whale shark tour oslob

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Oslob Whale Shark Watching 2024: A Complete Guide for Tourists

• August 9, 2023
• January 14, 2024
• Dive Sites , Oslob

Swimming with giant whale sharks in Oslob is one of the must-try things to do in Cebu . CEBU INSIDER’s Oslob Whale Shark Guide 2023 highlights everything you need to know about the activity, the latest fees, how to get there, and where to stay.

Oslob is a small coastal municipality on the southern tip of Cebu. About 10 kilometers away from its center town is Barangay Tan-awan which—from the name itself rooted in “tan-aw’ which means to watch—is the destination where the whale shark watching activity is located.

As most of us might know, Oslob is popular not just locally, but globally, because of its whale shark watching tours . Roaming the seas of Oslob are gentle creatures locally known as “tuki” or whale sharks, which will amaze you and give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Who wouldn’t get hyped up grabbing the opportunity to see the largest yet friendliest fish on the planet?

Even if you’re a local citizen or a foreign tourist, whale shark watching in Oslob, Cebu must definitely be one of the items you must fulfill on your bucket list! 

So, buckle up and find out how to get to Oslob whale shark, their fees, opening hours, and the best season to visit. You will also discover a glimpse of the activities in Oslob Whale Shark. But don’t worry… I won’t spoil you so much!

WHAT'S IN THIS POST?

How to Get to Oslob Whale Shark

➡️from cebu city.

Just hop on a bus bound for Bato via Oslob at Cebu South Bus Terminal ( see map ). The terminal is right next to Elizabeth Mall, or E Mall, as the locals like to call it. You’ll see boards that clearly show which bus goes where.

Then, request to be dropped off at the whale shark watching activity center ( see map ) in Barangay Tan-awan. The bus trip costs 200-250 PHP (~4-5 USD) and takes approximately 3 hours.

If you want to take the fastest way to get from Cebu City to Oslob, take a taxi instead. It’ll cost you around 4,000 PHP (~71 USD) and the journey will take about 2.5 hours. You may also book a private intercity transfer to get you from Cebu City or Mactan Airport to Oslob!

➡️From Moalboal

If you’re looking to travel from Moalboal to Oslob, there are a few options available to you. You may take a bus to reach Bato. There you will find buses that depart to Cebu City via Oslob. Tell the driver or conductor that you will be getting off at the whale shark watching activity center in Tan-awan. The bus ride from Moalboal to Bato takes approximately 2 hours and from Bato to Tan-awan, Oslob takes about 45 minutes. The total cost is around 200 PHP (~4 USD).

Once you arrive at Bato Bus Terminal, you will need to catch another bus that goes to Oslob. Yes, this is the bus heading to Cebu City. The estimated travel time to reach Oslob is approximately 2 hours. The estimated cost per person is approximately 100 PHP (2 USD).

➡️From Bohol

If you wanna get to Oslob, Cebu from Bohol , the quickest way is to book a 2-hour ferry ride. Just so you know, the ferry from Bohol to Oslob leaves from Panglao Island at Momo Beach and arrives at Quartel Beach Oslob, Cebu. This ferry ride costs about 900 PHP (~17 USD) and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Book your ferry ride from Panglao, Bohol to Oslob online.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Tagbilaran City to Cebu City and then take a bus to Oslob. Check out the Tagbilaran to Cebu Ferry Schedule !

➡️From Dumaguete 

If you’re traveling from Dumaguete, it’s very simple to travel to Cebu by port. First, hop on a tricycle (fare is 100 PHP) or jeepney (fare is 10 PHP) and head towards Sibulan Port. You have the option to go on either a fastcraft or a ro-ro to get to Liloan Port in Santander, Cebu. Check out the latest Sibulan Port to Liloan Port Ferry Schedule !

Outside Liloan Port, there are buses going to Cebu City via Oslob. Hop on it and tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at the whale shark activity center in Tan-awan.

Oslob Whale Shark Fees

In 2023, for only a 500 PHP (~10 USD) entry fee per person, locals can now swim with whale sharks in Oslob for half an hour. On the other hand, foreigners can avail of the same experience for 1000 PHP (~20 USD ) per person.

The entry fee entails not only the allotment for the whale shark watching but also for the well-explained orientation of visitors. A life vest, goggles, and sometimes a snorkel, are provided for free.

Diving instead of snorkeling is another wise choice available at diving centers in Oslob. For 1,500-2,500 PHP (~30-50 USD), each person can dive below the sea surface for 45 minutes to watch not only the whale sharks but also the lushness of corals and the diversity of marine life.

And if you love capturing memories digitally underwater, GoPro rental is also available. With 500 PHP (~10 USD), you can picture some moments with these amazing sea creatures. GoPro photographers are alternatively at the ready, too.

Oslob Whale Shark Opening Hours

Only between the hours of 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM is Whale Shark Watching available daily. Each session of swimming with these sea giants in Oslob lasts for 30 minutes.

Observing whale sharks begins at 6:00 AM, but the queue for tickets begins at 3:30 AM and cuts off at 11:00 AM, so it is best to arrive as early as possible and secure your spot in line. 

We arrived there at 5 in the morning, yet we still had to wait between one and two hours before we were called. 

If you don’t have the patience in queueing up, diving instead of snorkeling as mentioned earlier is the best option to enjoy whale shark watching hassle-free.

What to Bring to Oslob Whale Shark Watching

• Water shoes or sandals
• Water bottle
• Waterproof phone case
• Microfiber towel

Oslob Whale Shark Watching

Picture this: you’re all set for a thrilling sea escapade to hang out with some awesome whale sharks in Oslob. But before you dive in, instructors give you a heads-up on how to keep everyone safe, tourists and these gentle giants alike.

Rockin’ a life jacket might mess with your underwater selfie game, but hey, safety first, right? If you’re a pro swimmer, you can ditch the jacket, but it takes some guts for non-swimmers, that’s for sure.

Once you’re in the zone, you get a good half-hour to swim around freely, within the whale shark area. You should keep your distance, about 4 meters away, but guess what? These gentle creatures might just brush their fins against you. How cool is that? No need to panic, they won’t bite!

Now, here’s a pro tip – dive if you can! You get to chill in the water way longer and soak in the whole experience. It’s like a dream come true.

Being up close and personal with these massive beauties left me awestruck and humble. Seriously, it’s an experience of a lifetime.

But, let’s keep it real – there’s room for improvement in the amenities and procedures department. So, take it all in stride and appreciate the adventure for what it is – totally worth it!

We must also be mindful of the environment and not overcrowd the sharks’ space. Respect their home turf and their well-being as they should be free-roaming creatures.

And a little secret: skip the sunblock or lotion before diving. The sharks aren’t fans of those chemicals. Gotta keep it all natural!

So, get ready for a whale of a time (pun totally intended)! Dive in, make memories, and enjoy the underwater party with these gentle giants.

Cebu Whale Shark Season

Whale sharks can be found in Oslob throughout the year, so you have the opportunity to see them whenever you visit. However, if you’re specifically interested in swimming with them, the peak season for this activity is from January to May.

It’s important to note that while we can’t guarantee their presence or their willingness to swim, your chances of spotting and swimming with whale sharks are highest during this time.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting waters of Oslob, Cebu, and encounter the friendly whale sharks! With a complete guide, you’re all set for a thrilling adventure you won’t forget. From transportation tips to fees and the best season, you’re ready to swim with these majestic creatures and create unforgettable memories. So, skip the sunblock, keep a respectful distance, and dive into a whale of a time in Oslob!

Where to Stay Near Oslob Whale Shark Watching

• Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort ( Check room rates! )
• GT Seaside Inn ( Check room rates! )
• Down South 118 Beach Resort ( Check room rates! )
• GingGing Hotel and Resort ( Check room rates! )
• Ocean View Lodging House ( Check room rates! )

Your Oslob Travel Guide in 2023

Whale shark watching is ultimately one of the best things to do in Oslob. If you are in Oslob, other attractions you must check out include Sumilon Island and Tumalog Falls.

Other than that, you can enjoy so many things to do in South Cebu, such as canyoneering in Badian and swimming with millions of sardines and green sea turtles in Moalboal . To help you plan your trip, check out our collection of travel guides for South Cebu:

• South Cebu Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Things to Do, Beaches, Itinerary, and Budget
• Top 10 Tourist Spots in South Cebu
• 10 Fun Things to Do in South Cebu
• 8 Best Beaches in South Cebu
• South Cebu Itinerary: 6D5N DIY Itinerary and Budget
• South Cebu Itinerary for 2 Days: Moalboal and Badian Itinerary and Budget

Got more questions about Oslob whale shark watching? Leave them in the comments! We will get back to you ASAP!

For updates, follow CEBU INSIDER on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram !

Cebu Insider Team

Cebu Insider aims to deliver accurate and up-to-date Philippine travel guides to digital nomads, expats, full-time travelers, and remote workers.

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Announcement!

PRIVATE: Oslob Whale Shark + Tumalog Falls Tour Package

Divers with the whale sharks in Oslob

Couple swim with the whale sharks in Oslob

A girl Snorkeling with the Oslob whale sharks

Beautiful waters of Tumalog Falls in Oslob

A nice view from the restaurant

Cebu Tours guests during their whale shark watching

Duration: 10 Hour (s)

Swim and snorkel with the whale sharks in Oslob and enjoy a scenic hours drive from Cebu City or Mactan. This private tour will be accompanied by an experienced driver and tour guide. The whale shark watching activity in Oslob is a must do which you should never miss. After the whale shark experience , our package includes climbing up to the amazing Tumalog water falls. The falls is just 10 minute drive from the whale shark area in Oslob. There are other tourist spots in Oslob that you can include in your trip. If you have more time, then it’s best to include other scenic spots in Oslob. You can try our Oslob package which includes a visit to the beautiful Sumilon sandbar .

Rates and Inclusions

Sample itinerary:.

• 04:00 AM – Pick up from the hotel
• 06:30 AM – Light Breakfast in Oslob
• 07:30 AM – Swimming or Snorkeling with the Whale Sharks
• 08:30 AM – Cool Down at Tumalog Falls – (temporarily closed)
• 10:00 AM – Lunch with One Round of soft drinks
• 11:00 AM – Prepare to go back to the City
• 02:00 PM – Arrival in the Hotel

Note: This is just an estimated time. Pick up time will also change during peak season.

The pick up time is  moved to 3:30am instead of 4:00am during peak season. Oslob is the main destination if you are in Cebu so it is expected to have many guests everyday. The ticketing office there will sometimes be closed earlier than the normal hours because of several reasons. For example, big waves in the late morning or at noon time which is uncontrollable. So they have to stop issuing tickets. With this, please understand if we have to move the pick up time for this whale shark watching tour to 3:30 o’clock in the morning because we just want you to encounter the whale sharks.

What to Expect

You will take breakfast and lunch which are included in the package few minutes away from the whale shark watching area.

Right after the breakfast, you will now swim with the whale sharks which is the first activity for the day and then cool down at the Tumalog Falls.

Next, when you are done in Tumalog Falls, you will be taken back to the restaurant where you will be having your lunch. Right after your lunch, you will go back to the city or to your hotel. Most of our guests who booked for Whale shark watching and Tumalog falls, will add another tour destination since it will be very early to go back to the city. Here are your few options.

• Whale Shark Watching with Tumalog Falls + Kawasan Falls
• Whale Shark Watching with Tumalog Falls + Sumilon Sandbar

BOOKING FORM

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Compare Similar Tours & Experiences

SHARED: Oslob Whale Shark + Tumalog Falls with Lunch & Transfer

From ₱ 2700 / person

SHARED: Whale Shark + Tumalog Falls + Pescador Island with Sardines & Turtle

From ₱ 3400 / person

Private Simala Church & Cebu City Tour (no Uphill)

From ₱ 1100 / person

• Ultimate Guide for Oslob Whale Shark Watching
• Cebu Destinations

About Oslob, Cebu

Oslob, Cebu are famous because of the Whale Sharks.

At the South tip of the island of Cebu, Philippines lies Barangay Tan-awan in the town of Oslob. It may be just an ordinary community before but became very famous because of the arrival of the whale sharks referred by many as the “gentle giants”. They are locally called as “butanding” or “tuki”.

These whale sharks started coming to the beaches of barangay Tan-awan to find food. The residents fed them and these giants got used to the routine and keep coming back everyday. It eventually paved the way for tourism to rise in that area.

Today, many visitors from all over the country and even abroad come to Oslob to witness these beautiful creatures. Tourists find it so amazing to swim with very huge, yet harmless creatures.

How to get to Oslob, Cebu

There are many ways how to go to Oslob Cebu. We have listed a few guides on how you can go to this popular place in Cebu.

• Cebu Car Rental – You can book a car to reserve and make an advance notice for your arrival. It will be hustle free and you don’t need to spend more time waiting and asking for a car to bring you to Oslob, Cebu.
• Private Cars – If you know someone that can fetch you at the airport it will be better. Make sure they knew the details of your flight.
• Taxi – There are taxi’s available in the Airport with a little negotiation with the driver how much it will cost you. One way is about Php3,500-Php4,500.00 cost
• Travel Agencies – If you’re using travel agencies, all information can be arranged particularly for your airport pick up and transfers.
• Buses bound to the South operates from 1:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and dispatches every hour. The earliest bus to leave is the ordinary ones (non-aircon). The bus ride will take approximately 3-5 hours and the fare for the Ceres bus is P 155.00 for the aircon buses and P 148.00 for the non-aircon.

Hotels in Oslob

There are places to stay in Oslob and many of them are located in the center of Oslob around 12kms away from the Whaleshark Interaction. There are Hotels nearby the Whaleshark watching activity but you need to make a booking in advance to make a reservation. Check the available Oslob Hotels and book in advance.

Whale Watching Activity

Whale watching activity is handled by the local government of oslob and this activity will start at 6:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. depending on the weather condition., tips before you will engage with the whaleshark.

• Be early – Hotel or Guide will wake you up around 4:30 am or 5:00 am for you to go there early where your guide can buy a ticket for your whale shark activity. Sometimes this area gets crowded if you will be late and you need to be patiently be waiting for your turn.
• Do not put any sunblock or sunscreen lotion to your body because it might endanger the Whaleshark for the chemicals. If you had used them already you can take a shower before doing the interaction.
• No touching of the Whaleshark
• Feeding of whale sharks by unauthorized personnel is not allowed
• Avoid splash when entering into the water.
• Do not chase the whale shark.
• Keep the 3 meters distance with the Whaleshark
• This is only a 30 minutes interaction.
• You are allowed to use the camera to take pictures and videos but avoid using flash.
• Guides and boatmen will assist you with your interaction.

How Much is Oslob Whaleshark Watching fees

Swimming with the whaleshark or interaction fees.

• Php500.00 ($10.00 USD) – For Local – Snorkeling with the Whale Sharks
• Php1,0000.00($20.00 USD) – For Foreigner – Snorkeling with the Whale Sharks

Whaleshark Watching on the Boat Fees

Whale watching only (guest will only stay on the boat) –

• Php300.00 ($6.00 USD) for the Local – Stay in the boat only but if you swim you need to pay the additional fee.
• Php 500.00 for the foreigners – Stay in the boat only but if you swim you need to pay the additional fee.

Other optional rental gears – Php550.00 ($11.00 USD) Underwater camera rental –

Guests Guide from Metro Cebu

Metro cebu guests guide tips to make sure you will be able to interact with the whaleshark successfully..

Tip: If you want to be among the first watchers, make sure to leave Cebu City at around 3:00 or 3:30 a.m. That is the best time to travel because the roads are still clear and it is still traffic-free.

The whale watching is truly an incomparable experience so it is worth the pay and the effort. So pack your backpacks now and head to Oslob, Cebu and swim with the giants!

To experience this whale shark you can book a Cebu Oslob Tour and make a memorable moment with the friendly whale shark.

Cebu Oslob Whale Shark Watching Tour with Transfers from Dumaguete or Sibulan & Optional Lunch

Description

Witness the peaceful whale sharks in their natural habitat with this whale shark watching tour in Oslob, Cebu, from Dumaguete or Sibulan. This tour will bring you close to whale sharks that regularly swim through the province, making it a perfect trip for sea and animal lovers. The tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, land and sea transfers, lunch, one round of drinks, and the service of a guide. 

Your Oslob whale shark watching excursion begins with a pickup from your accommodation within Dumaguete City or Sibulan town at around 6 AM. From there, you will drive down to the Sibulan pier. Here, your guide will park the van inside a large ferry that will take you to Liloan town . 

After getting off the ferry, you will drive to barangay Tanawan, where the jump-off point for Oslob   whale shark watching is. Once your guide has settled the registration and necessary fees, you will all board local paddle boats called a banca. From the port, you will set off to a spot where whale sharks frequent. 

Make sure to bring your camera along so you can take photos of these gentle giants from the safety of your boat. You will also have the option to swim with them for a unique experience. However, make sure to follow the safety instructions laid out by your guide, as tourists are not allowed to get too close to the whale sharks for the animals' safety. You are allowed to swim and snorkel around them for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Following your time with the whale sharks, you also have the option to go on an additional stop at Sumilon Island , but this will be at your own expense. Next, you will travel back to the port. There are many restaurants located here, and you are free to enjoy a delicious meal at any of them before returning to the van. You can also opt to have your lunch back in Dumaguete City or Sibulan. You will drive directly back to the ferry bound for the Sibulan pier. When you arrive on the mainland, your guide will escort you to your hotel, marking the end of your day tour. 

