Philippines · WHALE SHARK TOURS

The 15 Best Whale Shark Tours in the Philippines

81 tours  ·  from $60

Oslob is the reliable one and the busy one; Donsol and Moalboal are the wilder alternatives. The 15 below compare pickup times, how long you actually get in the water and what the combination days add on top.

Cebu City: Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering - Lunch and the move to Badian
Cebu Tours, City Tours, Kawasan Falls Canyoneering, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Cebu City: Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

1.Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 665 reviews · 16 hours · from $124Our pick

Swim beside whale sharks in Oslob, then tackle Badian’s waterfalls, jumps, slides, and river passages with guides such as Ray, Ronaldo, Jovert, or Marcello. The 16-hour trip costs $124, includes transport, lunch, gear, and hotel pickup, but expect a very early start and possible two-to-three-hour wait.

“Whale sharks were beautiful. Yes it’s an early pickup at 2am and the drive is horribly long, and yes the whale sharks are fed to keep them in the area as long as possible, but it was a lovely experience to do once in a lifetime. The canyoneering was honestly better than the whale sharks. Our guides Jo and Marcello were amazing and took just the two of us through the course. They used our phone to photograph/video everything and really made it an entertaining and fun experience. Absolutely book the zip line at the start when you book the tour, otherwise it’s 600php/pp when you get there (and it’s…”

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Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling - Oslob’s whale shark encounter
Cebu Tours, Sardine Run Snorkeling, Sardine Run Snorkeling in Cebu, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tumalog Falls Tours, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

2.Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

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

Leave Cebu around 2:00 to 3:00 AM for Oslob’s whale shark encounter, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run and turtles. Breakfast, lunch, transport, fees, and snorkeling gear are included. Drivers such as Noel, Rudy, and Joseph have earned praise for helpful service, while a private booking can save money for groups of four or more.

“It was great. Saw the whales, turtles and the sardines.. everything was on time”

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Cebu: Whale Shark Swim and Kawasan Canyoneering Tour - The 2 a.m. pickup and the long ride south
Cebu Tours, Kawasan Falls Canyoneering, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Cebu: Whale Shark Swim and Kawasan Canyoneering Tour

3.Whale Shark Swim and Kawasan Canyoneering Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 318 reviews · 1 day · from $106

Start with a pre-dawn hotel pickup and a supervised whale shark swim in Oslob, then head to Badian for river trekking, slides, jumps, and Kawasan Falls. Guides such as Arnel, Norbert, and Oslan help with safety and photos. Lunch and transport are included.

“The whale sharks were a bucket list item. The canyoneering was challenging but fun. Recommend the zip line at the beginning.”

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Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles - Oslob whale sharks and the reality of the queue
Cebu Tours, Sardine Run Snorkeling, Sardine Run Snorkeling in Cebu, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles

4.Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 266 reviews · 10 - 14 hours · from $113

Start before dawn for Oslob’s whale shark encounter, then head to Moalboal for turtles and a huge sardine run. Your guide handles queues, gear, towels, and transfers, with guides such as Mae, Ken, and Norvina often praised for patient, personal service. Expect 10 to 14 hours and plenty of road time.

“Activity was nice specially the turtle and sardine one . And snorkelling team was amazing and took beautiful pictures.”

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Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Turtles Tour - The early drive south from Cebu
Cebu Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Turtles Tour

5.Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Turtles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 234 reviews · 10 hours · from $127

Leave Cebu or Lapu-Lapu City early for whale sharks in Oslob, a 45-minute monkey sanctuary visit, and Moalboal snorkeling with turtles and the famous sardine run. A small group of up to six travels by private van, with guides, gear, and a GoPro photographer included.

“totally worthy it! every one was super nice and friendly and it was amazing seeing the whale shark and the moalboal turtles up close. even tho it was raining, the weather ended up clearing up. just be prepare for a long ride, but you can use it for sleeping. it was worthy every cent”

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Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines - Tumalog Falls, a short and refreshing stop
Cebu Tours, Sumilon Island Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tumalog Falls Tours, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines

6.Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 223 reviews · from $164

Start before dawn with a whale shark swim in Oslob, then visit Tumalog Falls and Sumilon Sandbar before snorkeling near Pescador Island, Moalboal’s sardines, and sea turtles. Private transport, guides, meals, towels, boats, and entrance fees are included. Expect a packed day with several hours on the road.

“The excursions were well planned and organised. We travelled as a group of 10 including 1 younger child and several teens. Everyone one of us had an amazing time, the Whale Shark experience was unreal. Everyone we met was lovely and helpful, from our driver, to the boat drivers, the catering assistants but especially our tour guide Ruby who was so lovely, giving us the info we needed but also guarding our belongings throughout the day. Every aspect was brilliant, Whale Sharks, sardine run and snorkelling with the turtles. Can cannot recommend this excursion enough.”

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Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls - Tumalog Falls, a short stop with a practical catch
Cebu Tours, Kawasan Falls Canyoneering, Sumilon Island Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls

7.Whale Shark Encounter and Sumilon Sandbar with Kawasan Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 175 reviews · from $200

Start around 4 a.m. for a private drive to Oslob, a 30-minute whale shark encounter, Tumalog Falls, Sumilon Sandbar, and Kawasan Falls. Breakfast, lunch, towels, fees, and local guides are included. Guides such as Glaiza, Paula, and Wilson have earned praise for careful timing and friendly help.

“It is too much in one day starting at 3:30am, mainly because the roads and logistics are not good. The whale shark and sumilon activity is very busy and the catarats are too far away from there. But the worse was that there is not a decent toilet with running water in any of the locations, really disgusting.”

