Oslob: Whale Sharks, Inambakan Falls & Moalboal Sardines

Imagine swimming alongside the world’s most gentle giants, marveling at a powerful waterfall, and snorkeling through a swirling school of sardines—all in one day. That’s exactly what this tour offers. It’s a whirlwind trip through some of the most iconic natural attractions in the Visayas, designed for travelers who crave a mix of wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and marine adventures.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to swim with whale sharks—these majestic creatures are a bucket-list experience for many. Second, the visit to Inambakan Falls offers a refreshing break with stunning views and a dip in turquoise waters. However, it’s worth noting that whale shark encounters can involve long wait times, especially during busy seasons, and swimming with the sharks is optional rather than mandatory. This tour suits those looking for a full, adventure-packed day that balances wildlife, waterfalls, and snorkeling—all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Contents hide

1 A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

2 The Practical Side: What’s Included and What to Consider

3 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

4 FAQs

Key Points

Wildlife Encounters: Swim or watch the gentle whale sharks in Oslob, a truly extraordinary experience.
Scenic Waterfalls: Inambakan Falls provides an opportunity to enjoy nature’s raw power and tranquility.
Marine Life: Snorkel in Moalboal to see sardines, turtles, and vibrant coral gardens.
Convenience: All transportation, entrance fees, and equipment are included, making it stress-free.
Flexibility: Swimming with whale sharks is optional; you can choose to observe or participate.
Value: At $118, the trip offers a rich mix of activities and experiences that are worth the cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Moalboal.

Starting the Day: Comfortable Transportation and Early Pickup

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup from Cebu City, Mactan, or nearby areas. The tour provider offers multiple pickup locations, including Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Badian, and Moalboal, providing flexibility for travelers staying in different parts of Cebu. Expect an early start—most pickups occur in the morning—to maximize your day.

The private transportation with a knowledgeable driver ensures a smooth ride, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery en route to Oslob. The time spent in transit varies, but the goal is to get you to each stop with enough time for meaningful experiences.

Oslob: The Whale Shark Encounter

The highlight for many is the chance to see and swim with whale sharks. The tour spends approximately 105 minutes at the whale shark watching area, where you can opt to swim alongside these docile giants or watch from the boat. The experience is guided, with safety gear like life vests provided.

It’s important to mention that waiting times can be lengthy—around 2-3 hours during peak seasons—so patience is key. The actual encounter lasts about 30 minutes once you’re in the water, but the wait is part of the adventure. Several reviews praise the guides’ helpfulness and the professionalism of the staff, emphasizing that their knowledge enhances the experience.

One traveler noted, “The whale sharks were amazing, and all of our guides were very helpful,” underlining the value of having experienced guides to facilitate this unique experience.

Inambakan Falls: Nature’s Power and Serenity

After the whale sharks, the journey continues to Inambakan Falls, about a 2-hour guided walk that offers scenic views and a chance to cool off in its turquoise waters. The falls are impressive, with a relatively accessible trail, and the guide provides insight into the surrounding flora and fauna.

Once there, you’ll have free time to swim and relax. Many visitors remark on how beautiful and refreshing the falls are, making it a perfect mid-morning stop. The guide’s assistance ensures you navigate the terrain safely, and the experience is often described as both invigorating and peaceful.

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Moalboal: Snorkeling and Marine Life

The tour then moves to Moalboal for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes of snorkeling. This part of the trip is well known for the famous sardine run—a swirling, shimmering mass of fish that creates a mesmerizing spectacle. Beyond sardines, there’s a good chance of seeing sea turtles and exploring vibrant coral gardens.

Snorkeling gear is included, and the guides help you find the best spots. The reviews highlight how friendly guides and good equipment make for an enjoyable experience. One traveler shared, “Seeing the sardines and turtles was incredible, and everyone was so hospitable,” capturing the essence of this marine adventure.

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Returning and Drop-off

After a full day of exploring, the tour departs back to your hotel in Cebu City, Mactan, Moalboal, or nearby areas. The timing varies depending on traffic and weather, but most guests arrive in the evening, tired but exhilarated by the day’s adventures.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour is designed to be hassle-free, with hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, all entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment included. The price of $118 per person is quite reasonable considering the number of activities packed into the day. The option to include a local breakfast or lunch for PHP 200 is a nice perk—many reviews praise the meals, describing them as delicious and filling.

However, keep in mind that meals and personal expenses are not included unless you opt for the meal package, so bring some snacks or extra cash. Renters of underwater cameras can expect to pay around Php 600–800 if they want to capture their marine moments, and towels or extra clothes are not provided, so pack accordingly.

Timing and Flexibility

The tour is valid for one day, with specific starting times based on availability. If you’re staying in Cebu or nearby, this flexibility lets you plan your trip without feeling rushed. Be aware that whale shark watching may involve waiting, so patience and a good attitude are essential.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideally suited for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and marine life enthusiasts. It’s perfect for those who want a full day of action but also appreciate some downtime in scenic spots. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or travelers with serious medical conditions, given the physical demands and water-based activities.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $118, this tour offers an impressive blend of wildlife, waterfalls, and marine exploration—something you might find challenging to organize independently. The inclusion of guides, transportation, and gear adds to the overall value, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the area.

The experience of swimming with whale sharks is undeniably a highlight, and the visit to Inambakan Falls provides a beautiful contrast of power and serenity. Snorkeling in Moalboal offers a vibrant, colorful glimpse into the Philippine marine world that’s hard to match elsewhere.

However, patience is needed for the whale shark encounter, and weather or traffic can affect timing. If you’re looking for a well-organized, memorable day with a good mix of activities and friendly guides, this tour delivers.

FAQs

How long is the whale shark watching experience?
The guided tour at the whale shark watching area lasts approximately 105 minutes, but expect to wait around 2-3 hours, especially during peak seasons.

Can I choose to just watch the whale sharks from the boat?
Yes, swimming is optional. You can opt to observe from the boat if you prefer not to get in the water.

What is included in the tour price?
The $118 fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, and a guided visit to Inambakan Falls and Moalboal.

Are meals included?
Meals are not included unless you select the optional meal package for PHP 200, which typically consists of local dishes like noodles, rice, chicken, and fruit.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included for whale shark watching and Moalboal snorkeling.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves walking to Inambakan Falls and water activities like swimming and snorkeling. It’s suitable for most travelers in good health, but the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with serious health issues.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Extra clothes and towels are not provided.

What if I don’t want to swim with the whale sharks?
You can choose to watch from the boat instead of swimming, which many travelers find equally rewarding and less stressful.

How do I know what time to be ready for pickup?
Pickup times are confirmed the day before the tour, giving you ample time to prepare and plan your day.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the natural beauty and marine life of the Philippines, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to pack a lot into a single day. Whether you’re thrilled by the idea of swimming with whale sharks, captivated by waterfalls, or enchanted by swirling sardines, this trip promises a memorable experience. Just remember to bring your patience, sense of adventure, and curiosity—you’re in for a day of genuine wonder.