Cebu: Oslob Whaleshark Experience Shared Tour

The Oslob Whaleshark Experience in Cebu offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. At $76.14 per person, this 14-hour shared tour provides guided visits to Oslob, Sumilon Island, and Tumalog Falls, along with essential fees and transportation. While adhering to strict safety guidelines, participants can enjoy intimate encounters with the whalesharks, leaving them awestruck and eager to learn more about Cebu’s breathtaking marine life.

Key Points

• A 14-hour guided tour that includes Oslob whaleshark swimming, Sumilon Island exploration, and shopping at SM City Cebu.
• Priced at $76.14 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Strict guidelines to protect travelers and whale sharks, with a maximum group size of 12.
• Concerns over the impact of whale shark feeding on their natural behaviors.
• Essential items required, and certain items prohibited to ensure a responsible and sustainable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Oslob Whaleshark Experience offers visitors the opportunity to swim with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, with prices starting from $76.14 per person.

This 14-hour tour includes entrance and environmental fees, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors can expect a guided tour, swimming, whale watching, photo stops, sightseeing, and shopping, with the main stop being SM City Cebu.

The tour’s strict guidelines aim to protect both travelers and whale sharks, which can grow up to 12 meters long.

Transportation and a boat to Sumilon Island are included, but meals and airfare are not.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour itinerary highlights a range of activities and sights for visitors. Pickup from their hotel kicks off the day, followed by guided tours, swimming, whale watching, photo stops, sightseeing, and shopping. Locations include Oslob, Sumilon Island, and Tumalog Falls, showcasing Cebu’s natural beauty. Plus, the group will visit the main stop at SM City Cebu.

| Activity | Location |

|———-|———-|

| Guided tour | Oslob, Sumilon Island, Tumalog Falls |

| Swimming, whale watching | Oslob |

| Photo stops, sightseeing, shopping | Scenic views in Cebu, SM City Cebu |

Experience Details

One of the key highlights of the Oslob Whaleshark Experience is the opportunity for close encounters with these massive marine creatures, which can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) in length.

The tour group size is limited to 12 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

Strict guidelines are in place to protect both the travelers and the whale sharks, such as prohibiting touching the animals.

While local fishermen feed the whale sharks, this practice raises concerns about the sharks’ natural behaviors and migration patterns.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, environmental fee, and a boat for Sumilon Island. However, the tour excludes meals and airfare.

• Explore the beauty of Oslob, Sumilon Island, and Tumalog Falls without having to worry about the logistics.

• Don’t forget to pack your swimwear, change of clothes, snacks, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera to capture the magical moments.

• Adhere to the strict guidelines to protect the whale sharks and ensure a responsible and sustainable experience.

• Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in Cebu City.

• Enjoy the natural wonders of Cebu without the hassle of planning everything yourself.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information and Restrictions

Visitors must bring suitable attire and equipment for the Oslob whaleshark experience. Swimwear, a change of clothes, snacks, sunscreen, water, and a waterproof camera are essential. Biodegradable sunscreen is preferred to protect the marine life.

Certain items aren’t allowed, like jeans, high heels, weapons, oversized luggage, pets (except service animals), intoxication, jewelry, smoking, electronics, and climbing gear. Touching the whale sharks is strictly prohibited to ensure their well-being.

The experience isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old. Adhering to the guidelines helps maintain a safe and sustainable whaleshark encounter.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

For the Oslob whaleshark experience, the tour includes pickup and drop-off services from hotels in Cebu City, either from the Mabolo area or the Oslob whaleshark watching area itself.

This convenient service ensures a seamless start and end to your adventure.

The tour offers:

• Hassle-free transportation to and from your hotel

• A chance to relax and enjoy the scenic drive to the whaleshark site

• No need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or finding parking

• Flexibility to be picked up from your hotel in Cebu City

• Efficient transfers that maximize your time at the whaleshark watching area

Group Size and Safety Guidelines

Small group sizes are a key aspect of the Oslob whaleshark experience. The tour limits group size to a maximum of 12 participants. This allows for more intimate encounters with the gentle giants and easier navigation around the feeding areas.

Strict guidelines are in place to protect both the travelers and the whale sharks. Swimmers and snorkelers must maintain a safe distance from the whale sharks and avoid touching them. Fishermen also play a role, providing food for the whale sharks in a controlled manner.

These measures help ensure a responsible and sustainable whaleshark tourism experience.

Concerns About Whale Shark Feeding Practices

Although the Oslob whaleshark experience offers close encounters with these impressive marine creatures, there are ongoing concerns about the feeding practices used to attract the whale sharks.

The local fishermen regularly provide food to the whale sharks, which:

May alter the sharks’ natural feeding behaviors and migration patterns, raising ethical concerns about the commercialization and exploitation of wildlife.

• May alter the sharks’ natural feeding behaviors and migration patterns

• Raises ethical questions about the commercialization and exploitation of wildlife

• Potentially exposes the sharks to health risks from the artificial diet

• Disrupts the delicate balance of the local marine ecosystem

• Raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the tourism activity

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Whale Sharks?

The whale sharks can be seen year-round in Oslob, Cebu, but the best time is from November to May when the sea conditions are calmer and the whale sharks are more active near the surface.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour allows guests to bring their own snacks and water, but meals are not included. Participants should avoid bringing large coolers or heavy luggage to ensure a comfortable experience.

Is There an Option to Do a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

There’s no mention of a private tour option in the information provided. The tour is described as a shared group experience, with a small group size limited to 12 participants. Private tours may be available but aren’t explicitly stated.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate in the Activities?

You don’t need to know how to swim to participate in the Oslob whaleshark experience. The tour includes guided snorkeling, and non-swimmers can observe the whalesharks from the boat. Basic swimming skills are recommended but not required.

Can I Interact Directly With the Whale Sharks During the Experience?

Participants can observe and swim near the whale sharks, but they’re not allowed to touch or interact directly with them. Strict guidelines are in place to protect both travelers and the marine life.

The Sum Up

The Cebu Oslob Whaleshark Experience Shared Tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants while adhering to strict safety guidelines. With a range of activities and inclusions, this tour provides a responsible and sustainable way to appreciate Cebu’s breathtaking marine life. Though concerns exist about the feeding practices, the tour’s focus on conservation and responsible tourism aims to minimize any potential negative impacts.

You can check availability for your dates here: