All islands
Philippines·Central Visayas, Philippines
Cebu
Whale sharks & waterfall canyons
DivingAdventureWaterfalls
OverviewAt a glance
The Philippines’ bustling central hub pairs a historic Spanish-era city with turquoise coasts. Swim beside whale sharks in Oslob, canyoneer the turquoise cascades of Kawasan Falls, and dive the sardine runs and thresher sharks of nearby Malapascua.
- Best season
- December – May
- Getting there
- Mactan–Cebu Int’l Airport (CEB) — major regional hub with wide connections
- Known for
- Kawasan canyoneering & whale sharks
Signature beachesShores
Bantayan Island
Pink-white sand and a laid-back islet vibe in the north
Malapascua
A morning dive island famous for thresher sharks
Moalboal
A shore-dive town famous for sardine storms
Things to doTo do
Kawasan canyoneering
Cliff-jump, raft and canyon between blue-green falls
Oslob whale sharks
Snorkel at dawn with gentle whale sharks
Sardine run dive
Shore-dive massive schools at Moalboal
Good to knowTips
- 1Whale-shark trips are controversial — pick a responsible operator
- 2Follow the guide in the canyon; water rises fast after rain
- 3Many islands; ferries link them — watch schedules and swell
Next island
Mauritius