Cebu Island offers a wide range of ocean activities such as snorkeling and diving, but recently, the waterfall activity known as canyoneering has been gaining attention. Canyoneering involves activities like descending streams and jumping into waterfalls, allowing participants to fully enjoy nature using just their bodies.
In this article, we will introduce two popular canyoneering spots: Kawasan Falls, which is listed among the world’s top 100 waterfalls and is packed with various activities, and Aguinid Falls, where you can enjoy stream descents of varying difficulty levels. We’ll also cover the necessary preparations for enjoying canyoneering on-site and recommend tour companies.
For those who want to be active and play to the fullest in the warm climate, be sure to check out this information!
Canyoneering: One of Cebu Island’s Most Thrilling Activities
One of the most popular activities in Cebu is canyoneering (also known as stream trekking). Canyoneering is a mountain adventure where you descend streams using only your body (sometimes referred to as “natural water slides”), as well as hike and jump into waterfalls.
The best way to describe the appeal of canyoneering is its exhilarating thrill. While canyoneering has been slowly gaining popularity, the experience in Cebu, with its untouched nature and globally renowned beautiful waterfalls, offers a unique and unforgettable adventure.
How to Enjoy Canyoneering in Cebu
To enjoy canyoneering in Cebu, you can either join a tour that includes it in the itinerary or book directly with a local operator. For most people, especially those who aren’t very experienced with canyoneering or overseas adventures, joining a tour is recommended. Here’s why:
Why Joining a Canyoneering Tour is Recommended
- Feel Safe with Experienced Operators Who Know the Rules!
Canyoneering involves descending natural streams with just your body, so it does come with certain risks. You must meet specific requirements regarding health, age, and physical fitness, and understand the safety guidelines before participating. It’s safer to book through a reliable operator, usually arranged by a tour company. - Feel at Ease with a Friendly and Dedicated Guide!
When booking with local canyoneering operators, tourists may be quoted higher prices. Negotiating fees could take time and reduce your sightseeing hours. With a guide, everything is more transparent and time-efficient. - Feel Protected Against Theft or Pickpocketing!
There may be a risk of pickpocketing or theft while you’re enjoying the activity. Booking a guided tour provides an added layer of security.
Steps to Enjoy Canyoneering in Cebu
Here’s the typical process for a canyoneering adventure:
- Get Ready with the Proper Gear
After changing into the appropriate attire, including a life jacket, the operator’s staff will explain the rules, safety precautions, and how to enjoy the activity. - Travel to the Starting Point
You will access the mountain summit or the starting point of the canyoneering route, often by motorcycle. - Enjoy the Adventure
From there, you can participate in activities like jumping from the top of waterfalls or descending through streams.
Through this process, you can fully immerse yourself in nature while engaging in a physically active adventure.
Canyoneering Spots in Cebu: Kawasan Falls and Aguinid Falls
In Cebu, two famous spots for enjoying canyoneering are Kawasan Falls and Aguinid Falls. Kawasan Falls, in particular, is extremely popular, known as one of the “Top 100 Waterfalls in the World,” and attracts tourists from all over.
Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is located in the southwestern part of Cebu Island, about 3 to 4 hours by bus from Cebu City. It’s close to other popular attractions like Oslob, known for snorkeling with whale sharks, and Moalboal, a favorite beach destination among backpackers and divers. Many people combine these spots into a single day trip, and most tour companies offer packages that include these highlights.
Examples of popular tour packages:
- “Snorkeling with Sea Turtles + Moalboal & Kawasan Falls Tour”
- “Whale Shark Snorkeling + Kawasan Falls Canyoneering & Beach Tour”
Kawasan Falls is the largest waterfall in Cebu and is famous for its easy access, crystal-clear water, and a wide range of activities. You can try waterfall meditation, dive into the basin, swim, and enjoy various adventures that are different from typical beach activities.
One of the main attractions is canyoneering, which is extremely popular here. With several local operators available, visitors can experience the thrill of natural water slides, jumping off rocks, and even navigating through tunnels for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
For more details on Kawasan Falls, including its attractions and access, check out our guide: “7 Charms of Kawasan Falls in Cebu & Introduction to the Cheapest Private Tour”. It includes plenty of photos to give you a glimpse of what to expect.
Mini-Canyoneering at Aguinid Falls
Aguinid Falls is another waterfall in southwestern Cebu, and it also offers fun outdoor activities. It’s accessible from Oslob in about 30 minutes by tricycle (a local three-wheeled taxi). Many tours combine Aguinid Falls with whale shark snorkeling in Oslob, just like Kawasan Falls.
At Aguinid Falls, you can enjoy a variety of adventures, from easy, gentle paths (level 0) to more challenging and rugged trails (level 5). Along the way, you’ll get to climb streams, jump into pools, and experience the refreshing rush of the waterfalls.
However, because Aguinid Falls involves climbing, it comes with additional risks. For safety, it’s mandatory to have a volunteer guide accompany you on your climb. A small tip of around 100 pesos per person is customary.
How to Access Aguinid Falls
The easiest way to reach Aguinid Falls is by taking a tricycle from Oslob. The approximate one-way fare is 300 pesos.
Requirements and Precautions for Canyoneering in Cebu
Canyoneering in Cebu can be a thrilling but risky activity, so there are certain requirements and precautions set by tour companies and local operators. Here are the most common ones:
Requirements to Participate in Canyoneering
- Age Restrictions: Participants typically must be between 12 and 55 years old. Even if you’re fit and healthy, you may not be allowed to join if you fall outside this age range.
- Health Conditions: Those with conditions like hyperventilation, epilepsy, asthma, pregnancy, or other medical issues may be restricted from participating.
- Physical Fitness: Canyoneering involves intense physical activity over long periods, so if you’re unsure of your stamina, it’s a good idea to consult the tour company in advance. Once you start the hike, there’s no turning back, so be mindful of your health and the weather on the day of your adventure.
- No Alcohol: Participants who are intoxicated or hungover will not be allowed to join.
- Weather Conditions: Canyoneering may be canceled in case of bad weather or unfavorable conditions for safety reasons.
By following these guidelines, you can have a safe and enjoyable canyoneering experience in Cebu.
Important Points to Keep in Mind When Participating in Canyoneering
When participating in canyoneering, it’s essential to follow these precautions:
- Wear Protective Gear: Since you might injure your hands or feet on rocks, it’s recommended to wear a rash guard or long-sleeve shirt and pants to protect your skin.
- Use a Life Jacket: There are spots with deep water where you can’t touch the bottom. Unless you’re an extremely confident swimmer, always wear a life jacket. Wearing a helmet and boots is also crucial to protect your body.
- Follow Instructions: Always listen to and follow the instructions of your guide or the staff to ensure your safety.
The Benefits of a Private Tour with CebuPre
For those who want to enjoy canyoneering in Cebu, we recommend the private tours offered by CebuPre, a company that provides exclusive tours for small groups (minimum 2 people).
Here are the highlights of their service:
Features and Benefits of CebuPre Tours:
- Dedicated Local Guide: A knowledgeable local guide will be assigned exclusively to your group.
- Private Vehicle: You’ll have access to a private vehicle and driver, who will support your transportation from the hotel to various tourist spots.
- Canyoneering Gear Provided: CebuPre will easily arrange necessary equipment like life jackets and boots.
- Optional Extras: You can rent an underwater camera (GoPro) and have commemorative photos or videos taken while you jump into the waterfalls.
- Affordable Pricing: Despite being a private tour for small groups, CebuPre offers the most competitive prices.
CebuPre’s Most Affordable Private Canyoneering Tour Options
Here are some of the popular tour packages offered by CebuPre:
- Whale Shark Snorkeling + Kawasan Falls Canyoneering & Beach Tour (From 5,200 PHP)
This tour allows you to visit three top spots in one day: snorkeling in Oslob to see whale sharks, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, and swimming at Moalboal White Beach.
- Whale Shark Snorkeling + Aguinid Falls & Sumilon Island Tour (From 4,400 PHP)
This plan includes snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob, canyoneering at Aguinid Falls, and snorkeling at Sumilon Island Marine Sanctuary. You can discover various coral reefs and clownfish during your snorkeling adventure at Sumilon Island.
Included Services in the Tour:
- Snorkeling mask and life jacket rental
- Private transportation (pickup and drop-off at your hotel)
- Support for photography
- Entrance fees to all attractions
Optional Paid Services:
- Underwater camera (GoPro) rental
- Commemorative photography
- Breakfast and lunch
Comparison of Other Canyoneering Tour Packages
For reference, here is a brief overview of the tour plans and prices from other companies:
Company A: “Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour” (from 7,600 PHP)
This tour offers three hours of canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, one of the world’s top 100 waterfalls. It includes a tour guide and a meal. However, it is a group tour, not an exclusive private tour.
Services included:
- Round-trip transportation
- Guide fees
- Canyoneering equipment
- Lunch and drinks
- Entrance fees
- Photography and gift services
- Towels
Oslob Snorkeling + Aguinid Falls & Sumilon Island Tour (from 6,200 PHP)
This plan combines snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob, canyoneering at Aguinid Falls, and a tour of Sumilon Island. A dedicated tour guide accompanies the group.
Services included:
- Round-trip transportation (minibus)
- Guide fees
- Canyoneering equipment
- Breakfast and lunch
- Entrance fees
Paid service:
- Photography (1,000 pesos)
Customer Reviews of Canyoneering with CebuPre
Here are some reviews from customers who participated in canyoneering tours with CebuPre:
Customer A: Whale Shark Snorkeling + Kawasan Falls Canyoneering & Beach Tour
“Thank you for yesterday! We had perfect weather all day and enjoyed every minute. The whale sharks came really close, and the experience was breathtaking! We were so happy to take pictures with them. The Japanese-speaking guide Janda and the canyoneering guide supported us throughout the tour, so we felt very safe and had so much fun. Jumping from the falls and sliding down the natural waterslides were amazing, and the guide even spotted monkeys and monitor lizards for us. The beach we visited at the end of the day was beautiful and completely empty. It was a bit of a tough tour, but we had such a fulfilling day. We can’t wait to come back!”
Customer B: Whale Shark Snorkeling + Kawasan Falls Canyoneering & Beach Tour
“The guide was very kind and spoke Japanese, which made us feel secure throughout the tour. The itinerary was packed with fun activities, and my girlfriend was thrilled. We’ll definitely book with CebuPre again when we visit Cebu! Thank you so much!”
Summary
In this article, we introduced the popular canyoneering activities at Kawasan Falls and Aguinid Falls in Cebu Island. Canyoneering, a thrilling activity where participants climb mountains and descend streams, is becoming increasingly known. Both spots in Cebu offer crystal-clear water and are surrounded by pristine nature, providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
While canyoneering allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature, it also comes with risks, so paying attention to safety is essential. Especially for beginners trying this activity overseas, it’s ideal to choose a tour that offers comprehensive support and guidance for a worry-free experience.
CebuPre offers private tours with exclusive, dedicated local guides who can handle all necessary arrangements. In addition, CebuPre ensures a stress-free adventure by providing round-trip transportation, photo support, and activity equipment, allowing you to fully enjoy your experience. CebuPre also offers tours that combine whale shark snorkeling and time at beautiful White Beach.
If you’re looking to enjoy canyoneering in Cebu, we highly recommend CebuPre, an affordable and local tour provider.