Everything You Need to Know About Canyoneering in Cebu

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If you’re craving a tropical adventure that blends heart-pounding action with jaw-dropping scenery, canyoneering in Cebu should be at the top of your bucket list! Picture yourself plunging into turquoise pools, scrambling over boulders, and leaping from waterfalls—all surrounded by jungle and rushing waters. Kawasan Falls, where it all happens, will blow your mind!

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about canyoneering in Cebu; from what to pack and where to book, to safety tips and what to expect on the trail. Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or as part of a tour, this post will help you plan the perfect canyon adventure from start to splash!

What is canyoneering?

Canyoneering is a sport, typically done in a gorge, where you follow a river or body of water. You do this by swimming, hiking, jumping and anything that gets you moving without the use of canoes or boats.

We say sport, but don’t worry! It’s perfectly suitable for beginners. While a reasonable fitness level comes in handy, anyone really can do this. We even had a couple of small kids during our day.

Why should you go canyoneering in Cebu?

Cebu is home to Kawasan Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines. The water really is that turquoise blue (seriously) and the jungle gorge is absolutely beautiful. There are so many opportunities for jumps, rope swings and floating the fun doesn’t stop!

Also, the falls are quite accessible. Only a few hours drive from Cebu City, but if you’re staying in Moalboal, it’s a 20 minute drive to Badian, where Kawasan Falls is located.

Best time to visit Kawasan Falls

Dry season is without a doubt the best time to go canyoneering. This runs from November to May and ensures the best weather. Rain season should be avoided due to risk of flash floods and cancellations.

What to expect when you go canyoneering in Cebu

We chose to do this as a group thing, and not go privately, which is also an option. We got picked up at around 8, and arrived at the expedition office about an hour later. (we had some pick ups after us). Here, you will get fitted with a helmet, life vest and water shoes, which are all mandatory. You can definitely bring your own shoes, and do so if your size runs large, but flip flops are not acceptable.

Then it’s off to the falls! At the drop off, you can choose to hike to the starting point (around 20 minutes) or take a zip line. The zip line will be an additional 700 pesos. We did that and it was awesome! It’s a bit of a wait, but it goes quite fast.

At the starting point you will be divided into groups of 4, and every group of 4 is assigned 2 guides. Because the groups are so small and there is 1 guide for 2 people, it feels like a pretty intimate experience. The guides are absolutely fantastic and make sure you’ll have a safe and fun experience!

Then it’s off to 4 hours of jumping, swimming, hiking sliding down rocks and floating.

The jumps all vary between 3 and 12 meters. If this makes you nervous, all of them have a walk around, so nothing is obligated. At the time we went, the 12 meter jump wasn’t available as the water level wasn’t high enough, but we did 3, 5 and 7 meters!

There are rock water slides, rope swings and smaller waterfalls along the way. The short hikes in between are a few minutes max, and they are all downhill. Nothing is too strenuous, but you will be tired at the end of it!

At the half way point you will come across some BBQ stalls where you can get something to eat and drink. If you don’t have any cash on you, your guide will write down what you had and you can pay at the end. The same goes for the zip line fee.

What to bring for the day

Don’t bring much, because you can’t take much with you. There are lockers to put any valuables or a dry change of clothes, but the life vests will only have a small net to put some essentials. This is what we put in it to take with us:

• sunscreen (travel size)
• some cash in a ziplock bag
• a snack and small water bottle (given to us)
• one phone in a waterproof case for pictures

How to book your experience

There’s a few options! You can do like we did and book it in advance. This way you can plan a little bit and you know there’s a spot for you! If want to do it with a private guide, book it as early as 6am to go during the quiet hours.

Another option is to book through your accommodation, if you do this you will get booked on a group tour. We did it with Nancy Allen Canyoneering and absolutely loved them.

Prices range between 1500 and 2200 pesos for the full experience.

Canyoneering in Cebu: safety tips

• Listen to your guides. They are familiar with the waters and the depths. They’re there to help you stay safe
• When you jump, always jump feet first and enter the water straight to avoid bruises and injuries
• Take your time. The rocks and paths can be slippery and walking in water shoes isn’t the same
• Don’t touch or disturb the wildlife you may come across
• Do not remove your helmet or life vest. Other than it being unsafe, your guides will get fined

Extra canyoneering tips

• Don’t wear your newest swimwear. Better yet; wear leggings. The rocks and dirt will be an assault on your clothing!
• Do not forget to tip your guides! We saw quite a few people walk away at the end without doing so; but here’s the thing:
  • They work hard, hold you where needed, take your photos, and are the biggest supporters. They do do the entire thing with you
  • They only make 400 pesos per trip. No trip that day; no money
  • For extra karma points; get them something to eat and drink at the halfway point. We did not see many guides that ate. Could be dozens of reasons, but if you’re hungry, most likely so are they.

Everything you need to know about canyoneering in Cebu: FAQ

Is it dangerous? What if I can’t swim?

Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls is not dangerous, and definitely beginner friendly. The rapids are not too fast, and if you don’t want to do jumps; you don’t have to. Everyone is looking out for you!

While it comes in handy to at least know how to float, we talked to a few people going that could not swim. The life vests held them safe, and if you can’t swim, please tell your guide so they can keep an extra eye on you (they do ask as well). You will still be allowed to go. Honestly, doing this while not knowing how to swim makes you extra badass!

Isn’t is super busy?

The honest answer? Yes, it is. But because it is such a streamlined experience, and you will be so busy focusing on yourself and your little group, you hardly notice. The gorge is so big and high there is plenty to take in. The beauty of it definitely mutes any annoyance you might have.

Can I do this solo?

Absolutely! You’ll quickly make friends on the day anyway!

Can I take a camera?

Yes! Either put it in a waterproof case, or give it to your guide. We did that, and I kid you not: he kept it dry the whole day without a pouch. He took hundreds of super cool pictures and videos.

Where to stay if you’re canyoneering in Cebu

The best place to stay is definitely Moalboal. From there it is only a short shuttle back and forth. If you’re doing it privately and you’re driving yourself; it’s an easy scooter ride as well.

We stayed in 2 places in Moalboal.

🛏 Tongo Hill Cottages. A super pretty places with cute bamboo huts, hammocks, hot showers, a socializing area with cinema that the staff can set up for you, and breakfast! We loved it here. Zeus the cat is adorable and so is all the staff. Very Instagrammable, if that’s your thing!

🛏 We also stayed with Bernie and Janice at BerNi’s Hostel. They are both so kind, and Janice is the absolute best! Rooms are basic but clean, there is an outdoor kitchen free to use, as well as a swimming pool. The restaurant around the corner is excellent!

What’s next?

Keep reading! After Cebu, we traveled to beautiful Siquijor, where we spent a lot of time. We’ve written a super detailed guide about the island, as well as the ideal ways of getting there!

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