Whale Watching in Sumilon Island with Ocean View Resort Tour
Snorkel with whale sharks in Oslob, explore Sumilon Island's shifting sandbar and marine sanctuary, and lunch ocean-side at Bluewater Resort. Compare live prices and coupons.
4.88 · 102
Coupons & deals
Partner prices and live coupons in one list. Matched rows are verified to the same option.
- ViatorVerified match$124.00Get deal
- KlookUse coupon
5% off sitewide
Copy code: MCWORLD5OFF
What it is
Departing from Cebu City in the early morning hours, this guided day tour heads south along the coast to Oslob, where local fishermen have created a provisioned encounter site that brings whale sharks close to shore year-round. Guests board an outrigger boat, don snorkel gear, and enter the water alongside these massive but gentle filter feeders — the world's largest fish — in a shallow bay. After the encounter, the group continues a short 10-15 minute boat ride out to Sumilon Island, Cebu's first officially protected marine reserve (established 1974). The island features a famous shifting sandbar that changes shape with the tides, turquoise snorkeling waters over healthy coral gardens, and the facilities of Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, where most tours stop for an ocean-view lunch before returning to the mainland.
Highlights
- Whale shark snorkeling in Oslob: swim alongside whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) — the ocean's largest fish, reaching up to 12 meters — in a sheltered bay where sightings are near-guaranteed due to the resident feeding program
- Sumilon Island sandbar: a naturally shifting crescent of white powder sand surrounded by shallow turquoise water, best viewed and walked at low tide when the full sandbar is exposed
- Sumilon Marine Sanctuary: Cebu's first marine protected area, established in 1974, offering snorkeling over coral gardens with colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional pelagic visitors
- Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort ocean views: a private island resort with an ocean-facing terrace, infinity pool, and panoramic Cebu Strait vistas — day-tour guests access the resort for lunch and use of the beach
- Lunch at the resort: most packages include a set lunch or buffet at the resort featuring Filipino and international dishes, served with views of the open sea
- Outrigger boat island transfer: a short scenic bangka (traditional outrigger boat) ride from the Oslob mainland to Sumilon Island, crossing clear blue water with views of the surrounding coastline
Good to know
- Tours typically depart Cebu City between 3 AM and 5 AM to arrive at Oslob early — whale shark encounters are conducted in the morning, usually wrapping up by 9–10 AM before the heat and crowds peak; early arrival means shorter wait times
- Total duration is usually 10–12 hours including round-trip transfers from Cebu City; the whale shark session in the water lasts approximately 30–45 minutes per group
Frequently asked
- Are whale shark sightings guaranteed on this tour?
- Sightings in Oslob are near-guaranteed year-round because a community of local fishermen provisionally feeds a resident group of whale sharks each morning. However, tours typically include a disclaimer that sightings cannot be guaranteed due to weather or sea conditions. The Oslob operation has a very high historical sighting rate compared to other whale shark sites globally.
- Is the Oslob whale shark experience ethical and safe for the animals?
- This is an actively debated question. The Oslob feeding program has provided significant economic benefits to the local fishing community and offers near-certain sightings, but conservation organizations including LAMAVE and WWF have raised concerns that provisioning (hand-feeding) may alter the sharks' natural migration behavior and create dependency on human food sources. Studies have also found low compliance with official minimum-distance rules at times. Strict no-touch and no-flash rules apply during encounters. Travelers who prefer non-provisioned wildlife encounters may want to consider that before booking.
- What should I bring on this day tour?
- Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, reef-safe sunscreen (no spray-on types near the whale sharks), a waterproof camera or underwater phone case, and a light jacket for the early-morning drive south. Most tour packages provide snorkel gear, but bringing your own mask ensures a better fit. Cash is useful for optional purchases or tips at the resort.