Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 65 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle worth booking?
Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle is a 15-hour experience in Cebu, Philippines, from $150 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 65 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (65)
- Duration
- 15 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Whale shark watching and Pescador island hopping with Tumalog Falls plus the Sardine run and Turtle day tour is now made possible. You can travel in the southern part of Cebu for one day and had fun with these beautiful sea creatures like the whale sharks, sardines, corals, turtles and dolphins if you are lucky enough cuz they are weather dependent. For shared / joiners tour option: Minimum of 5pax for the tour will proceed. Confirmation and the pick up time will be sent through email.
What you get
About this experience
Whale shark watching and Pescador island hopping with Tumalog Falls plus the Sardine run and Turtle day tour is now made possible. You can travel in the southern part of Cebu for one day and had fun with these beautiful sea creatures like the whale sharks, sardines, corals, turtles and dolphins if you are lucky enough cuz they are weather dependent. For shared / joiners tour option: Minimum of 5pax for the tour will proceed. Confirmation and the pick up time will be sent through email.
What's included
Included
- Sardine run and turtle chasing in Moalboal
- Private boat to Pescador island
- Cool down at Tumalog Falls
- Local facilitator and Guide
- Whale shark snorkeling fee
- Light breakfast and full meal lunch
Not included
- Camera Rental (P1000 for GoPro Hero5 and up – SD Card not included)
- Motorbike ride in Tumalog (optional at P50 per head)
What you'll see and do
Cebu City Philippines Temple
Pick up will be from Cebu City or Mactan Hotel
Pass by without stopping
Tumalog Falls
Tumalog falls will be after the whale shark interaction. (closed every 2nd Wednesday)
30 minutes here · Admission included
Pescador Island
Right after Oslob, you will proceed to Moalboal to visit Pescador island. After visiting the island you will then be brought to the sardine run area where you will be swimming or snorkeling with millions of fishes. On the same area, you will also be seeing turtle.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cebu Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Swimming attire is highly recommended
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 65 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
65 verified traveler reviews for Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unforgettable Whale Sharks, Outstanding Driver, Poor Tour Guidance
The whale shark experience itself was absolutely amazing and truly unforgettable. Being in the water with the whale sharks was incredible and something we’ll remember forever. Our driver, Angel, was outstanding. He has a very calm, kind demeanor and made a very long day (nearly 13 hours) much more enjoyable. He was professional, patient, and genuinely contributed to the overall positive experience of the tour. Unfortunately, the tour guide assigned for the whale sharks and the Oslob waterfall was a major disappointment. She was rude, aggressive, and very bossy, which took away from what should have been a smooth and exciting experience. Most importantly, she did not properly prepare us for the whale shark portion of the tour. We specifically asked her if we needed snorkel gear, and she told us it would be provided on the boat. Once we were on the boat, we were only given masks. The guide on the boat informed us that our tour guide should have told us to rent snorkels and recommended flippers, as they allow you to stay underwater longer and fully enjoy the whale shark experience. This lack of preparation was frustrating and avoidable. For the sardine run, the local guides in the water were fantastic — very friendly, helpful, and informative. However, the woman at the desk was somewhat aggressive with upselling, which felt unnecessary. Overall, the experience itself and the driver were excellent, but the tour guide for Oslob and the whale sharks seriously needs improvement. With better communication and a more respectful attitude, this tour could easily be a five-star experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and honest review. We truly appreciate both your kind words and your constructive feedback. We’re very happy to hear that the whale shark experience was unforgettable and that Angel made the long day more comfortable and enjoyable for you. We’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to him—he’ll be grateful to know his calm and professional approach made a difference. At the same time, we sincerely apologize for the negative experience you had with the tour guide assigned in Oslob and at the waterfall. This is not the level of service or attitude we aim to provide. Your feedback regarding her behavior and, most importantly, the lack of clear preparation about snorkel gear is taken very seriously. Proper briefing is essential, and we agree this situation was avoidable. We will be addressing this matter internally to ensure clearer communication, better guest preparation, and more respectful service moving forward. We are also reviewing our coordination regarding gear recommendations so future guests can fully enjoy the experience without frustration. Thank you as well for acknowledging the local sardine run guides—we’re glad they made that part enjoyable. We also take note of your comment about the upselling at the desk and will remind our partners to keep interactions friendly and pressure-free. We truly value your feedback, as it helps us improve. With the corrections we’re putting in place, we hope to deliver the smooth, five-star experience you rightly expect. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to have the chance to serve you better in the future.
