The Oslob Whaleshark Interaction tour is among the most popular among the tours in Cebu received by our travel agency. The interaction with the whalesharks take 30 minutes only, as regulated by the Oslob local government unit (LGU). However, people travel 3 hours from Cebu City just to try the unique experience of swimming with the whalesharks, locally known as butanding.
The tour starts with 0530H pick-up from a Cebu City hotel or a Mactan resort. Guests are advised to tell their respective hotels/resorts to prepare packed breakfast for them. However, our travel agency allows guests to pass drive through McDonalds or Jollibee to buy breakfast and eat it on the way to Oslob.
The trip to Oslob is pleasant. While most will probably choose to sleep and conserve energy for the whaleshark interaction activity, those who choose to stay awake will be rewarded by the panoramic views of the Cebu southern countryside. At the same time, there are interesting centuries-old churches in almost every time. If you get a tour guide to be with you all the way from the city, pick the tour guide’s mind and ask him or her about anything Cebu.
One of the towns that you will be passing on your way to Oslob is Carcar. Do not forget to pass by for pasalubongs, or you can also buy food for you to much on like chicharon, ampao and bocarillo.
When you get to Oslob, you do not go and dive into the waters right away. The Oslob LGU has organized the locals in the area. You need to register yourselves, and then there will be a very short briefing about the do’s and don’t during your time swimming with the whalesharks. One of the most important thing to remember is that you are not allowed to wear sunblock when you do the whaleshark interaction activity. You will be asked to shower to rinse of your sunblock lotion if in case you lathered some on yourself on the way.
Quick briefing during the do’s and don’ts during the Oslob Whaleshark Interaction Tour
Another important point to recall is that while you may swim WITH the whalesharks, you are NOT allowed to touch them. Otherwise, you will be fined at least Php2500 for this. Don’t think that you can get away with it too. The locals are very protective of this, as the tour has given them livelihood. Also, there are biologists and volunteers who swim around the waters, to monitor you will during the entire activity.
Off we go!
At times there are as many as 12 whalesharks in one go. Sometimes, as few as 4. While zero-sightings are not impossible, most of the time people do get to see the famous Oslob whalesharks. Do note that unfortunately there will be no refunds should there be zero-sighting. It is not a guarantee that whalesharks will show up especially when waters are a bit murky due to a downpour. Fret not though because there are other things to do in Oslob.
Our travel agency arranges for a variety of Oslob Whaleshark Interaction combos. You can do the activity on your own, or you can pair it up with a trip to Sumilon. You may choose to visit the Sumilon sandbar, which is the cheaper option, but if you want to maximize your time while in Oslob, you can also choose to do a day trip to Sumilon Bluewater, which is part of a chain of hotels and resorts. If you do a day trip to Sumilon Bluewater, you can do kayaking and trekking among others. Lunch will also be served if you choose to pair the day trip with your Swimming with the Whalesharks tour activity.
Cooling off the fresh waters of Kawasan Falls after swimming with the whalesharks in Oslob
Another option is to pair the whaleshark interaction tour in Oslob with a trip to Samboan, a nearby town and enjoy the Aguinid Falls. Aguinid has five levels of waterfalls for you to explore. This is the option chosen by those who are up for a bit of action. Otherwise, some opt to go cool off in the waters of Kawasan Falls in Badian instead. When in Kawasan, one can also try a popular activity–Canyoneering. Canyoneering in Cebu is not for the faint of heart. Be sure you are ready to jump into the water, swim around, traverse the contours of the area. If there is time, on your way home you can pass by Molave Milk Station for some milk or ice cream from carabaos.
Southern Cebu gets more exciting through the years. Who knows you can do so much in the towns? Please call our travel agency at (032) 2386625 email us at gett.inc@gmail.com for any concerns, inquiries or bookings. It is best to book the Oslob Whaleshark Interaction Tour or any of its variants a day prior so we have time to finalize your tour arrangements.
