From Cebu City: Scuba Diving with Whale Sharks Trip in Oslob

From Cebu City: Scuba Diving with Whale Sharks Trip in Oslob

If you’re looking for an unforgettable underwater adventure near Cebu, a scuba diving trip to Oslob to swim with the world’s most famous whale sharks is a fantastic choice. At $172 per person, this full-day tour offers the chance to get up close with these gentle giants, with the added bonus of professional guides and complete diving gear. The trip lasts around 8 to 10 hours, making it a full-day activity packed with awe-inspiring sights.

Two things we love about this experience are the chance to swim directly from the beach—avoiding crowded boat tours—and the training and guidance provided by experienced instructors, which makes it accessible even for first-timers. The scenic ride along Cebu’s southern coast adds to the appeal. One possible consideration is the early start, with pickups around 5:00 AM, which may be tough for some travelers but ensures you beat the crowds and enjoy calmer waters.

This tour suits adventure-seekers eager to see marine life up close, non-divers wanting to try scuba, and those who appreciate authentic, guided experiences in beautiful natural settings. If you’re comfortable with a early wake-up call and want to combine scenic drives with marine marvels, this is a great fit.

Key Points

Includes full scuba gear: wet suits, masks, fins, regulators, air tanks—everything needed for a safe dive.
Experienced guides: professional instructors help you feel confident in the water, even if it’s your first time.
Early morning pickup: around 5:00 AM, ensuring fewer crowds and calmer seas.
Private transfer: stress-free travel from Cebu City directly to Oslob.
Flexible cancellation policy: full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Weather-dependent: deep diving might be canceled if weather conditions are poor.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

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Early Start and Scenic Drive

We loved the way the day begins with a hotel pickup at 5:00 AM. It’s a longish drive—roughly 3 to 4 hours—along the coast of southern Cebu. The journey is a visual treat, with lush landscapes giving way to the inviting waters of Oslob. While early mornings are a challenge for some, it’s the best way to beat the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful environment in the water.

Arrival and Orientation

Once in Oslob, you’ll meet your diving instructor, who provides a thorough briefing. This includes basic safety rules, what to look for when encountering whale sharks, and how to handle your gear. We found this step invaluable—knowing what to expect makes the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. The instructor, who is fluent in English, guides you through the process, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared.

Gearing Up and Water Time

Next, you’ll gear up with full diving equipment—wet suits to keep warm, masks, fins, regulators, and tanks. The guides are friendly and professional, helping even first-time divers to feel confident. The tour emphasizes safety and comfort, which means you’ll spend about 30 to 40 minutes in the water. Many reviews, like Makiko’s, mention how snorkeling tours can get crowded and chaotic, but with diving, you can enter directly from the beach without waiting in long lines or fighting for space.

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Swimming with Whale Sharks

Once in the water, you’ll have ample time to observe and swim alongside these gentle giants, which can grow up to 12 meters long. The whale sharks are filter feeders, and their slow, graceful movements make for captivating sights. As Angel Lovelyn said, “It was my first time scuba diving and definitely won’t be the last!” Many find that the experience of making friends with these creatures is truly memorable.

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Returning and Relaxing

After your water adventure, you’ll head back to the pickup point. The return journey allows for some reflection on what you’ve just experienced. Expect to be back in Cebu City by late afternoon or evening, depending on traffic and stops.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

Private transfer from your hotel to Oslob and back.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off—a hassle-free start.
Experienced diving instructor who guides you through the experience.
Complete diving gear: wet suit, regulator, PCD, air tank, mask, and fins.

Not Included

Breakfast and Lunch—you’ll want to pack some snacks or plan a meal afterward.
Travel insurance—recommended but not included.
Optional rent for an action camera or GoPro, costing around 600-800 PHP.

The Experience: Authenticness and Practicality

This tour is designed for those who want a quality, guided experience that’s both safe and exciting. The professional instructors and complete gear ensure that even first-timers feel supported. While the price of $172 might seem steep at first glance, it includes all the essentials—gear, guides, and transfers—and offers an experience worth the cost.

We appreciated the opportunity to swim directly from the beach, which many snorkeling tours can’t offer due to crowded boats. This means more freedom to enjoy the surroundings and observe sea life at your own pace. The early start does require some sacrifice, but as Makiko pointed out, “You can enter directly from the beach without waiting to board,” making the whole process smoother.

Another highlight is the stunning scenery along the coast and the professional guidance which instills confidence, especially for those new to scuba. According to reviews, guides are cheerful and helpful, making the trip both educational and fun.

Possible Drawbacks

Weather can impact the experience—deep diving might be canceled if seas are rough. Also, the early wake-up call is not for everyone, but it’s a small price to pay for the calmer waters and fewer crowds.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers, especially those interested in marine life and eager to try scuba diving without prior license requirements. It’s perfect if you want a guided, safe introduction to underwater exploration, with the added thrill of swimming alongside whale sharks.

If you’re traveling with someone who prefers snorkeling or isn’t comfortable in the water, they might consider snorkeling instead, perhaps at a different location like Sumilon Island, which is mentioned in reviews.

The Sum Up

A trip from Cebu City to Oslob for scuba diving with whale sharks offers a rare chance to see one of nature’s most impressive creatures up close. The combination of professional guides, full gear, and the early morning serenity makes this experience a standout. It’s especially suited for those who love marine life, enjoy guided tours, and don’t mind an early start.

The tour balances adventure with safety, and the intimate experience of swimming from the beach, away from crowded boatloads, makes it all the more special. While weather and early mornings are considerations, the overall value—both in cost and experience—remains high.

For anyone craving a meaningful, authentic encounter with whale sharks and marine scenery, this trip promises memorable moments and a story worth telling.

FAQ

Do I need a scuba license to join this tour?
No, you don’t need a license. The tour is open to both licensed and non-licensed divers, and guides help you through the process.

How long is the water time?
You’ll spend around 30 to 40 minutes in the water, which is enough to observe and enjoy swimming alongside the whale sharks.

Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast and lunch are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat afterward.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes and a towel for after the water activity.

Can I rent a GoPro or action camera?
Yes, action cameras or GoPros are available for rent, costing around 600-800 PHP.

What if the weather is bad?
Deep diving might be canceled if weather conditions are unfavorable, so check with your provider beforehand and keep an eye on the forecast.

In all, this tour offers an exciting, well-organized way to experience Cebu’s marine wonders — especially if sharing the water with whale sharks is on your bucket list.