Go swimming with sharks in the Philippines.

Oslob is one of the few places in the world where locals can use food to lure whale sharks to shore. The whale shark sighting rate here is also very high. Thanks to this, Oslob, once a dull and little-known area, has become a top tourist destination in the Philippines.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that whale sharks are what put Oslob, Cebu, in the Philippines on the world tourism map. Although this whale shark swimming activity has only been around for the past two years, it has quickly transformed Oslob into an international tourist destination.

Whale sharks, also known as whale sharks, are one of the largest and most docile shark species in the world. On average, a whale shark measures 10 to 12 meters in length, weighs at least 30 tons, and its mouth opens to a width of 1.5 meters. Here, visitors can use food to lure the whale sharks to shore, with a 100% success rate. These sharks feed only on aquatic organisms such as shrimp, squid, algae, and mollusks. Therefore, visitors can swim freely around them without needing cages or enclosures like in typical shark tours.

The best time to visit is during the summer, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for snorkeling. Other months on the island often experience rain or storms, making beach activities less enjoyable.

Swimming with whale sharks at Oslob Cube will give you a unique and exciting experience. While typical scuba diving services only allow you to admire coral reefs or small fish at the bottom of the ocean, at Oslob, you will get to witness the magical beauty of whale sharks up close.

The services here are very diverse, and you can choose according to your needs. The ticket price for those who only want to sit on the boat and watch the sharks is 500 Peso/ticket (approximately 230,000 VND). For those who use snorkeling equipment (life vests and snorkels), the ticket price is 1,000 Peso/ticket (approximately 460,000 VND). Additionally, if you use diving equipment (flip fins and scuba gear), the ticket price is 1,500 Peso/ticket (approximately 700,000 VND).

When using the whale shark swimming service here, each visitor will have a guide accompanying them to ensure safety. Before diving, the guide will explain measures to prevent whale shark fin injuries and how to use a snorkel. In addition, to better protect the whale sharks from human impact, visitors are not allowed to use sunscreen while diving. Most importantly, visitors are not allowed to touch the whale sharks' bodies and must maintain a distance of 1.2 meters; violations will result in a fine. This distance is to ensure the safety of visitors and protect these giant animals.

The moment you dive underwater, you'll witness giant whale sharks gliding gracefully past. Despite their enormous size, these whale sharks are very docile and occasionally appear on the surface to perform their unique dances.

My Tong