A Real Look at the 2025 Oslob & Kawasan Falls Tour

So, you’re probably looking at a trip to Cebu and this Oslob and Kawasan Falls tour just keeps popping up, right? Well, honestly, it’s one of those classic “must-do” things you see all over social media. We decided to check it out for ourselves, you know, to give you the real story on what the whole 2025 experience is actually like. The day, pretty much, begins in the dark, which is a little bit of a shock to the system. You’re kind of picked up in a van when it’s still nighttime, and as I was saying, it feels like a very early start to a very long day. The ride itself is actually quite a long one, sort of taking you from the busy city down the southern coast of the island. It’s a good time to get a little bit more sleep, or you can just watch the sky change colors as the sun comes up, which is a pretty special sight. By the time you get there, you’re already feeling like you’ve had a bit of an adventure, and you haven’t even gotten in the water yet.

Waking Up for an Adventure of a Lifetime

Okay, so that alarm clock ringing at 3 AM is, like, a really rough start, I mean, it’s just plain difficult. But still, the excitement for what’s ahead kind of gets you out of bed anyway. The whole idea is to beat the crowds and the midday heat, which, as a matter of fact, makes a lot of sense later in the day. Our van showed up right on time, feeling cool and air-conditioned, which was a very welcome thing. The streets of Cebu City were mostly quiet, you know, just a few other tour vans apparently heading in the same direction. The driver was a really friendly guy, giving us some blankets so we could be a bit more comfortable for the long drive ahead. It’s about a three-hour trip south, so you just kind of settle in for the long haul. Watching the dark silhouettes of palm trees against the first light of dawn is really something else. You start to see small towns waking up, with people setting up their little roadside stalls and stuff. It feels, in a way, like you’re seeing a part of the island that a lot of people just speed past.

Swimming with Gentle Giants in Oslob

When you finally get to Oslob, it’s already a bit of a hub of activity, with lots of people sort of milling about. First thing, you know, you have to attend this little briefing. Basically, they tell you all the rules, like you have to stay a few meters away from the whale sharks and you absolutely cannot wear any sunscreen, because it’s bad for them. So, after the talk, you get your life vest and snorkel gear and get onto one of these small paddle boats, called a banca. A local boatman then paddles you just a little way out from the shore. The feeling of anticipation at this point is really, really high. And then, seriously, you see the first one. It’s this huge, polka-dotted shape just moving slowly under the water. Getting into the water is a little bit of a rush, and suddenly you are there, right, just floating near these incredible animals. They are genuinely massive, way bigger than you think, but they move with this sort of calm, slow grace. It’s a slightly strange and almost unbelievable experience, just being in the water with them as they glide past, their mouths wide open to scoop up the food the boatmen provide. You only get about 30 minutes in the water, which honestly flies by pretty fast.

A Much-Needed Midday Meal

After the whale shark swim, you’re typically pretty hungry and maybe a little tired from all the morning excitement. So, the lunch stop included in most tours is actually a very welcome part of the day. It’s usually not some fancy restaurant; instead, you’re often taken to a simple, local spot right by the water, which is just perfect. We had a meal that was pretty much a plate of grilled fish, some barbecue pork, and a big portion of rice, along with some fresh fruit like mango or banana. It’s simple Filipino food, and it’s honestly just what you need at that moment. You just sit there, maybe with your feet in the sand, and look out at the sea. It’s a great moment to just chill out, chat with your group about the morning, and just sort of recharge your batteries. The guides often eat with you, you know, and it’s a good chance to ask them questions about local life and stuff like that. This part of the day is a little less about high-octane adventure and more about just soaking in the island vibe, which is really nice.

Feeling the Rush at Kawasan Falls

Alright, so next up on the list is the trip to Kawasan Falls, which is another drive, but definitely worth it. When you arrive, there’s a short walk through this really lush, green forest area. You can hear the sound of rushing water getting louder and louder, which sort of builds the excitement. And then, you know, you see it. The main waterfall is this incredible sight, with water spilling down into a big, bright blue pool. That color is just something you have to see in person, because photos, honestly, don’t really do it justice. The water is cool and super refreshing, especially after being in the sun all morning. You can get on one of these bamboo rafts that the guides will pull right under the waterfall itself, so you get this powerful, natural massage from the falling water. For people who are a bit more adventurous, Kawasan is also the end point for canyoneering trips. So, you might see groups of people in helmets and life jackets jumping from cliffs into the river. It’s a very lively place, with lots of laughter and splashing, and it’s just a great way to cool off and have some fun.

Thinking About If This Tour Is Your Style

So, at the end of the day, you kind of have to figure out if this big tour package is the right fit for you. It’s definitely a very efficient way to see two of Cebu’s most famous spots in just one day, which is great if you’re a little short on time. It’s more or less designed for people who want action and amazing photo opportunities without having to sort out all the logistics themselves. On the other hand, you should know that both places are extremely popular and can get quite crowded, especially during peak season. You won’t exactly be alone with nature, so to speak. The whale shark part in Oslob, for instance, is a highly organized, very controlled experience, and there is a lot of discussion around the practice of feeding them. If you prefer quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experiences, this might feel a little too much like a tourist machine. The day is also really long and physically demanding, so you’ll probably be completely exhausted by the time you get back to your hotel. But if you’re up for a massive day filled with two very different but equally impressive natural wonders, then it’s an experience you’ll probably be talking about for a long, long time.

Some Quick Points Before You Go

“At the end of the day, you get to see these gigantic, beautiful creatures up close and then jump into some of the most stunning blue water imaginable, all in one go. It’s pretty hard to beat that, you know.”

Here are just a few thoughts to keep in your head if you’re planning on doing this tour.

Book everything in advance: Seriously, these tours fill up very quickly, especially the good ones. So, it’s a good idea to reserve your spot online before you even get to Cebu.
Bring a waterproof camera: You are definitely going to want photos of both the whale sharks and the waterfalls. A GoPro or a waterproof phone case is pretty much a must-have.
Manage your expectations for crowds: Just go into it knowing that these are popular places. So, you will be sharing the experience with a lot of other travelers, which is just how it is.
Listen to the guides: Honestly, the rules, especially at Oslob, are there for a reason. Keeping your distance from the animals is really important, so just follow the instructions they give you.
Pack some snacks and water: It’s a very long day. Lunch is included, right, but having some extra snacks and a bottle of water in your bag is a smart move for the long van rides.
Prepare for a tiring day: That early start and all the activity will really take it out of you. It’s best not to plan a big night out for the evening you get back, because you’ll probably just want to crash.

Read our full review: Oslob Whaleshark & Kawasan Falls Tour Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Cebu Tour Availability)