Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls

The entire experience! We did a private tour so it was just my husband and I in our group. We were picked up at 330am in cebu. The drive takes 3-3.5 hours. The car we drove in had no shocks/ suspension so it was pretty impossible to rest at all. The roads headed there are horrific and have so many pot holes and turns. You have to remember it’s not the USA or Europe. We stopped first to get a ticket for the whale shark, it’s a first come basis. We arrived at 630am and we got ticket number 183. So what they do is call you group number and you go when you number is called. There were soo many people it was chaotic but you just follow your guide. So in the mean time we had “ breakfast” 1 egg, toast and banana) not the best. we left and went and viewed the water fall and took some photos. ( we did not swim water is quite cold) Everything is very crowded so be prepared for lots of people. There are 2 options you can walk over a mile to get there or pay 50 pesos ( round trip) to ride on a back of motor bike there and back to get to location. ( we both did the motor bikes as getting there is super steep and would be a massive climb on the way back) We opted out of the sand bar as it was super cloudy and 730amand being from Florida we had no interest in doing that. We then got back to the place for the whale sharks and waited around for probably 45 minutes for our number to be called. ( the guide stays with you the whole time). You have to pay for a snorkel (150) pesos if you want one and you can rent a go pro which about is 550 pesos. They provide life jackets and goggles for free. You board a row boat with about 12 other people and they take you out about 100 yards. They feed the whale sharks there so there are a bunch swimming around. When you get out there, there is probably close to 40 boats out at one time. You jump in the water and stay right near you boat and you will 100 percent see them. I had rented a go pro and one of the guys in the boat filmed me the whole time so I got some awesome videos and photos. Highly recommend this. You get 30 minutes in the water with them. The experience was amazing and probably one of the coolest things I have done, however be mindful that starting March and through the summer there is “ sea lice”. Basically larvae that are from jelly fish but you can’t see them. Needless say after my experience I had hives/ red bumps covering my body which did not appear till the next morning. I even had rinsed off after my experience and it didn’t help. My husband did not have any issues only me. We then got served lunch around 10am and it was OK. Dark chicken, rice, noodles, noodle soup, veggies, and some watermelon. After the whale sharks your guide that you had for the morning says goodbye and you continue with the driver to go “ canyoneering” this drive is about 1 hour and 15min from the whale shark experience. Once you arrive they put you or you and your spouse on back of a motorbike and you ride about 5-10min to the canyoneering check in site. ( motor bike is free of charge) When you arrive to canyoneering location they have you sign a waiver and then fit you for life jacket, helmet, and ( provide free water type shoes) if you forgot yours. I used theirs ( which was fine) but bring ankle socks as the shoe did rub against my ankle. They provide you with a granola bar and water to put in your front zipper. My husband and I were only people in our group with our guide however there are soooo many groups of people so you really don’t end up being alone. The canyoneering invloves lots of walking, going down/up steep steps, jumping off rocks, swimming, and maneuvering through rocks. It’s definitely for people who are able to perform moderate exercise. Anyone with trouble climbing or walking through water with rocks I would not recommend this at all. Our guide took my husband’s phone which was in a “ waterproof” clear holder that went around his neck. ( we bought one at the whale sharks encounter for like 100 pesos). 100 percent recommended doing this as the guide held onto the phone entire time and got some really amazing videos/ photos of us. The canyoneering can take up to 4 hours if you decide to stop and take pictures/ swim at every single waterfall/ rock/ swimming. My husband and I took about 2 hours as we skipped through a lot of the “ places to swim” and opted out most the time from the jumping off rocks. This was overall and amazing experience and we had a great time. The guide brought us back and we had a shower and changed into our clothes and said goodbye to our guide. The drive back to cebu is about 4 hours. The roads are horrific and traffic was very busy so just prepare for that. Things you will want to bring with you. About 2000 in pesos for tips. Water shoes Change of clothes Bag for your wet clothes Snacks and water Go pro Camera/ phone but have a clear case that goes around neck. ( they provide towel for you)

Whale shark view and Canyoning were really awesome ???? All our guides were special, very kind and they took care of all of us all day long (Noel was super!!).

This trip is not just about the experience offered, it's also an opportunity to have a view of the way people leave on the island. You can enjoy all the amazing adventures offered, like close encounters with whale sharks at just centimeter distance, spend time on an amazing relaxing sandbar and chill in the waters of a waterfall before jumping in the thrill of a one of a kind memorable canyoneering experience surrounded by the beautiful nature of the island. My driver Abam was not only fun to talk to during the trip, but also the best personal driver I ever had in my life. We were discussing about Filipino culture, habits, and was amazing to see the daily life of people in the different villages we visited while traveling. Definitely the highlight of my trip so far and if only I had time I would book it again for tomorrow