Experience a close encounter with gentle whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, through this day tour. Check the availability by choosing a date.

DISCLAIMER: Seeing whale sharks during this tour is NOT GUARANTEED.  Whale sharks are migratory animals and even during the whale shark season, there is a possibility that you may not encounter one during your tour.

Attractions

What to bring

Good to know.

This is a private tour. We suggest to wear comfortable clothes. Entrance fee in the Whale Shark watching area is not yet included. Snorkeling with the Whale Sharks of PHP 1,000.00 for non-locals and PHP 500.00 for locals and viewing fee of PHP 500.00 for non-locals and PHP 500.00 for locals. Price may vary and must be paid on site.

Children Friendly: Yes. Children 0-2 are free of charge and children 3-11 years old may avail the discounted rate inclusive of lunch.

Pet Friendly: No. Please understand that this is for your fur baby's safety.

Senior Citizen/PWD Friendly: Yes. There are no extreme activities in this tour.

This tour is available daily at 6:00 AM Philippine Standard Time and pick-up location covered is only around Dumaguete City or Sibulan. To change the pick-up time and location please request in advance so our operator may check if the itinerary will fit as we may need to move the pick-up time if the location is far and additional fee may apply.

The operator may cancel the tour in case of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions. In this case, you will be given the option to reschedule or request a full refund. Note that being late by 15-30 minutes without any advice is considered a no-show. Schedule cancellation requests must be made 48 hours before your original subject to approval.

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Oslob Whaleshark Watching Tour with Kawasan (Badian) Canyoneering in Cebu

• Free Pick-up & Drop Off from any Hotel within Tri Cities (Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu)
• Transportation during the Tour
• Professional Local Guide
• Canyoneering Safety Gear/ Equipment for Snorkel
• Entrance Fees
• Environmental Fee
• Set Menu Lunch
• Entry/Admission - Kawasan Falls
• Anything that was not mentioned in inclusion.
• Pick up in town proper only.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Oslob Stop: 15 hours See details
• 2 Kawasan Falls Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• kapenab2020 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Long trip but worth it The tour at the hundred islands itself was great just the ride going and coming from Manila to Pangasinan was brutal total of 10 hrs ride in the van to and from other than that totally good Read more Written April 29, 2024
• ccsclwns7773 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Island hopping We had 4 hours visiting 3 beaches , Heart beach, Long beach and another one I’ve forgotten the name of. They were all pebble beaches with sharp coral and stones so they give you the chance to rent water shoes before you go which I highly recommend. There was snorkel equipment which we used to see some lovely fish , the coral is mostly dead tho. It was a pleasant day out, we booked at our hotel, Marion Roos, and they sorted everything, it was a reasonable price and nice to get away from the beach where we were staying for a day. Read more Written April 27, 2024
• kreatives2018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect for couples, wildlife lovers and those wanting to spend some time away from life. Actually visited in March 2019 just prior to their update/refurb but we found it just perfect as it was. My husband and I enjoy spending a couple of weeks travelling around and then a final week enjoying luxury and that is exactly what we did at Club Tara. The staff were informative, welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. They were super friendly and treated us like friends whilst still maintaining a professional approach. The wildlife surrounding this lagoon is AMAZING!! We saw flying lemurs, huge fruit bats, a myriad of bird species, lizards and so much more. We truly were in our element. The accommodation was simple but beautiful and extremely clean. There was a jacuzzi at the front of the villa with stunning views over the lagoon. Club Tara was an amazing experience and we ended our trip to the Philippines knowing that we would return. Wonderful place with beautiful people. Thankyou club Tara. Read more Written April 19, 2024
• faithfulp2024 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Cheater Scandals Rodney was our tour guide, he has a wife and a daughter. He was flirting with my wife throughout tour and tried exchanging Facebook information with her in front of our 3 sons, YES IN FRONT OF OUR 3 SONS. My wife is also to blame for this because she strung a long. I confronted both about their behavior and had to cut the tour short. What was supposed to be a memorable vacation turned out to be the worst but also a learning experience for me because now I know what I don't want in a partner. Good job Rodney!! 👏 👍🏻 6yrs down the drain. Read more Written April 10, 2024
• 313rockyd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Love Nido! El Nido is one of my most favorite places in the Philippines. The privat tours are a great way to see the tour. There were tremendous variations in price, so dont take the first one offered. The first ones we had offered were 3x what I paid Read more Written April 8, 2024
• GrahamH387 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A great must do adventure Really good adventure with a great tour guide full of fun. Time is obviously limited on each island but enough to explore a little, snorkel or just worship the baking sun. The waters around Siargao are very clean but the current is strong stay close to the shore line. Boody fight lunch was great, a good balance of sea foods, rice, noodles, chicken adobo, veggies and fruits. Respect the cleanliness of the beaches as the locals must work hard to keep them so pristine. Read more Written March 8, 2024
• KAVMR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome tours with Hopspot Tours! We took a private customized tour a and c for 2 days with Hopspot tours. They are beyond expectation! They are one step ahead most especially RAM Dulay who was with us on both days anticipating our wants and needs and taking fabulous photos! The owner Dave is also awesome providing us all our needs. Truly a very reliable company to book! Read more Written March 6, 2024
• S7526NDtonit 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A good tour to sample some of the beaches The crew was great but started late waiting for the coast guard clearance. The stops were enough time to enjoy the location. The tour guide was very helpful and really helped the other passangers who were not strong swimmers. I was travelling by myself and had a great tine Read more Written February 26, 2024
• 403cinzial 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Raccomemded Very beautiful experience and helpful and very kind tour guide. We made a private tour and it has been an amazing experience. Read more Written February 23, 2024
• Abner T 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles See It to Experience the beautiful nature. And friendly people of Coron! We had a wonderful time seeing the beautiful islands of Coron. The tour was well organized and was able to enjoy each destination taken countless images of the nature paradise. Beaches, lakes, lagoon. Experience of a lifetime. Kudos to Notnot Curambao for his great customer service. Read more Written February 22, 2024
• Traveler716864 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Just bad timing with weather Only went to one destination because of wind. Very disappointed. It was not the tour fault the weather was bad and the wayer choppy Read more Written February 18, 2024
• Connector685298 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don’t go, it’s a circus Don’t go. The whale sharks get fed by guys in kayaks. They purposely throw food next to tourists so they swim within arm length. We got told to stay 5-6 meters away with the warning to get a big fine when you go closer. No guide said a word when people reached out to the whale sharks. Awful to realize this happens on a daily base. Read more Written February 11, 2024
• nicolebX566SE 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Awful :( Awful. The whalesharks get fed by the employees all the time. They tell you to stay at least 5-6 meters away from them but no one does this. They throw the food to groups of people so the whaleshark approach the people. The employee also touched the whaleshark??? It is NOT sustainable at all. Don’t do this. Read more Written February 11, 2024
• Getaway630863 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worthwhile and highly recommend the tour. There was a miscommunication with the meeting location, but it was resolved with the help from another vendor. The boat crew was the best!!! They were attentive to everyone’s needs. The tour was fun and memorable. Read more Written February 8, 2024
• sk0gsn 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Nice place Nice place and an amazing experienced The animals were well treated and had nice cages and habitats. Theres even monkeys tthere! Read more Written February 6, 2024

More to explore in Cebu Island

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Oslob Whaleshark Watching Tour with Kawasan (Badian) Canyoneering in Cebu provided by CTPH TOUR

Oslob Whale Shark + Moalboal Island Hopping Day Tour

For other payment methods such as bank transfer/deposit and cash remittance, Reservation Form Here .

TOUR DETAILS

• Sample Itinerary
• Whale Shark Watching / Snorkeling
• Snorkeling in Pescador island, swimming with sardines and sea turtles

Inclusions:

• Exclusive tourist transport service
• Life vest, mask and snorkel
• Entrance fees
• Government and enviromental fees
• All possible side trips (Time-Permitting) except Osmeña Peak (Additional Fee)

Exclusions:

• Round trip Airfare
• Meals that are not stated above
• Travel insurance
• Tips/Gratuity
• We can also customize package based on your request. Add or remove activities/destinations of your choice.

(Recommended Pick-up Time: 4AM-6AM)

• 5:00 AM – Pick up Hotel

BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE WITH US

Explore all destinations and activities handpicked by our travel curators

ADVISORY: Tumalog Falls is closed starting March 17, 2024 until further notice.

whale shark watching + Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort tour

• Hotel Pick up
• Private Group Tour
• 24 hours Free Cancellation

Go swimming with the gentle giants, the whale sharks in Oslob, and enjoy the Bluewater Sumilon resort facilities, stunning sandbar, and marine sanctuary of Sumilon Island in this one-day tour. The tour will surely fill your day with lots of fun and water activities like snorkeling with whale sharks and marine sanctuary, pool swimming, nature trekking, kayaking, and relax in a shifting white sand bar.

