Whale Shark Watching at Oslob, Cebu

By nickahtolentino - March 18, 2019

On our second day in Cebu, we decided to stay at Badian to take a rest from Canyoneering and Kawasan Falls Experience. We are going to meet the whale sharks. We left the hostel before the sun came out, 5AM in the morning. We rode Ceres Bus going to going to Bato via Liloan and drop you off at Brgy. Tan-awan. The fare is around 70pesos ($1.50). If you’re coming from Cebu City that is 3-4 hours away so better leave 2AM or 3AM in the morning because the whale shark watching is from 6AM to 12NN only. From terminal take the tricycle going Oslob, the fare is 200pesos ($4).

Here’s the rate:

Filipino Tourists - Whale watching (no swimming) + Life Jacket - 300pesos ($6)
Filipino Tourists - Snorkeling with the Whale + Life Jacket - 500pesos ($10)
Foreign Tourists - Snorkeling with the Whale + Life Jacket - 1,000pesos ($20)

Whale Shark activity is available daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM only. and it’s good for 30 mins. Since it’s not peak season, I think we exceeded the 30 mins limit.

Upon arriving the Oslob Whale Watching Area everyone is required to go orientation at the briefing Area for the rules for the Interaction with the whale sharks.

All whale shark watchers must undergo orientation at the Briefing Center on the rules for interaction with whale sharks.
No feeding of whale sharks by unauthorized personnel.
Do not touch, ride, or chase a whale shark.
Do not restrict normal movement or behavior of the shark.
Do not use flash photography.
Do not create a splash when entering the water.
Do not wear sunscreen if you are going to enter the water.
Motorboats are prohibited in the area. Only paddle boats are allowed.
Viewing is limited to 30 minutes.
Maintain a minimum distance of 5m from the head, 6m from the tail.