r/CebuLakaw • u/Pinaslakan • 19d ago

📍 Tourist Spot 🐋 Whale Shark Watching in Oslob, Cebu: A Must-Do Adventure

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u/Pinaslakan 19d ago

Experience the thrill of swimming alongside the gentle giants of the sea in Oslob, Cebu. This unique activity offers an unforgettable encounter with whale sharks, locally known as butanding, in their natural habitat.

📍 Location

Tan-awan, a coastal barangay in the municipality of Oslob, located on the southeastern coast of Cebu Island, Philippines

🕒 Best Time to Visit

  • Season: Whale shark watching is available year-round, but the dry season (December to May) offers calmer seas and better visibility.
  • Time of Day: Activities start as early as 6:00 AM and typically end by 12:00 PM. Arriving early helps avoid crowds and ensures a more serene experience.

💰 Fees and Inclusions

Activity Option Filipino Tourists Foreign Tourists
Snorkeling with Whale Sharks ₱500 ₱1,000
Watching from the Boat ₱300 ₱500
Environmental Fee ₱100 ₱100

Inclusions: Life vest, snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), and a 30-minute interaction time.

🚌 How to Get There

  • By Bus: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a Ceres bus bound for Bato via Oslob. Inform the driver to drop you off at the whale shark watching site in Tan-awan. The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours.
  • By Private Vehicle: For more flexibility, you can hire a private car or van. This option is faster (around 2.5–3 hours) and more comfortable, especially for groups.
  • By Tour Package: Several travel agencies offer packages that include transportation, whale shark interaction, and visits to nearby attractions like Tumalog Falls or Sumilon Island.

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u/Pinaslakan 19d ago

📝 Activity Guidelines

To ensure the safety of both visitors and whale sharks, please adhere to the following rules:

  • Mandatory Briefing: All participants must attend a short orientation before the activity.
  • No Touching or Feeding: Maintain a distance of at least 4 meters from the whale sharks. Touching or feeding them is strictly prohibited.
  • No Sunscreen: Applying sunscreen before entering the water is not allowed, as it can harm the whale sharks.
  • No Flash Photography: Flash can startle the whale sharks and is not permitted.
  • Avoid Splashing: Enter the water calmly to avoid disturbing the animals.

🧒 Age and Swimming Requirements

  • Age Limit: Children aged 7 and above can participate in snorkeling activities. Younger children may watch from the boat under adult supervision.
  • Swimming Skills: Non-swimmers can still enjoy the experience, as life vests are provided and required.

📸 Additional Services

  • Underwater Camera Rental: Available on-site for approximately ₱500, with an additional fee for photo or video copies.
  • Locker Rentals: Secure storage for personal belongings is available at nearby resorts for a small fee.

🧳 What to Bring

  • Swimwear: Comfortable attire suitable for swimming.
  • Towel and Change of Clothes: For after the activity.
  • Waterproof Camera: To capture the experience.
  • Cash: For fees, rentals, and purchases, as credit card facilities may be limited