Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience, and one of the best places to do it is in Oslob, a small town in South Cebu an is just less than 2 hours away from Negros Oriental, Philippines. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with the gentle giants of the sea, swimming alongside them in the clear, shallow waters.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). are the largest fish in the ocean and they are known for their gentle nature and unique spots, which make them easy to identify. They are filter feeders and they feed on plankton, krill, and small fish. They are not dangerous to humans and swimming with them is considered safe. These gentle giants of the sea can grow up to 40 feet in length and are a popular tourist attraction, as visitors can swim and snorkel alongside them in the clear, shallow waters.
Visitors coming from Cebu City/Mactan will travel around 3-4 hours, traffic permitting, to the town of Oslob, while visitors from Negros Oriental will be travel less than 2 hours via ferry and land transfer to Oslob. Visitors staying in Cebu City/Mactan should plan accordingly as to properly time their travels to Oslob as early as possible.
The whale sharks in Oslob are known as “tuki” in the local language, and they can be found in Tanawan, a barangay in the town of Oslob. The whale sharks come to the area to feed on krill and plankton, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
The Oslob Whale Shark Experience
The Oslob Whale Shark Experience starts early in the morning, around 6 am, when visitors gather at the Tanawan Barangay Hall for a briefing. During the briefing, visitors are given information about the whale sharks, including their behavior and how to interact with them safely.
After the briefing, visitors are taken by boat to the whale shark feeding area, where they can observe the whale sharks up close and swim alongside them. The whale sharks can grow up to 40 feet in length, but they are harmless to humans as they are filter feeders, meaning they feed on small organisms such as plankton.
Visitors are required to wear life jackets and are accompanied by trained guides who ensure their safety and the safety of the whale sharks. The guides also help visitors to take photos and videos of their experience.
Visitors will then take a boat ride to the whale shark watching area, where they can snorkel and swim alongside the whale sharks in their natural habitat. The whale sharks in Oslob are friendly and docile, and Visitors can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
The whale shark watching activity typically lasts for about 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of visitors and the number of whale sharks in the area. After the visitors will be taken back to shore.
When going on the Oslob Whale Sharks, it is important to dress appropriately for water activities. Here are some recommendations on what to wear:
- Swimwear: The most important thing to bring is your swimwear. You will need it for both the whale shark encounter in Oslob. It is best to wear a comfortable swimsuit or swim shorts with a rash guard for sun protection.
- Aqua/Water shoes: It is also recommended to wear water shoes or sandals with good traction to protect your feet from sharp rocks or coral reefs while in the water.
- Sun protection: The Philippines is a tropical country, and the sun can be intense. It is important to bring and apply sunblock with high SPF, as well as a hat or cap and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
- Comfortable clothes: For the land travel to Oslob, it is best to wear light and comfortable clothes such as shorts or pants and a t-shirt. It is also recommended to bring a light jacket or a long-sleeved shirt for the early morning trip to Oslob, as it can get chilly in the vehicle or ferry.
- Towel and change of clothes: It is important to bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the water activities. There are changing rooms and shower facilities available in Oslob .
The municipality of Oslob has established the Tan-awan Oslob Butanding Interaction Officers (TOBIO), a group of trained professionals who manage the whale shark interaction activities and ensure the safety of both the visitors and the whale sharks. They also conduct regular surveys and research to monitor the whale sharks’ behavior and health.
The Oslob Whale Shark Encounter has had a positive impact on the local economy, as it has become a major tourist attraction in the region. In addition, the local government has implemented programs to promote responsible tourism and sustainable development in the area. This includes the establishment of marine sanctuaries and protected areas, as well as promoting eco-friendly tourism practices.
Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is an amazing animal encounter that is not to be missed. While there has been controversy surrounding the feeding of the whale sharks, the local government has taken steps to promote conservation efforts and ensure the safety of both the visitors and the whale sharks.
The Oslob Whale Shark Encounter is easily accessible from Cebu city & Negros Oriental and promises to be an unforgettable experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of the marine ecosystem in the Philippines.