via Viator
Started great, but a couple big issues
Whaleshark watching and Tamalog Falls was great. Our guide there was very kind and attentive. She adjusted to go to Tamalog falls first before the whale shark opening. Driver generally seemed very kind and accommodating also, but... 1) Couldn’t do Pescador Island and private boat entirely! 2) Lost our life vest being rushed to leave! Pescador Island /private boat issue : Something about Pescador Island boats closing early. First the guide said we should leave Oslob by 10AM to get to Moalboal by 12 noon. A little before 10AM I asked if we have to leave now, and guide didn’t seem like we needed to hurry. It took 2:15-2:30 hours to get to Moalboal. Arrived 12:30 and driver told us boats were closed. We still saw turtles/sardines from beach entry, but no boat/” Island Hopping” in small boat, which I was really looking forward too. There was refund of the boat cost, but it was only about 10% of the total trip cost, even though boat/” Island Hopping” was reason why I chose this tour over others. Rushed to leave issue: My wife was pressured to leave Moalboal hut where we did snorkeling, taking everyone’s stuff. (I had taken our daughters 5 minutes away to use the (only) bathroom, and was planning to go back to the hut.) At the hotel realized that life vest was left at the hut. Their rush was despite being 1+hrs ahead of schedule because of not doing the boat ride.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We truly appreciate it and are glad to hear that you enjoyed the whale shark experience, Tumalog Falls, and the kindness of our guide and driver. Regarding the Moalboal boat and Pescador Island, we sincerely apologize for the disappointment. During the Christmas season, the Moalboal boat operators had an unexpected early cut-off due to a Christmas party and limited operations that day. This was not a standard schedule, and unfortunately, it affected your planned private boat and Pescador Island visit. As soon as this was confirmed, we processed the refund for the boat cost, but we understand that the island hopping was a key reason you chose this tour, and we truly regret that it didn’t happen as expected. On the concern about being rushed to leave, we would like to clarify that we do not rush guests under normal circumstances, especially when there is no strict cut-off. However, given the sudden closure of the Moalboal boats that day, the team tried to adjust the schedule on the ground. That said, we are very sorry that this led to your wife feeling pressured and that a life vest was accidentally left behind. This is not the experience we want for our guests, and we take this feedback seriously. Your comments help us improve our coordination and communication, especially during peak holiday seasons. We truly appreciate your understanding and honest feedback, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again under better circumstances in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience! I...
Great experience! I booked a private excursion for 5 people, and we were very well taken care of by our driver (Roland), Oslob guide (James), and Moalboal boat driver and guide. Roland was punctual picking us up at 3am and was an expert driver having to maneuver down the coast of Cebu. Note: be prepared for 9+ hours of driving, and I probably wouldn’t recommend to people who are easily car/motion sick. We were able to sleep a lot and brought snacks for the car. We had an 8 seater van that was clean in the morning, and we definitely left it sandy at the end of the day. James took good care of us in Oslob, he got our tickets for the whale sharks, and then we went to the falls since our group number wouldn’t be called for another 2 hrs. We had about an hour at the falls, and James carried our towels down and stayed nearby to take photos of our group. At the whale sharks area, he found us a spot in the shade and then waited for our number to be called for us, and showed us where to go. Definitely recommend since the waiting area was pretty chaotic during the busy tourist season. Note for December travelers: the water was pretty choppy, so we were only able to hang off the side of the paddle boat while they had another small boat feeding the whale sharks to pass by the boats in a line. In the 30 minute experience, a shark was led past us 4 or 5 times. Roland took us to Moalboal and led us to the boat pickup. We had a private motor boat which was nice. Our boat driver and guide both swam with us at the turtle and sardine run stop. I had a go pro, and the guide took lots of good videos of us while the driver helped push us down deeper below the surface for good videos. One note for future travelers: I wish I wore my long sleeve swim shirt because I got a lot of jelly fish stings that are super itchy the next day. Mostly from the Moalboal are, but we also felt some in Oslob.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed review! We’re truly happy to hear that you had a great experience and that our team—Roland, James, and the Moalboal boat crew—took good care of your group throughout the day. We appreciate you highlighting Roland’s punctuality and safe driving, especially with the long coastal journey, as well as James’s hands-on assistance in Oslob. During peak season, the waiting areas can indeed get very busy, so we’re glad James was able to help make the experience smoother and more comfortable for you. It’s also great to know you enjoyed the private boat in Moalboal and captured some amazing underwater photos and videos during the turtle and sardine run. Thank you as well for sharing helpful tips for future travelers, particularly about the long drive, sea conditions in December, and wearing long-sleeve swimwear due to jellyfish. These insights are very valuable for guests planning similar tours. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Cebu for another adventure in the future!
via Viator
The activities on this...
The activities on this tour are amazing. The whale sharks are gorgeous, but you need to know that the whales are getting fed throughout the day so they will simply follow that boat which makes it less exciting and not a real experience as if it is if you will look for them in their natural habitat. The snorkeling stops are really pretty and a lot of fishes. We thought the planning could be better as we already got our lunch at 09.30AM (!) And the rest of the day nothing more. We were home around 1830pm. For viator; please be aware of your drivers!! We had a very rude driver which was driving crazy. Everytime he drove on the wrong side of the road, also shortly before making a turn and you have no idea what is around the corner. We also unfortunately hit a dog who did not survive which made the trip emotional for a lot of people. I know that there are a lot of street dogs and this is inevitable but the driver did not care at all and also ignored questions in the car. He just did not reply to the guests in the car. We really did not have a comfortable moment inside the car as we were so scared to get into an accident. Overall, yes we recommend the trip as the stops are really nice and worth a visit. We just really did not like our driver and the way he was behaving and what happened with the dog.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience, and we sincerely apologize for the distressing situation you encountered during your tour. We are truly glad to hear that you enjoyed the activities, but we deeply regret that the behavior of the driver affected what should have been a memorable day. What you described is not the standard of service we uphold. We take your feedback very seriously, especially regarding the unsafe driving, lack of communication, and the unfortunate incident involving the dog. Please be assured that we are conducting a thorough investigation into what happened, and if the driver is proven guilty of the alleged actions, we will take appropriate sanctions immediately. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we are committed to ensuring that this does not happen again. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and again, our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and emotional discomfort caused. If there is anything more you would like to share that could help in the investigation, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We truly appreciate your understanding.
via Viator
This was amazing!! What a...
This was amazing!! What a cool experience to swim with whale sharks and likely millions of sardines! Highly recommend! And bring a go pro for those awesome shots! The boat guide was great in taking sick photos! Our driver Abam was also such a great driver and kept us safe during the long drive to and from Cebu City. This is a must do when visiting!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌊 We’re thrilled you enjoyed the Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle Tour. Swimming alongside whale sharks, millions of sardines, and turtles is truly unforgettable! We’re glad Abam kept you safe and that our team captured amazing shots for you. Your recommendation means the world—definitely a must-do in Cebu! 🐋🐢✨
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 15 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $150 to $260
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cebu Tours, who run 25 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.5.
See everything Cebu Tours runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cebu.
How much does Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle cost?
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Prices start at $150 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cebu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle take?
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Plan for about 15 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cebu is not rushed.
Is Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 65 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cebu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 15-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle?
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Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cebu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cebu and add a light layer if any part of the 15-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cebu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cebu?
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On Outty we rank every Cebu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whale Watching in Sumilon Island with Ocean View Resort Tour, Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines, From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cebu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cebu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle?
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Included: Sardine run and turtle chasing in Moalboal; Private boat to Pescador island; Cool down at Tumalog Falls; Local facilitator and Guide; and Whale shark snorkeling fee. Not included: Camera Rental (P1000 for GoPro Hero5 and up – SD Card not included); and Motorbike ride in Tumalog (optional at P50 per head). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 179 listed pickup locations in and around Cebu. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle?
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Across 65 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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