oslob: Located approximately 3 hours south of Cebu City. This is where the whale shark interaction takes place.
Kawasan Falls: Located near Moalboal, which is about 30-45 minutes north of Oslob. This is the starting point for the canyoneering adventure.
Moalboal: Located on the western coast of Cebu Island. The sardine run and turtle point are close to the shore here.
The long travel distance (around 3-4 hours each way from Mactan/Cebu City) is why having a dedicated private vehicle and driver is so essential for this tour. It makes the journey much more comfortable and efficient than trying to navigate public transport.
Travel Tips & Essential Gear
To make sure you enjoy your trip to the fullest, here are some essential tips I learned from my experience and from other travelers:
Wear a Rash Guard: It offers sun protection and prevents chafing during water activities.
Aqua Shoes are a MUST: The canyoneering path is rocky and slippery. I strongly recommend bringing or renting good quality aqua shoes with thick soles to protect your feet.
Bring Cash (PHP): You'll need cash for tips for the guides (who work very hard!) and potentially for optional activities like the zip line or snacks along the route.
Waterproof Phone Case/GoPro: The guides take amazing photos with their GoPro, but if you want to take pictures yourself, a waterproof case for your phone is essential.
Motion Sickness Pills: The drive to Oslob can be long and winding. If you get motion sickness, take medicine beforehand.
Arrive on Day 1/2 of your trip: Some travelers find canyoneering quite physically demanding. It’s better to do it early in your trip rather than right before your flight home.
Recommended Tour Options
If you’re still considering different packages, I highly recommend looking at the options provided by MyRealTrip, specifically the all-inclusive package with airport pickup.
It’s truly a game changer to have everything arranged for you, especially when dealing with the logistics of southern Cebu. The guides are top-notch, and the fast-track benefit is invaluable.
Whether you choose a private tour or a joint tour, the experience of having professional guides ensure safety during canyoneering and capturing incredible moments during whale shark watching is priceless.
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Conclusion
Looking back, this tour was easily the highlight of my Cebu trip. The transition from the awe-inspiring experience with the whale sharks to the adrenaline-fueled canyoneering and finally the peaceful snorkeling in Moalboal creates a day full of diverse emotions and memories.
I went into it a little worried about the long travel time and physical demand, but the moment I was in the water with a whale shark and later jumping off a waterfall, all those worries vanished. This isn't just a tour; it’s an adventure that truly changes how you see Cebu.
I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't let the long day deter you; the memories you create will be worth every second of the journey.
Review Time: My Personal Experience
I normally don't write long reviews, but this tour was genuinely one of the most memorable days of my life. My friends and I chose the Oslob, Canyoneering, and Moalboal full package. I was nervous about starting the day so early, but our guide, Janiel, picked us up promptly at 3:30 AM. He was so friendly and informative right from the start.
We got to Oslob early, which meant we got to see the whale sharks before the big crowds arrived. Standing next to these massive creatures was incredible, a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment. The local guides here were awesome too; they took so many pictures and videos for us with the GoPro, making sure we had perfect shots.
Next up was canyoneering, which I was honestly dreading because of my low stamina. Let me tell you, it was tough. My legs were definitely shaking by the end, but the guides, especially Angel and Melvin, were amazing. They were so supportive, helping us every step of the way, and even kept our spirits high by singing songs and cracking jokes. They turned what could have been a scary experience into something genuinely fun. We even did the optional zipline, which I highly recommend for a great view.
After all that hard work, the lunch was absolute perfection. Seriously, the K-BBQ they served at the base camp was exactly what we needed. I was so hungry that I kept asking for seconds!
Finally, the Moalboal snorkeling was the perfect way to wind down. Seeing the sardine run and swimming right next to a sea turtle felt like a dream. The guides made sure everything felt safe and hassle-free from start to finish.
If you’re on the fence about whether to do all three activities in one day, just go for it. Yes, it's physically demanding, but it’s 100% worth it, and the guides make sure you are taken care of from start to finish. I already want to go back!
