Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

Highlights

• Travel south from Cebu in a comfortable vehicle to reach Oslob, one of the Philippines’ best‑known whale shark viewing areas.
• Slip on your mask and life jacket and gently swim alongside whale sharks with guidance from local boatmen and a licensed tour guide.
• Visit Tumalog Falls, a curtain‑style waterfall hidden in the hills, where you can wade or swim in cool, shallow pools.
• Continue to Moalboal to witness the famous sardine run, as huge schools of fish swirl and shift in shimmering formations beneath you.
• Snorkel over reefs where sea turtles are often spotted grazing on seagrass in clear, warm water.
• Enjoy a full‑day itinerary with hotel pickup, organized transfers, and entrance fees arranged in advance so you can focus on the experience.

Tour Overview

This full‑day watersports experience is designed for travelers who want to maximize one day in the south of the island. You’ll start well before sunrise to beat the crowds, then follow a carefully planned route linking Oslob, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal in one smooth loop.

With a local team coordinating your transport, entrance fees, and activity timings, you can relax between stops and simply enjoy the scenery along the coastal highway. Throughout the day, your guide and drivers will be on hand to answer questions, look after your gear, and help capture photos where possible.

Typical Itinerary

1. Early pickup in Cebu or Mactan – Meet your driver at your hotel lobby in the early hours (usually between 2:00–3:00 AM) and settle in for the scenic drive along Cebu’s southern coastline.
2. Arrival in Oslob & light breakfast – On reaching Oslob, check in at the tourism registration area, enjoy a simple local breakfast, and receive a safety and marine etiquette briefing.
3. Whale shark encounter – Board a small paddle outrigger boat and head just offshore, where you’ll have a short but memorable time to view and snorkel near the whale sharks under staff supervision.
4. Tumalog Falls visit – Transfer by vehicle to Tumalog Falls and walk or ride down to the falls area, where you can explore, take photos, and dip into the natural pools.
5. Transfer to Moalboal & lunch – Travel onwards to Moalboal and refuel with a simple island‑style lunch before getting ready for the afternoon snorkeling.
6. Sardine run & turtle snorkeling – Head out by small boat or from the shore (depending on conditions) to snorkel above the sardine run and, with a bit of luck, spot sea turtles gliding past.
7. Return to Cebu – Rinse off, change clothes, and begin the drive back to Cebu City or Mactan, with an estimated arrival in the late afternoon or early evening depending on traffic.

The order of stops, exact timings, and snorkeling locations may change due to weather, sea conditions, and local regulations.

What’s Included

• Hotel pickup and drop‑off within central Cebu City and Mactan (broader coverage available on select private options).
• Round‑trip transport in an air‑conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
• Local tour coordination and licensed guide services where required.
• Entrance fees and standard government environmental charges for whale shark viewing and Tumalog Falls (when applicable).
• Use of basic snorkeling gear (mask and life jacket) for Oslob and Moalboal activities.
• Light breakfast in Oslob and a simple lunch during the Moalboal portion of the tour.
• Whale shark viewing session in Oslob (with optional in‑water experience following local rules).
• Visit to Tumalog Falls, with time for photos and swimming where allowed.
• Sardine run and turtle snorkeling experience in Moalboal, subject to conditions and wildlife behavior.
• Basic local travel insurance as provided by the operator.

Not Included

• Optional GoPro or camera rental and professional photo/video packages.
• Wetsuit, fins, or upgraded snorkel equipment rental (if desired).
• Snacks, additional drinks, and personal purchases along the way.
• Tips for guides, boatmen, and drivers (gratuities are appreciated but not mandatory).
• Transfers from areas outside the standard pickup zone unless pre‑arranged.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or guests with serious back, heart, or mobility issues due to long drives, boat boarding, and uneven terrain.
• You should be comfortable in the water with a life jacket; strong swimming ability is helpful but not required.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, waterproof footwear or sturdy sandals, and a dry bag if you have one.
• Reef‑safe sunscreen and a hat are strongly recommended; apply sunscreen well before entering the water to protect the marine environment.
• Expect an early start and a long day; light snacks, a refillable water bottle, and motion‑sickness tablets (if you are prone to seasickness) are useful.
• Whale shark interactions, turtle sightings, and sardine formations are natural experiences and can never be 100% guaranteed, but this route gives you an excellent chance to see them.
• During peak seasons, there may be waiting times for the whale shark encounter as visitor numbers are managed by local authorities.