Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of family and friends, one of the best ways to explore the vastness of Cebu is through guided tours. CEBU INSIDER has carefully curated the 10 Best Cebu Tours in 2023!
Traveling to a foreign country can be a bit tricky if you are not familiar with how things work. That’s why tours are the easiest way to remove stress and just your destination without thinking about how to get there and what to do. Everything is already arranged for you.
In Cebu, there are so many tours available to provide you with the best travel experience. Whether you are looking for a packaged trip to Bantayan Island or a guided tour to South Cebu where you can swim with giant whale sharks, dive with millions of sardines, and go canyoneering in Badian, Cebu is not short of tours.
If you are wondering which Cebu tours to take, here are some of our top recommendations:
1. Badian Canyoneering and Kawasan Falls Tour
If this is your first time in Cebu, you should do the Badian Canyoneering and Kawasan Falls Tour. Canyoneering in Badian is one of the most popular things to do in Cebu. On this tour, you will swim through cerulean waters from the Kanlaon River to Kawasan Falls.
You don’t have to be a good swimmer to do this activity as you will wear a life vest and safety gear. A gentle reminder, though—canyoneering in Badian involves lots of walking, swimming, and jumping off cliffs, so do prepare your leg strength and endurance.
This activity is only possible with certified tour guides who know the ins and outs of the trail from end to end. These guides are also trained to safeguard tourists and prevent any potential accidents along the way.
2. Oslob Whale Shark Watching Tour
Another must-do outdoor activity in Cebu is swimming with whale sharks in Oslob. The Oslob Whale Shark Watching Tour takes you to the activity center for a short briefing before you are taken to the site to get close to the largest shark and fish alive.
Many of these sharks have made a residency off the coast of Tan-awan, Oslob, so you can guarantee to see them 365 days a year. Whale sharks are friendly, so there’s nothing to worry about. Just keep a good distance to avoid getting swallowed (Yes, they can swallow humans!). Part of this tour is a trip to Tumalog Falls, one of the grandest waterfalls in Cebu.
3. Moalboal Island Hopping Tour
If you are visiting Cebu, don’t ever skip Moalboal, a small tourist town popular among foreign tourists for its unique nature activities. On this Moalboal Island Hopping Tour, you will do the famous sardine run wherein you can swim with millions of sardines just a few meters off the coast of Panagsama Beach. Whether you go snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving, swimming with a ball of sardines in Moalboal also includes gigantic green and hawksbill sea turtles.
Part of this tour is a trip to Pescador Island, a small island west of Panagsama Beach. Pescador Island is known for its rich marine ecosystem with over 450 species of hard coral, pyramid butterflyfish, tuna, nudibranchs, snake eel, frogfish, barracuda, and white-tipped reef shark. Your island hopping tour may also include a trip to Basdaku or White Beach.
4. Cebu Highlights Tour
If you are pressed for time but want to explore the best of Cebu in as little as 3 days, do the Cebu Highlights Tour! In 3 days, you will explore Cebu City’s famous tourist attractions and more, including the Temple of Leah (an ornate Roman-style temple), Cebu Taoist Temple, Magellan’s Cross (a pavilion where the historic Roman Catholic cross was planted by explorers of the Spanish expedition of the first circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan), Basilica del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, and 10,000 Roses Café (a coffee shop and an art installation).
Part of this tour is a trip to Oslob to experience whale shark watching and a side trip to Tumalog Falls and Aguinid Falls. You will also visit Sumilon Island where the famous shifting white sandbar can be found. In addition, you will do the canyoneering in Badian and sardine run in Moalboal as well.
5. Bantayan Island Getaway Package
For a more relaxed vacation, head to Bantayan Island, an island on the northern tip of Cebu known for its white sand beaches. This Bantayan Island Getaway Package includes a 3-day luxury resort accommodation, an excursion around the island, and island hopping to Virgin Island, Hilantagaan Island, and Baigad Lagoon.
On your excursion, you will visit tourist attractions in Bantayan Island like Ogtong Cave Pool, Santa Fe Ruins, Paradise Beach, and Omagieca Mangrove Garden and Eco Park. Although not part of the package, you may do activities like skydiving and kitesurfing, depending on the weather conditions.
6. Bantayan Island Hopping Tour
If you don’t need a packaged tour to Bantayan Island but still want to do island hopping, the Bantayan Island Hopping Tour is for you! On this tour, you will be able to visit Virgin Island, Hilantagaan Island, and Baigad Lagoon.
Virgin Island is a private island a few minutes away from Santa Fe in Bantayan Island. It’s home to a crystal-clear white sand beach where you can also do activities like board jumping, snorkeling, kayaking, and beach volleyball.
Your tour starts at Baigad Lagoon where you can dip your toe in its clear white sand beach. Afterwards, you will proceed to Hilantagaan Island where you will snorkel and explore this fishermen’s island. Virgin Island is the highlight of this tour where you are most likely having lunch and spend most of your time.
7. Top of Cebu Private Half-Day Tour
For a worthwhile quick trip around Cebu City, the Top of Cebu Private Half-Day Tour is your best option. Top of Cebu is a fancy restaurant in Busay, on the mountainside of Cebu, where you will have an unforgettable dining experience with a 180-degree view of downtown Cebu City. This tour takes place in the afternoon until evening so you’ll get to see Cebu City shimmering.
8. Mactan Island Hopping Day Tour
Island hopping is one of the best things to do in Mactan Island. The Mactan Island Hopping Day Tour brings you to the popular islands around Mactan, including Pandanon Island, Hilutungan Island, and Nalusuan Island. These islands have rich marine ecosystems, perfect for snorkeling and diving, as well as white sandbars, perfect for frolicking on the beach.
9. Pescador Island Hopping Tour
If you are looking for a private tour of Pescador Island, check out the Pescador Island Hopping Tour. On this tour, you will get a private transfer from Mactan or Cebu City straight to Moalboal and a private boat transfer to Pescador Island where you can snorkel or dive. Pescador Island has rich live corals, so you can expect marine species to thrive.
10. Cebu City Private Day Tour with Simala Shrine
For Catholic devotees who would like a day tour around Cebu City with a side trip to Simala Shrine, the Cebu City Private Day Tour with Simala Shrine is perfect. Visit Magellan’s Cross, Temple of Leah, Basilica del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro—some of the most historic sites in the city. Afterward, head to Simala Shrine, formally known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, a Roman Catholic pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Sibonga.
Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Cebu
Cebu has many guided tours available to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for private guide tours or join-in tours, you have a range of options.
If you are still preparing for your trip to Cebu, check out our selection of travel guides:
- 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Cebu, Philippines
- Cebu Travel Guide: Itinerary, Budget, Things to Do, Tourist Spots, Nightlife, Internet, More
- 35 Best Things to Do in Cebu: The Most Comprehensive Travel Guide to Cebu
- Cebu Itinerary for 7 Days and 6 Nights: Schedule of Activities and Budget
- Top 20 Best Beaches in Cebu
- 10 Best Islands in Cebu
- Top 25 Best Places to Visit in Cebu
Got questions about your trip to Cebu? Drop them in the comments. We’ll get back to you ASAP!
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