Cebu’s Oslob whale shark swimming tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter the world’s largest fish. At €90.48 per person, this 10-hour experience provides an up-close look at these gentle giants, guided by knowledgeable local experts. Guests can expect an exciting and educational outing, with a solid 4.4/5 rating reflecting its popularity. What makes this tour stand out and who should consider joining this unforgettable adventure?
Key Points
- Cebu Whale Shark Swimming tour offers a 10-hour experience with hotel pickup, boat transportation, and 30 minutes of snorkeling with whale sharks.
- The tour departs from Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, or Cebu City, with a 3-hour travel time to the snorkeling location in Oslob.
- Participants can observe the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, which can grow up to 12 meters long, and learn about their behavior from local guides.
- The tour package includes a light local breakfast, necessary equipment, and lunch, with a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.4/5.
- The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay later option, making it a convenient and flexible choice.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Cebu Whale Shark Swimming tour offers visitors an unforgettable experience to swim alongside the largest fish in the world.
Swim alongside the largest fish in the world with the Cebu Whale Shark Swimming tour.
Priced from €90.48 per person, the 10-hour tour includes hotel pickup, boat transportation, 30 minutes of snorkeling with whale sharks, and a light local breakfast.
Travelers can choose from three convenient pickup locations in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, or Cebu City, with a 3-hour travel time to reach Oslob.
The tour also features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay later option, providing flexibility for guests.
Looking for more options in Mactan? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Logistics
Pickup options for the Cebu Whale Shark Swimming tour include Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu City, with a 3-hour travel time to reach the snorkeling location in Oslob. The main activities are whale watching and snorkeling with the whale sharks. Dropoff locations are Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cebu City.
| Closed | Tumalog Waterfalls |
| — | — |
| Every 3rd Wednesday | of the month |
An important note is that Tumalog Waterfalls is closed every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Local guides provide insights into whale shark behavior and conservation during this 10-hour tour experience.
Experience Highlights
What makes the Cebu Whale Shark Swimming experience so thrilling? The chance to swim alongside the world’s largest fish – the majestic whale shark.
These gentle giants can grow up to 12 meters long, and encountering them in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Your local guide provides insights into the whale sharks’ behavior and conservation efforts, enhancing the experience.
You’ll enjoy a light breakfast of local fare before donning your snorkel gear and entering the water. The 30-minute swim allows you to observe these incredible creatures up close, creating lifelong memories.
Inclusions
As part of the Cebu Whale Shark Swimming experience, the tour package includes several key components to ensure a seamless and enjoyable excursion.
Hotel pickup and drop-off services provide convenience, while boat transportation takes guests directly to the snorkeling area.
The 30-minute snorkeling session allows travelers to swim alongside the majestic whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.
Swim alongside the majestic whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, during the 30-minute snorkeling session.
Complementing the activity are a light local breakfast, necessary equipment like masks and snorkels, and all entrance fees.
The tour also covers lunch, gratuities, and insurance, providing a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
The Cebu Whale Shark Swimming tour has garnered strong customer reviews, indicating a high level of satisfaction among participants. Rated 4.4/5 overall, the tour received particularly high marks for the knowledgeable guides (5/5) and transportation (4.6/5). While the value for money was rated 4.3/5, reviewers praised the well-organized nature of the tour and the memorable experience of swimming with the gentle giants. The highlights of the tour, as noted by customers, include the close encounters with whale sharks and the tasty local breakfast served. The Cebu Whale Shark Swimming tour seems to offer an exceptional wildlife experience.
| Metric | Rating |
| — | — |
| Overall | 4.4/5 |
| Guide | 5/5 |
| Transportation | 4.6/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.3/5 |
| Feedback | Well-organized, professional, memorable |
Getting to Oslob
To reach the Oslob Whale Shark Encounter site, tour participants typically embark on a 3-hour drive from major cities like Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Cebu City.
The journey offers scenic views of Cebu’s lush countryside and coastal landscapes.
Once in Oslob, visitors can choose from several pickup locations, including:
-
Lapu-Lapu City
-
Mandaue City
-
Cebu City
The tour’s logistics ensure a seamless experience, with hotel pickup, boat transportation, and drop-off at the same designated locations.
Careful planning and execution make the Oslob whale shark adventure an accessible and memorable experience for travelers.
Preparing for the Whale Shark Encounter
Once travelers arrive at the Oslob whale shark encounter site, they’ll want to prepare themselves for this unforgettable experience.
First, they’ll need to change into their swimsuits and ensure they’ve reef-safe sunscreen applied.
Next, they’ll receive a safety briefing from the local guides, emphasizing the importance of keeping a respectful distance from the whale sharks.
Travelers will then board a small outrigger boat and head out to the feeding area.
As they slip into the water, the majestic whale sharks will slowly emerge, providing an awe-inspiring moment to witness these gentle giants up close.
Responsible Whale Shark Watching Practices
Although the opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks is undoubtedly exhilarating, it’s crucial that visitors adhere to responsible practices to ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
Firstly, maintain a safe distance of at least 4 meters from the whale sharks and avoid touching them.
Secondly, avoid making sudden movements or splashing, as this can disturb the animals.
Lastly, follow the instructions provided by the local guides to ensure a seamless and ethical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Touch the Whale Sharks During the Encounter?
No, you cannot touch the whale sharks during the encounter. Touching the whale sharks is strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing them and to protect the sensitive nature of their skin.
How Many People Are Allowed in the Water at a Time?
The number of people allowed in the water at a time is limited to control overcrowding and ensure the safety of both swimmers and whale sharks. Specific group sizes may vary, but operators typically allow only a few swimmers at a time during the 30-minute snorkeling sessions.
Are There Any Age or Swimming Ability Restrictions?
There are no age restrictions, but swimmers must be able to snorkel. Young children can join if accompanied by an adult. The tour operator sets a limit on the number of swimmers in the water at a time to ensure a safe experience.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
Participants can bring their own snorkeling gear, though it’s not required. The tour provides mask, snorkel, and towel for the 30-minute whale shark swimming experience. This allows guests to focus on the once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the gentle giants.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included?
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transportation, 30 minutes of snorkeling with whale sharks, light breakfast, and all necessary equipment and fees. There don’t appear to be any additional costs beyond the tour price stated.
The Sum Up
The Oslob Whale Shark Swimming tour provides a unique opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close, offering an unforgettable and educational experience. While the tour comes at a premium price, the positive reviews suggest it’s well worth the investment for those seeking an awe-inspiring encounter with the world’s largest fish. Responsible practices employed by the tour operators ensure a sustainable interaction, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious travelers.
You can check availability for your dates here: