Cebu Holidays — Whale Sharks, Canyoneering & Malapascua
Cebu
Holidays
Whale sharks, thresher shark dives, canyoneering waterfalls, sardine runs and the gateway to the Visayas — Cebu has it all
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Flight Time
14–15h from London (via Manila or direct connections to Cebu)
Best Time
November to May (dry season); whale sharks at Oslob year-round
Country
Philippines
Suppliers
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Cebu Holiday Guide
Cebu is the gateway to the Visayas and one of the most diverse and rewarding destinations in the Philippines — an island of extraordinary natural experiences, from swimming with whale sharks at Oslob to canyoneering through the Kawasan Falls canyon, from diving with thresher sharks at Malapascua to watching millions of sardines swirl in a bait ball at Moalboal.
Cebu City, the provincial capital and the second-largest city in the Philippines, is the main arrival point — it has an international airport with direct flights from the UK (via connections) and is the hub for ferries to Bohol, Leyte, Negros and other Visayan islands. The city itself has excellent restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and the historic Magellan's Cross (planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he arrived in the Philippines).
The south of Cebu (Oslob, Kawasan Falls, Moalboal) is the most popular area for day trips and multi-day excursions. The north (Malapascua Island) is the world's only reliable site for diving with thresher sharks. The Camotes Islands, 2 hours by ferry from Cebu City, are one of the most beautiful and least-visited destinations in the Visayas.
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Average Temperatures
Jan
27°C
Feb
27°C
Mar
28°C
Apr
30°C
May
30°C
Jun
29°C
Jul
28°C
Aug
28°C
Sep
28°C
Oct
28°C
Nov
28°C
Dec
27°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Cebu
The whale sharks, canyoneering waterfalls, thresher shark dives, sardine runs and island escapes that make Cebu the Philippines' most action-packed destination.
Oslob — Swimming with Whale Sharks
The whale shark interaction at Oslob, on the southern tip of Cebu, is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the Philippines — local fishermen (butanding watchers) feed whale sharks (butanding) in the shallow water just offshore, allowing snorkellers and divers to swim alongside the world's largest fish (up to 12 metres long) at very close range. The experience is controversial (feeding wild animals affects their natural behaviour) but extraordinary. Arrive early (before 6am) to avoid the crowds. The interaction lasts 30 minutes.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering — The Best Adventure in Cebu
The Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure is the most popular activity in Cebu — a 4–5 hour guided trek through the Matutinao River canyon, involving swimming through turquoise pools, jumping off waterfalls (up to 8 metres), rappelling down cascades and cliff jumping into the river. The adventure ends at the three-tiered Kawasan Falls — a stunning curtain of turquoise water in a lush jungle setting. The canyoneering starts in Badian (3 hours south of Cebu City) and ends at Kawasan Falls. Book through a reputable operator.
Malapascua — Thresher Shark Dives at Dawn
Malapascua Island, off the northern tip of Cebu, is the only place in the world where thresher sharks (with their extraordinary long tails) can be reliably seen on a daily basis. The sharks visit the Monad Shoal cleaning station at dawn (5–6am) to have parasites removed by cleaner wrasse — divers descend to 25–30 metres in the dark and wait for the sharks to arrive. The experience is extraordinary. Malapascua also has excellent reef diving, a beautiful white-sand beach and a very relaxed atmosphere.
Moalboal — Sardine Run & Turtle Diving
Moalboal, on the west coast of Cebu, is one of the most extraordinary diving and snorkelling destinations in the Philippines — a massive school of millions of sardines (estimated at 10–20 million fish) swirls in a bait ball just 20 metres from the shore, creating a mesmerising underwater spectacle. Sea turtles are also abundant — it is common to see 5–10 turtles on a single dive. The sardine run is accessible by snorkelling (no boat needed) and is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in Asia.
Tumalog Falls — Cebu's Most Beautiful Waterfall
Tumalog Falls, 5km from Oslob, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines — a wide, ethereal curtain of water cascading down a mossy cliff face into a turquoise pool, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The falls are best visited in the morning (before the tour groups arrive) and are usually combined with the Oslob whale shark experience. The walk to the falls takes 15–20 minutes from the road. The pool at the base of the falls is excellent for swimming.
Camotes Islands — Hidden Gem of the Visayas
The Camotes Islands, 2 hours by fast ferry from Cebu City, are one of the most beautiful and least-visited destinations in the Visayas — four small islands (Pacijan, Poro, Tulang and Tulang Diot) of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, freshwater lakes (Lake Danao on Pacijan is excellent for kayaking) and a pace of life that feels completely removed from the tourist trail. Santiago Bay on Pacijan Island has one of the finest beaches in the Visayas. The Camotes are excellent for a 2–3 night escape from Cebu City.
Osmeña Peak — Cebu's Highest Point
Osmeña Peak, in the mountains of southern Cebu, is the highest point on the island (1,013m) and offers extraordinary panoramic views over the surrounding hills, the Tañon Strait and the islands of Negros and Bohol. The summit is reached by a 30-minute hike from the road (accessible by motorbike or habal-habal from Dalaguete). The landscape of rolling green hills is unlike anywhere else in the Philippines — often compared to the Scottish Highlands. The peak is best visited early in the morning before the clouds roll in.
Cebu City — Lechon, Magellan's Cross & History
Cebu City is the Philippines' oldest city — founded by the Spanish in 1565, it was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines and the country's first capital. Magellan's Cross (planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he arrived in the Philippines) is in a small chapel in the city centre. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, built 1565) is adjacent. Cebu is also famous for its lechon (whole roast pig) — the best in the Philippines, according to Anthony Bourdain.
Explore Cebu on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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