Cebu’s Oslob region offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea – whale sharks. This well-organized tour provides travelers with a chance to witness these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. With a reasonable price tag and a straightforward itinerary, the experience promises to be both thrilling and accessible. From hotel pickup to snorkeling under the guidance of knowledgeable locals, the tour ensures a safe and memorable encounter with these remarkable marine animals. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, this adventure in Oslob could be the highlight of your Cebuano adventure.
Key Points
- The tour offers an opportunity to swim and snorkel with the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, in Oslob, Cebu.
- The tour includes a light local breakfast, snorkeling equipment, and a knowledgeable local guide to enhance the experience.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible and can be booked as a private group experience.
- The tour has a 24-hour cancellation policy with a full refund available, but no refund for transportation if whale sharks are not sighted.
- Reviewers praise the organized and safe transportation, knowledgeable guides, and value for money, though seasickness during the boat ride is a potential concern.
Tour Overview
What does the Oslob Whale Shark Swimming tour offer?
The tour is priced from €91.75 per person and lasts around 10 hours. Pickup is available from Cebu City, Mactan, and Mandaue City, and the tour is conducted in English.
It’s wheelchair accessible and a private group experience. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The highlights include swimming and snorkeling with the world’s largest fish, enjoying a light local breakfast, and getting a guided experience to deepen appreciation of the whale sharks.
The tour also provides snorkeling equipment and includes transportation, entrance fees, and insurance.
Experience Highlights
The tour offers visitors a chance to swim and snorkel with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.
Participants can enjoy a light local breakfast with juice, coffee, and tea upon arrival in Oslob. A guided experience led by a local guide helps deepen the appreciation of these majestic creatures.
Snorkeling equipment, including masks and snorkels, is provided to observe the whale sharks in their natural habitat. The 30-minute snorkeling session allows guests to swim alongside the gentle giants.
Itinerary
Early morning pickup from the hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle kicks off the tour.
Upon arrival in Oslob, a light breakfast with juice, coffee, and tea is served, accompanied by an orientation from a local guide.
Next, guests board a boat and ride to the whale shark area, where they’ll spend 30 minutes swimming alongside the gentle giants.
The tour concludes with a drop-off back at the hotel, after an unforgettable experience of observing the world’s largest fish in their natural habitat.
Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Other inclusions are a boat ride to the whale shark area, the snorkeling experience with these gentle giants, a light breakfast with beverages, and the use of snorkeling equipment. The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide, and all entrance fees, towels, and insurance are covered.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride |
| Activities | Snorkeling with whale sharks |
| Meals | Light breakfast with beverages |
| Gear | Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel) |
The comprehensive package ensures a hassle-free, immersive experience in the presence of the world’s largest fish.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
According to the important information provided, Tumalog Waterfalls is closed every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Plus, there’s a "no refund" policy for transportation charges if whale sharks aren’t sighted due to environmental factors. Participants should be aware of these policies before booking the tour.
The tour offers the following additional tips:
- Prepare for possible seasickness, as the boat ride to the whale shark area may be choppy.
- Wear suitable swimwear that provides coverage and flexibility for the snorkeling activity.
- Bring any necessary personal items, such as sunscreen, to ensure a comfortable experience.
Customer Reviews
Customers who’ve experienced the Cebu Whale Shark Swimming tour have provided insightful feedback.
With an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 25 reviews, the tour has received praise for its organized and safe transportation, as well as the knowledgeable guides.
Reviewers recommend preparing for potential seasickness and bringing suitable swimwear.
The transportation rating of 4.5/5 and value for money rating of 4.2/5 further demonstrate the tour’s strengths.
While the experience may not always guarantee whale shark sightings due to environmental factors, the feedback suggests a generally positive and memorable encounter with these gentle giants.
Booking Information
To book the Cebu Whale Shark Swimming tour, customers can select their preferred pickup location from Cebu City, Mactan, or Mandaue City.
The tour is priced at €91.75 per person and lasts 10 hours.
Key features of the booking include:
- Wheelchair accessibility for inclusive experiences.
- Private group tours for personalized attention.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat ride to the snorkeling area, a light breakfast, and all necessary equipment and fees.
Customers should note that no refunds are provided if whale sharks aren’t sighted due to environmental factors.
Contact Details
Travelers can easily reach the tour operator by phone or email. For inquiries and bookings, interested parties can contact the dedicated customer service team.
The phone number is +63 (0) 32 255 5032, and the email address is [email protected]. The team is available to assist with any questions, from tour details to special requests.
Responses are typically provided within one business day. Guests are encouraged to reach out early to secure their preferred travel dates, as the whale shark swimming experience is in high demand.
With prompt and friendly support, the tour operator ensures a seamless booking process for all travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
This is a private group tour, so the group size is not specified. However, the tour overview indicates it is a private group activity, so the maximum group size is likely small and tailored to the needs of the private party.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
No, you can’t bring your own snorkeling equipment as the tour includes provision of a mask and snorkel. The equipment is provided to ensure it meets safety standards and to prevent damage to the whale sharks’ environment.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?
The tour does not have a minimum age requirement, though it is generally recommended for children 6 years and older. Parents should ensure their child is comfortable swimming and snorkeling in the water.
Can I Extend the Snorkeling Time With Whale Sharks?
The tour allows 30 minutes of snorkeling with whale sharks. While it may not be possible to extend this time, travelers can inquire about additional fees or arrangements for more snorkeling time when booking the tour.
Are Wet Suits Provided, or Do I Need to Bring My Own?
The tour does not provide wetsuits, so participants need to bring their own if they want to wear one. Snorkeling equipment like masks and snorkels are included, but wetsuits are not part of the provided gear.
Recap
The Oslob whale shark swimming tour offers a thrilling and well-organized experience. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the ocean while safely interacting with these majestic creatures. With hotel pickup, a light breakfast, and all necessary equipment provided, the tour ensures a convenient and accessible experience. The flexible booking policy and positive customer reviews make this tour a top choice for marine enthusiasts.
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