Oslob Whale Sharks: Wonder, Doubt, and a Difficult Choice

Visit Duration

Entrance Fee

As of March 2025: Foreigners 1,000 PHP, Filipinos 500 PHP (snorkeling, 30 min). Includes life jacket and snorkel gear. Underwater camera rental available. Price increase aims to control crowds.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive before 5 AM to avoid 2-3 hour queues. Opens at 6 AM, last entry around 11 AM. Avoid peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Holy Week, Christmas-New Year) when waits exceed 3 hours. Weekdays are less crowded. Closed on Good Friday only. Morning light is best for photos.

Crowd Level

How to Get There

From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a Ceres bus bound for Bato via Oslob (not via Barili), 3-4 hours, 200-250 PHP. Tell the conductor to drop you at Tan-awan whale shark watching site. From Dumaguete, take a ferry to Santander then bus/habal-habal north. Tours from Cebu City (500-800 PHP) include transport.

What to Expect

After registration and briefing, you board a small paddle boat to the feeding area. You have 30 minutes in the water with the whale sharks. Life jackets and snorkel gear provided. Expect close encounters with multiple whale sharks (often 5-10 at a time). The sharks are wild but accustomed to humans. Water is shallow and calm. Waterproof cameras are recommended. The experience can feel crowded during peak times.