
Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 178 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls worth booking?
Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls is a 14-hour experience in Cebu, Philippines, from $160 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 178 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (178)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $160 per person
This package is unique since you will be visiting 4 famous tourist sites in the South of Cebu in just one day. To mention, these are the whale sharks interaction, the Tumalog falls in Oslob, the Sumilon Island tour, and the Kawasan falls. It is also a hassle free tour since this is a guided tour and we can pick up from any hotel in Cebu or Mactan and we can drop you off back to your hotel right after the tour. Worry no more this is the best package for you.
What you get
About this experience
This package is unique since you will be visiting 4 famous tourist sites in the South of Cebu in just one day. To mention, these are the whale sharks interaction, the Tumalog falls in Oslob, the Sumilon Island tour, and the Kawasan falls. It is also a hassle free tour since this is a guided tour and we can pick up from any hotel in Cebu or Mactan and we can drop you off back to your hotel right after the tour. Worry no more this is the best package for you.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Tumalog falls entrance fee
- Local Tour Guide in all the spots mentioned above
- Towels
- All Fees and Taxes
- Breakfast
Not included
- Camera Rental, you can rent one from us and can be paid on the day of the tour
- Motorbike to Tumalog (optional at P50 per head)
What you'll see and do
The main attraction of this package which you will visit first in the morning with 30 minutes interaction.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Tumalog Falls
After the whale sharks you will be visiting Tumalog falls which is just 5 kilometers away from the whale shark area and you can spend 20 to 30 minutes in the falls. (Closed every 2nd Wednesday of the month for clean up drive)
30 minutes here · Admission included
Sumilon Island
(CLOSED every 3rd Wednesday of the month for clean up) One of the main attraction of this package is the Sumilon island sandbar, this is best if you love beaches, you can spend up to 2 hours here in the beach.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Kawasan Falls
Another attraction and famous spot for this package that you will be visiting is the Kawasan falls which is included in the package. You can spend up to 3 hours here. (Closed every 3rd Wednesday for clean up drive)
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cebu Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 178 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
178 verified traveler reviews for Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This trip was amazing!!...
This trip was amazing!! The only thing I would have done differently is have snorkel gear instead of a mask. The boatmen were awesome and I would definitely rent the Go-Pro. The boatmen take the videos for you and do a wonderful job!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so happy to hear you had an amazing trip and that our boatmen helped make the experience even more memorable. They'll be thrilled to know you enjoyed the GoPro videos they captured for you! We also appreciate your feedback regarding the snorkel gear, and we'll certainly take it into consideration as we continue improving our tours. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Cebu adventure!
via Viator
Missing out on whale sharks but the rest made up for it
We joined the tour mainly for whale sharks but unfortunately we received the bad news that there were no whale sharks around the area and so the activity was cancelled. That was a bit disappointing but we understand that with wildlife spotting, it is never guaranteed and this time we were just a bit unlucky. Apart from that, we had a really great experience with our driver Makoy and guide Ruby! Both of them were really attentive and friendly, our needs were well taken care of even without us saying. We particularly appreciated Makoy’s safe driving and Ruby by our side and doing the Sumilon island trekking with us! A big shout out to both of them! We did had a fun day out after all!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We completely understand how disappointing it must have been to miss the whale shark encounter, especially since it was the main highlight you were looking forward to. As you mentioned, whale shark sightings are never 100% guaranteed since they are wild marine animals, and sometimes nature has its own plans. That said, we’re truly happy to hear that Makoy and Ruby helped turn the day into a fun and memorable experience despite the cancellation. Your kind words about Makoy’s safe driving and Ruby’s attentiveness and companionship during the Sumilon trekking mean a lot to us. We’ll definitely make sure your compliments reach both of them — they’ll be so happy to know they made your trip special. Thank you again for your understanding and positivity. We hope to welcome you back to Cebu again someday for another adventure — hopefully with whale sharks next time!