Whale shark watching is one of the most popular Cebu tour package we offer along with the Sumilon island day tour package that maximizes your time enjoying Oslob’s top tourist spots.

What's Included

• Exclusive Air-conditioned Transportation
• Pick up and drop off in any hotel of selected pick-up location upon booking (different drop off point location after tour is subject to surcharge)
• Local tour guide
• Boat ride and life vest
• Light breakfast upon arrival in Oslob at Cocina En Acantilado
• Mask only (no snorkel tube due to COVID-19, you can bring or rent onsite)
• Snorkeling with the whale sharks for 30 minutes
• Cool down at Tumalog Falls (closed every 2nd Wed of the month for clean up)
• All entrance fees & snorkeling fees
• Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort Day Tour
• Weekdays: Consumable amount of 1,600 net per adult and 800 net per child to food and drinks (Free upgrade to lunch buffet in the event the resort offers)
• Weekends: Joining lunch buffet with free-flowing drink juices from 11:00AM - 1:00PM
• FREE use of Pulo pool, private beach, and access to Sandbar
• FREE use of Infinity pool (8:30AM-12:00NN)
• FREE Boat transfer to and from the Island (8:00 AM-3:00 PM)(subject to change based in inclement weather conditions and capacity limitations)
• FREE use of mask & snorkel (available on first-come-first-served basis)
• FREE use of beach towel(per person)
• Beach Volleyball
• Scheduled island group trekking (Guided)
• FREE Limited availing of lagoon activities:
• Catch and release Fishing
• Water Biking (chili bikeboats)
• Pedal Boating

Not Included

• Motorbike down to and from Tumalog falls
• Tip to the driver and guide (It's customary to leave a tip for the driver and guide service)

Estimated Itinerary

The final pick-up time may change during peak and monsoon seasons on which early pick-up time is required.

• 3:30 AM - Pick up Hotel (if in Mactan)
• 4:00AM – Pick up Hotel (if in Cebu City)
• 6:30 AM - Arrival in Oslob then Breakfast
• 7:00 AM - Whale shark watching or snorkeling with whale sharks
• 8:00 AM - Side trip to Tumalog waterfalls (closed every 2nd Wed of the month for clean up)
• 9:30 AM - Departure for Sumilon Island
• 10:00 AM - Sumilon Island Tour with Lunch
• 3:30 PM - Departure back to Mainland
• 4:00 PM - Departure back to Cebu City
• 7:00 PM - Estimated time of arrival in Cebu City

What to Expect

Ride a paddle boat

Snorkel with the gentle giants

Cool down at Tumalog falls

Ride an outrigger boat to Sumilon island

Swim in Pulo swimming pool and have lunch at Pulo restaurant

• The best time to experience the shifting sandbar is during low tide, please check the tide forecast when you make a booking.
• Avoid crowds on weekdays and Philippines Holidays
• Bring extra clothes for change and any sun protection

Activity Policy​

Sumilon island sandbar.

The island public sandbar will be closed every 3rd Wednesday of the month for clean up.

• 2 years old and below – Free of charge but not included in the headcount
• 3 years old – Less Php 900 per child

Whale Shark No Sighting Policy

Cancellation.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure time, otherwise will be based on our Terms and Conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can book and pay online by selecting pick up the location first, reservation date, and lastly, the number of persons, then press the book now button to continue in checkout.

We clearly stated that the price per person varies on group size; the displayed price is the cheapest offer for large groups (ex. 12 persons).

Yes, but you must select the farthest pick-up or drop-off location upon booking. Surcharge may be collected depending on the distance or detour. Contact us before booking if you need to clarify surcharge fees.

Clothes for change (optional), comfortable swimwear attire, snorkel tube (optional), and underwater camera (if available).

Yes, but you need to note during the reservation to check if fitted on the car.

Yes, there are underwater cameras for rent onsite for Php 500 on average. We recommend bringing your own memory card or USB for faster transfer of photos and videos.

Yes, you can update us later on your hotel for your pick-up location.

It means we have received your order, and it is already confirmed.

Yes, kindly ask your driver if you need any stopovers on the way to your hotel.

We recommend visiting Oslob during the dry season, the best months are March to May when the sea is very calm. 

As much as possible, we do not recommend booking this tour during super peak seasons due to the long queues for whale shark watching that take 2-3 hours of waiting time unless you have a lot of patience. The following seasons are Chinese New Year, Holy Week, All Souls Day, All Saints Day, and Christmas Week to New Year.

From ₱3,500 per person price per person varies by group size, Surcharge ₱500 per person on weekends/PH holidays BOOK NOW

Booking Date dd/mm/yyyy

No. of Persons 12+ year old

Child 4-11 yo old

You may also be interested in

Whale shark watching + canyoneering adventure, scuba diving with whale shark + sardine run, whale shark watching + inambakan falls, office closure advisory.

We want to inform you that the Island Trek Tours office will be closed on March 29   (Friday) .

During this time, online chat and calls are not accessible. But still, we will be providing email support on your immediate needs and concerns, should there be any. Kindly expect minor delays in responses during this day.

Online reservations for March 30 will still be accepted and will be arranged accordingly. 

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Whale sharks in oslob – ultimate guide 2024.

Table of Contents

Welcome to the most in-depth and comprehensive guide on the whale sharks in Oslob in 2024. In this article, you will find top tips and advice that cannot be found anywhere else on the web. The advice in this article will save you a lot of time, money, stress and even sleep!

In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an independent trip to see the whale sharks in Oslob. In order to research and plan this article, we visited the whale shark twice on two consecutive days. We also spoke to a lot of local staff and guides to pull all of the best tips and information together.

Please do read this article fully and carefully. We have a lot of practical and specific information and details to help save you time, money, and stress.

Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is genuinely one of our personal top travel highlights anywhere in the world. Paradoxically, swimming with whale sharks is also very challenging. There are also some common mistakes that most people make. We hope to help you avoid making the mistakes so that you really can have the best experience possible.

If you really want to make the most of a trip to swim with whale sharks in Oslob, careful preparation and planning are absolutely essential. A little time researching now will save you a lot of time and stress later. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy learning about this amazing, unique experience.

Considering Canyoneering? Find out Everything you need to know about Canyoneering at Kawasan

Why is it so challenging to swim with whale sharks in Oslob?

Although we like to be positive, we did want to start with a few of the challenges to help give some context to this article.

If you are hoping to swim with a whale shark in Oslob, the first big challenge is the popularity. This is an extremely popular activity, and for good reason. Every day, thousands of people travel to Oslob to see and swim with the whale sharks (in fact, they have a daily limit on this activity of 3,000 people). Many people make the mistake of trying to queue up without reserving a free slot (we will tell you how to do this soon). Registering on the same day requires an extremely early start (normally around 3 am – 4 am) followed by hours of exhausting queueing and waiting. Keep reading because we will share more information on how you can reserve your spot.

The second big challenge is the conditions in the water. Depending on the weather and the time of year, the water can be particularly challenging for swimming: strong currents, and waves can make it particularly challenging to swim up with these magnificent creatures, especially if you are hoping to get some awesome photographs or footage of the experience. We will share some top tips and information to help you stay safe, manage these challenging conditions and capture this unique and amazing experience.

Is it worth going to see the whale sharks in Oslob?

Absolutely and 100% yes, in our opinion, it is definitely worth going to see the whale sharks in Oslob. There is something exhilarating and humbling about swimming with a creature so much larger than yourself. The whale sharks are huge, majestic, and yet very gentle. Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob genuinely counts amongst our best travel experiences ever (and we have traveled most of the world over many years).

However, there are a few things that we need to share to help you keep your expectations in check. Firstly, we alluded to the popularity of this activity. If you’re planning to see the whale sharks in Oslob, you need to be prepared to share the experience with a lot of other enthusiastic people. This does mean a very early start, a lot of queuing, and potentially crowded water. If you are planning to travel to Oslob in a single day from Cebu City, this is likely to be an extremely long and very tiring day. So if possible, we do recommend spending a night or two in Oslob.

Secondly, some people express concerns about the ethics of swimming with whale sharks in Oslob. It’s important to recognize that the whale sharks in Oslob are genuinely free wild creatures. In order to keep the whale sharks in the area, they are fed bucket loads of small shrimp by local guides. In our opinion, swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is a relatively ethical animal encounter; the locals seem to take a lot of steps and measures to protect the dignity, space, and welfare of these magnificent creatures. 

Here are a few examples: firstly, if you are planning to swim, there are stringent rules about space and proximity (these rules are also enforced so make sure you are fully aware of the requirements); they have also started to line boats up in a single line so that the whale sharks can swim up and down the line (this prevents the whale sharks from being surrounded and crowded by swimmers). They even have rules about wearing sun cream in the water and using flash photography. As wild creatures, the whale sharks can come and go freely and swim around the boats as they please. Although some people may still have concerns about the ethics of swimming with whale sharks, in our opinion, it is a lot more ethical than keeping them in captivity.

Are you guaranteed to see whale sharks in Oslob?

The quick answer is yes, you are almost guaranteed to see whale sharks in Oslob (as long as you are organized and prepared). There are really two questions here: firstly, are whale sharks always around Oslob? Secondly, are you guaranteed to get a boat trip to see them?

1 Are whale sharks always around Oslob?

Yes, you can always find whale sharks in Oslob. Whale sharks can be seen swimming in these waters every morning (this is because they are fed by locals… who can resist an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast!) There are generally between 1 – 15 whale sharks in the water in Oslob, with the highest numbers typically found in May and the lowest numbers found in December and January. 

2 Are you guaranteed to get a boat trip to see the whale sharks?

This is where things are a little less certain. If you are prepared and organized, you are almost guaranteed to get a place on a boat to see the whale sharks; however, there are a few limitations and challenges.

• Visitor limit per day: 3,000
• Last Boat Trip around 12pm
• There are fewer boat trips on bad weather days, and they also end early.

There are two ways to get a boat trip to see the whale sharks. Firstly, you can turn up on the day and wait to register for a slot. Secondly, you can reserve a slot for free on the Official Facebook whale shark reservation page . If you are able to secure a slot, you can just turn up at that time and register on arrival (minimal queuing needed). But reserving a slot on Facebook is not as simple as it sounds. Keep reading.

If you do not reserve a slot to see the whale sharks and you also arrive late, you may not be able to get a place on a boat. If you miss the opportunity to see them in the morning, you will need to wait until the following day (the final boat trip normally departs around 12pm).

As a general rule, the earlier you arrive, the greater your chances are of getting a place on the boat and seeing the whale sharks. If you do not have a slot reserved, we recommend arriving by 4am. If you arrive as late as 5am – 6am, there is still a reasonable chance of seeing a whale shark. However, you will probably need to wait until late morning before you actually get on the boat. If you arrive as late as 7am, you may not be able to see the whale sharks on the same day. Some days registration closes as late as 10am and even then it might be possible to see the whale sharks on the same day – but by this time you’re totally relying on luck! 

1 Turn up and register on the day

Most people who come to see the whale sharks turn up and register on the same day. There are a few disadvantages to doing it this way. Firstly, you will need to arrive extremely early in the morning and wait in a queue (the queue doesn’t even move for the first hour or so!). We recommend aiming for 4am. This will minimize your waiting time and also maximize your chances of getting a trip on the same day.

Even if you arrive as early as 4am, you will find there is already a big queue down the road. Just to join this queue and wait. By 4:30am, buses arrive from other areas of Cebu and the queue grows very quickly. The registration office opens at 4:30am, and the queue begins to move slowly; you may need to wait around an hour before you register and get a priority number. Once you have a priority number this means that you will get a place on a boat (as long as they don’t need to cancel for bad weather). 

Once you have got your priority number, you will need to wait until your priority number is called so that you can go to the payment desk; the payment desk opens at 6am. This is actually a nice area to wait (situated on the east coast, you can watch the sunrise over the water).

When you’re called to the desk, you will need to make a cash payment; it costs 500 pesos per person (around £7 or $10). Everyone on the boat needs to pay (including kids). 

Once you have made your payment, you can get breakfast or coffee and rent any equipment you need (we recommend renting some fins if you plan to swim with the whale sharks). The boat trips start at 7am; if you arrived as early as 4am, you are likely to get a boat trip by around 8 – 9am.

Once your priority number is called, you can pick up a life jacket and go to the beach. You need to show your number to a guide on the beach, and they will direct you to a boat.

What about breakfast?

If your day starts this early, you will probably want something to eat to keep your spirits up! If you arrive very early and register on the day, you can find breakfast in the area. The great news is that there are a lot of places to buy food and drink in the area. Many shops and cafes are open extremely early in the morning. For example, we were able to buy a fresh fruit shake for 100 pesos at 4am from the roadside. You can also find several cafes and coffee shops on the small road leading to the whale shark beach.

Can someone else queue up for you?

If you’re planning to show up and register on the same day, it is not possible to get a priority number for anyone else. They enforce this rule quite strictly. In other words, everyone in your group needs to arrive and queue up from the start. However, in exceptional circumstances, they may apply some leniency to this rule; for example, if you are traveling with a baby, they may let you show a photo of your baby. In a situation like this, you may well be able to get a ticket for your partner and kids. This is not an official policy; it is just the local Filipino staff being accommodating and family-friendly, so it is important to be humble and respectful if you are asking about this.

Can you risk it and turn up late?

If you are unsuccessful in reserving a time slot on Facebook and you do not want to get a supremely early start, it is still possible to turn up later, and you may get lucky. From time to time, tickets are available as late as 10am, and on most days, boat trips run until midday. However, if you only have one opportunity to see the whale sharks, we do not recommend arriving late. Some days they will not be able to accommodate you because they have a maximum visitor quota of 3,000 people. What’s more, on bad weather days, they may have to stop early or send fewer boats out.

2 Reserve a free slot on the Facebook page

The best way to make sure you get to see whale sharks in Oslob (and also avoid a painfully early start) is to reserve your slot. You can do this for free on the official whale shark reservation page on Facebook. We strongly recommend that you do this, especially if you’re planning to visit from Moalboal or Cebu City.

It is only possible to reserve a slot one day in advance. Slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are hoping to reserve a free slot, it is essential to send your messages as early as possible (the day before you plan to visit) and be available to reply to their messages as quickly as possible.

Step one is to go to the Official Facebook whale shark reservation page (make sure you use our link to get to the correct page because there are a lot of Facebook whale shark pages, and it can be quite tricky to find the official page through the Facebook). You will need to send them a message the day before you want to do your trip in order to book your slot.

We recommend doing this as early as possible (In fact, if you do it just after midnight the day before your trip, you should be at the front of the queue). You should receive an auto-reply asking you to pick your preferred time slot. Once you have replied to this you need to wait for the office to open and they will message you back. They deal with messages on a first come first served basis, so message early and reply quick. 

You will need to keep a careful eye on your phone throughout the morning of the day before your trip; the Facebook reservation office normally opens around 8 – 9am, and you can expect a message between 9am – 11am. As soon as you get your message, it is important to reply with all of the details. You will need to send some information before they can reserve the slot for you (for each person in your group, you will need to provide the name, date of birth, nationality, gender, and a contact phone number). 

It is important to reply quickly to these messages because they will not reserve your slot until you have sent all of the information (remember the slots fill up fast). Once you have sent the information over, you should be sent a confirmation. All you need to do is arrive around 30 minutes before your time slot. You need to join a short queue to get your priority number. 

Once you have your priority number, you will need to pay 500 pesos per person. After this, you can wait for your number to be called to board the boat. If you reserve your slot on Facebook, you will still probably need to wait for around 1 – 2 hours. However, you do not need to endure the eye-watering early start and queue for hours. There are no additional charges for reserving your slot on the Facebook reservation page.

Top tip: This is very important. If you reserve a whale shark slot on Facebook, you will need to bring a passport to prove your identity when you register in the morning (we were able to show a copy of our passports on our phone. However, it is worth checking that this is acceptable when you book because policies and procedures can change).

3 Book a tour

If all of this seems complicated and tiresome, another option is to book a tour. If you do book a tour, it is important to know exactly what you are getting. Some tours may just take you extremely early to register on the day (so you still end up doing a lot of waiting and queuing). Other tours may use a Facebook reservation page to book a slot on your behalf and then take you at the correct time. So if you are booking a tour, you need to make sure you understand exactly what is included and what times you will be picked up.

Booking a tour is a more expensive option; however, it is also more simple and it cuts out some of the work for you. As a minimum, a good tour should include two-way transportation, and they should also reserve a slot for you (at a reasonable time). We do not recommend booking any tours that do not include these things as a minimum. If you book your whale shark tour locally in Oslob, it should cost around 1,800 pesos per person (including two-way transportation and boat fees). A way to book a tour locally is to arrange it through your hotel or guest house. Hotels and guest houses in Oslob normally have connections with local tour companies who can arrange a tour for a reasonable price.

4 Book a scuba dive

Now here is a very clever, simple alternative if you are hoping to swim with whale sharks and you want a completely unique and different experience. You can take a discovery scuba dive in the area. The great thing about discovery diving is that you do not need any prior experience or qualifications; the water around the whale sharks is only 5m deep, and you will dive under the close supervision of a qualified instructor. There are several advantages to scuba diving at Oslob; firstly, you do not need to arrive stupidly early in the morning.

We recommend booking your scuba dive a day or two in advance, and you will be given an arrival time. This avoids the pre-4am wake-up. Another advantage of scuba diving is the time you will spend underwater; most scuba dive experiences in the area allow you at least 40 minutes underwater. Because you are constantly submerged, this will give you plenty of time to enjoy watching the whale sharks swim over your head. There is, however, one disadvantage to scuba diving in Oslob; recall that the whale sharks swim along the surface. On the other hand, scuba divers swim near the bottom. So if you want that graceful, immersive experience of swimming alongside whale sharks and experiencing the exhilaration of close proximity, you will need to arrange one of the boat trips.

In our opinion, the absolute best way to experience whale sharks is to take a boat trip and swim with them one day and then do a scuba dive the following day. Of course, this depends on your budget and the amount of time you have available in Oslob. There are several diving centers situated near Oslob Beach; they all offer a similar experience.

We recommend the PSI shop; this is situated right next to the whale shark registration office. It costs 2,500 pesos for a dive (around 40 minutes). Contact them a day or two in advance to book a slot, and then just show up and go.

How do you make the most of your whale shark experience

In this section, we’re going to share some top tips and advice to help you make the most of your whale shark experience. The whale shark boat trip only lasts 30 minutes. With all of the excitement and adrenaline, this can go in the blink of an eye. This is particularly true if you are looking after kids or if you are trying to capture the experience on camera.

Before you get on the boat, you will need to wear a life jacket. This is a safety requirement, and this rule applies to everyone, even if you are a strong swimmer. The whale sharks are generally found around 500 meters from the beach (the boat ride only takes a few minutes). Once you reach the whale sharks, your boat will join a line of boats. At this point, you are allowed to jump in the water, and if you are a strong, confident swimmer, you can also take your life jacket off.

Most people jump into the water and hold on to the boat stabilizer (the boats that have long wooden stabilizers on each side). If you have a mask, you can hold on to the stabilizer and put your head in the water to see the whale shark swimming past the boat.

The boat will spend around 30 minutes, and in this time, the whale shark is likely to swim past your boat at least four or five times (This does, of course, depend on how many whale sharks are in the water). Be aware that the water currents in this area can be particularly strong. We do not recommend swimming away from your boat unless you are a strong swimmer, and even then, we strongly recommend that you use swimming fins and a snorkel and mask.

If you are hoping to photograph or film the experience, timing is everything. You need to predict when a whale shark is coming. If you watch carefully, you can spot the feeding boat moving up and down the line. In general, there will be at least one whale shark following a feeding boat. We recommend that you get your shot lined up before the whale shark arrives.

If you do not have a filming buddy in the water with you, you can ask one of the guides on your boat if they will be able to film the experience for you. Many of the guides are very happy to do this (We recommend having a small tip to say thank you – a few hundred pesos is a good amount). The whale sharks in Oslob generally swim along the surface and do not dive down. The water in this area is only around 5 meters deep (Depending on the tide). You do not need to dive under the surface of the water to swim with the whale sharks in Oslob.

If you are not confident in the water, you can also watch the whale sharks from the boat. You can see a surprising amount from the boat as they swim past.

Whale sharks in Oslob – What things do you need to bring

If you’re planning to see the whale sharks in Oslob, it is important to be prepared with everything you need. With such an early start, we recommend packing a small bag the night before your trip.

Anything you take on the boat with you is at risk of getting wet. Waves can splash over the boat, and when people jump in and out of the boat, they may also splash your bags. Avoid bringing any vulnerable valuable items on the boat with you. There is a free secure bag storage service situated at the whale shark reservation office.

If you are bringing any expensive items like smartphones, we recommend using a dry sack (Not the cheap waterproof phone cases that you can buy in the Philippines. You will need a proper dry sack). Preferably, we recommend leaving these items with the bag storage desk.

• Your own mask, snorkel, and fins (If you do not have your own, you can get these in Oslob).
• Swimming kit and towel (We recommend bringing an SPF 50 rash guard. You are not allowed to wear sun cream in the water when you swim with the whale sharks).
• Water bottle with plenty of water.
• Snacks (especially if you’re visiting with young kids).
• Cash (at least enough to pay for your whale shark experience and a drink or two).
• Waterproof camera diving case and a buoyant selfie stick (You can rent a GoPro for 550 pesos if you do not have a waterproof camera).

What equipment can you rent in Oslob?

The great news is that you can rent a lot of equipment in Oslob for very reasonable prices. Here is a list of things that you can rent at the whale shark beach in Oslob (There should be plenty of time to walk around and find your equipment before your number is called).

• Life jackets – These are included for free with your boat. They also have kid size life jackets available (Generally fine for a child as young as 5 years old).
• Snorkel and mask – This should be included for free with your boat, but we recommend you check with your guide before you board your boat. Make sure that there is a mask that fits you well.
• Swimming fins – If you’re planning to swim away from your boat, we strongly recommend that you use swimming fins; the currents in this area can be quite strong (We recommend swimming fins even if you are a strong swimmer). They have a good range of sizes available. Fin rental costs 100 – 150 pesos. You can rent fins near the waiting area by the beach.
• GoPro rental – You can actually rent a GoPro on the whale shark beach in Oslob. If you do rent a GoPro, the camera will not be released to you. However, it will be given to one of your boat guides who will look after the camera and help film you in the water. You can then arrange a file transfer to get your precious shots. GoPro rental costs 550 pesos (around £7 or $10)

What are the facilities like at the whale shark beach?

The facilities at the whale shark beach are excellent. There is a free bag storage service where you can leave valuables bags (Remember any bags you take with you on the boat are liable to get wet). There are public toilets available at the whale shark beach. What’s more here are plenty of places to buy food and drink, and they are open very early in the morning.

Several car parks are available directly across the road from the whale shark beach. At present there are not any changing rooms or showers at the beach. 

Can you visit the whale sharks as a day trip from Cebu City?

It is possible to visit the whale sharks in Oslob as a day trip from Cebu City; in fact, many people choose to see the whale sharks this way. In our opinion, this is not a particularly good way to see the whale sharks. The main problem is the distance; you will need to start your journey extremely early in the morning in order to arrive early enough to see the whale sharks. Remember, the journey from Cebu City to Oslob is likely to take at least 3 – 4 hours by bus.

What’s more, Oslob is actually a very lovely area to stay. If you only visit Oslob as a day trip from Cebu City, you will miss out on staying in a stunning area. Whilst your in Oslob don’t miss the beautiful Tumalog Waterfall . So if you do have the time available, we strongly recommend spending a night or two in Oslob rather than taking a day trip from Cebu City.

Alternatively, you can use Moalboal as a base to visit the whale sharks. This is slightly closer to Oslob than Cebu City, so you do not need to start as early. There are also a lot of things to see and do in Moalboal. Don’t miss our guide to the BEST place to stay in Moalboal . However, we still do recommend staying in Oslob if possible.

How do you get to the whale sharks in Oslob

DON’T MISS THE FULL GUIDE – How to travel from Cebu City to Oslob

Visiting the whale sharks in Oslob is a big deal; therefore, we recommend that you spend some time planning your transportation. Firstly, it is important to recognize that you cannot use Grab to arrange a taxi for the whale sharks.

1 From Cebu City

If you are traveling from Cebu City, you will need to take an early morning bus to Oslob. In fact, you will probably need to depart around midnight or 1 am to arrive sufficiently early. Buses from Cebu City to Oslob are very regular and affordable. There is not a strict bus schedule; however, buses run through the early hours of the morning to take people to the whale sharks. If you take a bus from Cebu City to Oslob, you will need to go to the Cebu City South bus terminal. If you take a bus from here, it should drop you off right outside the whale shark beach. Buses cost 300 pesos per person. Alternatively, you can book a private taxi from Cebu City to Oslob for around $60 – $70 (vehicle price for 1-3 people).

GET ORGANISED EARLY – You can book a Whale Sharks tour from Cebu City on KLOOK

2 From Moalboal

If you are planning to see the whale sharks from Moalboal, you could book a tour with one of the many tour operators located in the Panganasama beach area. Whale shark tours from Moalboal cost 1,300 – 1,500 pesos per person and depart around 3 am. This price includes two-way transport and the boat trip. If you’re in Moalboal, we recommend speaking to Mr. Dandy at Kuya Dandy Travel and Tour. Whatsapp +63 930 089 6033 or email [email protected].

FULL GUIDE – BEST Hotels and Guest Houses in Moalboal

3 From Oslob

Oslob town is situated around 8 km north of the whale shark watching beach. This journey takes around 15 minutes by car. If you are staying in Oslob, you need to arrange a local taxi with an early morning pickup (There are plenty of taxi drivers in the area who will be willing to do this because visiting the whale sharks is such a popular experience). Taxis generally cost around 200 – 300 pesos each way. Most hotels and guesthouses in Oslob can arrange a taxi for you. Remember to agree on a pickup time and price before you book.

4 If you have your own transportation

If you have your own transportation, you can drive to the whale shark beach. Car rental in Cebu starts for around 1,000 pesos per day. It is possible to get cheaper car rental if you rent for a longer period of time. There are several car parks on the road near the Whale Shark beach. They charge a standard price of 50 pesos for parking.

What are the best places to stay in Oslob?

1 sascha’s resort oslob.

Sascha’s Resort Oslob – beautiful, affordable, nice vibes and friendly welcoming staff. Great value for money. They can also help arrange taxis and whale shark tours. Outdoor pool, cafe and lovely ocean views. Great with kids. 

2 Down South 118 Beach Resort

Down South 118 Beach Resort – If you’re looking for a little more space, comfort & luxury don’t miss the beautiful Down South Resort with great facilities and fantastic food. The perfect place to rest before and after your dip with whale sharks! 

What is the best day to see whale sharks?

The whale shark experience is open seven days a week, and you can visit any day. The quietest days of the week are from Monday to Thursday. Even on these days, this is an extremely popular and busy experience, so you need to be organized, prepared, and arrive early.

What is the best time of year to see the whale sharks in Oslob?

The number of whale sharks in the water depends on the time of year. On average, there are the fewest whale sharks in the water during the months of December and January. During these months, there are often only one or two whale sharks in the water. The best time of year to see whale sharks is from May to October, with a peak in May. During May, you can often find 10 to 15 whale sharks in the water, including some particularly large animals measuring up to 18m in length.

Can you see the whale shark with kids?

The quick answer is yes, you can take kids to see the whale sharks in Oslob. If your kids are not strong swimmers, make sure that they keep their life jacket on throughout the experience. If your kids are very keen to see the whale sharks underwater, you can hold on to the boat stabilizers. Be aware that the stabilizers move up and down as the boat is rocked by the waves, which can be quite hazardous with kids. It is important to be realistic about your kids’ strength, confidence, and capability in the water. You can also speak to the local guides for help and assistance.

We were able to jump in the water with our two boys (4 and 6 years old and both strong swimmers). The experience was particularly challenging for a four-year-old boy (he wore a life jacket throughout, and he did find the experience to be challenging, but he was also very excited to see the whale shark under the water). If you are supervising kids in the water, remember to stay close to them; we strongly recommend using swimming fins as the currents in this area can be very strong (the conditions are challenging even for a strong swimmer).

Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?

The term whale and shark in the same name hardly instills confidence; however, whale sharks are, in fact, very gentle creatures. The whale sharks themselves do not pose any direct threat to humans; however, any activity in the Open Water presents innate risks. Here are a few safety risks that you need to be aware of. Firstly, we have already mentioned the strong currents in the area; we recommend swimming with fins.

If you are not confident in the water, you can hold on to the stabilizer of your boat and watch the whale sharks swimming past. Secondly, many of the boats are rocked around in the waves; the stabilizers lift out of the water from time to time and may bump you in the head. If you are not a confident swimmer, we recommend wearing a life jacket throughout; speak to the guides if you need any help or assistance.

Are the whale sharks in Oslob overcrowded?

We were very surprised to find that the whale sharks in Oslob are not overcrowded (fortunately it is only human beings who are crowded in this experience!). The local guides use a line-up system (Where the boats form a long line and the whale sharks swim up and down the line). This prevents the whale sharks from being surrounded or overcrowded by swimmers. This also makes it a lot easier to get nice clean shots of the whale sharks.

Swimming with whale sharks – What rules do you need to follow?

In order to protect the dignity and well-being of the whale sharks, there are a few important rules that you need to follow; these rules are enforced.

• No touching: One of the most important rules is not to touch the whale sharks; the whale sharks don’t always get the memo and may try to touch you. If you are seen trying to touch a whale shark, you may be asked to leave the water, and in serious cases, you could be fined.
• Give the whale sharks space: It is very important to respect the whale sharks’ space; if you are swimming with the whale sharks, you are supposed to stay at least 4m away from them. This is not always possible, and in some cases, a whale shark may swim closer; as long as you are seen trying to respect the rules, don’t worry.
• Do not wear suncream in the water: If you are wearing sun cream, make sure that you wash it off before you go on the boat. As an alternative to Sun cream, we recommend using a factor 50 spf rash guard.
• Wear your life jacket on the boat: Before you get in the boat, you will be directed to get a free life jacket; they have a range of sizes. You will need to wear this life jacket anytime you are on the boat; however, if you are a strong swimmer, you are allowed to take the life jacket off in the water.
• No flash photography: And finally, you are not allowed to do any flash photography around the whale shark; fortunately, most waterproof action cameras do not have flash photography functions, so in most cases, this is not a concern. On the topic of photography, there is also a strict ban on the use of drones in the area without prior permission (we were a little disappointed to learn this because we were hoping to get a nice aerial shot of the whale sharks).

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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An Underrated Destination In The Philippines: 10 Things To Do In Oslob, Cebu

• Oslob is an underrated tourist spot with beautiful beaches and budget-friendly transportation options, making it a must-visit destination in the Philippines.
• The best activities in Oslob include swimming with whale sharks, visiting Sumilon Island, exploring Tumalog Falls, joining the Toslob Festival, and exploring the Baluarte Ruins.
• Other top attractions in Oslob include the Oslob Museum and Cuartel Ruins, local food at the Oslob Market, local restaurants, Oslob Heritage Park, and the monkeys at the Oslob Macaque sanctuary.

Aside from having the best whale shark tours and swimming escapades, there are a whole lot of other things to do in Oslob, a little coastal town in the Philippines’ Queen City of the South. Known for its rich cultural history, tourists can spend days outdoors exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines and trying thrill-seeking activities.

Oslob is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines , hence it's super underrated as a tourist spot. Fortunately, it's also budget-friendly; the cheapest and most common way to reach Oslob from Cebu City is by bus, with a total travel time of 3 hours. But tourists can also ride a private car or take a cab for those willing to pay more for transportation.

Visiting this little yet highly underrated coastal town should always be included when planning a trip to the Philippines . It boasts tons to do and see, from interacting with majestic whale sharks to visiting Instagrammable locations, swimming in the famous waterfalls, and sunbathing on Oslob’s famous beaches and islands.

Planning to head to Oslob for a thrill-seeking adventure? Here are the top attractions in Oslob, Cebu Province, for a fantastic vacation exploring what is one of the most underrated places in the Philippines.

RELATED: 10 Exciting Summer Activities In The Philippines (Other Than Swimming)

The Famous Whale Shark Interaction

The first on the list should undeniably be experiencing a live encounter and interaction with the famous whale sharks in Oslob . These are gentle giants, and Oslob is one of the best places to swim with whale sharks around the world.

The whale-shark experience in Oslob includes whale watching, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Guides brief visitors on what to do and how to maintain safety before starting the tour. Also, guides recommend tourists book combo packages for more budget-friendly prices, such as whale shark watching with snorkeling, canyoneering, or heading to Sumilon Island.

• Whale shark watching operating hours: 6 a.m. to 12 noon daily, except on Good Friday
• Admission fee: Around $8.81 per person for watching only

It is essential that visitors respect the whale sharks in the water. While these creatures are gentle and safe, it is important to maintain a distance and not to disturb or touch them as part of being a respectful wildlife observer. The principles of looking and not touching and giving them space are crucial in order to minimize the impact on these majestic creatures and enjoy their presence respectfully without harming them.

Visit Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island , the Philippines’ first marine-protected sanctuary, is a 59-acre coral island with Cebu’s most popular sandbar. Tourists visiting Sumilon should book a stay at the island’s only commercial facility, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort .

As one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines , Sumilon has a long stretch of white sand beaches, famous diving sites, caves, lagoons, a modern lighthouse, and a 19th-century watchtower. Guests staying at Bluewater Resort can book a day pass to experience all activities.

• Sumilon Island day pass: $28.25 on weekdays
• Boat fare: $26 per boat with an additional $1 for an environmental fee per person

Sumilon hosts several cave tours to learn more about the island’s beautiful rock formations.

Swim At Tumalog Falls

The Tumalog Falls is also one of the top tourist attractions in Oslob, Cebu. Tourists are free to swim and jump from nearby cliffs into the cool and clear water.

