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Oslob is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the world, but it is also one of the most controversial.

At this location, whale sharks have been fed by guides and fishermen for 15 years in order to attract tourists and sell tours.

This practice has had several consequences on the marine fauna, and we do not recommend supporting this industry. If you still want to go there by yourself, here’s the necessary advice.

Oslob Whale Shark observation area
Oslob Whale Shark observation area is just a few dozen meters from the shore.

How to go snorkeling with the whale sharks in Oslob

The whale shark interaction area is just off Barangay Tan-awan, a small village located about 7 miles south of Oslob.

The experience is regulated and you will need to book a tour through one of the many agencies in the area to get there. Access to the snorkeling area by swimming from shore is not allowed.

The cost of the whale shark tours is about $12 USD per person for non-residents (2023 rate). Some companies also offer day tours from Moalboal. At Moalboal there are some very good snorkeling spots, such as Panagsama Beach and White Beach) or Cebu.

Try to go very early, as the site is usually crowded. After a briefing on the whale shark interaction guidelines, your guide will take you to the snorkeling area aboard a small boat. Most whale sharks are encountered 50 yards from the beach.

Oslob Whale Shark watching area snorkeling map.
Oslob Whale Shark watching area snorkeling map.

Water entrance for snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob

You will enter the water from your boat.

Oslob whale shark watching rules and controversies

Oslob whale shark watching is a very controversial activity. The whale sharks are fed by the guides to prevent them from migrating.

In addition to modifying their natural behavior and changing their migratory patterns, the sharks suffer from poor nutrition and are exposed to human interactions.

Whale sharks at the surface of the sea in Oslob
Whale sharks at the surface of the sea in Oslob.

Hundreds of snorkelers and divers visit this spot every day, many of them breaching the guidelines and touching the sharks. Even  the guides touch the sharks to prevent them from bumping their boats. Collisions with boats are frequent, and many sharks show signs of infection and lesions.

If you still decide to visit this spot, you will snorkel in a 15 to 22 feet deep area. Underwater visibility is usually great, particularly in the morning when the site is not totally chaotic.

Mouth of a whale shark
Close-up of the mouth of a whale shark.

Oslob features an impressive density of whale sharks, with dozens of individuals gathering here in a very small area.

Observation guidelines impose keeping a distance of 9 feet from the sharks, but the sharks often approach much closer to the boats and snorkelers. This is because they are fed between the outrigger and the hull of the boats.

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the sea and can measure up to 32 to 40 feet in length, and is truly impressive.

Whale shark in Oslob
A whale shark in Oslob.

Snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob lasts approximately 30 minutes. Pay attention to the many boats and snorkelers around you to avoid any collisions or fin strokes.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

In the small village (Barangay) of Tan-awan, you will find many budget accommodations and restaurants.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Maximum depth22ft/7m
  • Water entranceFrom small boats
  • Potential DangersBoat traffic
  • LifeguardYes
  • Visitor numbersVery high
  • Access costsCost of a whale shark tour (from 2000 pesos per person, in 2023)

MAP Spot

These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.