Tan-awan-Oslob Whale Shark Watching in Cebu
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Loading...Towards south of Cebu City lies, Tan-Awan in the Municipality of Oslob, It was just like any other ordinary fishing community along this idyllic coastline, it’s now became very famous because of the arrival of the whale sharks referred by many as the “gentle giants”, locally called “butanding” or “tuki”
These gentle giants started coming to the deep shore waters in Tan-Awan-Oslob to feed in the fertile rich water’s, on plankton including copepods, krill, fish eggs, until the local residents fed them and these gentle giants got used to the routine and kept coming back everyday, it eventually paved the way dramatically for tourism to rise in Tan-Awan, and although controversial, whale shark watching is inevitably on The Cebu Tourist wish list
Be prepared to depart as early as 5:30AM to 6:00AM while already in the Tan-Awan, Oslob area, the whale shark watching is hugely popular and you must first register, pay then participate in the important induction, you’ll then be allocated a group boat number
What you should expect to pay for Whale Shark Watching in Tan-Awan, Oslob
₱1000 (US $20.00) Snorkeling Time, 30 to 45 minutes
₱1500 (US $30.00) Dive Time, 30 to 45 minutes
Although controversial, whale shark watching is undoubtedly the highlight of The Cebu Tourist visit to this Province, the very unique and truly amazing experience is one memory you’ll never fail to forget, do please follow the rules outlined in the induction before the swim with these gentle giants
Fishing is the main source of income for locals, all along the southern costal areas, towards Tan-Awan, Oslob, and we at The Cebu Tourist, interviewed local fishermen August 2019 in Argao, Cebu, south of Cebu City and Carcar City, and they confirmed sighting of the whale shark in it’s natural environment, in the portions of the sea offshore between Argao and Boljoon, although there is no official dive tour, where you can interact with the whale shark in those portions of the sea, local fishermen suggested they would be willing to take tourist and divers to the sites, the local fishermen did quote “since it may be unpredictable to the frequency of the whale shark visiting those areas, we would be unable to arrange a specific tour or request”
Alternatively to the South Western Side of Cebu in the diving resorts at Moalboal, and especially Pescador island, where you may have the unique opportunity to dive with the whale shark in it’s natural surroundings, the whale shark regularly visits this area including resident white tip sharks, thresher sharks, sea turtles, shoals of dolphins and the famed sardine run, this area is definitely more appealing to the experienced diver, not just because it’s less congested than Tan-Awan, Oslob, but the rich marine life is more varied in this portion of the sea
PADI and professional divers nearly always avoid the whale shark watching attraction in Tan-Awan, Oslob, and opt for the more eco-friendly dive site in Donsol, Northern Philippines, whatever way you decide to interact with these gentle giants, there will always be controversy surrounding this topic
Also the advanced open water diver may witness the occasional sighting of the whale shark near to the world renowned thresher shark dive site at Monad Shoal, via Malapascua island dive centers
While in Tan-Awan, Oslob most independent international tourists continue the whale shark experience by going island hopping to the Sumilon Island and visit the majestic Tumalog Falls, the Sumilon Island is just 20 minutes by boat to reach, the island which has an area of 24 hectares and is surrounded by crystal clear waters with varying aquamarine, it’s the first marine protected area in the Philippines and was made a fish sanctuary in 1974 under the guidance of Siliman University Marine Reserve, during dives, there is a varied marine species and even occasional sightings of black tip sharks, you’ll know you are near the island when you get a glimpse of the white long sandbar
Depart from Cebu, South Bus Terminal, the journey by air-con bus is 3 hours 20 minutes, we do recommend a hotel in the Tan-Awan-Oslob area at least 1 day before you plan visit the whale shark experience, although there are group tours for daily early morning departures at 5:00AM from Cebu City to Tan-Awan, Oslob Whale Shark, which usually includes breakfast, lunch and drinks and a visit to Tumalog Falls, Brgy. (village) Luka, you can expect to depart back to Cebu City by 3:00PM
