Whale Shark Encounter in Oslob, Cebu

○ Even before I first heard of the appearance of whale sharks in Oslob, my friends and I already booked a promo ticket to Cebu. Swerte, we wont be needing to book a flight to Legazpi for a Butanding encounter in Donsol. We can just squeeze this whale shark experience in our 4-day itinerary. Actually, the first 3 days were really allotted for another Bohol trip. ^_^

○ From Cebu City, we boarded the Ceres bus which is bound to Tanaw-an Oslob at 4:05am. This bus left the terminal at 4:17am. Fare is P155.

○ And so I thought the trip would take 3-4 hours, I was wrong. At 6:22am, the driver informed us we were already in Oslob. Yes, almost 2 hours lang pala ang byahe.


○ We registered ourselves and I was greatly annoyed by the fees. Ang dami. Inferness, lahat may resibo, so I think it's an ordinance.

Whale Shark Encounter in Oslob | Expenses
whale watching - P300
snorkeling fee* - P20
camera fee* - P100
life vest - P50
resort/shower area/locker - P50

* note: may sarili kaming camera at snorkel set - at meron pa din kaming dapat bayaran?! 0_o
pakshet lang. nakaka-highblood ng very light. haha

○ Big smile, pikit-mata, and abot ng bayad nalang sa lahat ng fees. We've traveled far enough to see the whale sharks up close so deadma na sa fees.

○ We were given a number then we proceeded to the briefing area. To be fair, the tourism officers are really trying to organize the tour.

yes, the tourism officers are wearing uniforms

○ We changed clothes, gave our number to the boatman, and presented the receipts - and we're all set. We have 20mins of extreme close encounter with the whale sharks.

non-motorized boats are used

○ No need for spotters, the whale sharks were just chasing the food thrown by the specific boatman in charge.

hello mr. gentle giant!

○ Although the tourism officials reminded everyone about the proper distance from the whale sharks, the guests and the boatmen can't help but go closer to the gentle giant. oh well, talk about extreme close encounter.

○ It was fulfilling to finally see a whale shark. I heard there were days when not even one whale shark appears. So I guess we got lucky that time.


○ I was down in the water and I felt nervous as the whale shark headed towards me. Iba pa din yung makita siya in my snorkel mask- upclose and personal.

this is really a huge creature

chyng: nakakatakot naman
boatman: natatakot ka, wala namang ngipin yan.

toinks! haha. kelangan pa ba ng ngipin para magkasya ako sa bibig ng dambuhala na yan?

○ And these words made me realize these boatmen are not tour guides at all. They are just fishermen who switched to being guides.

○ Nevertheless, Im happy for this town. It means more job opportunities and income for the locals.

○ I heard they did not intentionally plan to pet these whale sharks. One time they just appeared and started to disturb/eat the fishermen's baits. So to distract the whale shark, some fishermen fed the whale shark in another location- in order to leave their baits alone. The following day is history.


○ 30mins after, we headed back to the shore. We unanimously agreed this was a great experience.

○ For the record, DOT supports Oslob's Whale Shark watching tour.



○ Anyway, for those who wishes to sleep or stay longer, here's a basic and cheap accommodation in Oslob. Contact Ms. Marilyn @ cell number 0906.586.9895 and 0933.509.5736. Room rates are P1,500 for a family room (6-7persons), P800 for a double room, and P350 for a single room.

photo credits to Rem