27 Dec 2023
Two rather dichotomous views of the experience. Let’s start with the good.
The whale shark swim is so special. These creatures are amazing up close. And we were really lucky that day - about 7-8 were in the area. Apparently, on some day in November, they only had one whale shark!
The swim at Kawasan Falls is also very refreshing! The water was chillingly wonderful! We enjoyed swimming against the current and floating in the cool water on a hot day. Guide her is really helpful and warm. Driver was fast, experienced and safe
Now the bad.
The travelling time is long. The waiting time for whale shark is long (in spite of us leaving at 3am from Cebu). The return trip was super long (5 hours including jam from Kawasan to Cebu city). Driver Elizer made it better with his entertaining stories and patient nature.
It will be better to pair your whale shark visit with a visit to the Tumalog falls because that means you are not stuck in that little “street” waiting indeterminately for your number to be called. We were there at 6. We queued for the number and got the number and briefing by 6.45am. Only at 8.45am were we asked to go and get the life jackets for the outing. Bring your own snorkel if you think a snorkel is useful. They only provide life jackets and masks.
Overall the two experiences are really nice, but the logistics and unknowns make this either a really enjoyable trip or one that is rather draining.