What to expect in the water, the rules everyone must follow, and how to plan your day from Cebu.
Oslob, in the far south of Cebu, is where many visitors see whale sharks, the biggest fish in the sea, up close in the water. Here's what to know so your visit is safe, respectful and stress-free.
1. Whale shark watching is optional on our tours
On our Oslob tours, whale shark watching is optional and paid on the day, only if you want to join:
- ₱500 per Filipino guest
- ₱1,000 per foreign guest
Our tours also visit Tumalog Falls, Sumilon Island, Oslob Cuartel, Oslob Church and Simala Church, so you'll have a full day even if you skip the whale sharks.
2. Go early
Whale shark watching in Oslob happens only in the morning. It usually opens around 6 AM and closes by noon, and registration can close earlier on busy days.
That's why our Oslob tours leave very early: around 3:00 AM (private) or 3:30 AM (joiner) from your hotel in the Cebu City area or Mactan airport. The drive is about 3–4 hours.
3. What happens there
- You register at the whale shark watching area.
- You join a short briefing about the rules.
- You get a life vest (and a mask if you snorkel).
- A small outrigger boat takes you a short way from shore.
- You watch from the boat or snorkel in the water, for about 45 minutes.
4. The rules in the water
These rules protect the whale sharks and you. The staff explain them in the briefing; please follow them:
- Don't touch the whale sharks, ever.
- Keep your distance. Stay the distance the staff tell you in the briefing, and give the sharks more space if one swims toward you.
- No flash photos.
- No sunscreen or lotion before going in the water. Wear a rash guard instead.
- Don't chase a whale shark or swim right under it.
- Stay calm and still if one comes close, and let it pass.
- Only the staff feed the whale sharks.
5. What to bring
- Swimwear and a rash guard (instead of sunscreen in the water)
- A towel and a change of clothes
- A waterproof phone pouch (no flash)
- Water shoes or sandals with straps
- Cash for the whale shark fee, food and souvenirs
- Reef-safe sunscreen for after the whale sharks (Tumalog and Sumilon)
6. Combine it with the rest of Oslob
After the whale sharks, the day continues:
- Tumalog Falls: a curtain-like waterfall with a cool pool. Closed every 2nd Wednesday.
- Sumilon Island: a white sandbar and clear water. Closed every 3rd Wednesday.
- Oslob Cuartel and Oslob Church: Spanish-era coral-stone ruins by the sea.
- Simala Church: the castle-like shrine on the way back.
See all our Oslob tours from Cebu
7. Joiner or private?
- Joiner: a shared van with other guests, minimum 2 people. A good choice for couples and small groups.
- Private: your own van and driver-guide (1–12 people). Includes GoPro use, a towel, a T-shirt, water and a travel kit.
Not sure? Read Joiner vs private tour: which is right for you?
8. Quick answers
Is the whale shark fee included in the tour price? No. It's optional and paid on the day: ₱500 per Filipino guest, ₱1,000 per foreign guest.
Can I watch without swimming? Yes. You can watch from the boat.
Can kids join? Our tour prices are free for under 4 and 10% off for ages 4–10. For the whale shark activity itself, the staff on site decide who can go in the water.
What if the weather is bad? If the tour is cancelled because of bad weather, you can get a 70% refund or rebook to another date with no extra payment.