Skip to main content

Cebu travel guide

The 20 Best Things to Do in Cebu

Whale sharks, waterfalls, sardine runs, islands and heritage stops, ranked by our guides and guests.

Read this guide in: 日本語 한국어 繁體中文

Quick answer: The top things to do in Cebu are swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, canyoneering to Kawasan Falls, snorkeling the Moalboal sardine run, island hopping from Mactan and a city and uplands day with Magellan's Cross and the Temple of Leah. With 3 days you cover the south and the city. With 5 days you add Bohol or a north Cebu island.

Adventure and water

1. Swim with whale sharks in Oslob

Snorkel beside whale sharks in shallow water off Tan-awan, Oslob. Arrive early for calm water and fewer boats. Pickup is about 3:00 AM in Cebu City and 2:30 AM from Mactan and farther areas. Read our Oslob ethics guide before you decide.

Go with us: Oslob Whale Shark Private Tour from Cebu From PHP 4,500/pax (based on 4 guests)

2. Canyoneer to Kawasan Falls

Jump, slide and swim down the Badian river canyon to the blue pools of Kawasan Falls. A helmet, life vest and guide come with every group.

Go with us: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Private Tour From PHP 5,950/pax (based on 4 guests)

3. Snorkel the Moalboal sardine run

Millions of sardines swirl a few meters from Panagsama Beach, and sea turtles feed on the reef nearby. No boat needed for the sardines.

Go with us: Moalboal Sardines and Turtles Private Tour From PHP 4,350/pax (based on 4 guests)

4. Island hop from Mactan

A private bangka to Hilutungan, Nalusuan and Pandanon for snorkeling, fish sanctuaries and a seafood lunch.

Go with us: Mactan 3-Island Hopping Private Tour From PHP 5,050/pax (based on 4 guests)

5. Walk the Sumilon Island sandbar

A white sandbar that shifts with the tide, 15 minutes by boat from Oslob. Pair it with the whale sharks.

Go with us: Oslob Whale Shark + Sumilon Island Private Tour From PHP 5,350/pax (based on 4 guests)

6. Swim at Kawasan Falls without canyoneering

Prefer a calm day? Walk 15 minutes to the main falls, ride a bamboo raft under the water and swim in the pools.

Go with us: Kawasan Falls Swimming Private Tour From PHP 4,500/pax (based on 4 guests)

7. Visit Kalanggaman Island

A long sandbar island off Palompon, Leyte, reached as a full day trip from Cebu. Pickup is about 1:00 AM.

Go with us: Kalanggaman Island Private Tour from Cebu From PHP 6,300/pax (based on 4 guests)

8. Spend a day on Bantayan or Camotes

Quiet north Cebu islands with white beaches, caves and lagoons. Both suit an overnight stay.

Go with us: Bantayan Island Private Tour from Cebu Message us for a custom quote

9. Learn to scuba dive

Try a Discover Scuba session in Moalboal or Oslob, or dive Pescador Island with a licensed shop.

Go with us: Scuba Diving Private Tour Message us for a custom quote

10. Jump into Tumalog Falls

A curtain waterfall a few minutes from Oslob, a good cool-down after the whale sharks. It is temporarily closed as of November 2026, so ask us before you plan it.

City, culture and food

1. See Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño

The heart of old Cebu, with the cross planted in 1521 and the oldest Catholic image in the Philippines.

Go with us: Cebu City and Upland Private Tour From PHP 3,750/pax (based on 4 guests)

2. Climb to the Temple of Leah

A Roman-style temple in the Busay hills with a wide view over the city. Go late afternoon for golden light.

Go with us: Cebu City and Upland Private Tour From PHP 3,750/pax (based on 4 guests)

3. Visit the Taoist Temple

A colorful temple in Beverly Hills with dragon stairs and views over Cebu City.

4. Walk Sirao Flower Garden

Celosia fields and photo spots in the cool uplands, often paired with Temple of Leah.

5. Eat lechon

Cebu lechon is roast pig with crisp skin and herb-filled meat. Try it at a lechon house in the city.

6. Tour Fort San Pedro

One of the oldest Spanish forts in the country, a short walk from Magellan's Cross.

7. Join the Sinulog Festival

Cebu's biggest festival, held on the third Sunday of January. See the Sinulog guide.

Family and easy days

1. Visit Cebu Safari and Adventure Park

Animals, a tram tour and ziplines in Carmen, north Cebu. Children are priced by height.

Go with us: Cebu Safari Adventure Park Private Tour From PHP 4,800/pax (based on 4 guests)

2. Rent a day pass at a Mactan resort

Pools, beach and lunch without booking a room. Good on arrival or departure day.

3. Go boat fishing off Mactan

A private boat, gear and a crew who cook your catch.

Go with us: Mactan Boat Fishing Private Tour From PHP 5,050/pax (based on 4 guests)

How to fit them into your trip

Trip lengthWhat to do
3 daysOslob and Kawasan, Moalboal sardines, city and uplands
5 daysAdd Mactan island hopping and a Bohol day trip
7 daysAdd Siquijor for 2 nights or a north Cebu island

Kawasan Falls and Sumilon Island usually close on the third Wednesday of each month. Closure days change, so check before you book.

Full day plans: 3-day, 4-day and 5-day Cebu itineraries.

Private tours for this trip

Prices below come from the same live calculator as the booking page. Exact totals depend on your date, guest count and pickup area.

Private tours · Hotel pickup · Pay after confirmation

Turn this list into a plan

Send your dates and the activities you want. We return a day-by-day plan with pickup times and one price.

Cebu FAQ

What is Cebu best known for?

Whale sharks in Oslob, Kawasan Falls canyoneering, the Moalboal sardine run, island hopping from Mactan, lechon and the Sinulog Festival.

How many days do I need in Cebu?

Three days covers the south and the city. Five days adds island hopping and a Bohol day trip.

Can I do Oslob and Kawasan in one day?

Yes. Our private tour starts at Oslob early in the morning and reaches Kawasan for canyoneering in the late morning or afternoon.

What is the best free thing to do in Cebu?

Walk the old city: Magellan's Cross, the Basilica del Santo Niño and the streets around Colon, the oldest street in the country. Fort San Pedro charges a small fee.

Is Cebu good for families?

Yes. Mactan island hopping, Cebu Safari, Kawasan swimming and Sumilon Island suit children. Our private vans carry child seats on request.

Replies within ~1 hour
LINE us WhatsApp us