Most Thrilling 15 Minutes: Whale Shark Watching in Oslob, Cebu

Although the misty air kept our camera lens too hazy to preserve much of this journey, we aim to share as many glimpses into it as possible in this article.

Have you ever dreamed of swimming with the largest fish in the ocean? Whale shark watching in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. This peaceful giant can grow up to 60 feet long and can weigh up to 20 tons, making it an awe-inspiring sight to see.

Pro tip:

People who want to glimpse the majestic Whale Shark in their natural habitat can avoid long queues and waiting times by booking a whale watching excursion from Oslob. Our experience was that, after an hour of anticipation, we were ready to move onto our next adventure!

2. Getting To Oslob From Moalboal

Moalboal and Oslob are two popular tourist destinations located in the province of Cebu, Philippines. Moalboal is known for its stunning beaches and world-class diving spots, while Oslob is famous for its whale shark-watching experience. If you’re looking to visit both destinations, you’ll need to know how to get from Moalboal to Oslob.

By Bus

Based on searching local suggestions the cheapest way to get from Moalboal to Oslob is by bus. There are several bus companies that operate between these two destinations, with regular departures throughout the day although quite hard for us to find the information on the schedule and the bus itself will need to stop at Bato Terminal. The Local said every 30 minutes. The bus journey takes approximately 3 hours and costs around PHP 150-200 ($3-4).

By Taxi/Car

Another option for getting from Moalboal to Oslob is by taxi. This is a more expensive option, but it provides a more comfortable and convenient journey. Taxis are readily available in Moalboal and can be arranged through your hotel or a local travel agency. The cost of a taxi from Moalboal to Oslob is around PHP 3000-4000 ($60-80). To ensure safe passage after dark, we opted to share the cost of a taxi with two other travelers – ultimately costing us 4500 pesos and ensuring an early morning arrival!

By Tour Package

If you are thinking to take neither option above you can take a tour trip to Whale Shark Watching Moalboal. The price of this tour is around 2500 pesos and you will be taking care how to get there and back and a ticket for the Whale Shark Watching. The trip alone started at 5.00 am from Moalboal.

3. Where To Stay in Oslob

Since we are traveling to Oslob only for the Whale Shark Watching we stayed at the specific hostel that could help us arrange for this. We stayed at Sharky Hostel which is located 1 minute’s walk from the location of Whale Shark Watching. The owner of the place is so lovely and will help you up for the morning trip even for the very first boat that goes to see the Whale Shark and for this, you just need to pay 550 pesos.

Pro tip:

If you’re looking for a peaceful night’s sleep, Sharky Hostel can accommodate – just be sure to opt for the dormitory room! Although small bamboo bungalows look inviting, bear in mind that soundproofing is limited and noise may disturb your sleep.

As a reward for rising at the ungodly hour of 5:00 am, you’ll be amongst the first in line to get your ticket for Whale Shark Watching. Before sunrise there’s already an ocean of people asking and queuing up – it’s almost like being transported into an aquatic market! As exciting as this prospect is, we know that these beautiful creatures are fragile and must not be exploited or disturbed too much so before journeying out on our adventure let us all make sure to respect their environment.

6. Whale Shark Watching

Before you head out on your whale shark-watching adventure, you will receive a brief orientation from the local guides. They will provide you with all the necessary information, including the rules and regulations for interacting with the whale sharks such as keeping a distance of 5 meters away and no sunscreen. Interacting with whale sharks is an amazing experience, but it requires careful attention to regulations. In the open water environment and due to the movement of these majestic creatures, staying five meters away can be quite difficult. Thankfully our group was composed mainly of thoughtful European visitors who ensured everyone necessary for a safe and enjoyable encounter. They will also make sure you have all the equipment you need, including a life jacket, snorkel, and mask.

The Feederman

Before dawn breaks, a dedicated feeder man embarks on the adventure of bringing food to Whale Sharks. This intrepid seafarer makes sure the Whale Shark gets its breakfast long before any tourists arrive, ensuring that everyone present has front-row seats to this incredible spectacle!

The Boat

Our boat ride had quite a unique method of propulsion- two men paddling! All in all, we loved this experience. Not only was it a way to protect Whale Sharks, but there’s also an information station at the ticketing area that can be used should you ever come across one that is hurt or injured.

7. Conclusion

Exploring Oslob by Whale Shark watching is not only a thrilling adventure but an ethical one as well. From our experience Whale shark watching in Oslob is an eco-friendly adventure that helps to support the local community. The money generated from the tours helps to fund conservation efforts and improve the lives of the local residents. Everyone who is in this tour operator should always take and follows sustainable tourism practices to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem. It’s important to remember that sustainable tourism practices should always be followed in order for us all to enjoy these majestic creatures for years to come.