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Planning a trip to Cebu? You’re in for a treat!
This vibrant island is packed with epic adventures, rich history, and some of the most stunning natural beauty in the Philippines.
Having visited Cebu multiple times, I’ve done everything from swimming with whale sharks to cayoneering through the stunning Kasawan Falls. Some activities were unforgettable, while others didn’t quite live up to the hype. So to help you make the most of your trip, I’ve rounded up the 6 absolute best things to do in Cebu!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Cebu was this 4-in-1 tour. We swam with whale sharks, visited Tumalog Falls, snorkeled with turtles and sardines, and soaked up the sun on the gorgeous Sumilon Island sandbar.
It’s easily one of the most popular tours in Cebu and often sells out!
Things to do in Cebu
1. Go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
- Price: $55 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Highlights: Go on a canyoning adventure at the stunning Kawasan Falls and Matutinao River, climb, jump, and swing your way through the canyons, swim in the bright blue water, see the iconic Kawasan Falls
- Inclusions: Professional guide, transportation (from Moalboal, Badian, or Alegria), safety equipment, lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 270+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re a thrill-seeker visiting Cebu, you can’t miss out on this Kawasan Falls canyoneering trip! I’d heard all the hype and wasn’t sure it would live up to it – but it totally did. This was hands-down one of my favorite experiences in all of the Philippines!
The adventure kicks off with a quick ride to the starting point, where you’ll suit up in safety gear and meet your guide. The guides are incredible – fun, reassuring, and absolute pros at navigating every twist, turn, and jump along the route.
And yes, you’ll be jumping off cliffs and waterfalls (some up to 30 feet/9 meters high!) into crystal-clear blue water. It sounds intimidating, but trust me, it’s a blast once you take that first leap.
But it’s not all jumps – you’ll also float, slide, and scramble through jungle canyons surrounded by lush tropical scenery. By the time you reach Kawasan Falls, you’ll be ready to chill in its iconic turquoise pool. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever seen!
This tour includes safety gear, lunch, a guide, and free hotel pick-up/drop-off from Moalboal, Badian, or Alegria (if you’re staying in Cebu City or Mactan, you can also request transportation for an extra fee). So if you’re craving thrills and stunning nature while in Cebu, make sure you check out all the great reviews and put this activity on the top of your itinerary!
Check availability and book this Kawasan Falls canyoning tour here!
2. Swim with whale sharks
- Price: $154 USD
- Duration: 16 hours
- Time: 4 am
- Highlights: Go swimming with whale sharks, see the beautiful Tumalog Falls, soak up the sun on the Sumilon Island sandbar, and snorkel with sardines
- Inclusions: Local guide, hotel pick-up/dropoff (Cebu City, Mactan, and South of Cebu), breakfast, lunch, entry fees, snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If swimming with whale sharks is high on your bucket list, this full-day tour is your chance to make it happen! But it’s not just about the whale sharks – this tour also takes you to Tumalog Falls, the Sumilon Sandbar, and Pescador Island, packing your day with some of the best experiences Cebu has to offer.
The day kicks off with an early start (but trust me, it’s worth it) as you’re taken to Oslob for the main event – swimming alongside gentle whale sharks! Seeing these massive creatures up close is surreal. The moment I put my head underwater, I was surrounded by them! For 30 minutes, we watched them glide gracefully through the water – it was one of those “pinch me” moments I’ll never forget!
Next, it’s off to Tumalog Falls, where you can cool off in the cascading water before heading to the Sumilon Sandbar, a dreamy stretch of white sand surrounded by turquoise water. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.
Then, it’s time for snorkeling! We had the chance to swim with turtles and witness the famous sardine run in Moalboal. Seeing thousands of sardines move together in a shimmering, synchronized wave was mesmerizing!
At 16 hours, this tour is a long day, but every moment is worth it. With hotel pick-up, breakfast, lunch, and gear included, it’s a hassle-free way to experience Cebu’s marine wonders. It’s one of the most popular tours in Cebu, and after doing it myself, I can see why – I can’t recommend it enough!
Read the great reviews and secure your spot here before it sells out!
3. Learn about Cebu City on a food and history tour
- Price: $80 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 4 pm
- Highlights: Go on a historic guided tour of the City of Cebu, learn about the city’s culture and history while seeing iconic landmarks, try a variety of different authentic dishes and street food
- Inclusions: Local guide, dinner, alcoholic beverages, soda, water
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
If you’re a foodie, a history buff, or both, this Cebu City historical street and food tour is a must! As the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu is packed with a rich history and a thriving food scene, and this tour gives you the best of both in just a few unforgettable hours.
Because, honestly, what’s better than exploring a city by eating your way through it?
The adventure kicks off on Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. Our guide led us through bustling markets, historical sites, and hidden alleyways, giving me a fresh perspective on the city. We visited iconic landmarks like the Cebu Heritage Monument, a sculpture that tells Cebu’s story, and the Yap Sandiego Ancestral House, one of the oldest residential homes in the country.
But let’s be real – the food was the highlight! We tasted Cebuano staples like puso (rice in coconut leaves) and the legendary lechon (crispy roast pork). We also sampled ngohiong (crispy spring rolls) and Tuslob Buwa, a dish I’d never have tried on my own but absolutely loved.
Our guide’s passion for Cebu’s history and food made every stop memorable. It’s the perfect way to experience the city’s culture, history, and flavors. I’d recommend doing it when you first arrive to get your bearings – and definitely show up hungry!
Read the full itinerary and book this fun city tour here!
4. Experience the countryside of Bohol
- Price: $145 USD
- Duration: 14 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Take a ferry to Bohol Island, see the iconic Chocolate Hills, visit a Tarsier Conservation to see these rare animals up close, go on a river cruise, and see other iconic landmarks
- Inclusions: Professional guide, ferry ride and transportation, river cruise, lunch, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Bohol is a stunning island just a 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu. It’s home to iconic landmarks, unique wildlife, and breathtaking views that are a must-see when visiting the Philippines. The best part? You can experience all the highlights in a single day on this epic day trip!
The day kicks off with a scenic ferry ride to Bohol, and before you know it, you’re at the island’s most famous attraction – the Chocolate Hills. This unique geological wonder features 1,776 perfectly rounded mounds that stretch as far as the eye can see. Seeing them in person is surreal, and the panoramic view from the lookout point is a photo moment you won’t want to miss!
Next, it’s time to meet Bohol’s most famous (and tiniest) locals – the tarsiers! These wide-eyed, endangered primates are impossibly cute, and watching them cling to tree branches was a highlight of the day.
Then, you’ll slow things down with a Loboc River Cruise. Float along the peaceful, jungle-lined river while enjoying a Filipino buffet lunch. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
The tour also includes stops at historic churches and cultural sites, giving you a deeper appreciation of Bohol’s rich history. With hotel pickup, ferry tickets, and a guide included, it’s a stress-free way to experience the very best of Bohol in just one day. If you’re planning to explore beyond Cebu, this tour is a must!
Learn more about this tour and check availability here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Go on an island hopping and snorkeling tour
- Price: $57 – $147 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 7 am or 8 am
- Highlights: Enjoy a private boat tour to 3 different islands, go swimming & snorkeling, indulge in a BBQ lunch at Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary
- Inclusions: Professional crew, hotel pick-up/dropoff (from Mactan, Mandaue, and Cebu City hotels), lunch, snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 4 stars (check out the 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Did you know that Cebu Island is surrounded by 167 other smaller islands? It would be next to impossible to visit all of them, but this private boat tour brings you to 3 of the best ones!
Not only do you get to experience turquoise water, colorful coral reefs, and laid-back tropical vibes, but you also get a private experience! No crowds, no rush – just you and your crew who are ready to give you a personalized adventure.
The day starts with a scenic boat ride to Hilutungan Island, one of Cebu’s top snorkeling spots. The water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and the vibrant coral reefs are teeming with colorful fish. It’s like swimming in a giant aquarium!
Next up is Caohagan Island, a picture-perfect paradise with rustic beach huts and powdery white sand. It’s the ideal spot to chill, sunbathe, or snap some postcard-worthy photos without a crowd in sight.
