Published on Nov, 2024
This ended up being a private tour. The price was high, about 2x what I could have paid if I'd booked it after arriving in Cebu, but I think it was 100% worth it. I was happy to have the security of a plan, the guides I had were incredible, and I had private transport to and from Moalboal (which was especially wonderful at the end of the day when I was beat).
This experience was overall magical. The whale sharks were majestic and the canyoneering was so much fun (though MUCH harder and longer than I anticipated... more on that below).
An overview, with some details to help you enjoy your experience:
Whale Sharks:
1. They provided me with 2 (thin) towels, which was really nice. I do wish I'd brought a sarong or some kind of wrap though.
2. Upon arrival in Oslob at the Whale Shark Facility: you'll meet your guide and they'll check you in, get your group number (like at the DMV), and you'll watch a quick safety presentation. Note you can't wear any lotions, sunscreens, etc. while you're in the water with the whale sharks. After that, my guide took me back up the street to a little restaurant where I had a delicious light breakfast (see photo). By the time I finished eating, we went back to the Whale Shark facility and it was pretty much time for me to get in the boat.
3. Lifejackets are required while you're on the boat heading to the whale shark area, but not once you're in the water. They have masks on the boat - but I wish I had asked for a snorkel. Or, even better, bring your own. If you have free diving experience, you might even want to bring your own fins.
4. I was solo, and had been told that the workers on the boat would help me with photos but that didn't happen. Once you get out there, there's no signal really, you can just get in the water. Most people on my boat actually didn't get in to the water, which surprised me. I spent nearly 30 minutes, with whale sharks coming within 2 feet of me! It was really hard to get a nice selfie with them, so if you're solo maybe try to find a buddy? I also wish I'd brought a gopro instead of just my phone in a waterproof bag. I got ok quality pics/videos but I know it could have been better.
5. You can rinse off after, then we went back to the same little restaurant for a very early lunch. Note that this was in the back of a lorry, instead of in the car. It made for a little bit more adventure. :) Lunch was SO MUCH food, and all of it was delicious (see photo). The chicken adobo, soup, and sesame noodles were lovely. It broke my heart to see all the dogs around, begging for food. If you're a sucker like I am, you might end up feeding them.
Sandbar
6. After lunch, the guide will walk you over to the "port" for the boats that take you out to the sandbar. To be honest, I could have skipped this whole part. It didn't add much, and I only ended up spending about 30 minutes out there. It was nice to have a chance to buy a beer and a snack from the shop, and I enjoyed my beer in the water. But we left whenever I was ready.
7. At this point, we left the guide to drive about an hour back north to the starting point for the Kawasan Canyoneering. I wish I'd rinsed more before that drive.
Canyoneering
8. When you get out of the car, that's the last you'll see of your stuff so really think about what you might want to bring with you on the canyoneering (though you have to carry everything you bring). I wore a sunshirt and some swim shorts over my swimsuit. To be honest, I wish I'd worn something longer on my legs because I had TERRIBLE chafing at the end of the day. The life vest you have to wear has straps that hang between your legs and they chafed me badly. I brought Keens, which were good but I kinda wished I had some ankle support. I think they'll provide water shoes if you don't have any. I was glad to have my phone in a waterproof pouch - but make sure your phone is fully charged! I was at 30% and ended up having to conserve photos and videos. I also wish I'd brought some cash for some of the shops along the way.
9. Expect to ride up to the start on the back of a motorbike. It was a driver, my canyon guide, and then me all on one bike. lol.
10. You'll be given an "option" at this point to either walk 2k to the start or pay another 600 pesos to take the zipline. You can pay for the zipline later if you forgot cash, like I did. You'll want to do the zipline, unless you're really afraid of heights. It went much slower than I expected, and was super fun.
11. The canyoneering is tough - a great mix of floating, jumping, rock climbing, wading, and hiking. There will be rocks under the water where you least expect them. But it's a beautiful landscape, and my guide was really helpful holding my hand where I was unsteady and taking about 5 million pictures/videos of me.
12. Overall, it did take about 3 hours and we covered about 5 kilometers. I was BEAT at the end. There wasn't a place to shower but I did change out of my wet clothes (bring a plastic bag to store them in). Then the driver met me and brought me back to my hotel.
TL;DR:
I'm guessing there's not much difference in the experience you'll get from different guide groups/tours online. If you're cost sensitive, you can book once you arrive in Cebu/Moalboal. Be clear about what food/shower access you'll have with your guide operator. Skip the sandbar unless you're really into it. It's a LONG day, but so worth it.
