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Oslob Whale Shark Watching (Oslob, Cebu)
Best time to visit
Visit at first light, between about 5:30 and 7:30 am, when waters are calmer and crowds are smaller; dry season months December to May often give better visibility.
Budget tips
Expect roughly 700–1,200 PHP per person for registration, boat and guide fees, usually paid on-site in cash; join a shared boat or a group tour to split costs and avoid peak-day premium prices.
Recommended for
Wildlife watchers, Snorkelers, Photography enthusiasts, Budget travelers
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Fakta singkat: Dozens of small banca boats appear each morning, often with hundreds of snorkelers watching slow-moving giants glide just below the surface. You can often hear the slap of water and the hiss of breath, and encounters commonly occur within 2–5 meters, making the experience shockingly intimate.
Sorotan: Locals hand out a few handfuls of crushed fish, roughly 1–2 kilograms per session, to guide the sharks close to shore, so encounters often happen within 2 to 5 meters of swimmers. At eye level you’ll see the sharks’ mottled skin and tiny scars, and the sound of their slow exhalations mixes with the creak of outriggers for a surprisingly calm, cinematic moment.
Insider tips
- Arrive before 6:00 am to beat most tour groups and capture the best morning light for photos.
- Wear a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen, and leave jewelry or loose items on shore to avoid losing them.
- Use a compact waterproof camera or GoPro with a float and shoot continuously because whale sharks move unpredictably.
- Follow guide instructions closely, keep your distance, and never touch or chase the animals to reduce stress and avoid fines.
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