Swimming with the Whale Sharks in Oslob, Cebu

Ahh, sharks, I used to be (probably still am) afraid of them, and now here I go take my shot at having selfies underwater right next to them.

Before I share my experience, here are some facts: From Cebu City it takes around 3 to 4 hours to go to Oslob. It is open from 6:00 AM up to 12:30 PM daily. Snorkeling/swimming with the whale sharks costs Php 500/pax while just watching from the boat is Php300/pax. Although according to http://www.oslobwhalesharks.com/guide, it will cost you a lot more if you're a foreigner.

We arrived a little late, on a Saturday, and it's summer time in the Philippines

Okay so what I'm saying is there are a lot of tourists during the time we got there. I don't know how to emphasise accurately how many people are there waiting for their turn too. Add to that was how hot it is in this country and we all had to do nothing for a few hours in a crowded place that only has a limited supply of cool air. 

We have a jam packed schedule for the day but we had no other choice but to wait a good 2 hours to watch and swim with the whale sharks.

So arrive early. It can make a difference.

There are other/better options out there

I have read about watching whale sharks in Siquijor, a few hours away from Cebu, you only get to see these creatures out of luck, but it is more guaranteed that they are in their most natural habitat. And other stories like that.

In Oslob Cebu, they feed these sharks in order for them to come near the tourists. In order to keep them close everyday for the tourists that want to play with them. I haven't read anything too deep about it but I guess it's not that bad except for when tourists intentionally touch them  (maybe due to how nobody really listens when the instructions/orientation are being held) and this is where I cringe. 

and as for the actual experience

For starters, they are too cute

Too cute! For a shark, for an animal we all grew up being scared of. Remember the 5 year old us adding a shark fin in all our drawings of the beach to make it interesting? Just me? 

We got so close

So close that we were the ones who have to stay a little farther away not to touch them. One of those moments where 20/20 vision would make this greater than it already is.

I didn't remove my life jacket and I wish I did

Our GoPro dome did a good shot at capturing this magical moment, but it wasn't as real as actually swimming next to this big guy. We are not food to these giants and locals are scattered within reach if anything goes wrong. There's nothing to be afraid of (I learned too late).

and if you need some more push to go

I am not as good with words as much as I wish I am so this i what I'll say, it was a highlight of my 2017, despite my content filled with pros and cons about it. I'd travel 3 more hours, I'd wait 2 more to experience 10 more minutes.

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