via Tripadvisor
Very chaotic organisation, don’t recommend it
Don’t take this tour with the pickup from the hotel! 4 am is pretty early time to get going, but in my case, after I have booked, the departure was changed on me to 2:50 am. This to me was infeasible, so I tried to inform the driver this was not the original deal. The driver said ok, we are going at 4, but he didn’t obviously inform the rest of the crew. I got the mail stating the 2:50 departure. This caused severe lack of trust on my part, so I asked for the trip to be cancelled and refunded. Since I realised the communication between the crew and the driver may be lagging, I informed the driver and I separately messaged the organisers through trip advisor. They obviously didn’t read it, since they sent me several messages that the driver is there, at 2:50 (after he said 4:00). I understand that it may had been impossible to logistically handle the 4:00 departure from my location, but why then not inform the customer beforehand? I am happy I chose not to go, because what other unpleasant surprises would be lurking on this trip for me? I was not refunded.
Response from the operator: Hi, thank you for taking the time to share your experience—we understand how important clear communication is, especially for early departures like our Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling tours. We’d like to clarify a few points to provide the full context. Our standard pickup adjustment during peak season is 3:00 AM, not 2:50 AM. This is done to help guests avoid long queues in Oslob, and 99% of our guests actually prefer the earlier departure for a smoother experience. An email notification regarding this adjustment was sent a day prior, and the updated schedule was also dispatched to the driver. You later contacted the driver requesting to keep the original 4:00 AM pickup, and the driver acknowledged this. The driver also informed our office, and the 4:00 AM schedule was confirmed and agreed upon. On the day of the tour, however, you sent a cancellation message at 2:50 AM, before the agreed pickup time. The driver replied shortly after (around 3:10 AM) confirming he was already on the way for the 4:00 AM pickup and waited at the hotel until 5:00 AM, but unfortunately, there was no show. We do have timestamped message records to support this sequence of events. As much as we try to be flexible and accommodate requests, last-minute cancellations—especially after confirmed arrangements and dispatch—fall under our cancellation policy. We genuinely regret the confusion and hope this explanation helps clarify what happened. If you ever decide to visit Cebu again, we’d still be happy to assist you with a better experience.
via Tripadvisor
Request for Abam ( to drive around) and lyza as your tour guide.
Well organized. Abam our driver was fantastic! This was a whole day trip and we felt very safe with his driving. Lyza our tour guide was amazing! She’s the friendliest tour guide! She knows the ins and outs, and knows everyone. She plans accordingly and made sure she’s not wasting your time waiting. Highly recommend Abam and lyza if you choose this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience on your tour. Abam and Glaiza will be so happy to know they made your day special. We’re proud to have such dedicated and friendly team members who ensure our guests feel safe, welcomed, and well taken care of. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again on another adventure with us!
via Viator
Amazing experience. Don’t hesitate!
Absolutely no regrets. The guides were professional, knowledgeable and involved. Everything was timed perfectly, no down time. Great camera skills, Paula!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a smooth and enjoyable experience with us. Our team works hard to make sure everything runs on time, so it's great to know you felt the day was perfectly paced with no downtime. A special shoutout to Paula — she'll be so happy to hear you appreciated her camera skills! 📸 We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again for another adventure soon! 🌴
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $160 to $275
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 62
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cebu Tours, who run 25 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.5.
See everything Cebu Tours runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cebu.
How much does Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls cost?
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Prices start at $160 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cebu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cebu is not rushed.
Is Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 178 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cebu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls?
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Around 62 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cebu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cebu and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cebu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cebu?
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On Outty we rank every Cebu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whale Watching in Sumilon Island with Ocean View Resort Tour, Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines, From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cebu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cebu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls?
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Included: Private transportation; Lunch; Tumalog falls entrance fee; Local Tour Guide in all the spots mentioned above; and Towels. Not included: Camera Rental, you can rent one from us and can be paid on the day of the tour; and Motorbike to Tumalog (optional at P50 per head). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 377 listed pickup locations in and around Cebu. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls?
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Across 178 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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