Oslob Whale Sharks in Cebu and Bohol
Part of the Cebu and Bohol travel guide — see every topic in All Cebu and Bohol Guides.
In the town of Oslob, in southeast Cebu, whale sharks come close to shore almost every morning. Local fishermen feed them small shrimp from boats, and visitors swim or watch nearby. It is one of the easiest places in the world to see this giant fish. It is also one of the most debated. This guide explains how it works and both sides of the debate, so you can decide.
How the Oslob encounter works
The whale shark watching area is at Tan-awan, a village in Oslob. Visitors register, listen to a short briefing and then go out in small paddle boats a short distance from the shore. Local fishermen in other boats feed the sharks small shrimp, which keeps them near the surface. Visitors can snorkel, dive or watch from the boat for a set time. The activity runs in the early morning only and usually ends by late morning. Because the sharks are fed, sightings are very likely, though not guaranteed, which is very different from wild whale shark tours.
The case against
Many marine scientists and conservation groups are critical of Oslob. Their main concern is the feeding. They say feeding can change the natural behaviour of the sharks, keep them in one place for too long and teach them to link boats with food. This may lead to injuries from boat contact and propellers, and some sharks at Oslob have visible scars. Critics also worry about crowding, as many people are in the water at the same time. For these reasons, some travellers and tour companies choose not to visit Oslob.
The case for
Supporters point to the benefits for the town. Before the whale shark tourism started, many families depended on small-scale fishing, and incomes were low. Tourism created jobs for boat crews, guides, cooks and drivers, and visitor fees support the local government. Supporters also say that people who meet a whale shark up close often care more about protecting the ocean. Local rules limit how close people can get and ban touching. The debate continues, and there is no simple answer that everyone agrees on.
If you decide to go
If you visit, follow the rules closely. Do not touch the sharks or block their path. Keep the minimum distance set in the briefing, and do not use flash. Visitors are usually asked not to wear sun cream in the water, so wear a rash guard instead. Listen to the boat crew and stay with your group. Go early, because the morning is less crowded. If you would rather see whale sharks without feeding, consider Donsol in Sorsogon, where boats search for wild sharks in season, or a diving trip to other areas.
Getting there
Oslob is on the southeast coast of Cebu Island. Buses leave from the Cebu South Bus Terminal, and the trip takes about three to four hours. Because the activity starts early in the morning, many people leave Cebu City before dawn or stay overnight in Oslob. Private cars and tours are also available. From Oslob it is a short ride to Tumalog Falls, a tall, gentle waterfall in the forest. Boats also cross from the south of Cebu to Sumilon Island, which has a sandbar and clear water for snorkelling.
Oslob Whale Sharks at a glance
| Getting there | Three to four hours by bus or car from Cebu City |
|---|---|
| Hours | Early morning to late morning; check the day's schedule locally |
| Cost | Fees differ for visitors, snorkellers and divers; check before you go |
| Best time | All year; arrive early for fewer people |
| Rules | No touching, keep your distance, no sun cream in the water |