Tumalog Falls is surrounded by lush vegetation, with the descending waters in constant contact with rocks. Tourists can easily reach this beauty by riding a habal-habal, a local motorcycle taxi, at around $8.81 for the entire trip to the waterfalls.

• Tumalog Falls operating hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Entrance Fee: $0.35

Join The Toslob Festival

Indeed, one of the essential items to pack when visiting the Philippines is a party outfit! Filipinos are famous for their parties and festivals, and tourists planning to visit Oslob during the holiday season should not miss out on joining and watching the Toslob Festival.

This annual event occurs every second week of December, celebrating the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Guests can admire colorful costumes, traditional Philippines dancing, and Catholics parading the statue of the Immaculate Concepción. Toslob Festival also serves as a day of thanksgiving and family reunions.

• No admission fee
• Venue: Starts at Oslob Heritage Park

RELATED: Beachside Adventure: 10 Best Glamping Spots In The Philippines

Explore In The Baluarte Ruins

After touring Sumilon Island, guests can head to Oslob Heritage Park and check out the famous Baluarte Ruins next to the island’s lighthouse. This old watchtower was built in 1788 and served as one of the town’s seven defense towers. Guards around the area went up to the Baluarte’s topmost floor to look for bandits and raiders.

The Baluarte Ruins also feature beautiful panoramic views of Sumilon Island and Oslob's beaches. Many tourists and locals flock to this famous spot to take Instagram photos.

• No entrance fee
• Open 24 hours all year

Visit The Oslob Museum And The Nearby Cuartel Ruins

The Oslob Museum (Museo Oslob) is near the Cuartel Ruins , where tourists can learn more about Oslob’s history and culture through various antiques and artifacts on display. Guests can find old pianos, mirrors, furniture, and other old home decor in traditional Philippines-style huts.

One trivia about the Oslob Museum is that almost all items were contributed and donated by locals who know the town’s history. The best time to visit the Oslob Museum is during the dry season so that visitors can also take a tour around the Cuartel Ruins for a more immersive experience.

• Open 24 hours

Taste Local Food At Oslob Market

Oslob Public Market has everything, including fresh meat and vegetables, fresh produce, and local delicacies like chorizo de Cebu, dried fish, and lechon. Tourists' first time in the Philippines should also look for food vendors selling banana-cue or deep-fried bananas with caramelized sugar.

The public market, one of the budget-friendly places to visit in the Philippines for foodies, also features stalls selling pastries and affordable lunch and dinner dishes. It transforms into a food park at night, where guests can try popular street food skewers, such as betamax, chicken gizzard, and pig’s intestine.

• Location: Oslob Market is a 6-minute walk from the Immaculate Concepcion Church.
• Operating Hours: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

RELATED: More Fun In The Sun: Top 10 Tips For An Amazing Summer Holiday In The Philippines

Dine In Local Oslob Restaurants

It’s never a complete trip without trying famous local dishes in the fishing town of Oslob, especially seafood. Visitors should try sutukil , a combination of three seafood cooking methods: grilled, soup, and ceviche.

There are various excellent restaurants in Oslob and small dining spots, including AC Palayok Restaurant , Nhinz Larangan , George Restaurant , Le Bistrot, and The Big J’s Restaurant .

• Must try at AC Palayok Restaurant: Bicol Express and grilled tuna jaw
• George Restaurant favorite: Beef noodle soup or batchoy

Tourists looking for dessert should head to Sol’s Halo-halo and Desserts for the famous halo-halo and mango tango.

Tour Oslob Heritage Park

History fans will love visiting Oslob Heritage Park, which is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Oslob like Balay sa Agta, Cuartel Ruins, Oslob Museum, and the Immaculate Concepcion Church. Couples also love flocking to this tourist spot to shoot beautiful wedding photos.

The Oslob Heritage Park is near Cuartel Beach, where visitors are advised to be careful of sea urchins. It’s also near the Oslob Public Market, so guests can easily ride the bus and get off at the 7-Eleven store across from it.

• Open for 24 hours

Observe Monkeys At Oslob Macaque

Lastly, one of the unique things to do in Oslob is to visit the long-tailed macaques, endemic to the town’s woodlands and forests. Visitors can find these creatures in Oslob Macaque , a monkey sanctuary in Sitio Bulak.

The sanctuary’s staff ensures guests are briefed about what to do and not to do before entering the premises. Visitors can feed and take photos of the monkeys but must keep a safe distance because these animals are mischievous and clever.

• Affordable whale shark watching and monkey viewing package: $122.98 per person
• Operating hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

ADVISORY: Tumalog Falls is closed starting March 17, 2024 until further notice.

• Pick up hotel
• 24 hours Free Cancellation

Never miss this full-packed adventure where you can meet and greet the giants of the sea (Whale Shark) and bathe in the paradise of Kawasan Falls. Whale Shark Watching plus Kawasan Falls Day Tour is our exclusive package of a whole day superb escapade. Kawasan falls is located in Badian . This three-stage cascading waterfall is one of the most beautiful falls that you will see in the Philippines.

After we pick you up to your designated hotel, you will be welcomed with a typical Filipino breakfast included in this package. While on your way to Oslob, our friendly and well-trained tour facilitators will guide you about the things that you should know regarding the whale shark. Swim and snorkel with them as soon as you embark on your boat (top-it up on your package!) and cool down at Tumalog Falls to perfectly start your adventure.

You can now prepare yourself for an exclusive set of lunch to fuel up your strength before venturing towards the beautiful Kawasan Falls. It’s going to be an hour drive from Oslob, but don’t worry; we have the best vehicle to keep you comfortable throughout the ride.

Splash and dive in the cold turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls. Take your perfect IG-shots and selfies while drifting in the falling waters from above. All of this in our complete one day Whale Shark Watching and Kawasan Falls package tour!

Activity Highlights

• Meet and greet with the whale shark
• Dip into the cold waters of Tumalog Falls
• Swim in the huge lagoon of Kawasan Falls blue waters

What to expect

Ride a boat to whale shark watching observation area

Snorkeling with the whale sharks in Oslob

Swim in the second level of Kawasan falls with shallow and deep parts filled with cold water

First level of Kawasan falls where most tourist do water rafting (currently prohibited)

What's Included

• Pick up and drop off hotel in Cebu City / Mactan (we can pick up in other locations with additional surcharge)
• Exclusive Airconditioned Transporation
• Local facilitator and guide
• Light breakfast upon arrival in Oslob
• Boat ride and life vest
• Mask only (no snorkel tube due to COVID-19, you can bring or rent onsite)
• Snorkeling with the whale sharks for 30 minutes
• Cool down at Tumalog Falls (closed every 2nd Wed of the month for clean up)
• All entrance fees & snorkeling fees
• Swimming in Kawasan Falls (closed every 3rd Wed of the month for clean up)

Not Included

• Motorbike down to and from Tumalog falls
• Tip to the driver and guide (It's customary to leave a tip for the driver and guide service)

Estimated Itinerary

The final pick-up time may change during peak and monsoon seasons on which early pick-up time is required.

• 5:00 AM – Pick up hotel
• 8:00 AM – Arrival in Oslob, then eat light breakfast
• 8:30 AM – Whale shark watching or snorkeling
• 9:30 AM – Side trip to Tumalog waterfalls (closed every 2nd Wed of the month for clean up)
• 11:00 AM – Lunch
• 12:00 PM – Departure to Kawasan Falls
• 2:00 PM – Swimming at Kawasan Falls
• 4:00 PM – Depart back to hotel
• 7:00 PM – Estimated arrival in Hotel
• Avoid crowds on weekends and Philippines holiday
• Bring extra clothes for change, extra water and underwater camera if available
• Side trip to Tumalog Falls is not available every 3rd Wednesday of the month since the falls will be closed for clean up.

Activity Policy

• 2 years old below - Free of charge but not included in the headcount
• 3 years old - Less Php 500 per child

Cancellation due to bad weather

There is a possibility that whale sharks may not be seen during the tour or Kawasan falls is closed due to unpredictable nature, inclement weather, and other environmental factors that are beyond our control. In such an occurrence, we regret to inform you that there will be no refund on the used transportation charges.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure time, otherwise will be based on our Terms and Conditions .

From ₱2,100 per person price per person varies by group size BOOK NOW

Booking Date dd/mm/yyyy

No. of Persons 4 years old & above

Child 3 years old

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Pescador island tour, cebu night tour, bohol day tour, office closure advisory.

We want to inform you that the Island Trek Tours office will be closed on March 29, 2024 (Friday) .

During this time, online chat and calls are not accessible. But still, we will be providing email support on your immediate needs and concerns, should there be any. Kindly expect minor delays in responses during this day.

Online reservations for March 30 will still be accepted and arranged accordingly.