The Truth About the Whale Shark Experience in Oslob Philippines
Where, How, and How Much (2025)?
If you’re planning to see the whale sharks in Oslob, here’s what you need to know. The Truth About the Whale Shark Experience in Oslob, Philippines is that it is both awe-inspiring and controversial. We are staying in Moalboal at Tipolo Guest House and arrange a private taxi and experience for PHP 2,500 per person to take us to Oslob, marketed as the “Whale Shark Capital of the Philippines.”
Pickup Time: 4:00 AM (set your alarm for 3:30 AM!)
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit and rash guard (sunscreen is not allowed to protect the sharks)
- Snorkel & Mask (essential, but snorkel was not provided despite what they say! Masks were provided)
- Towel and dry clothes for after the swim
- Waterproof bag for your belongings
- GoPro (essential for capturing great underwater shots)
What to Wear:
- Light, quick-drying clothes for travel
- Old trainers (essential for getting over the rocky shore)
- Rash guard for sun protection and warmth in the water
Important Note: There isn’t any place to leave items on shore, except in the vehicle you came in.
The Reality of Oslob’s Whale Shark Tourism
Pre-Experience: The Early Morning Chaos
Our driver sped through the dark roads to get us to Oslob as fast as possible. When we arrived at 5:30 AM, we quickly realised why – there were already thousands of people there! The scene was chaotic yet weirdly organised, a tourist circus in full swing.
We were taken to get a number (W119), meaning at least 118 groups had arrived before us, and there were also A and B groups, each going up to 50 before we left—suggesting even higher numbers of visitors than we initially thought. After check-in, our driver recommended a Western-style eatery, but we opted for a local Filipino breakfast for just PHP 250 – rice, eggs, sausages, and coffee.
We sat down to watch the spectacle unfold. It was astonishing – 27 boats at a time, each with 10-12 tourists, swapping every 20 minutes. By the time we got in the water at 8:00 AM, over **1,600 people had already been in before us, and factoring in the A and B groups, the numbers were
1,600 people had already been in before us, and factoring in the A and B groups, the numbers were significantly higher.significantly higher. Per day, and our driver said we wouldn’t believe how busy it gets on a Saturday and Sunday!
The Whale Shark Encounter
After a long wait (1.5hrs), we receive life jackets (compulsory for transport to the feeding zone). The full moon has stirred up powerful swells, making the boat ride out thrilling and wet. The boatmen are incredibly skilled, guiding us through the waves to the sectioned-off feeding area, expertly navigating the swell, crowds, and numerous other boats with precision.
As soon as we reached the zone, we saw how it all worked:
- Two lines of tourist boats sat in parallel.
- Local fishermen in small single boats threw shrimp chum into the water to lure the whale sharks.
- The whale sharks, conditioned to this routine, swam in a trance-like state up and down the feeding route.
We are instructed to slide into the water (not jump) and stick close to our boat. Immediately, we found ourselves in the presence of these magnificent creatures – some 3m long, others up to 5m (maybe longer). At times, I had to lift my fins to avoid brushing against them. They were unfazed by our presence, solely focused on their artificial food source.
Would the experience have been better with a snorkel? Absolutely. We had to lift our heads above and below the water repeatedly, which took away from the experience.
After 20 minutes in the water, are head back onto the boat, taken back through the swell to shore. It is an exhilarating yet unsettling. The next hoards are waiting. We feel both thrilled and conflicted about what we just experienced.
How Did the Oslob Phenomenon Happen?
Oslob’s whale shark tourism began in 2011, but its roots go deeper. Local fishermen had long encountered whale sharks near their fishing nets and would guide them away to prevent them from becoming entangled. Over time, visitors began noticing these gentle giants and asked the fishermen to take them out to see them. Realising the growing interest, the fishermen saw an opportunity. Rather than hunting the sharks, they began feeding them to ensure they stayed in the area, leading to the current mass tourism model. While it has boosted the local economy, it has also raised concerns about disrupting the whale sharks’ natural behaviours and migration patterns.
Are Whale Sharks Protected Worldwide?
Whale sharks are protected under international law, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which lists them as endangered. However, enforcement varies by country, and illegal hunting still occurs in some regions.
The Pros and Cons of Oslob’s Whale Shark Tourism
Proposed Regulations and the 30-Minute Limit
Authorities in Oslob are considering implementing a 30-minute time limit per group to reduce stress on the whale sharks (source). The move aims to limit overcrowding and better regulate human interactions, as thousands of tourists cycle through the experience daily. While this is a step in the right direction, some argue that the sheer volume of visitors and artificial feeding still disrupts the sharks’ natural behaviours.
The Ethical Debate: Should You Go?
Conservationists warn that the feeding of whale sharks disrupts their natural migration patterns and creates dependency on human-provided food (source). Instead of roaming vast distances for food, these sharks now stay in Oslob year-round, which is not normal behaviour. There are also concerns about the nutritional quality of the shrimp they are fed, as it lacks the variety of nutrients found in their natural diet, amongst other concerns.
Top 10 Facts About Whale Sharks
- Largest fish in the world – Whale sharks can grow up to 18 meters in length.
- Gentle giants – Despite their massive size, they are filter feeders and pose no threat to humans.
- Mouth like a vacuum – They feed by sucking in plankton and small fish.
- Distinctive spots – Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots, similar to human fingerprints.
- Long lifespan – They can live up to 100 years.
- Slow swimmers – Whale sharks move at an average speed of just 5 km/h.
- Deep divers – Recorded diving to depths of over 1,800 meters.
- Migratory creatures – They travel long distances across the ocean in search of food.
- Threatened species – They are classified as endangered due to habitat destruction and overfishing.
- Live birth mystery – While they give birth to live young, much of their reproductive habits remain unknown.
The Truth About the Whale Shark Experience in Oslob Philippines
Would We Do It Again?
Not sure! But we are grateful for the experience, and we hope that over time, Oslob’s whale shark tourism will transition to a more sustainable model. If go, follow the rules, and respect the animals.
We would love to hear your thoughts – have you experienced whale sharks in Oslob or elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!