Whaleshark Experience in Oslob, Cebu - If They Could Only Speak

 

The trip to the south of Cebu going to Oslob city normally takes 3-4 hours depending on what time of the day you'll be leaving Cebu City and if you'll be taking the public transport. Since I was joined by colleagues, and most of them are willing to pay extra for the private van rent, [Read More]
we opt for that transportation option.

We arrived in Mactan International airport at around 9:00pm and went straight to one of the 24 hour establishments in the city. With the arrangements made for our tour, we will be picked up at 4:00am and will arrive in Tan-Awan, Oslob around 6:00am. Meaning we will be one of the first visitors to get a glimpse of the gentle giants. Excited as we all were, we just spent the our night at one of the coffee shops and took a nap. But with all the anticipation, I could'nt sleep. So I just started doing more research about the whalesharks in Cebu.

Group photo before the whaleshark iinteraction. Follow me on Instagram: wanderfoolboy

Swimming alongside the largest fish, locally known as "Butanding" in the sea is one of the ultimate bucket-list experiences. Lucky, then, that there are a handful of destinations around the world where in-season sightings of whale sharks are almost guaranteed. Remember to keep a respectful distance from the gentle giants, resisting the urge to touch them or to use flash photography and applying sunscreen when you start swimming with these majestic creatures.

A diver photographing a whale shark. Image by Jones / Shimlock-Secret Sea Visions / Getty Images.

Oslob is situated on the south west coast of the island of Cebu. We arrived at around 6:00am in Tan-Awan, Oslob and upon stepping out of the van, the horizon and a great mountain backdrop towered and loomed magnificently. The geological formation makes Oslob one of the perfect sites for whaleshark watching which is currently what its famous for. Pebble beaches descend into crisp clear bluish-green water in a dramatic incline that leaves you waist deep almost as soon as you enter the water. From there, there is a steep drop which allows the whalesharks to swim and feed really close to shore.

Upon arrival you will be brought to the briefing center where you will be given tips and important information before you begin your close encounter with the whalesharks. And to give you advanced lessons, these are the things that you need to remember:

And just to add: Don't apply suncreen/sunblock when you will get in the water with the whalesharks as this could potentially poison them due to ingestion while they feed on krill given by the boatmen.

 As me and my friends board the boat, these questions popped in my head. "What will I feel when I swim with them?", "Are they all healthy and happy creatures." Perhaps you envision a meeting of souls occuring as you float eye to eye with the sharks known for their grace and majesty. But when I went into the water and saw the sharks, it became a fanstasy.

The staff in the Oslob watching center feeds the whalesharks a big helping of krill throughout each and every morning from 6:00am to 12 noon, thus keeping these gentle giants practically captive for that duration. Boatloads of tourist are being paddled back and fourth just a few minutes off shore where the boats form a semi circle, the sharks are then further entrapped for everyone's viewing pleasure.

 

I will be very honest, it wasn't an intimate interaction with the whalesharks because I felt that I was in a sea safari or circus and see the sharks perform for an audience because they were being baited with krill. Each boat with loaded tourists gets 30 minutes to watch and snorkel with the sharks. You wont get to see them in their natural state where it fosters willdlife interactions because they have seem to become "pets." Relying on their daily meal and being entrapped for a jostling audience. Having the whalesharks become reliant on people for food is not particularly conducive to a healthy ecosystem.

Up-close with one of the whalesharks feeding on krill

 While it is true that this is the surest way for you to see and swim with whalesharks, I feel that it's not the best. I'd still like to see them naturally interact in their habitat without seeing them as if they're begging for food. I felt a bit sad but had to enjoy it while I'm there. Seeing them still is a wonderful experience. Just my two cents.

I might pay Donsol, Sorsogon a visit soon. Hopefully this year or early next year. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: wanderfoolboy