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Oslob Whale Shark Watching - Arriving in Oslob and preparing for the water
Cebu Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Oslob Whale Shark Watching

8.Oslob Whale Shark Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 150 reviews · from $120

Start around 4 a.m. for a private drive from Cebu City to Oslob, where you can swim beside whale sharks for about 30 minutes or watch from the boat. Guides such as Maria, Gene, Danika, and Mickey have helped make the day run smoothly, with Tumalog Falls as a possible extra stop.

“The whale sharks were absolutely magical - worth it for that alone. Our driver and guide were kind, but the car smelled unpleasant and the tour details weren’t clear. The boat wasn’t private as expected, and the guide crossed some personaRead more”

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Cebu: Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling - Kawasan Falls: a cool change of pace
Cebu Tours, Kawasan Falls Canyoneering, Sardine Run Snorkeling, Sardine Run Snorkeling in Cebu, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

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

9.Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 114 reviews · 8 hours · from $135

Start before dawn for Oslob whale sharks, then swim at Kawasan Falls and snorkel with sardines and sea turtles in Moalboal. An English-speaking driver such as Raul or Jave handles the long transfers, while local guides assist at each stop. Expect a memorable but tiring day.

“Overall, it was a wonderful and unique experience. The day started early, specifically at 0200, but it was worth it. Our driver wanted to ensure we got to the whale shark site early enough to get our tickets and begin early. Our driver, all the guides, were terrific, very kind, and experts in their craft when it came to driving us across Cebu, getting us to each locations on time, and connecting us with the next person to kindly help us get to the falls and the ocean to swim with the turtles and sardines. Highly recommend. Once in a lifetime opportunity to do all that in one day. Also,…”

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Oslob Whale Sharks and Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtles Tour - Why the 3:00 a.m. pickup matters
Cebu Tours, Sardine Run Snorkeling, Sardine Run Snorkeling in Cebu, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Oslob Whale Sharks and Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtles Tour

10.Oslob Whale Sharks and Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $113

Start before dawn from Cebu City or Mactan, then meet whale sharks in Oslob and swim beside sardines and sea turtles at Panagsama Beach in Moalboal. Guides such as Mae, Norvina, Farrah, and Nino help manage the long day, with equipment, towels, water, insurance, and transfers included.

“the guide, MAY is very kind , helpful. And the tour is Amezing because I can see turtel and whale shark , serdeen.”

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Puerto Princesa: Swim with Whale Sharks Boat Cruise - From your hotel lobby to Baywalk
Cruises & Boat Tours, Puerto Princesa Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Puerto Princesa: Swim with Whale Sharks Boat Cruise

11.Swim with Whale Sharks Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 93 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $60Best value

From Puerto Princesa Baywalk, you search for wild whale sharks with an English-speaking guide and local sighting network. When sharks are found, you enter the water with mask, snorkel, and fins. Hotel transfers and a picnic lunch are included, but sightings depend on nature and sea conditions.

“Excellent. Had a brilliant day and swam with a few whale sharks. The dinner was fantastic, also.”

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Oslob Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering - What the Oslob whale shark swim is really like
Cebu Tours, Kawasan Falls Canyoneering, Tour Reviews, Tumalog Falls Tours, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Oslob Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

12.Oslob Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · from $197Top rated

Start before dawn with a private ride to Oslob for a 30-minute whale shark swim, then visit Tumalog Falls and tackle four hours of canyoneering to Kawasan Falls. Guides such as Jayson, Sam2x, Ramel, and Toni add energy and help with photos, while breakfast, lunch, gear, and entrance fees are included.

“I booked a private tour via TripAdvisor. It was an exceptional experience and I would like to thank all the guides. Unfortunately I do not remember all their names. They took care of me like of their own children :). My first guide was a laRead more”

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Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Snorkel Tour - The 4 a.m. road to Oslob
Cebu Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Snorkel Tour

13.Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 82 reviews · from $117

You’ll leave Cebu or Lapu-Lapu before dawn for Oslob’s whale sharks and Monkey Sanctuary, then head to Moalboal for sardines and sea turtles. The small group is limited to six, with hotel transfers, guides, gear, fresh coconut, and free GoPro use with an underwater photographer.

“Paul, the driver& guide (also chef!) is professional and helpful, wonderful swim so close to the whales , but a bit hard bear the long trip. Also the monkeys visit is very funny!🐒-- Tumalog falls deleted due to the dry season-”

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Cebu: Whaleshark Encounter, Sumilon Sandbar & Tumalog Falls - The three-hour ride south to Oslob
Cebu Tours, Sumilon Island Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tumalog Falls Tours, Whale Shark Tours

Cebu: Whaleshark Encounter, Sumilon Sandbar & Tumalog Falls

14.Whaleshark Encounter, Sumilon Sandbar & Tumalog Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 77 reviews · 14 hours · from $108

Spend 14 hours exploring southern Cebu by air-conditioned van, with a whale shark encounter in Oslob, Tumalog Falls, and Sumilon Island’s sandbar. English-speaking guides, boat transport, snorkel gear, entry fees, and water are included. Lunch is not included, so bring cash.

“nobody turned up so at 4am I was left stranded”

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Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle - The 3:30 a.m. pickup and private-car advantage
Cebu Tours, Sardine Run Snorkeling, Sardine Run Snorkeling in Cebu, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle

15.Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 65 reviews · from $150

Start before dawn from Cebu City or Mactan, then snorkel with Oslob whale sharks, visit Tumalog Falls, and take a private boat to Pescador Island and Moalboal’s sardine run. Guides such as Abam, Robbie, Ray, and James may vary by date. Breakfast, lunch, gear, and transfers are included.

“The whale shark experience itself was absolutely amazing and truly unforgettable. Being in the water with the whale sharks was incredible and something we’ll remember forever. Our driver, Angel, was outstanding. He has a very calm, kinRead more”

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