Cebu Whale Shark & Moalboal (Sardine Run & Sea Turtle) Tour | Solo Travelers Welcome / Private Options Available (Japanese-speaking Guide / Hotel Pick-up / Free GoPro Rental)
- Free GoPro (including the latest models) rental campaign now available! [Limited quantity, first-come, first-served]
- Guaranteed departure from 1 person! Bookings accepted until the day before! Hotel pick-up included!
- Experience the thrill of snorkeling with whale sharks, sea turtles, and massive schools of sardines all in one trip
- Enjoy access to comfortable facilities at the crowded and popular Oslob spot
- Straight from the beach into the ocean! Easy and accessible snorkeling in Moalboal
- Professional Japanese-speaking guides and Japanese staff for booking support. Perfect for first-time travelers to the Philippines!
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Private tour, Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
Product Info
【Oslob】Create memories of a lifetime with 'Whale Shark Snorkeling'!
With a 99% encounter rate, snorkeling with wild whale sharks is a rare experience worldwide and a must-do activity when visiting Cebu. Watching these 10-meter-long giants swim gracefully and gulp down food with their massive mouths is an awe-inspiring and thrilling experience. Masks and life jackets are provided, so even non-swimmers can join with peace of mind.
【Moalboal】Swim in harmony with sea turtles and the mystical sardine run
Moalboal is a premier snorkeling spot packed with underwater charm, where you can swim among beautiful corals, adorable sea turtles, and impressive schools of sardines. You will be mesmerized by the sight of graceful sea turtles and the mysterious, giant-like movements of the schooling sardines.
【Licensed Veteran Guides & Safe, Insured Tours】
You will be accompanied by an experienced, Philippine Department of Tourism-accredited Japanese-speaking guide, so there is no need to worry about language barriers. *The tour includes insurance, ensuring a fulfilling and safe experience.
*To enroll in the insurance, we require the full names and dates of birth of all participants for age verification.
-Schedule-
3:00 Pick-up at your hotel
5:00 Stop at a rest area (breakfast can be purchased at a convenience store)
7:15 Arrival in Oslob (after registration, wait in a designated area until your turn)
8:30 Whale shark snorkeling
10:30 Arrival in Moalboal
11:00 Snorkeling (sardine run and sea turtle spot)
12:00 Shower and change
12:30 Lunch
17:00 Return to hotel and drop-off
In Oslob, you can wait for your turn for snorkeling (approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour) comfortably in a dedicated waiting area (BCD'S PLACE).
The waiting area is equipped with showers, toilets, an outdoor area, and a restaurant.
Travel by boat to the whale shark snorkeling spot
Seeing the whale sharks up close is an impressive sight!
In Moalboal, you can enter the sea from the beach. Looking into the water, you can see shoals of sparkling sardines swirling around.
The fantastical school of sardines is very impressive. It's like a single living organism.
You can also see sea turtles in Moalboal. You can enjoy various cute scenes such as them swimming gracefully, eating seaweed, and relaxing.
Free GoPro and towel rental *Gopros are limited in quantity and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please let us know if you would like one when making your reservation.
Important Info
Reminders
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 15:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please wear your swimsuit before coming.
Please bring your own sunscreen, mosquito repellent, waterproof bag, waterproof camera, etc.
The vehicle travel time is relatively long and involves traveling along hilly roads, so if you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend that you bring motion sickness medication with you.
The schedule may change depending on the weather. In the event of bad weather, the guide will decide whether to change the island.
Please note that due to the nature of the wildlife, whale sharks, sea turtles and sardines may not be seen during the tour.
In Moalboal, you will enter the ocean from the beach. There are some rocky areas, so it is recommended that you wear marine shoes that will not easily slip off.
The whale shark activity is for wild whale sharks living in their natural habitat and is operated and managed by the Oslob Municipality. Please be aware that this activity is conducted under management methods that include feeding before applying.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What makes Oslob an optimal location for whale shark snorkeling?
Oslob, located in southern Cebu, is renowned for its consistent presence of whale sharks, making encounters highly probable. The unique feeding program here allows for close-up, guided snorkeling experiences. The area also offers comfortable facilities to ensure visitors enjoy a premium tour, providing a well-managed and memorable interaction with these gentle giants in beautiful waters.
2. What is the likelihood of encountering whale sharks during the snorkeling experience in Oslob?
Oslob is famous for its almost guaranteed whale shark encounters. Due to a local feeding program, whale sharks are regularly present in the designated snorkeling area. This offers visitors a very high chance to swim alongside them, providing a rare and direct interaction experience in their natural habitat.
3. What is the best season to swim with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu?
Whale shark encounters in Oslob are possible year-round due to their consistent presence. However, the dry season, generally from December to May, often offers the most favorable weather conditions with calmer seas and clearer visibility, enhancing the snorkeling experience. It's advisable to check local weather forecasts for the most comfortable visit.
4. What makes the Sardine Run in Moalboal a valuable snorkeling experience?
The Moalboal Sardine Run is a world-famous natural spectacle where millions of sardines form massive, swirling bait balls close to the shore. It's an incredibly immersive experience to snorkel amidst this living wall of fish, often accompanied by sea turtles that feed on them. Accessibility is easy, as you can enter the ocean directly from the beach, making it convenient and unique.
5. What can visitors expect from the overall snorkeling experience combining whale sharks, sardines, and sea turtles?
Visitors can expect a full day of incredible marine encounters. The tour typically begins with a guided snorkel alongside majestic whale sharks in Oslob. Later, in Moalboal, you'll witness the mesmerizing Sardine Run, a vast school of fish, and have the opportunity to spot sea turtles swimming gracefully near the reefs. This combination offers diverse and unique underwater photography opportunities and memorable wildlife interactions.
6. How is transportation managed for the Moalboal snorkeling activities?
For the Moalboal snorkeling, the tour provides convenient arrangements. You can enter the ocean directly from the beach without requiring a boat transfer, making it easy to access the snorkeling spots for the Sardine Run and sea turtles. The tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring seamless transportation to and from Moalboal, eliminating the need to arrange separate transport.
7. What support does the Japanese-speaking guide provide during the tour?
A Japanese-speaking guide, certified by the Philippine Department of Tourism, accompanies the tour to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. They provide valuable explanations about the marine life and local area, assist with logistics, and offer support throughout the day. This professional guidance ensures even first-time visitors can feel at ease and fully enjoy each activity.
8. How does the tour ensure a comfortable experience at crowded locations like Oslob?
The tour specifically addresses the popularity of Oslob by offering comfortable facilities. This includes dedicated amenities and a well-organized approach to manage visitor flow, ensuring that guests can enjoy a premium and relaxed experience despite the area being crowded. The goal is to provide a smooth and enjoyable interaction with the whale sharks without feeling overwhelmed.
