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Common questions

Cebu Private Tour FAQ: Booking, Payment & What to Expect

Everything travelers usually ask before booking a private Cebu OK Travel tour.

Why do I need to request a quote instead of booking instantly?

Because we check real availability before asking for payment. Local guide schedules, sanctuary permits, ferry timetables, and weather windows all need verification. You get a clear, honest quote within 24 hours with no surprises.

Request your quote →
Why is pickup at 2-3 AM for the whale shark tours?

Oslob is about 3 hours south of Cebu City. The whale shark activity starts around sunrise, and arriving early usually means fewer boats, calmer water, and a more personal experience before large group tours arrive.

Read the full whale shark guide →
Can a solo traveler or couple book a private tour?

Yes. Private tours use a minimum pricing baseline, so solo travelers and couples are welcome as long as the minimum private charge is accepted. Your vehicle, driver, and guide remain private to your group.

Get a quote for your group →
What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, bank transfer, online transfer, GCash QR, Maya QR, PayMongo, Wise transfer, PayPal, and Alipay by request. We only collect payment after availability is confirmed. A PHP 500 reservation fee secures the booking and is deducted from the final tour payment.

Is hotel pickup included in the tour price?

Pickup and drop-off in Cebu City, Mandaue, and Mactan are included for most Cebu tours. Pickups outside those areas may carry a small surcharge, always confirmed in writing before the tour.

What is your cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity unless your written confirmation gives a longer free-cancellation window. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur supplier costs. Weather-forced closures can be rebooked or refunded based on supplier rules.

Can we get a Japanese or Korean-speaking guide?

Yes, Japanese-speaking guides and Korean language support are available on request. Please request 3-5 days in advance when possible so the team can confirm guide availability.

See Japanese tour info →
Are the tours really private with no strangers?

Yes. Your group, your vehicle, your pace. Cebu OK Travel does not add other travelers to your tour without your clear permission.

When do we sign the risk waiver?

After the tour is confirmed, the team sends a secure waiver link connected to your booking ID. The signed waiver is archived with your typed signature name, date signed, tour date, and booking details.

Is there a minimum group size?

No minimum group size. Solo travelers, couples, and families all book private tours. Pricing is structured around a private vehicle baseline — we quote based on your actual group size and route.

Can children join the tours?

Many Cebu tours can work for families, but suitability depends on each guest and current activity operator rules. Tell us every child's age, swimming ability, mobility needs, and relevant health information. We confirm eligibility before recommending canyoneering, snorkeling, boat access, or another activity.

What should we wear or bring on a beach or water tour?

Wear swimwear under light clothes. Bring reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen (chemical sunscreen is banned at whale shark sites and marine sanctuaries), a rash guard or UV shirt, hat, towel, change of clothes, and PHP 500–800 cash for entrance fees, food, and extras. Snorkel gear can be rented on site.

How far in advance should I book?

Two to three days in advance is usually enough for most tours. For tours requiring special guides (Japanese, Korean), Kalanggaman Island (tide timing), or multi-day trips, five to seven days ahead is recommended. Peak season (December to April) books up faster — one to two weeks ahead is safer.

Do you offer Chinese language support?

Yes. Chinese-speaking support is available via WeChat, and the booking chatbot handles Simplified Chinese. On-tour Chinese-speaking guides are available on request — please ask when submitting your quote request.

Is the PHP 500 reservation fee refundable?

The reservation fee is deducted from your final tour balance — it is not an extra charge. If Cebu OK Travel cannot confirm availability for your chosen date, the fee is refunded in full. If you cancel with adequate notice (per your written confirmation), refund terms are clearly stated in your booking confirmation.

Do you provide airport transfers?

Yes. Airport pickup and drop-off to and from Mactan-Cebu International Airport are available as a standalone service or added to any tour day. Rates depend on hotel area and vehicle size — include your flight details when requesting a quote.

Can we combine multiple tours in one day?

Yes — combination tours are the most popular option. Common combinations: Whale Shark + Sumilon Island (most popular south Cebu day), Whale Shark + Tumalog Falls, Whale Shark + Sumilon + Tumalog (full day), Oslob + Moalboal Sardine Run, Kawasan Canyoneering + beach time. Tell us your interests and we suggest the best fit.

Browse all tour options →
What happens if weather forces the tour to cancel on the day?

We monitor conditions 24 hours before. If the tour cannot safely run, we notify you and offer rescheduling to your next available date at no extra cost. If rescheduling is impossible, refund terms follow supplier policy and are stated in your confirmation.

Do you operate tours outside Cebu — to Bohol, Palawan, or other islands?

Yes. Cebu OK Travel specialises in Cebu-based private tours and also coordinates selected trips to Bohol, Palawan, Siquijor, Dumaguete, Kalanggaman Island, and Bantayan Island. Routes outside Cebu depend on transport, local supplier, weather, and date availability, so the team confirms the full plan and price in writing before payment.

Read the Bohol day trip guide →

Payment options

Flexible payment, zero upfront pressure

Payment is arranged only after tour availability is confirmed in writing.

WS

Wise Transfer

Preferred for international guests. Request a secure Wise invoice after your tour and final amount are confirmed.

CA

Cash

Pay on tour day or at the time of deposit.

BT

Bank Transfer

BDO, BPI, Metrobank, UnionBank.

OT

Online Transfer

Secure online transfer links sent after confirmation.

GC

GCash QR

Scan the QR code sent after confirmation.

MY

Maya QR

PayMaya / Maya scan-and-pay after confirmation.

PM

PayMongo

Secure card or payment-link instructions sent only after booking confirmation.

PP

PayPal

For international guests in USD, JPY, or EUR.

AP

Alipay

Available for China-based guests by request.

QR Ph · InstaPay

Scan with any Philippine bank app to pay your reservation fee. One QR works with GCash, Maya, BDO, BPI, UnionBank, Metrobank, and more.

QR Ph InstaPay QR code — Cebu OK Travel

Cebu OK Travel

GCash / InstaPay · QR Ph / InstaPay

Reservation fee policy

PHP 500.00 reserves your confirmed slot and is deducted from the total tour payment. The remaining balance is paid on activity day unless your written confirmation says otherwise.

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