Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Sea Turtles

Cebu, the idyllic island in the Philippines, beckons adventurers to explore its underwater wonders. From the awe-inspiring encounter with whale sharks in Oslob to the mesmerizing sardine run and graceful sea turtles in Moalboal, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. With a high sighting rate, knowledgeable guides, and all necessary equipment, the stage is set for an extraordinary underwater adventure that’ll leave you captivated by Cebu’s marine biodiversity.

Key Points

• Set out on a 14-hour tour to witness the wonders of Oslob’s whale sharks and Moalboal’s vibrant sardine run and sea turtles in Cebu.
• Enjoy a 99% sighting rate of whale sharks and unique encounters with sea turtles while snorkeling.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, guide, driver, equipment, water, and meals at a discounted price of £89.60 per person.
• Explore diverse aquatic species in a peaceful, natural setting, with optional services like GoPro rentals and underwater photography.
• Be aware of restrictions and prepare accordingly, as the snorkeling fee in Oslob will increase from 500 to 1,000 PHP starting March 21, 2025.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers an opportunity to experience the stunning marine life of Cebu, including snorkeling with whale sharks and witnessing the remarkable sardine run in Moalboal.

Priced at £89.60 per person, a 5% discount from the original £94.32, the 14-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can also reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup, guide, driver, equipment, water, and meals. Optional services such as GoPro rental and underwater photography are available for additional fees.

Certain health and mobility restrictions apply.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with hotel pickups from Cebu City and Mactan Island between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m.

The main activities include 2 hours of swimming, snorkeling, and whale shark viewing in Oslob.

Spend 2 hours swimming, snorkeling, and viewing whale sharks in Oslob, an unforgettable underwater experience.

Then, guests enjoy lunch and 2 hours of snorkeling at the famous Moalboal for coral reefs and marine life.

The drop-off locations are Pulchra Resort, Mactan, and Cebu City.

While the itinerary is subject to change, the highlights promise a remarkable underwater experience – swimming with whale sharks, admiring sea turtles, and immersing in a vibrant world of aquatic species.

Highlights and Experience

What makes this tour truly remarkable is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat, where sightings are virtually guaranteed at a 99% rate. Guests can also admire the graceful sea turtles and the mesmerizing sight of vast schools of sardines in Moalboal. This immersive underwater experience allows visitors to witness the incredible diversity of marine life up close.

| Experience | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Swim with Whale Sharks | 99% sighting rate |

| Snorkel with Sea Turtles | Unique marine encounters |

| Sardine Run in Moalboal | Vibrant coral reefs |

| Diverse Aquatic Species | Peaceful, natural setting |

| Underwater Photography | Memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience |

Inclusions and Optional Services

Included in the tour price are essential provisions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The package includes a knowledgeable guide, a driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and meals (breakfast and lunch).

A knowledgeable guide, driver, hotel pick-up and drop-off, life jackets, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and meals – all included in the tour price.

For those who want to capture their underwater adventures, optional services are available, such as GoPro rentals and underwater photography fees.

Travelers are also provided with travel accident insurance, but this requires their full names and dates of birth.

Participants should be aware of certain restrictions, such as a fee increase for snorkeling in Oslob starting in 2025.

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Important Information and Restrictions

Although the tour offers a unique and captivating experience, it may not be suitable for everyone.

There are several important restrictions and considerations:

• The tour isn’t recommended for children under 7, pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, epilepsy, or high blood pressure, as well as wheelchair users.

• Effective March 21, 2025, the snorkeling fee in Oslob will increase from 500 to 1,000 PHP. Reservations made before April 1, 2025, will incur an additional 500 PHP fee on-site, while later bookings will include the increased fee in the tour price.

Guests are advised to review these restrictions carefully before booking to ensure the tour meets their needs and abilities.

Getting to Cebu

Cebu is one of the most accessible destinations in the Philippines, offering a variety of travel options for visitors.

Flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) are available from major cities worldwide, including direct connections from Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Alternatively, travelers can take a ferry from neighboring islands like Negros or Bohol.

Once in Cebu, getting around is convenient, with taxis, ridesharing services, and public transportation like buses and jeepneys.

The tour pickup and drop-off locations make it easy to explore Oslob and Moalboal, the primary destinations for the whale shark and sardine run experiences.

What to Bring and Prepare

To make the most of your Cebu whale shark and sardine run experience, it’s essential to come prepared.

Preparing for the Cebu whale shark and sardine run experience is crucial to fully learn about the wonders of the marine life.

Bring along the following:

• A rashguard or swimsuit that dries quickly to protect your skin from the sun and provide warmth in the water.

• Reef-safe sunscreen to prevent sunburns during the long hours spent outdoors.

• A waterproof pouch or dry bag to keep your valuables safe and dry while snorkeling.

Plus, ensure you’re well-rested and hydrated before the tour starts.

Following these simple preparations will help you fully learn about the wonders of Cebu’s marine life.

Booking and Reservation Details

How can travelers book this Cebu whale shark and sardine run tour? Travelers can reserve their spot through the tour operator’s website, with a few convenient options. There’s a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, allowing them to lock in the current pricing. They can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Tour prices start at £89.60 per person, with a duration of 14 hours. Refer to the table below for a quick overview of the key booking details:

| Feature | Details |

| — | — |

| Price | £89.60 per person |

| Duration | 14 hours |

| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours |

| Payment | Reserve now, pay later |

| Availability | Subject to change |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Vaccination Requirements Are There for the Tour?

There are no vaccination requirements for this tour. However, it’s not suitable for certain medical conditions, so travelers should consult with a doctor before booking.

Can Non-Swimmers Participate in the Activities?

Non-swimmers can’t participate in the snorkeling activities, as they’re essential for the tour. However, there are opportunities to observe the marine life from the boat. The tour provider recommends only swimmers and competent snorkelers join this excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Whale Shark Encounter?

The tour has an age restriction – it’s not suitable for children under 7 years old. Pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, and wheelchair users are also unable to participate in the whale shark encounter.

Can I Extend the Tour to Other Destinations in Cebu?

The tour can be extended to include other destinations in Cebu, but this would incur additional costs. Visitors should check with the tour operator about customization options and pricing for any extra activities or locations they’d like to add to the itinerary.

How Do I Obtain a Refund in Case of Bad Weather?

You can request a full refund if you cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance due to bad weather. The tour operator offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option to provide flexibility.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Cebu’s remarkable marine biodiversity. Swim alongside gentle whale sharks, snorkel through the mesmerizing sardine run, and encounter graceful sea turtles – all while enjoying the expertise of knowledgeable guides and the convenience of hotel pickup. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, this tour promises an unforgettable underwater experience that will create lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: