1 hour(s)
Check availability to see starting times
English
Live tour guide available in the language you select
Included
Save time and enjoy priority access with skip-the-line entry
Guided experience ensuring safety and environmental care
Refreshing stop at Tumalog Falls with its misty, cascading waters
A perfect blend of marine adventure, nature exploration, and cultural heritage
Swim and snorkel with whale sharks (butanding) in their natural habitat
€ 258.44
€ 237.76
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Discover the undeniable charm of southern Cebu, where nature, history, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences come together in perfect harmony. In the quiet coastal town of Oslob, every moment feels like a step into an extraordinary adventure. The journey begins with a visit to the Sumilon Island Sandbar, a pristine stretch of powdery white sand that appears and disappears with the tide. Surrounded by turquoise waters and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect place to relax, take photos, or simply soak in the beauty of the ocean before diving into the more thrilling parts of your day.
The highlight of your trip awaits beneath the waves with a heart-pounding encounter with the gentle giants of the sea—the whale sharks, or butanding, as the locals call them. This rare and awe-inspiring experience allows you to swim and snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, guided by experienced locals who ensure both safety and environmental respect. It's a moment of pure connection with marine life that leaves a lasting impression on all who take the plunge.
From the sea to the mountains, continue your adventure with a refreshing visit to Tumalog Falls, where fine mist and trickling cascades create a serene natural oasis surrounded by dense greenery. Afterwards, step back in time with a visit to Baluarte de Oslob and the Oslob Cuartel, remnants of the Spanish colonial period that offer a glimpse into the town’s historical roots. This well-rounded experience—blending nature, wildlife, relaxation, and heritage—makes Oslob a truly unforgettable destination in Cebu’s southern frontier.
Round-trip transportation
Entrance fees
Professional guide
Gratuities
Comfortable aqua shoes
Swimwear & Towels
Water bottle
Camera
Public transportation nearby
Wear comfortable swimsuit and aqua shoes
Tour duration and start time may vary based on weather
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
Loading pick up points...
Loading pick up points...
Experiencing the Oslob whale sharks is truly unforgettable—swimming so close to these gentle giants feels both majestic and humbling. However, be prepared for long waiting times, which can stretch beyond two hours, especially during peak season. We visited in November during the rainy season and still saw a large number of tourists from all over the world. It’s very important to listen carefully to the orientation provided by the staff and to follow all safety guidelines to ensure both your safety and the whale sharks’ wellbeing. The entrance fee is ₱500, and if you want underwater footage, you can rent a GoPro for around ₱550. The bangkeros are very helpful and will assist in taking photos and videos while you're in the water. Getting to the site is also convenient—visitors can hire a jeep, ride a bus, or take a tricycle depending on their starting point and preference. Overall, it’s a memorable experience that combines adventure, nature, and a bit of patience.
Great experience. reached at 6am and had to queue for 1.5h they had orderly procedures and even educated us on the safety distance with these gentle giants. Was very strict against sunblocks and mosquito repellents Scuba masks were foc (sufficient for me) and it was a great experience. Would have preferred if they made all of us wash down before heading into the waters.
Very organized once in a lifetime experience. I really really recommend it. Maybe it’s not completely ethical to feed the sharks. But meeting such a magnificent creature makes people care about environment more About the prices, 1000 pesos for watching and 550 for underwater camera rent. Ask a guy from the boat, to makes pictures of you and tell him you will tip well if he makes an extra effort
The best experience. Whale shark watching in Oslob was truly an unforgettable experience. Being so close to these gentle giants of the sea is breathtaking their size is massive, yet they move with such calm and grace. The guides and boatmen gave clear instructions to keep a safe distance, and it was amazing to see how well they managed the crowds. While the encounter is thrilling, it also made me reflect on the importance of responsible tourism and protecting these creatures in their natural habitat. Overall, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’m grateful for, and I hope future visitors continue to respect the guidelines so these whale sharks remain safe and well.
All the locals recommended that we start as early as possible in the morning. Since we had kids with us, that plan didn’t really appeal to us, so we decided to try going later and see how it goes. We arrived in Oslob around 7:45 AM. We had two vans that needed parking. We slowly made our way along the main road, where lots of people were offering parking spaces and assistance. We took advantage of one such service. They offered us a spot in a guarded garage under a restaurant, and we agreed that if we had breakfast there, parking would be free. They also guided us through the ticket purchase process. The first step was registration, where they give you a queue number. We got numbers 224 and 225 — these were the numbers for our boats. But the tickets couldn’t be bought yet. At that time, shortly after 8 AM, the boats on the water were numbers 80 to 90, and only people with registration numbers 100 to 150 could buy tickets. We were told we had about 1 to 1.5 hours of waiting time. So we calmly returned to the restaurant and had breakfast. Prices were the same as everywhere else. After a while, two of us went to buy the tickets. Gradually, we moved to the harbor, received life vests, and got ready to board. Each boat has a maximum capacity of 8 people, so we had two private boats. We boarded around 10 AM. It was an incredible experience. The first sight of the whale shark just beneath the surface was breathtaking, and then swimming and diving with them, seeing them in all their glory. The kids joined us in the water as well. The time spent on the water was just right, and since the whole attraction closes at 11 AM, only a few boats went out after us, making the area much calmer. Conclusion: Was it worth coming later? Definitely yes. We avoided waking up too early, and in my opinion, we spent less time overall compared to those who line up two hours before opening. Note: We did this trip in mid-February 2025. Additional note: There’s a lot of water on the boat and you’ll get completely soaked. So either bring a waterproof backpack or leave your belongings in the car.
