Sharks in the Philippines are quite common but still you have to be lucky to see them. Here around Cebu you have chances to see some at Malapascua Island, near Mactan Island, and of course here in Moalboal.
Can you see whale sharks in Cebu?
Swimming with whale sharks in Cebu is one of the main tourist attractions in the Philippines. Even though it’s a controversial activity, it’s also a very unique experience. The Oslob Whale Shark experience is rated as one of the best places to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines.
Where can I see sharks in the Philippines?
There are however a couple of places to swim with these amazing monster around the 7 000 islands that make up the Philippines. What is this? The best places to swim with whale sharks in The Philippines are Leyte, Tubbataha, Donsol and Oslob.
Where is whale shark in Cebu?
Oslob
The whale shark in Oslob, Cebu Province is one of the most fascinating attractions on this tropical island. These whale sharks are locally called as “butanding”. You can experience and enjoy your close encounter with these creatures in this province if you travel in Tanawan Town down in the southern part of Cebu.
What whale is in Cebu?
whale sharks
In this town, near the southern tip of Cebu Island in the Philippines, whale sharks are a big draw. Tourism is booming for people who want to watch, swim with, and take photographs next to the world’s biggest fish.
How much is it to swim with whale sharks in Cebu?
The interaction fee goes for PHP 500 for Filipinos, PHP 1,000 for foreigners. This comes with a life vest, mask, and snorkel. Fins can be rented for PHP 150 a pair. For those wanting to stay in the boat and just observe the sharks above water, the fee is PHP 300 and PHP 500 respectively.
What is Oslob Cebu known for?
Oslob is located at the southern tip of Cebu. It’s a small coastal town but it has become world famousbecause of the whale sharks or the largest fish on the planet that roam its seas, locally known as butanding or tuki.
Is it OK to swim with whale sharks?
Swimming with whale sharks in the middle of the ocean! While whale sharks have a huge mouth, they almost exclusively feed on plankton. That is why they are absolutely harmless to humans. They are mainly interested in fish eggs, algae and krill, and they are definitely not interested in the person swimming next to them.
Do whale sharks live in the Philippines?
Today, the Philippines is home to over 1,950 whale sharks, making it the second-largest known whale shark population in the world. Locally known as Butanding, Tikitiki, Tuki, or Tawiki, the whale shark has always been a part of the Filipino consciousness.
Are there whale sharks in Palawan?
The number of whale sharks identified to date in Honda Bay, Palawan, is significant, with photo-ID matches to Tubbataha Reefs (approx. 150 km at the South-East of the target zone), and to Oslob (approx.
How much is a taxi from Cebu to Oslob?
The quickest way to get from Cebu City to Oslob is to taxi which costs ₱1,700 – ₱2,100 and takes 1h 40m.
Are there still whale sharks in Oslob?
All the Whale Sharks at the Oslob Whale Shark Snorkel tour are wild animals and come and go as they please. The floats you see on the surface are merely marking the area for motorized boats to stay away.
Why are there whale sharks in Oslob?
Before swimming with whale sharks became a tourist activity in Oslob, the fishermen here used to hunt and sell their meat. This is because whale sharks used to be treated as pests that ate their catch. Turning the whale sharks into a tourist attraction gave the fishermen an alternative source of income.
Why are whale sharks so friendly?
Scientists believe the whale shark species originated some 60 million years ago. These large fish are often considered, by those who study them, to be the ocean’s friendly giant due to their peaceful nature and diet of microscopic plankton and small ocean nekton.
Why is touching whale sharks illegal?
Touching whale sharks can disturb the protective mucous layer on their skin – and it can also have unpleasant consequences for you or me. The tiny, tooth-like scales (known as dermal denticles) that cover the skin of most shark species can cause a painful graze known as “shark burn”.
Is it ethical to swim with whale sharks?
The short answer is yes – when it’s done right, absolutely. But the truth is, not all whale shark tourism has these creatures’ best interests in mind, let alone the environment. Before you book your whale shark experience – it’s important to check that the swim is both ethical and environmentally sustainable.
How deep is a whale shark?
The deepest recorded dive was 1,928 metres (6,325 ft), making the whale shark the deepest diving fish to be recorded. Whale sharks were also observed to remain continuously at depths of greater than 50 metres (160 ft) for three days or more.
How much is whale watching Cebu?
You can avoid the bulk of the crowds if you’re one of the earliest visitors to arrive. At the Oslob, Cebu whale shark watching site, you can choose to snorkel or scuba right next to these harmless creatures. If you’re Filipino, prices are 1,000 PHP and 4,000 PHP respectively.
Are there sharks in Moalboal?
In fact, Moalboal is famous for its giant school of sardines, mackerels, and thresher sharks.
Is Oslob worth visiting?
So the big question is, is it worth visiting? Definitely yes, but if this is something against your belief, I am not going to convince you to do it. You can still visit Oslob and enjoy the place without doing the whale shark watching. They have amazing falls and an interesting town proper.
How much is whale shark swimming in Oslob?
Oslob, Cebu Whale Shark Watching Fees 2018
| TOURISTS | INCLUSION | FEES |
|---|---|---|
| Local Tourists | Whale watching (in the boat only, no swimming) + life jackeet | Php 300 (USD 6) |
| Local Tourists | Snorkeling with the Whale Shark + Life Jacket | Php 500 (USD 11) |
| Foreign Tourists | Snorkeling with the Whale Shark + Life Jacket | Php 1,000 (USD 21) |