Cagayan de Oro Whitewater Rafting

The Cagayan de Oro river drops out of the Bukidnon highlands through a limestone gorge before reaching the city, and rafting it has been an organised activity since the 1990s, long enough that the operators, safety standards and the guides' river knowledge are all well developed. Courses are sold by the number of rapids: a beginners' run of a dozen or so, an intermediate stretch, and longer expeditions of twenty or more, graded roughly class two to three depending on water level, with a few harder drops when the river is up. Between the rapids the gorge is genuinely beautiful - white limestone walls, forest, side streams and pools where boats stop to swim. Guides steer from the back and passengers paddle. It runs year-round: the wet months give bigger water and faster runs, the dry months give a gentler trip. Cagayan de Oro is the gateway to Camiguin and Bukidnon, so most people fit it into a wider trip.

What you actually see

• The rapids - graded runs through the gorge.
• The limestone canyon - white walls and forest above the river.
• The swim stops - pools between the drops.
• The guides' handling - the local rivermen steering each raft.

When to go

Year-round. June to November brings higher, faster water; the dry months are gentler and better for first-timers. Trips run in the morning.

Honest expectations

You will get soaked and you should expect to end up in the water at least once. Life jackets and helmets are compulsory. High water raises the grade and some sections close - the operator decides, not the customer.

Nearby

Camiguin's ferry port at Balingoan is two hours east; Bukidnon and the Dahilayan park are up the highway.