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Hey everyone! Today, I'm taking you on an adventure to one of my all-time favorite travel destinations: Cebu, Philippines.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to try out the [Fast Track] Oslob Whale Shark Canyoneering Moalboal Hopping Tour (Private/Join with Free Airport Transfer).
If you’re anything like me, you love a trip packed with unforgettable experiences and stunning natural beauty. This tour combines three of Cebu's most iconic adventures into one action-packed day.
I promise this review will help you decide if this epic journey is right for you.
Planning Your Cebu Trip?
Let's be real, planning a trip to Cebu can be overwhelming. There are so many islands to choose from, resorts to explore, and activities to fit into a limited timeframe. When I first looked into it, I felt a bit lost. Should I just stay in Mactan and relax? Or should I venture out to see what makes Cebu so famous?
The further south you go from Mactan, where most resorts are located, the more incredible the natural wonders become. The catch? The journey to these locations, specifically Oslob and Moalboal, can take several hours (around 3-4 hours one way) from Cebu City.
This specific tour package is the ultimate solution to this logistical headache. It’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time and see all three of Cebu's top attractions without the hassle of arranging separate transfers and activities. If you want to experience the best of Cebu's underwater world and natural playgrounds in a single day, this is absolutely the way to go. It’s like hitting the travel jackpot—a single day that gives you memories for a lifetime.
I highly recommend checking out the options on MyRealTrip to compare packages and find the one that fits your style.
This tour is specifically designed for adventurers who want to experience the best of Cebu's aquatic life and thrilling landscapes.
Click here to compare tour options for Cebu on MyRealTrip.
Why This Tour Package Is a Must-Do
Trust me, this isn’t just another tour; it's an experience built for convenience and maximum impact. What really sets this package apart is the efficiency. The term Fast Track in the title isn't just marketing—it's a game changer. When you go to Oslob, getting there early is crucial to avoid the massive crowds. This tour's early start and efficient logistics ensure you get in and out quickly, giving you more time for the other activities.
Logistics in the Philippines can be tricky, but this tour eliminates all stress. You're picked up in a comfortable, clean, and spacious vehicle, often with a neck pillow and water provided. The ride itself is long, so comfort is key. The guides are truly fantastic. They are not only professional and focused on safety, but they are also incredibly helpful in documenting your adventure. Seriously, they are photo and video experts, and they know all the best spots for those Instagram-worthy shots.
From start to finish, the 1:1 care from the guides made me feel completely safe and valued, especially during the more challenging parts like canyoneering. Plus, the included meals (the Korean BBQ at the basecamp was a highlight!) are substantial and exactly what you need after a long day of adventure.
Tour Highlights: Oslob, Canyoneering, Moalboal
This tour covers a stunning trifecta of experiences. First up, Oslob Whale Sharks. Seeing these gentle giants up close is truly one of the most incredible things I've ever done. The sheer size of them, right there next to you, is absolutely breathtaking.
Next, you dive into Canyoneering. This part is definitely a thrill ride, combining hiking, jumping from cliffs (optional but highly recommended!), and swimming through stunning natural canyons. It's physically demanding, for sure, but the adrenaline rush is unbelievable. The guides stay right by your side, ensuring safety and cheering you on every step of the way.
Finally, the tour wraps up with Moalboal Hopping. This is where you can catch your breath and enjoy the underwater spectacle. Swimming alongside massive schools of sardines in the famous sardine run is mesmerizing, and keep an eye out for sea turtles! Seeing a giant sea turtle glide by just feet away from me was pure magic.
It's the perfect combination of awe-inspiring nature, high-octane adventure, and peaceful marine life.
Recommended Schedule and Logistics
A word of warning: This tour starts very early. We're talking 2 AM or 3 AM pickup from your hotel in Cebu City or Mactan. This might seem extreme, but it’s essential to beat the crowds at Oslob and maximize your day.
The day follows a tight, but smooth, schedule:
Pre-dawn pickup: You’ll start your journey south. Don’t worry, you can sleep in the car.
Morning Oslob: Arrive at Oslob, have a quick breakfast (often provided), and head straight to see the whale sharks. The fast-track option really pays off here.
Late morning/Noon Canyoneering: After Oslob, you head to Badian for canyoneering. This takes about 3-4 hours, including preparation and the activity itself.
Afternoon Moalboal: After lunch, you'll go snorkeling at Moalboal to see the sardines and turtles.
Evening drop-off: You’ll be back at your hotel between 7 PM and 9 PM.
Yes, it's a long day, sometimes up to 17 hours, but the constant change of scenery and activities keeps things exciting.
Getting There: Location Details
The activities are located in the southern part of Cebu Island. Oslob and Moalboal are neighboring municipalities but are located far from the main tourist hubs of Mactan and Cebu City.
Oslob: Located on the southeastern coast of Cebu, approximately 3-4 hours drive from Mactan. This is where you find the whale shark interaction center and Tumalog Falls.
Moalboal: Located on the southwestern coast of Cebu, roughly 3 hours from Mactan. This area is famous for its sardine run and sea turtle population.
Trying to reach these places independently can be difficult and time-consuming. This tour package efficiently transports you between these locations, making the long distances manageable.
Pro Tips & Must-Haves
Aqua Shoes: Don't go without them! Canyoneering requires durable footwear. While you can rent them, consider bringing your own or buying a quality pair from a local vendor before starting the tour. The terrain is rocky, and a good grip makes a huge difference in safety and comfort.
Cash (Philippine Pesos): Bring small denominations for tips (for guides, drivers, and especially the canyoneering guides who provide 1:1 care) and optional activities like the zip line (around 600 PHP) at Kawasan Falls.
Waterproof Bag/Case: Essential for keeping your valuables dry during the water activities. For Oslob, a waterproof phone case or action camera is highly recommended for photos.
Remove Jewelry: It's best to take off all jewelry (earrings, necklaces, watches) before canyoneering. You don’t want to lose them or get snagged on rocks.
Snacks and Water: While meals are provided, bring a small snack for the car ride. Water is typically provided in the car.
Manage Your Energy: Canyoneering is physically demanding. If you just arrived in Cebu, consider doing this tour on day 2 or 3 of your trip when you've had time to recover from travel.
Book This Tour
After experiencing this tour myself, I can confidently say it's one of the best ways to spend a day in Cebu. The combination of logistics and world-class activities makes it truly worthwhile.
You can compare and book this tour (or other options) directly through MyRealTrip.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a relaxed, easygoing trip, this might not be for you. But if you're an adventure-seeker who wants to make every moment count, this Oslob, Canyoneering, and Moalboal tour is exactly what you need. It’s physically tiring, but the feeling of accomplishment and the incredible memories you gain are priceless. This tour has redefined my definition of a perfect day trip. I left feeling utterly exhausted but also completely fulfilled.
Dive into the Reviews (My Experience)
I really can't say enough good things about this tour. It truly lived up to the hype, and honestly, surpassed my expectations. The whole trip felt incredibly efficient, which is exactly what you need when you're trying to fit three huge adventures into one day.
My personal experience felt exactly like what other travelers were saying: The guides were outstanding. Our local guide was so friendly and genuinely invested in making sure we had a great time. He was constantly snapping photos and videos for us, creating these amazing keepsakes without us even having to ask. He truly captured the adventure better than I could have myself. The guides in canyoneering were especially dedicated, providing 1:1 care for everyone in the group. They really made sure everyone felt safe and had a blast, even those who were a bit nervous about jumping.
And let's talk about the food. After all that activity, I was starving. The lunch provided was a feast—delicious and exactly what I needed to recharge before the next leg of the journey.
Seeing the whale sharks was magical, but the canyoneering was the real adrenaline high. I was a little nervous about the physical aspect, but the guides made it feel like a fun challenge. I ended the day tired, with sore muscles, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
If you're considering this tour, don't hesitate. It's truly a once in a lifetime experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Cebu.
Tag: #CebuTravel #OslobWhaleShark #Canyoneering #Moalboal #CebuTour #AdventureTravel #PhilippinesTour #FastTrackTour #MyRealTrip #CebuBucketList