Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swim and Sumilon Island Day Tour

Cebu’s stunning natural wonders come alive in the Oslob Whale Shark Swim and Sumilon Island Day Tour. This awe-inspiring experience allows visitors to enjoy the region’s captivating marine life and serene island landscapes. From the chance to swim alongside gentle whale sharks to the tranquility of Sumilon’s pristine beaches, this tour promises an unforgettable day of exploration and relaxation. Whether it’s capturing the breathtaking Tumalog Falls or delving into the local culture of Carcar, this comprehensive itinerary offers a glimpse into the true essence of Cebu’s natural beauty. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders that await.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers the opportunity to swim with whale sharks in Oslob and explore the pristine Sumilon Island in Cebu, Philippines.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, entrance fees, and a visit to the Carcar Pasalubong Center for local souvenirs.
• Participants can enjoy activities such as swimming at Tumalog Falls and capturing memorable photos during the tour.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, and restrictions apply for the whale shark encounter.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with some concerns about crowded conditions and transportation comfort, so careful consideration is advised before booking.

Tour Overview

The "Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swim and Sumilon Island Day Tour" is priced from €87.03 per person and lasts 11 hours.

The tour includes pickup from hotels in Cebu City, Mandaue City, and selected areas in Lapu-Lapu City, starting between 2 AM and 3 AM with a 30-minute wait in the hotel lobby.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is conducted in English by a live guide.

Highlights include swimming with whale sharks, relaxing on Sumilon Island’s beaches, and visiting Tumalog Falls and other sites along the southern Cebu coastline.

Experience Highlights

Swim with gentle whale sharks and relax on the pristine beaches of Sumilon Island during this comprehensive day tour.

Enjoy a scenic drive along the southern Cebu coastline, where you may spot turtles and whale sharks.

Visit Sumilon Island’s white sand bar and the picturesque Tumalog Falls.

Throughout the day, capture memorable photos to share with loved ones.

The tour also includes a visit to the historic Cuartel ruins and the serene Simala Church, as well as a stop in Carcar to pick up local pasalubong.

This immersive experience offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.

Detailed Itinerary

Kicking off the day, guests embark on a scenic drive along the southern Cebu coastline, where they may catch glimpses of turtles and whale sharks.

First, they visit the world-famous Oslob Whale Shark Encounter, where they can swim alongside these gentle giants.

Next, they head to the pristine Sumilon Island, where they can:

• Relax on the white sand beaches
• Explore the island’s iconic sandbar
• Cool off at the picturesque Tumalog Falls
• Visit the historic Cuartel/Ruins and Simala Church

The day concludes with a stop at the Carcar Pasalubong Center to purchase local souvenirs before being dropped off at the SM City Cebu Travelers Lounge.

Included and Excluded

As part of the Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swim and Sumilon Island Day Tour, the package includes pickup from hotels in Cebu City, Mandaue City, and selected areas in Lapu-Lapu City.

The tour also provides van transportation, a driver, parking, environmental and entrance fees, roundtrip boat transfer, and a motor ride to Tumalog Falls.

The payment for the whale shark activity is also included. Guests will be dropped off at the SM City Cebu Travelers Lounge at the end of the day.

However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and tips. Plus, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

Important Information

For the Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swim and Sumilon Island Day Tour, guests should bring swimwear, towels, cameras, and beachwear. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

To make the most of the experience, keep these tips in mind:

• Pack light and bring only necessary items.
• Apply sunscreen before the whale shark encounter.
• Be respectful of the whale sharks and follow the guide’s instructions.
• Capture memorable photos, but don’t use flash near the whale sharks.

Customer Reviews

Based on the available customer reviews, the Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swim and Sumilon Island Day Tour has received a mixed response.

The overall rating is 2 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews. While some customers were able to capture memorable photos, others expressed concerns about the crowded conditions during the whale shark encounter and the lack of included meals.

Plus, there were comments about the transportation comfort not meeting expectations. The feedback suggests that the tour experience can be inconsistent, and potential visitors should carefully consider the pros and cons before booking.

Pickup and Cancellation

The tour provides a convenient pickup service for participants. The tour starts between 2 AM and 3 AM, with a 30-minute wait time in the hotel lobby. This early pickup ensures that travelers can enjoy the full day’s activities without rushing.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those with changing plans.

To make the most of the experience, keep these tips in mind:

• Be ready in the hotel lobby at the designated pickup time.
• Bring necessary items like swimwear, towel, and camera.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they aren’t permitted.
• Relax and enjoy the scenic drive along the Southern Cebu coastline.

Scenic Drive and Activities

As participants embark on the tour, they’ll be treated to a scenic drive along the breathtaking Southern Cebu coastline.

During the journey, they may spot marine life like turtles and even whale sharks.

Upon arrival at Oslob, the highlight of the day begins – swimming with the gentle whale sharks.

After this exhilarating encounter, the tour moves on to the pristine Sumilon Island.

Visitors can relax on the white sand bar, explore Tumalog Falls, and capture memorable photos.

The tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to enjoy Cebu’s natural wonders and create lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Whale Shark Activity Regulated and Ethical?

The whale shark activity is regulated but its ethical status is debated. While visitors can interact with the gentle giants, some argue the activity disrupts the sharks’ natural behaviors and compromises their wellbeing.

Can I Swim With the Whale Sharks if I’m a Beginner Swimmer?

Beginner swimmers can generally participate in the whale shark swim activity, but it’s important to follow the safety guidelines provided by the tour operators. Those with mobility challenges may have difficulty accessing the whale shark viewing area.

What Is the Typical Group Size for the Tour?

The typical group size for the tour is not specified in the overview. However, the mixed feedback about crowded conditions during the whale shark encounter suggests the group size may be larger, which could impact the overall experience for some participants.

Are Life Jackets and Snorkeling Equipment Provided?

Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are provided for the whale shark encounter. Participants will receive all necessary gear to safely view and interact with the gentle creatures during the included swimming activity.

Is There an Option to Visit Other Attractions in Cebu?

Yes, the tour itinerary includes visits to other attractions in Cebu such as Sumilon Sandbar, Tumalog Falls, Cuartel/Ruins, Simala Church, and Carcar Pasalubong. Travelers can explore these additional sites during the day tour.

Recap

This unforgettable tour showcases Cebu’s natural beauty. Swim with gentle whale sharks, relax on Sumilon Island’s beaches, and explore cascading Tumalog Falls. The scenic drive along the southern coast offers chances to spot wildlife. With an immersive cultural experience in Carcar, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Cebu’s remarkable sights and activities.