Whale Shark Watching | Oslob, Cebu

Say hi to the biggest kind of fish in the world. Meet the whale sharks here at Brgy. Tan-awan Oslob, Cebu, Philippines.

Whale shark watching is one of the activities that has been attracting a lot of tourists to visit the Philippines particularly the site in Brgy. Tanawan, Oslob, Cebu which was opened in the year 2011. Since then, the activity has been active and contributed significantly to local tourism.

The presence of the whale sharks in Oslob is year round so you could get here anytime of the year. It is open from 6:00 am  to 12:00 noon since this is the peak hour range when the whale sharks are showing up.

Travel with protection, check Best Travel Insurance In-Depth Review.

Lookie, three whale sharks! Lucky me.

Get the latest style of swimwear here at GoBuy! Click the banner below and get P300 off your first purchase. Money-back guarantee!

Whale sharks aren’t whales though. They are sharks, ok? Just in case I am not the only who is confused here. They are called whale sharks because they can grow as large as whales.

I know. You’re not a shark lover but who wouldn’t want to swim  with these gentle giants? Those who have selachophobia, maybe? Travel with protection, check Best Travel Insurance In-Depth Review.

Their mouth could grow as wide as 5 feet, perfect for my height ? But real talk, I might not be a good catch to them as their food. They are filter feeders and they feed on real small objects, like plankton. 

The waters here in Oslob, Cebu is very clear you could see the whale shark even without goggles. Plus, you don’t have to swim deep just to have a close encounter with them. They swim close to the surface of the water because the boatmen are feeding them. They are gentle and friendly so please, please, don’t do anything that would scare them away or cause trauma to them. 

Bangkeros or boatmen here in Oslob are supportive in taking pictures of you and the whale shark. Like a real friend, man! And oh, they’re good. Our boatman pretty knows how to shot with a go pro in different settings with minimal guidance. All underwater pictures in this article are taken by our boatmen.

The whale shark watching is for 30 minutes and for us who are happy go lucky it was definitely a fun experience. There are reviews showing dissatisfaction since the spot is overcrowded with tourists. By our time of visit, which is September, it is never too crowded for us. We were 12 in the group and two boatmen assisted us. Thank you so much for being hospitable! Being asked by a boatman if I enjoyed my experience is something that is very thoughtful for me.

Check out another tourist stop at Oslob, Cebu: Cuartel | Oslob Heritage Park

Price Range

Whale shark watching from the boat – 300Php

Snorkelling with whale shark (local) – 500Php

Snorkelling with whale shark (foreigner) – 1000Php

Click here, so you can learn more about Oslob Whale Shark’s tour packages and accommodation.

 

How to go to Brgy. Tan-awan Oslob, Cebu

From Cebu City

• Your trip will start at Cebu South Bus terminal which is less than an hour ride from Mactan Airport. Take a Ceres/Sunrays bus via Oslob.
• Ask to drop you off at Brgy. Tan-Awan. It costs 150Php. It is a 3 hour ride and please be reminded that whale shark watching is only at 6:00 am to 12:00 noon.

From Dumaguete City

• From Dumaguete airport, take a tricycle to Sibulan port. It would cost you 100Php
• In Sibulan port, take a fast craft going to Liloan port. 
• From Liloan port, take a Ceres bus and ask to be dropped off at Oslob whale shark watching.

Do not miss out posts from Travelberries! 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/travelberries_

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Travelberries