Oslob Whale Shark Watching: Up close encounter with the Gentle Giants

Whale Shark Watching in Oslob, Cebu is becoming another tourist destination of the province and is getting very popular these days. And yes, we’re lucky to finally experience it last May! Even luckier since it’s our monthly anti-flat out (anti-stress) activity, meaning all expenses was paid by the company *grinning*

The original plan was to do it on a Saturday but since it’s located in Tanawan Oslob, probably around 2-3hrs ride from Cebu City, our team decided to stay overnight in a nearby resort, at Bongga Villa resort to be specific, on Saturday and then we did the viewing on Sunday morning. This way, we visited two attractions plus we don’t have to wake up and travel too early.

Actually, the resort is located in the next town, in Lilo-an, Santander, but only 10-15mins ride from the whale shark watching area so travel time was never a problem. You can visit this post for details about our accommodation.

Came Sunday

We arrived in the watching area around 10am and it was already crowded with tourists, locals and foreigners alike. There were also a lot of tourist guides offering their services in assisting visitors from registration and ticket purchase.

The place is also becoming commercialized as there are already a number of restaurants and food stalls, souvenir shops and newly constructed rooms in the area, which can be rented for those who want to have their accommodation there.

Rest rooms and shower areas are also available for a minimal fee of Php5 and Php10 respectively.

Fees

Whale Shark Watching only – Php300 (life vest already included)
Whale Shark Watching plus swimming  - Php500

Notes: Viewing time is 30mins only and schedule is from 6AM-12NN.

Rules First

After registration and payment, we had a short briefing about the rules to be observed.

·         No swimming within 5m from the whale shark's head and 6m from its tail.

Getting Ready

After we’re done with the briefing and putting our life vest, we were guided to a small Bangka (boat), which has a capacity of 5 persons plus two boat men/guide.

Covered with our sarongs (since we can’t use sun block and Mr. Sun is mightily reigning that day), we only sailed a few meters from the shore to the viewing area. I was actually surprised that the viewing area is just so near the shore considering that these creatures are so big but when I checked the water, OMG it was already so deep.

The Close Encounter

We were told by our boatman that there were already 6 whale sharks at the moment (lucky for us as there are days that no whale shark is showing in the area). And just a few seconds after we arrived in the viewing area, we were amazed and thrilled at the sight of these giant creatures. The feeling was unexplainable, I tell you.

There were also several smaller boats in the area, with a single boat man who were in charged in giving food to the whale sharks. They were lured with food that’s why they followed the boat man.

And though we only paid the “watching only” amount, our boatman was kind enough to let us swim with these lovely creatures. *wink* Nervous as I was as the water was so deep; I conquered my fear and jumped out of the water. The sight of the whale sharks under water was even more amazing, they get even bigger! But when I saw one whale shark approaching our side, I panicked and clung myself to the banca..hahahahah! It was really a close encounter, like an inch or two. No matter how I remind myself that they are gentle creatures, the size of it was just overwhelming for a coward like me. ;)

The Verdict

It was by far, the most amazing creature I’ve seen. I just hope that the people, tourists and especially the people of Oslob, to be kind to these gentle giants. I would also like to commend the local government that there’s already system in the area and that they had set rules to regulate the visitors as well as consider the needs of these creatures.

Note: Photo credits to Dutch’s and Rodrick’s camera J

Posted in: Cebu,Oslob