Magnificent. Amazing. Jaw-droppping. Awe-inspiring. These are just some of the descriptions used by tourists after interacting with whale sharks in Oslob, a small coastal town on the southeastern side of Cebu Island.
Oslob offers up-close encounters with the largest existing fish species in the world. Whale sharks, called butanding locally, are gentle giants that can grow up to 18 meters in length. They are known to be docile, if curious, and they feed on plankton (both plants and invertebrates such as small shrimp) and small fish and mollusks.
Below are a few reasons to plan a trip to Oslob to see the whale sharks the next time you’re in Cebu:
Reason #1: Get to see an endangered species.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are not only the largest types of shark, but they are also the largest species of fish alive today. They grow to a weight of around 11 tons and typically a length of about 12 meters, or 40 feet, although whale sharks as long as 18 meters have been recorded.
However, due to illegal fishing, disruption of their migratory routes, and other factors, these gentle giants have been given endangered status, as their numbers have been declining in many of the tropical oceans they’ve called home. So while there are whale shark tours around the world, the sharks’ scarcity means fewer opportunities to see them outside a marine park.
Reason #2: It’s a family-friendly activity.
Although perhaps advisable for older kids so they can remember the experience and have an easier time with swimming, little kids as young as 4 can get to swim with the sharks. Parents and guardians are responsible for their charges’ safety, however, though there will be guides to assist you.
Reason #3: Interaction is guaranteed.
The Oslob experience is unique compared to other whale shark tours as the sharks are encouraged to stay within the area through feeding. This guarantees interaction with the other animals, even for kids, seniors, and poor swimmers, who may struggle with the boat tours offered elsewhere.
While there are some legitimate concerns about the interference with the whale sharks’ natural behavior and migratory routes, there are arguments for and against this type of ecotourism. One clear upside is the way this venture has revived the town’s economy and lessened the fishing pressure on depleted reefs, since most of the fishermen in the area have been recruited as guides. However, if this is a concern for you, you may instead be interested in the whale shark tours run out of Donsol in Sorsogon or Sogod Bay in southern Leyte, although these do not offer guaranteed interactions.
Reason #4: It’s a fraction of the cost doing it elsewhere.
Costs for whale shark tours can go up to USD150 or more per person in other countries where these are popular. Oslob charges a flat PHP500 per person (although if you go through a resort that would allow parking, this may go up to PHP600 per person), which comes out to more or less USD10 per person.
Your Whale Shark Adventure
If you’re interested in swimming with the whale sharks, here’s how the experience goes:
Step 1: Queuing. Upon arrival in Oslob, proceed to the tourist center and queue up for the experience. Depending on the day, this can mean a long wait, so bring something to occupy your time.
Step 2: Orientation. Before you go into the water, you will be required to pay the fees (currently around PHP500 or just under USD10 per person) and listen to an orientation lecture on the whale sharks and the safety measures put in place. One important thing to remember is that you won’t be able to touch or ride on the sharks at any time during the encounter.
Step 3: Equipment. After the lecture, don safety equipment before climbing on the boats. If you do not have an underwater camera, you should consider renting one as you’ll regret not coming away with photos. Snorkels are provided, but if you are more comfortable with goggles, we suggest bringing your own pair.
Step 4: Experience. Once the guide gives the go-ahead, jump into the water! If you’re confident in your swimming skills, you will be allowed to remove your life vest before getting into the water, allowing you to dive and see the sharks better (and for better photos!). Each group only gets at most 30 minutes before you’ll need to come back to shore so the next group can go, so make the most of your time. For those who don’t swim, you’ll still be able to see the whale shark from the boat, as they come fairly near.
If you are a scuba diver, you may also be able to book a dive with one of the local dive shops; they will be able to brief you on costs and protocols. The dive packages usually include full equipment and a guide and dive master.
Make the Most of Your Experience
A few tips for those who plan to go to Oslob to swim with the whale sharks:
Bring something to do while waiting. The wait is sure to be at least an hour or two long; this can go up to as long as four hours on holidays. You also won’t be able to leave and then come back, as this would mean losing your spot in the line. Bring some entertainment to ward off boredom.
Come very early. There are limited slots each day, and the center closes at midday. Because the whale sharks are prone to overheating and sunburn, the tours are only allowed in the mornings. Tourists are advised to arrive as early as 5 or 6AM, and certainly not later than 7 or 7:30AM.
Skip the SPF, perfumes or colognes, and other topical chemicals . These can irritate the sharks’ skin. If you have these on, you will be required to wash them off before being allowed on the boats.
Bring or rent an underwater camera. There will be certain rules in place, such as no flash photography underwater, but you should be able to get great shots and videos with an underwater camera. If you’re not too experienced with underwater photography or just want to keep your hands free, ask your guide to take the photos for you.
