Skip to content

Whale Shark Adventure in Cebu: Everything You Need to Know

cebu whale shark experience

Embark on a whale shark adventure in Cebu with a private air-conditioned vehicle for pick-up and drop-off, a local guide, and meals included. The tour starts at 04:00 AM, with a three-hour drive to Oslob, followed by snorkeling and a visit to Tumalog Falls. Maintain a 4-7 meter distance from whale sharks, avoid flash photography, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Pack essential gear like a snorkel, mask, and rash guard. The mandatory briefing covers interaction rules and conservation efforts. Additional activities and more detailed logistics await your discovery.

Tour Inclusions

included tour features

Transportation and logistics are seamlessly managed, with a private air-conditioned vehicle provided for your pick-up and drop-off at any accommodation within Cebu City and Mactan Island. An experienced driver accompanies the tour, ensuring punctual and safe transport. The itinerary includes private transportation for all activities within the tour package, with flexible pick-up and drop-off times adjusted for your hotel location and traffic conditions. A local facilitator and guide are included to enhance your experience, providing insights and ensuring smooth navigation. Light breakfast is provided in Oslob, and lunch with one round of soft drinks or water is served at a scenic restaurant near the whale shark watching area. Refreshments are available throughout the tour. Activities such as whale shark watching and snorkeling in Oslob, with entrance fees included, are part of the package. You also visit Tumalog Falls, with entrance fees covered. For those opting for additional activities, Kawasan Falls and canyoneering are available. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided, and canyoneering and zipline equipment are included if chosen. Parking fees and government taxes are covered in the tour package. The whale shark watching experience is a unique wildlife interaction, making it a memorable part of your tour. Canyoneering activities in Badian and Alegria are closed every 3rd Wednesday for clean-up.

Tour Exclusions

Understanding the specifics of what isn't included in your tour package is essential for a seamless experience.

Lunch, breakfast costs, and snorkel gear rental are additional expenses you need to budget for. These exclusions ensure that you're prepared and can manage your expenses effectively. It is also advisable to bring extra clothes in case you get wet during the whale shark encounter. Note that breakfast is included before the whale shark activity, so you won't need to budget for it separately.

Lunch, Breakfast Costs

An essential consideration for your Whale Shark Adventure in Cebu is the arrangement and cost of meals, which aren't included in the tour package. You need to arrange and pay for your own breakfast and lunch.

Breakfast typically taken after arrival in Oslob around 8:00 AM, at a nearby restaurant. Some tours mention a light breakfast, but the costs are your responsibility.

Lunch is usually after the whale shark watching and Tumalog Falls activities, around 11:00 AM, and can be taken at a restaurant near the area or Tumalog Falls. Costs vary depending on the chosen restaurant and menu.

Meal arrangements can be made at local restaurants, but no meal packages or discounts are provided by the tour operators. Soft drinks may be included in some packages, but not full meals. Additional food expenses, such as snacks or extra drinks, aren't covered and should be budgeted separately. No refunds or credits for food expenses are offered by tour operators. Food options and prices vary based on location and restaurant chosen. (Meals such as lunch and breakfast not included.) Participants are advised to bring sufficient cash as some restaurants may not accept cards, especially in more remote areas.

Snorkel Gear Rental

After organizing your meals, the next step is to consider snorkel gear rental, which is often excluded from the basic tour package. Snorkel gear, including life jackets and snorkels, is typically provided as an add-on to the tour. These items are distributed after a brief orientation on the whale shark experience, ensuring you understand how to use the equipment properly. Local guides ensure the gear is suitable for the shallow waters where whale sharks are found. Regular checks confirm the gear is in good condition. For additional comfort and safety, sun hats, toiletries, towels, and water shoes or sandals are recommended. Gear rental can be included in the tour package rates, but varies by package. Booking in advance guarantees the availability of the necessary gear. It is important to note that the absence of engines on the wooden boats used for the tours minimizes the risk of injury to the whale sharks.

Gear Availability Maintenance
Life Jackets Provided in the Snorkeling and Swimming Fee add-on Checked for functionality before each use
Snorkels Included in the add-on Maintained and cleaned for safety and hygiene
Swimwear Essential for the activity

| Sunscreen | Prohibited to protect marine life | –

Itinerary Overview

travel plan summary

The itinerary for the Whale Shark Adventure in Cebu is meticulously planned to maximize your experience.

You'll be picked up at 04:00 AM from your hotel and driven for three hours to Oslob, where a light breakfast awaits. By 06:30 AM, you'll start the Whale Shark Watching/Snorkeling activity, lasting 30 minutes, with guides feeding the sharks. After the activity, you'll head to Tumalog Falls by 08:30 AM, a 10-minute drive from Tan-awan. Here, you can swim and take pictures, paying a Php 20 entrance fee and Php 120 for a habal-habal ride. Lunch, including one round of soft drinks, is served at 10:00 AM. You'll prepare to return to the city, arriving back at your hotel by 02:00 PM. Alternatively, if you choose the combined Whale Shark and Canyoneering itinerary, you'll leave for Badian at 09:00 AM, arriving by 10:00 AM for lunch. Canyoneering starts at 11:00 AM, including activities like scrambling, climbing, and rappelling, concluding by 04:00 PM. You'll depart for the hotel at 05:30 PM, arriving by 08:00 PM. The full-day tour typically lasts 8-10 hours, with meals included, making it a comprehensive experience for adventure seekers. Oslob is known for its strict conservation efforts to protect the whale sharks, ensuring a sustainable and responsible tourism experience.

Key Guidelines

Following the structured itinerary, you must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful encounter with the whale sharks.

