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Oslob Whale Shark Watching 2022 Travel Guide

Whale shark watching in Oslob is one of the most popular tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Despite the controversies surrounding this activity, many people flock to take a selfie with the whale sharks. These majestic creatures are the largest fish in the world, averaging from 8-meters long with a mouth span of 4-feet.

The whale sharks are not whales but are sharks. These gentle giants have tiny teeth that feed on plankton and small fishes and shrimps. Although they belong to the shark family, they have no appetite for humans so it’s perfectly safe to swim along with them.

This popular tourist activity has been controversial. To guarantee whale shark sightings, the sharks are fed shrimp in order to attract them to the same place every day. It’s not yet understood what effects this has on the whale shark population. But the local government of Cebu has come a long way even enforcing sea wardens to be present at all times and make sure that rules are being followed.

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The whale shark watching activity in Oslob starts at 6:00 AM and the lines can get really long, especially during the weekend. So it's best to get there as early as you can.
The whale shark watching activity in Oslob starts at 6:00 AM and the lines can get really long, especially during the weekend. So it’s best to get there as early as you can.
The whale sharks are just a few meters from the shore.
The whale sharks are just a few meters from the shore.

Swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although you only get 30 minutes of time with them, we suggest making the most of it as many of us won’t get to do it again in our lives.

General information

Schedule:

The whale shark watching in Oslob is available daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. These gentle giants can only be seen in the morning so visitors are advised to go as early as possible.

Oslob Whale Shark Watching Fees (2022):

  • Local rate: PHP 1,000
  • Foreign national: PHP 2,000

Rates include a boat ride to the site, snorkeling with the whale, and a life jacket. The whole activity will last for only 30 minutes so better make the most of your time with the whale sharks.

What to bring:

  • Swimwear
  • Change of clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Bath towel

Whale Watching Rules:

  • Whale shark watchers must undergo orientation before the activity.
  • Only paddleboats are allowed in the area.
  • Do not wear sunscreen as it may contain harmful ingredients to the whale shark.
  • Do not touch, ride, or chase a whale shark.
  • Do not use flash photography.
  • Maintain a distance of 5-meters away from the whale shark.

Other attractions nearby

The whale shark watching activity will only last for 30 minutes. We suggest going to other attractions nearby –

How to get there

By bus: Take a bus going to Bato-Oslob from South Bus Terminal (beside E-Mall). Ask the conductor to drop you off at the main whale shark activity site.

By car: Navigate using Waze or Google / Apple Maps and key in Oslob Whale Shark Watching as your destination. There are parking spaces available, but they can get full quickly, especially in the morning.

Location information:

The whale shark watching in Oslob is located in Barangay Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu. It is around 4 hours away from Cebu City and 2 hours away from Maolboal.

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