The Insider’s Guide to Oslob Whale Shark Watching

As an adventurous traveler visiting the Philippines, you know you can’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with whale sharks off the coast of Oslob. But before you dive in, get the inside scoop on making the most of your whale shark encounter.

From choosing the right time of day to tips for respecting these gentle giants, this insider’s guide prepares you with everything you need to know for an amazing experience.

With these pro tips, you’ll be ready to snorkel responsibly alongside these incredible creatures and check whale shark swimming off your bucket list!

Get to Know Oslob Whale Shark Watching

Oslob, a small town on the southeastern coast of Cebu Island, has become world-famous as one of the best places to see and swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Every day, between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m., many whale sharks gather just off the shore to feed on tiny shrimp and krill stirred up by the local fishermen.

Observe the Gentle Giants

When you join a whale shark watching tour, you’ll ride out in a bangka, a traditional Filipino boat, to the spot where the whale sharks are feeding. From the boat, you’ll be able to observe these gentle giants, some over 40 feet long, gliding effortlessly through the water. The sight of their immense spotted bodies and gaping mouths as they feed is a humbling and unforgettable experience.

Swimming with the Whale Sharks

If you want to get up close to the whale sharks, you can pay a bit extra to join the feeding session and go snorkeling with them. The whale sharks don’t seem to mind the presence of humans and will swim all around you, close enough to touch. You do need to exercise caution, though; give the sharks plenty of space and avoid touching them, as they are still wild animals.

The opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill you’ll never forget.

The Best Time to Visit

The whale shark watching season in Oslob runs from November to May. During these months, sightings of whale sharks are most frequent, and the weather is usually good. The best time to go is early in the morning, around 6 to 8 a.m., when the whale sharks first gather to feed. By mid-morning, the crowds build up and the whale sharks start to disperse, so you’ll have a better experience if you go early.

With the chance to witness these gentle ocean giants in their natural habitat and even swim alongside them, Oslob offers an unparalleled adventure you won’t find anywhere else. An encounter with the whale sharks of Oslob is sure to inspire wonder and leave you with cherished lifelong memories.

Everything You Need to Know Before Going on an Oslob Whale Shark Tour

When to Go

The whale shark watching season in Oslob runs from November to May. This coincides with the time when whale sharks are most active in the area. The peak months are February to May, which is the dry season. During these months, sightings of whale sharks are almost guaranteed.

Where to go

All whale shark tours depart from Brgy. Tan-awan is located 10 kilometers south of Oslob town proper. This is where the whale-shark interaction area is located. Most resorts and hotels in Oslob offer shuttle services to take you to the briefing area in Brgy. Tan-awan.

What to expect

Once you arrive in Brgy. Tan-awan, you will go through a short briefing about the dos and don’ts of whale-sharp interaction. After the briefing, you will ride a bangka out to the sea. The boat ride only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. When you spot a whale shark, you can get into the water with your life vest and snorkel gear and observe these gentle giants up close. You get 30 minutes to enjoy being in the water with the whale sharks.

What to bring

Don’t forget to bring the following:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear like a mask, snorkel, and fins
• Waterproof camera
• Rash guard for sun protection
• Cash for additional expenses like snacks, souvenirs, etc.

Tips

Here are some useful tips for your Oslob whale shark watching tour:

• Be in the water before 6 a.m. to see the most whale sharks.
• Do not use flash photography.
• Do not touch the whale sharks.
• Maintain a distance of at least 3 meters from the whale sharks.
• Do not wear jewelry or shiny accessories that may scare the whale sharks.
• Apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear a rash guard to avoid sunburn.
• Bring snacks and water to avoid getting hungry during the tour.
• Tip your boatman and guide if you enjoyed their service.

Following these tips will ensure you have a fun and memorable experience swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob! Enjoy your trip!

Oslob Whale Shark Watching FAQs

Conclusion

So there you have it—an insider’s guide to everything you need to know for an amazing Oslob whale shark watching experience. With these tips on timing, costs, rules, and ideal viewing spots, you’re all set to have a safe, sustainable, and unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants. Just remember to book ahead, listen to your guide, keep your distance, and soak up every magical moment as these incredible creatures glide by. You came to Oslob to swim with whale sharks, and now you have the knowledge to do it right. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll cherish forever!