Register at the Whale Shark Watching Briefing Center in Tan-awan, Oslob, and pay the fees: PHP 500 for snorkeling or PHP 300 for boat-only watching for locals, and PHP 500 for foreigners.

Attend the mandatory briefing on interaction rules.

Keep a distance of at least 4 meters from the whale sharks. Don't touch, chase, or use flash photography, as these actions can result in fines. Avoid applying sunblock or sunscreen before swimming, as chemicals can harm the sharks.

  1. No unauthorized feeding of whale sharks is allowed.
  2. Avoid splashing when entering the water.
  3. Guides and boatmen assist during interactions.
  4. Interaction lasts for about 30 minutes; additional sessions require another payment.

Violators face fines of at least PHP 2,500, and rules are strictly enforced to protect the sharks' health and migratory patterns.

What to Bring

essential items checklist

For a successful whale shark encounter in Cebu, ensure you pack essential snorkeling and diving gear. A mask that fits snugly, maintains suction, and is comfortable, preferably with black sides or frames to avoid light leaks, is crucial. A soft, fold-away snorkel with a splash guard prevents water entry and is convenient for packing. Personal fins are advisable due to the poor quality of rental equipment. A rash guard offers necessary sun protection and warmth.

If possible, bring your own life jacket, as orange ones are provided for non-swimmers.

For underwater photography, an underwater housing for your DSLR or GoPro (models like the HERO 12 Black or HERO 6/7 Black) is essential. A dome port and wide-angle lens (11mm to 30mm) enhance photo quality. Housing grips improve control, and a cleaning kit maintains the camera and housing.

Quick-drying swimwear, shorts, T-shirts, towels, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen) are essential. Footwear like sandals, flip-flops, or water shoes protect your feet. Gravol or Dramamine can prevent seasickness, and a first-aid kit should include mild hydrocortisone cream and white vinegar for stings.

An anti-fog solution for your mask and a power bank for electronic devices are also recommended. A hidden money wallet secures valuables.

How Does the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape Contribute to Whale Shark Conservation in Cebu?

The TaƱon Strait Protected Seascape plays a critical role in promoting marine biodiversity conservation in tanon strait, ensuring a safe haven for whale sharks in Cebu. By preserving ecosystems and minimizing human impact, the protected area supports sustainable tourism, research, and habitat protection, fostering a balanced environment for these majestic creatures.

Additional Tips

When packing for your whale shark adventure, ensure you bring only essential items to minimize environmental impact.

Respect the marine life by adhering to the no-touch and no-sunscreen rules to protect the whale sharks and their habitat.

Consider additional activities like visiting Tumalog Falls or the Sumilon sandbar to enhance your experience.

Pack Essentials Wisely

How effectively do you prepare for a whale shark encounter? Efficient packing ensures you have everything needed without unnecessary bulk.

For snorkeling, a well-fitting mask with black sides minimizes light leaks and enhances visibility. A high-quality snorkel, like the Aegend soft fold away model, prevents water entry. Personal fins improve comfort and performance. Use anti-fog drops or a baby shampoo mixture to keep your mask clear.

For underwater photography, consider the following essentials:

  1. Underwater housing with a dome port for wide-angle shots.
  2. GoPro HERO 12 Black or similar models for ease of use.
  3. Wide-angle lens between 11mm and 30mm for close-up captures.
  4. Cleaning kit and extra towels to maintain your equipment.

For clothing and personal items, pack swimwear, rash guards for sun protection, and a towel. Use reef-safe sunscreen, and bring a hat or bandana. Sandals or water shoes are ideal for comfort.

Don't forget an adapter and charger for electronics, medications like seasickness pills, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Bring local currency and identification for the tour.

Respect Marine Life

After ensuring your gear and essentials are ready, focusing on the ethical and environmental aspects of your whale shark encounter is the next step.

Whale sharks are drawn to areas with high concentrations of plankton, and feeding them can disrupt their natural behavior and movement patterns. To minimize your impact, follow the local guidelines strictly.

Viewing times are regulated from 6 AM to 1 PM, and you must avoid touching, riding, or chasing the sharks. Flash photography and motorboats are prohibited; only paddleboats are allowed, and each group is limited to 30 minutes with a maximum of six tourists or four divers.

Large fishing nets pose a significant threat to whale sharks, so support local conservation efforts that protect marine habitats and enforce strict rules.

Ecotourism plays a crucial role in whale shark conservation by providing economic incentives for local communities to protect these animals. Engage with community-based initiatives and participate in education campaigns to promote sustainable practices and awareness.

Important Notices

critical announcements alerted

A mandatory briefing is provided before your tour to inform you about whale shark behavior and safety rules. You must maintain a 5-7 meter distance from the whale sharks, and touching is strictly prohibited, although accidental contact can occur due to the number of tourists. Sunscreen and lotions must be washed off before entering the water to protect the whale sharks. Life jackets and snorkeling gear are provided.

Tours typically begin between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM to ensure optimal conditions for snorkeling. Each group is given 30 minutes to see or swim with the whale sharks. It's advisable to arrive no later than 5:00 AM to avoid long waiting times.

To ensure a smooth experience, follow these steps:

  1. Sign up for the tour and get assigned a number.
  2. Board small wooden boats that transport you to the feeding area.
  3. Participate in additional activities such as a visit to Tumalog Falls.
  4. Consider private transportation, lunch, and snorkeling gear in your tour package.

Local regulations protect the whale sharks, but high tourist numbers can lead to occasional rule violations. The tourism revenue has greatly benefited the local community, though concerns exist about the impact on the whale sharks' natural behavior.