7 Reasons to Stay in Negros Oriental for the Oslob Whale Sharks

Stay in Negros Oriental for the Oslob Whale Sharks Tour, there are several reasons why it may be better to stay in Dumaguete City/Dauin, Negros Oriental to do the Oslob whale shark tour rather than in Cebu City/Mactan. Here are some of the best reasons

Oslob, located in the province of Cebu, is known for its whale shark watching experience. Visitors can witness the largest fish species in the world up close and personal while snorkeling or diving in the area. The whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), also known locally in the Bisaya  language as “tuki”, are attracted to the area’s shallow waters because of the abundance of plankton and krill.  The best time to visit Oslob for whale shark watching is from November to May, when the sea is calm and visibility is clear.

Oslob whale shark watching usually starts as early as 6:00 AM and ends at noon. It is recommended to arrive at the whale shark watching area early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to have a better chance of seeing more whale sharks. The whale sharks are most active in the morning when they come closer to the surface to feed on plankton and krill. Visitors who arrive later in the day may miss out on the opportunity to see as many whale sharks. It is important to note that the local government has set a limit on the number of visitors per day to ensure the sustainability of the activity and the well-being of the whale sharks.

7 Reasons to Stay in Negros Oriental for South Cebu Excursions

There are several reasons why it may be better to stay in Dumaguete City/Dauin , Negros Oriental to do the Oslob whale shark tour rather than in Cebu City/Mactan. Here are some of the best reasons:

1. Time.Due to Dumaguete City/Dauin Negros Oriental is closer to Oslob than Cebu City/Mactan, reaching Oslob from Cebu City/Mactan will at least set you back around 3.5 hours one way that’s 7 hours for both ways! And that’s already a conservative estimate with little or no traffic which means if you opt for an early morning tour to Oslob you might end up having to wake up earlier than 3 am or 4 am to get going for Oslob. While coming from to Dumaguete City/Dauin Negros Oriental via Land and Ferry (20 mins Dumaguete/30 mins Dauin to Sibulan) + 30-45 mins ferry (Sibulan to Santander) + 25-30 mins from Santander to Tan-awan ,Oslob that gives you less than 2 hours to reach Oslob via your Negros Oriental accommodation. Guests from Cebu City/Mactan will also have very little time to do other activities as they might prepare to depart earlier for the return trip to Cebu City/Mactan to avoid the late afternoon traffic. Guests staying in Dumaguete City/Dauin Negros Oriental will have so much free time after the Oslob Whale sharks tour that you can do a lot of combination tours with bot South Cebu and Negros Oriental attractions, without worrying about the 3.5-4 hour (without traffic) return trip to Cebu City/Mactan vs the 1.5 hour return trip back to Dumaguete City/Dauin Negros Oriental.
2. Energy.While the at least 6-7 hour round trip travel from Cebu City/Mactan to Oslob is not a problem for backpackers, young couples and group of friends the same cannot be said by guests that are a family with young children. The amount of patience and energy needed for just the roundtrip travelling time might tire out the young ones. Guests from Dumaguete City/Dauin Negros Oriental however can have many slow and relaxing combination tour trips after the Oslob Whale Shark tour that certainly relaxes guests with young children.
3. Scenery. While guest from Cebu City/Mactan will have so much time and energy spent on the 6–7 hours roundtrip travel time to Oslob via land travel. The guests coming from Dumaguete City/Dauin Negros Oriental will have a more relax and scenic roundtrip travel via land and ferry.The ferry trip from Sibulan to Santander and vice versa is considered to be a scenic and pleasant experience by many guests. Here are some of the reasons why:
   1. Beautiful coastal views: The ferry trip takes you along the coast of Negros Island and across the Tanon Strait, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. On clear days, you can see the nearby islands of Cebu and Bohol, as well as the majestic Mount Canlaon in the distance.
   2. Fresh sea breeze: The ferry trip can be quite refreshing as you get to enjoy the cool sea breeze blowing through your hair. This can be a welcome break from the hot and humid weather on land, especially during the summer months.
   3. Opportunity for wildlife sightings: The Tanon Strait is a protected marine area that is home to a diverse range of marine wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot some of these animals during the ferry trip.
   4. Relaxing and peaceful: The ferry trip can be a peaceful and relaxing experience, especially if you’re traveling during off-peak hours when there are fewer passengers. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery while listening to the gentle sound of the waves.
4. Proximity to Oslob: Dumaguete City/Dauin Negros Oriental is closer to Oslob than Cebu City, which means less travel time to get there. The trip from Dumaguete to Oslob takes about 1.5 hours by vehicle (20 mins Dumaguete/30 mins Dauin to Sibulan) + 45 mins ferry (Sibulan to Santander), while the trip from Cebu to Oslob takes about 3.5-4 hours hours by land this is excluding traffic. This means that if you stay in Dumaguete City/Dauin Negros Oriental, you can get to Oslob earlier and avoid the crowds that tend to arrive later in the day.
5. Quieter and less crowded: Since Oslob has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, it can get quite crowded with visitors, especially during peak season. Staying in Dumaguete City/Dauin allows you to avoid the crowds and experience a more peaceful and relaxed environment.
6. A lot more affordable: Accommodation and delicious food and other expenses in Dumaguete City/Dauin are way more affordable compared to Cebu City. This means that you can save  a lot of money by staying in Dumaguete City/Dauin, which can be beneficial if you’re on a tight budget.
7. More attractions to see within 3.5 hours after Oslob: Negros Oriental has several other tourist attractions that you can explore using the time of travel from Cebu City/Mactan to Oslob. In less than 2 hours coming back from Oslob, guests staying in Negros Oreintal can already be at a lot of other nearby attractions for example, they can visit the stunning Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao in Sibulan, explore the historic Silliman University campus in Dumaguete, or take a hot/cold spring dip in Valencia after your Oslob Whale Sharks tour. In contrast, Cebu City does have a number of tourist attractions as well, but most of them are located further outside the city proper.

Staying in Dumaguete City or Dauin, Negros Oriental, is more convenient for guests who want to do the Oslob whale shark tour because it is closer to the whale shark watching area. The travel time from Dumaguete to Oslob is about 1-2 hours, while the travel time from Cebu City or Mactan is about 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic.

Additionally, Dumaguete and Dauin offer a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling city of Cebu. Guests who prefer a quieter and more peaceful vacation can enjoy the small-town charm of Dumaguete and Dauin. There are also plenty of accommodation options in Dumaguete and Dauin, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts.

Staying in Dumaguete City or Dauin, Negros Oriental for the Oslob whale shark tour provides a more convenient and enjoyable experience for guests, allowing them to explore other nearby attractions and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the area.