Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving & Sumilon Sanctuary

Oslob, Cebu is quickly becoming a premier destination for marine enthusiasts seeking a truly unique experience. The chance to swim alongside the majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Paired with the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life of Sumilon Sanctuary, this 8-hour tour promises an unforgettable adventure for those eager to explore the wonders of the underwater world. With professional guidance and quality equipment, participants can enjoy this incredible ecosystem while supporting vital conservation efforts.

Key Points

• Oslob Cebu offers scuba diving experiences with close encounters of whale sharks and vibrant coral gardens at Sumilon Sanctuary.
• The 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, scuba equipment, and dive professional guidance, priced at €232.52 per person.
• Highlights include 1-hour whale shark viewing, optional 30-minute breakfast, and 1.5-hour guided tour for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving at Sumilon Sanctuary.
• Diverse marine life at Sumilon Sanctuary, including jacks, parrotfish, clownfish, and barracuda, offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts and underwater photographers.
• Participants are advised to bring swimwear, towel, waterproof camera, and biodegradable sunscreen, while pregnant women or individuals with back or heart issues are not suitable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Activity

The Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving activity offers visitors an opportunity to scuba dive and explore the marine life of Oslob, Cebu.

Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving activity offers visitors a chance to explore the marine life of Oslob, Cebu through scuba diving.

Located in the southern part of the island, this experience promises close encounters with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, as well as the chance to discover the vibrant coral gardens of Sumilon Sanctuary.

Priced at €232.52 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, scuba equipment, and the guidance of experienced dive professionals.

Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this activity provides a memorable underwater adventure for nature enthusiasts and scuba divers alike.

Itinerary Highlights

With 10 convenient pickup locations across Cebu, from Cebu City to Oslob, the Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving activity ensures easy access for travelers.

The itinerary highlights include:

• 1-hour whale shark viewing and watching in Oslob

• Optional 30-minute breakfast

• 15-minute river boat transfer to Sumilon Island

• 1.5-hour guided tour, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving at Sumilon Sanctuary

After the activities, travelers are dropped off at one of the 10 locations, mirroring the pickup options for a seamless experience.

Marine Life and Diving Experience

Travelers can look forward to close encounters with the largest fish in the world – the magnificent whale sharks – during the Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving experience.

These gentle giants can be observed up close as they feed in the waters off Oslob.

Travelers can observe the magnificent whale sharks up close as they feed in the waters off Oslob.

Beyond the whale sharks, the Sumilon Sanctuary offers a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life.

Expect to see schools of jacks, parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and the occasional barracuda.

For macro enthusiasts, the sanctuary is also home to nudibranchs and pipefish, perfect for underwater photography.

Inclusions and Equipment

The tour features a private experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the entrance fee for scuba diving and scuba equipment.

Experienced dive guides provide insights into whale shark conservation, and a GoPro rental is available for Php 600 to 800.

The tour includes:

• Private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off

• Entrance fee for scuba diving and scuba equipment

• Experienced dive guides and insights into whale shark conservation

• GoPro rental available (Php 600 to 800)

Meals aren’t specified in detail but may be available, allowing participants to focus on the remarkable underwater adventure.

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Important Information

Participants should bring swimwear, towel, waterproof camera, and biodegradable sunscreen.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back or heart problems. This is due to the physical demands of the scuba diving and snorkeling activities.

The overall customer feedback for this experience is excellent, with a 5/5 rating. Travelers highlight the friendly organization and memorable encounters with whale sharks and vibrant marine life.

With private transfers, experienced guides, and high-quality scuba equipment included, this Oslob Cebu adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the underwater wonders of the Philippines.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers pickup and drop-off locations at 10 different points, including Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Moalboal, and Oslob itself. This ensures convenient access for travelers from various locations.

The pickup options include:

• Cebu City

• Lapu-Lapu City

• Moalboal

• Oslob

Similarly, the drop-off locations mirror the pickup points, allowing for a seamless start and end to the day’s adventures.

With these comprehensive transportation arrangements, guests can focus on the immersive whale shark and scuba diving experiences that await them.

Whale Shark Viewing and Conservation

Although the Oslob whale shark viewing is a popular tourist activity, it has faced some controversy regarding conservation and sustainability. While it provides income for local communities, there are concerns about the practice of feeding the sharks to attract them. To address this, the local government has implemented guidelines:

| Regulations | Restrictions |

| — | — |

| Daily visitor cap | No swimming with sharks |

| Restrictions on vessel sizes | No touching or chasing sharks |

| Mandatory use of life jackets | Dedicated observation area |

These measures aim to balance ecotourism and whale shark protection, ensuring a sustainable and responsible experience for both visitors and the magnificent creatures.

Exploring Sumilon Sanctuary

After the whale shark viewing, participants transfer to a riverboat and head towards the picturesque Sumilon Island.

At the sanctuary, they explore the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, including:

• Jacks, parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and barracuda

• Macro life like nudibranchs and pipefish, ideal for photographers

• Opportunities for guided tours, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving

• Experienced dive guides providing insights into the island’s conservation efforts

This 1.5-hour exploration at Sumilon Sanctuary completes the day’s adventure, offering visitors a well-rounded experience in Oslob’s stunning underwater world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Weight or Age Limit for the Scuba Diving Activity?

The tour doesn’t specify any weight or age limits for the scuba diving activity. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back or heart problems, so participants should be in good health.

Can I Extend My Stay on Sumilon Island After the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary doesn’t include an option to extend your stay on Sumilon Island after the scheduled activities. The tour is a day trip with a set duration and drop-off locations.

Are There Any Special Safety Considerations for Swimming With Whale Sharks?

Swimmers should maintain a safe distance from whale sharks, avoid touching them, and follow the guidance of experienced guides. Proper safety precautions are essential to protect both the swimmer and the whale shark during these encounters.

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

The best time to see whale sharks in Oslob is from December to May when the plankton-rich waters attract these gentle giants. During this peak season, visitors have the highest chance of close encounters with the world’s largest fish.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Use of Sunscreen During the Tour?

Visitors are advised to use biodegradable sunscreen during the tour to minimize environmental impact. This requirement helps protect the delicate marine ecosystem and ensures a sustainable experience for all participants.

The Sum Up

The Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving & Sumilon Sanctuary tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to encounter magnificent whale sharks and explore the vibrant underwater world of Sumilon Sanctuary. With professional guidance, equipment, and conservation efforts, participants can enjoy the beauty of the marine life while supporting sustainable tourism practices. This adventure is a must-visit for marine enthusiasts seeking a truly unique and memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: