The Gentle Giants in Oslob, Cebu: Whale Shark Watching

#Summeritis... Let’s take a timeout with sitting and staring at the computer. This April we decided to take a trip to the Cebu south. Our main goal was to visit the so called gentle giants in Oslob and to Sumilon Island. Here are some tips and reminders that may help you in your whale shark encounter.

1. It is advised to be there as early as possible.

The Oslob Whale Shark Watching is only open from 6 AM to 12 noon everyday. Since we were there on a Holy Week, it was very crowded. There’s a 10-minute orientation (do’s and don’ts) before we’re allowed to ride the boat and interact with the whale sharks. But tourists were already in the briefing area even before 6 am. If possible, weekdays is preferred over weekends since its less crowded.

2. It’s better to stay for 1 night and schedule your whale watching early the next day.

Travel time from Cebu City to Oslob takes 3-4 hrs. Unless you’re travelling really early, you will never arrive at 6 am. You may want to visit other attractions while in Oslob, like Tumalog Falls and Sumilon Island.

3. Book a room as early as possible to get the best price.

We failed to book early so most inns and resorts where fully booked during that time. It’s a good thing I found this newly built inn posted in Facebook – 498 Seaside Inn. It’s not yet found in most booking sites so it was available when I messaged them. The room was clean and spacious but what we really like about it is that, while other stay inns were overcrowded, ours remain secluded and private, to think its just a 1-2 minute walk to the whale shark area. Their caretaker Luigi made sure we were among the first batch of whale watchers.

4. Don’t wear SPF

Wearing sunscreen/sunblock is not allowed as it contains chemicals that may harm the whale sharks. If you already applied SPF, you are required to wash it off in the shower area before heading to the sea.

5. Wear rashguards

Since you can’t wear SPF, better wear proper swimming attire or rashguards, one that can protect you from the UV rays.

6. Bring your own goggles and underwater camera

Though snorkel is already provided for, it is still good to have one yourself; also for sanitary purposes. The view of the whale sharks up top is nothing compared to the one underneath, so better if you have an underwater camera. If you don’t have one, you can rent there for 550 pesos. Each boat is given 30 minutes to dive, watch, take photos, so make the best of it. Plan your pose if you have to. J No flash photography allowed.

7. Strictly no touching of whale sharks.

If caught, you could be fined or worse imprisoned. Also, you need to stay away at least 4 meters from these creatures.

8. Enjoy and make happy memories.

Swimming with the whale sharks is a truly great experience. At first, we were stunned, amazed and a little scared.. Who wouldn’t? The first thing you’ll see is its super wide mouth sucking the water and the uyap (sergestid shrimps). I noticed they’re very used to humans now. They easily come up as soon as they see the boats gather. The boatmen are also organized. They all line their boats while one or two fishermen (feeders) lure these whale sharks to pass by each boat. The guide in turn asks the tourists to dive in and take photos. By the way, the whale sharks are just few meters away from the shore.

How to get to Oslob:

Ride a Ceres bus from South Bus terminal going to Bato. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Brgy. Tan-awan in Oslob. It takes more or less 3 hrs to get here which costs P155 (aircon bus). It's just along the highway, so you can't miss it.

What are Whale Sharks:

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 12.65 m (41.5 ft) and a weight of about 21.5 t (47,000 lb). (Wikipedia)

History of Oslob Whale Shark:

It was said that these whale sharks locally called as tuki were previously treated as pests since they are attracted to uyap (which fishermen used as bait when fishing out). They then bribe these creatures to move away from their fishing area by throwing out uyap. Then, one fisherman started caring for these tuki and decided to feed them. When a Korean resort owner discovered this, he secretly asked that man to take him and his friends to interact with the tuki. Their photos went viral, soon enough other tourists went to visit these whale sharks. Now the fishermen have partnered with the government in their tourist attraction.

Whale Watching Fees:

Php 300 - stay on the boat only (inclusive of life jacket)
Php 500 -  Local tourists, swimming with whale sharks (inclusive of life jacket and snorkeling gear)
Php 1,000 - Foreigners, swimming with whale sharks (inclusive of life jacket and snorkeling gear)
Php 550 - rent for underwater camera (inclusive of CD)

These whale sharks are God-given gifts to the locals here. I believe they now depend on these sea creatures to make a living. You will see a lot of eatery and stay inns in the area. Most fishermen are also members of this whale shark watching operation. Let's all respect their regulations and care for these animals. May you have a great time swimming with them and take great photos. :)