The final stop is Nalusuan Island (my favorite!), where we enjoyed a fresh barbecue lunch right by the beach. Afterward, there’s even more time to snorkel or simply relax and take it all in.
With hotel pickup, lunch, and all your gear included, we think this private tour is the best way to explore Cebu’s stunning surrounding islands. Prices start at as low as $57 USD per person depending on the size of your group and you don’t have to deal with crowded boats or strangers – does it get any better than that?
Book your private island hopping adventure here before it sells out!
6. Explore Cebu with a private local guide
- Price: $75 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 7 am or 8 am
- Highlights: Go on a private sightseeing tour of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu, see the top landmarks and highlights, take in panoramic views at Tops Lookout, enjoy a traditional lechon lunch
- Inclusions: Private transportation, hotel/airport pick-up/dropoff (Cebu City, Mandaue, or Lapu-Lapu City), lunch at House of Lechon
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 120+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re short on time in Cebu but want to see as much as possible, this private Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu tour is a must! It covers all the major highlights while giving you a crash course in Filipino history and culture. Plus, with private transportation, it’s as seamless as it gets!
The day kicks off with hotel pick-up before heading to Cebu City. Here, you’ll visit the famous Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño. These landmarks are packed with history, and having a guide to share the backstory made it all the more meaningful.
Next, it’s off to Lapu-Lapu City (aka Mactan Island) to visit the Mactan Shrine, a monument to the legendary battle where Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan. You’ll also visit Tops Lookout, where the sweeping views of Cebu and its islands are unforgettable!
But the highlight for me was lunch at House of Lechon, where I finally got to try Cebu’s famous roast pig – and it 100% lived up to the hype!
It’s important to note that the price of this tour doesn’t include a tour guide, but you can request one from the tour company when booking for an extra charge. We added on the guide for our tour and highly recommend it. Having a certified guide there to explain everything we were seeing really made the experience better and was worth the extra cost in my opinion!
If you’re ready to see Cebu’s top sights in style, book this private tour here!
Where to Stay in Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is a large island with many different places to stay, but we highly recommend basing yourself in Cebu City. It’s a convenient hub, with most activities (including the ones we mentioned above!) offering pick-up and drop-off services from here. Cebu City provides easy access to the island’s top attractions, making it the perfect starting point for your adventures.
So to help you choose, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Cebu City that cater to different budgets and travel styles:
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking to splurge a little, the Radisson Blu Cebu is the perfect luxury escape in Cebu City! This 5-star hotel has everything you need to relax in style including an outdoor pool and an onsite spa. The rooms are spacious and modern, with gorgeous city or pool views – perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. And with an on-site restaurant serving up delicious international dishes and nightly entertainment at the Lobby Bar, you might never want to leave!
Prices vary depending on the time of year and the room category you select, but they usually range from around $120 to $200 USD per night. Check all the options and book this hotel on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For a comfy and stylish stay without breaking the bank, the Citadines Cebu City is a fantastic mid-range pick. This modern hotel combines the convenience of a central location with the comfort of well-designed rooms that feel like a home away from home. Each unit even comes with a kitchen – perfect if you feel like whipping up a quick snack!
The rooftop infinity pool is a great spot to chill, and there’s a fitness center if you’re feeling active. Plus, the hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore Cebu’s best spots. Prices start around $90 USD and you can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Traveling on a budget? The One Central Hotel & Suites has you covered! This affordable gem in Cebu City offers clean and comfy rooms with all the essentials, including free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The rooftop pool is a major bonus – perfect for a quick dip while enjoying city views!
With its central location, you’re close to shops, restaurants, and key attractions, making it super convenient for exploring. Plus you can’t beat the price with private rooms starting as low as $30 USD per night! Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Cebu City’s hotels listed here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We loved exploring Cebu and hope you will too after reading our guide! These are the experiences we still talk about and definitely made our trip unforgettable. I hope you have an amazing time.
If you’re planning more travels after Cebu, make sure to browse all our travel guides. We’ve been exploring the world for a long time and love sharing our secrets with other adventurers!
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