Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving & Sumilon Sanctuary

Oslob Cebu’s Whaleshark Scuba Diving and Sumilon Sanctuary tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Travelers can experience the thrill of encountering gentle giants up close in their natural habitat, while exploring vibrant marine environments teeming with diverse species and stunning coral formations. With convenient transportation, experienced dive guides, and opportunities for underwater photography, this tour offers a unique blend of exhilaration and education on marine conservation. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious explorer, this full-day excursion is sure to leave you captivated by the wonders that lie beneath the waves.

Key Points

• The 8-hour tour offers opportunities to scuba dive and view whale sharks in their natural habitat, as well as explore the marine life of Sumilon Island.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off from multiple locations across Cebu, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.
• Experienced dive guides provide insights into whale shark conservation and ensure responsible viewing practices during the encounter.
• Scuba diving activities offer the chance to explore vibrant coral formations and encounter a diverse array of marine species, including jacks, parrotfish, and nudibranchs.
• The tour package includes transportation, entrance fees, diving equipment, and meals, providing a comprehensive and convenient adventure for visitors.

Overview and Pricing

The Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving activity offers visitors the chance to dive with whale sharks in their natural habitat. Priced from €191.85 per person, this 8-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

The activity takes place in Oslob and Sumilon Island, where participants can engage in scuba diving, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. Pickup and drop-off are available at 10 locations across Cebu, ensuring convenient access for travelers.

With experienced dive guides, underwater photography opportunities, and equipment rental, this excursion provides a unique and immersive experience to explore the vibrant marine life of the region.

Itinerary and Locations

Typically, the Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving excursion picks up participants from 10 different locations, including Cordova, Maribago, Dalaguete, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Moalboal, Talisay, Cebu City, Oslob, and Badian.

The tour then visits two main destinations. In Oslob, guests can enjoy shark viewing, whale watching, wildlife viewing, and 1-hour scuba diving.

At Sumilon Island, the itinerary includes a guided tour, swimming, snorkeling, marine life viewing, and 1.5-hour scuba diving.

Whaleshark Viewing Experience

Visitors can’t help but marvel at the opportunity to witness the gentle giants of the sea, the whale sharks, in their natural habitat in Oslob. The shallow waters off the coast offer an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures as they gracefully glide through the waves, feeding on plankton.

Experienced guides ensure a safe and responsible viewing experience, educating participants about the importance of whale shark conservation. Visitors can capture stunning underwater photos and videos, memorializing their once-in-a-lifetime interaction with these mysterious, awe-inspiring animals.

The whale shark viewing is a highlight of the day’s activities, leaving a lasting impression on all who are lucky enough to witness this incredible natural spectacle.

Sumilon Island Exploration

After the captivating whale shark encounter, visitors are whisked away to the tranquil haven of Sumilon Island.

Here, they’ll embark on a guided tour, exploring the island’s vibrant marine life and pristine coral formations. Snorkeling and scuba diving offer opportunities to take in the underwater world, where diverse fish species like jacks, parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish thrive.

Macro enthusiasts can delight in spotting nudibranchs, pipefish, and other captivating marine creatures.

The 1.5-hour exploration of Sumilon Sanctuary promises an unforgettable experience, complementing the earlier whale shark encounter for a truly diverse and enriching day in Oslob, Cebu.

Scuba Diving Highlights

Scuba divers can expect an exceptional underwater experience during their dive in Oslob. The vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life make this a truly mesmerizing destination.

Divers can look forward to:

1. Encountering a variety of fish species, including jacks, parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and even barracuda.

2. Spotting captivating macro life, such as nudibranchs, pipefish, and other colorful marine creatures.

3. Capturing stunning underwater photos and videos, with the option to rent a GoPro for the ultimate visual experience.

Experienced dive guides will provide insights into whale shark conservation, ensuring a responsible and informative diving adventure.

Included Amenities and Equipment

As part of the Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving experience, travelers can expect a comprehensive set of included amenities and equipment.

The tour package provides private transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off available across various locations. Scuba diving enthusiasts will appreciate the included entrance fees and diving equipment, as well as the guidance of experienced dive guides who offer insights into whale shark conservation efforts.

Plus, guests can rent a GoPro camera, ranging from ₱600 to ₱1800, to capture their underwater adventures. Meals and insurance are also part of the package, though tips aren’t included.

With these inclusions, the Oslob Cebu tour ensures a well-rounded and hassle-free experience for participants.

Health and Safety Considerations

The Oslob Cebu: Whaleshark Scuba Diving experience isn’t suitable for everyone. Certain health restrictions apply:

1. Pregnant women should avoid this activity due to the physical demands and potential risks.

2. People with back or heart problems may also find the experience challenging and should consult a medical professional before booking.

3. It’s important to pack appropriate gear, such as biodegradable sunscreen, and follow the instructions of experienced dive guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

For the convenience of guests, the tour operator provides hotel pickup and drop-off services from a variety of locations, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Airport, Moalboal, Badian, and the Oslob area.

This ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience for travelers, allowing them to focus on the adventure ahead.

The pickup and drop-off service is available for both the Oslob whale shark experience and the Sumilon Island tour, making it easy for guests to arrive at and depart from the activity sites.

With this service, travelers can sit back, relax, and let the tour operator handle the transportation logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Touch or Swim With the Whale Sharks?

Touching or swimming with the whale sharks is generally not permitted. It can disturb the animals and is prohibited in many whale shark viewing locations to protect both the wildlife and the visitors.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

There’s no minimum group size required. Travelers can book as solo participants or in small groups. The tour operator provides private transportation and guides to accommodate individuals or small parties.

What Is the Policy on Photography and Videography?

The experience includes underwater photography opportunities, and guests can rent a GoPro camera for 600 to 800 Philippine pesos to capture photos and videos of the whale sharks and vibrant marine life.

Do I Need Any Prior Scuba Diving Experience?

While prior scuba diving experience is not required, participants should be comfortable in the water. The tour provides certified dive guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

There don’t appear to be any additional fees or hidden costs beyond the listed price. The package includes the entrance fee, scuba diving equipment, and meals, with the only additional cost being an optional GoPro rental.

Recap

The Oslob Cebu Whaleshark Scuba Diving and Sumilon Sanctuary tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to encounter gentle giants in their natural habitat. With guided scuba diving, snorkeling, and photography, this full-day adventure provides exhilarating exploration and education on marine conservation. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, experienced dive guides, and stunning natural environments make this tour a must-do for any visitor to Cebu.