Oslob Whale Shark Watching 2024: A Complete Guide for Tourists

Swimming with giant whale sharks in Oslob is one of the must-try things to do in Cebu. CEBU INSIDER’s Oslob Whale Shark Guide 2023 highlights everything you need to know about the activity, the latest fees, how to get there, and where to stay.

Oslob is a small coastal municipality on the southern tip of Cebu. About 10 kilometers away from its center town is Barangay Tan-awan which—from the name itself rooted in “tan-aw’ which means to watch—is the destination where the whale shark watching activity is located.

As most of us might know, Oslob is popular not just locally, but globally, because of its whale shark watching tours. Roaming the seas of Oslob are gentle creatures locally known as “tuki” or whale sharks, which will amaze you and give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Oslob Whale Shark Watching — Tourists swim with giant whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu

Who wouldn’t get hyped up grabbing the opportunity to see the largest yet friendliest fish on the planet?

Even if you’re a local citizen or a foreign tourist, whale shark watching in Oslob, Cebu must definitely be one of the items you must fulfill on your bucket list!

So, buckle up and find out how to get to Oslob whale shark, their fees, opening hours, and the best season to visit. You will also discover a glimpse of the activities in Oslob Whale Shark. But don’t worry… I won’t spoil you so much!

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How to Get to Oslob Whale Shark

➡️From Cebu City

Just hop on a bus bound for Bato via Oslob at Cebu South Bus Terminal (see map). The terminal is right next to Elizabeth Mall, or E Mall, as the locals like to call it. You’ll see boards that clearly show which bus goes where.

Then, request to be dropped off at the whale shark watching activity center (see map) in Barangay Tan-awan. The bus trip costs 200-250 PHP (~4-5 USD) and takes approximately 3 hours.

If you want to take the fastest way to get from Cebu City to Oslob, take a taxi instead. It’ll cost you around 4,000 PHP (~71 USD) and the journey will take about 2.5 hours. You may also book a private intercity transfer to get you from Cebu City or Mactan Airport to Oslob!

➡️From Moalboal

If you’re looking to travel from Moalboal to Oslob, there are a few options available to you. You may take a bus to reach Bato. There you will find buses that depart to Cebu City via Oslob. Tell the driver or conductor that you will be getting off at the whale shark watching activity center in Tan-awan. The bus ride from Moalboal to Bato takes approximately 2 hours and from Bato to Tan-awan, Oslob takes about 45 minutes. The total cost is around 200 PHP (~4 USD).

Once you arrive at Bato Bus Terminal, you will need to catch another bus that goes to Oslob. Yes, this is the bus heading to Cebu City. The estimated travel time to reach Oslob is approximately 2 hours. The estimated cost per person is approximately 100 PHP (2 USD).

➡️From Bohol

If you wanna get to Oslob, Cebu from Bohol, the quickest way is to book a 2-hour ferry ride. Just so you know, the ferry from Bohol to Oslob leaves from Panglao Island at Momo Beach and arrives at Quartel Beach Oslob, Cebu. This ferry ride costs about 900 PHP (~17 USD) and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Book your ferry ride from Panglao, Bohol to Oslob online.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Tagbilaran City to Cebu City and then take a bus to Oslob. Check out the Tagbilaran to Cebu Ferry Schedule!

➡️From Dumaguete

If you’re traveling from Dumaguete, it’s very simple to travel to Cebu by port. First, hop on a tricycle (fare is 100 PHP) or jeepney (fare is 10 PHP) and head towards Sibulan Port. You have the option to go on either a fastcraft or a ro-ro to get to Liloan Port in Santander, Cebu. Check out the latest Sibulan Port to Liloan Port Ferry Schedule!

Outside Liloan Port, there are buses going to Cebu City via Oslob. Hop on it and tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at the whale shark activity center in Tan-awan.

Oslob Whale Shark Fees

In 2023, for only a 500 PHP (~10 USD) entry fee per person, locals can now swim with whale sharks in Oslob for half an hour. On the other hand, foreigners can avail of the same experience for 1000 PHP (~20 USD) per person.

The entry fee entails not only the allotment for the whale shark watching but also for the well-explained orientation of visitors. A life vest, goggles, and sometimes a snorkel, are provided for free.

Diving instead of snorkeling is another wise choice available at diving centers in Oslob. For 1,500-2,500 PHP (~30-50 USD), each person can dive below the sea surface for 45 minutes to watch not only the whale sharks but also the lushness of corals and the diversity of marine life.

And if you love capturing memories digitally underwater, GoPro rental is also available. With 500 PHP (~10 USD), you can picture some moments with these amazing sea creatures. GoPro photographers are alternatively at the ready, too.

Oslob Whale Shark Opening Hours

Only between the hours of 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM is Whale Shark Watching available daily. Each session of swimming with these sea giants in Oslob lasts for 30 minutes.

Observing whale sharks begins at 6:00 AM, but the queue for tickets begins at 3:30 AM and cuts off at 11:00 AM, so it is best to arrive as early as possible and secure your spot in line.

We arrived there at 5 in the morning, yet we still had to wait between one and two hours before we were called.

If you don’t have the patience in queueing up, diving instead of snorkeling as mentioned earlier is the best option to enjoy whale shark watching hassle-free.

What to Bring to Oslob Whale Shark Watching

Dry bag

Water shoes or sandals
Water bottle
Waterproof phone case

Microfiber towel

Oslob Whale Shark Watching

Picture this: you’re all set for a thrilling sea escapade to hang out with some awesome whale sharks in Oslob. But before you dive in, instructors give you a heads-up on how to keep everyone safe, tourists and these gentle giants alike.

Rockin’ a life jacket might mess with your underwater selfie game, but hey, safety first, right? If you’re a pro swimmer, you can ditch the jacket, but it takes some guts for non-swimmers, that’s for sure.

Once you’re in the zone, you get a good half-hour to swim around freely, within the whale shark area. You should keep your distance, about 4 meters away, but guess what? These gentle creatures might just brush their fins against you. How cool is that? No need to panic, they won’t bite!

Now, here’s a pro tip – dive if you can! You get to chill in the water way longer and soak in the whole experience. It’s like a dream come true.

Being up close and personal with these massive beauties left me awestruck and humble. Seriously, it’s an experience of a lifetime.

But, let’s keep it real – there’s room for improvement in the amenities and procedures department. So, take it all in stride and appreciate the adventure for what it is – totally worth it!

We must also be mindful of the environment and not overcrowd the sharks’ space. Respect their home turf and their well-being as they should be free-roaming creatures.

And a little secret: skip the sunblock or lotion before diving. The sharks aren’t fans of those chemicals. Gotta keep it all natural!

So, get ready for a whale of a time (pun totally intended)! Dive in, make memories, and enjoy the underwater party with these gentle giants.

Cebu Whale Shark Season

Whale sharks can be found in Oslob throughout the year, so you have the opportunity to see them whenever you visit. However, if you’re specifically interested in swimming with them, the peak season for this activity is from January to May.

It’s important to note that while we can’t guarantee their presence or their willingness to swim, your chances of spotting and swimming with whale sharks are highest during this time.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting waters of Oslob, Cebu, and encounter the friendly whale sharks! With a complete guide, you’re all set for a thrilling adventure you won’t forget. From transportation tips to fees and the best season, you’re ready to swim with these majestic creatures and create unforgettable memories. So, skip the sunblock, keep a respectful distance, and dive into a whale of a time in Oslob!

Where to Stay Near Oslob Whale Shark Watching

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort (Check room rates!)
GT Seaside Inn (Check room rates!)

Down South 118 Beach Resort (Check room rates!)
GingGing Hotel and Resort (Check room rates!)
Ocean View Lodging House (Check room rates!)

Your Oslob Travel Guide in 2023

Whale shark watching is ultimately one of the best things to do in Oslob. If you are in Oslob, other attractions you must check out include Sumilon Island and Tumalog Falls.

Other than that, you can enjoy so many things to do in South Cebu, such as canyoneering in Badian and swimming with millions of sardines and green sea turtles in Moalboal. To help you plan your trip, check out our collection of travel guides for South Cebu: