Perched on the southern tip of Cebu, the laid-back beach town of Oslob delivers all of the Philippines' signature charm. While the white sand beaches, turquoise waterfalls, and jungle-shrouded hotels are a top draw, the main things to do in Oslob involve getting into the water. It’s world-famous for its whale sharks—hundreds of which call the warm waters off its coast home—and is a (literal) jumping-off point for canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. Plus, you can discover underwater wonderlands at the coral reefs surrounding Sumilon Island.
While the dry season from December through June is the ideal window to visit Oslob, the best time to go snorkeling with whale sharks is from late March to early May, when the water is calmest. The small coastal town overflows with travelers during holidays such as Chinese New Year in late January and early February and the popular Filipino celebration of All Souls’ Day on November 2.
From the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, you can take a public bus to Oslob, which typically takes 3.5 hours. Budget extra time for your journey, as traffic in the city can reach beastly proportions. You can also take a 2.5-hour ferry and van transfer from Panglao Island, faster than traveling from Cebu City, home to the island’s main airport. Once you’re in Oslob, it’s small enough to explore on foot.
Oslob’s main activity is snorkeling with whale sharks, and you are 100 percent guaranteed to see them year-round. Rather than relying on them arriving naturally, operators feed the marine creatures in order to attract them, which might deter some travelers from taking part. However, swimming alongside the world’s largest known species of fish is an exceptional experience. Many day trips combine it with an afternoon of canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.
