Whale Sharks in Oslob, Cebu

Last week, Larry and I went to Cebu to avoid the holiday blunder of Metro Manila. Whenever we visit, Tetoy and Josette always welcome us into their home and let us stay for the duration of our trip. This time around, we only spent our first and last day with them but it was relaxing, nonetheless. Tetoy let us borrow his motorbike for our trip to Oslob which is the second to last southernmost point of Cebu island. It was a nice ride despite the heat but the scenery was really gorgeous. I was always so wary of motorbikes because I don't like the idea of being exposed but Larry was a great driver so I didn't have to worry much. With that said, I think the only thing that really killed us was the length of the ride -- 4 hours on the bike may be nice in the open air but at the expense of your butt and your back haha.

6AM thinking to myself, Yea, Mia.. swimming with whale sharks. No biggie!

When the boatmen told us to carefully get in the water, I look over and see this monster of a shark. Immediately, I say to them, "Oh hell no, I don't want to go in anymore!" They are big.. I mean BIG. This "baby" shark was larger than our boat. I let Larry go in first and still it took a bit of mental motivation for me to get in the water. 

Swimming away from the krill that a boatman was throwing 

Larry thoroughly enjoying himself with these so called gentle giants

 Whale sharks are filter-feeders so this one is sucking in all the krill 

View from the top of our whale shark who seemed to just want to hang around the whole time

Finally warmed up to these things and very much became aware that they will not swim away from you like the lady said in our briefing. No human can get between them and their krill and disregard any and all personal bubbles. With that said, they are pretty amazing creatures. If you ever visit Cebu, make sure to hit up Oslob and see the whale sharks!

We stayed at Aaron Beach Resort in Tan-awan which is a small place but very accommodating. The rooms are small but contain the minimum things needed. Huts are available to guests to use throughout the day, free of charge. Boatmen are up bright and early to take folks out to the whale sharks starting at 6AM. Boarding the boats is right in the beach front of the resort and they drop you off immediately after. They offer a small range of food and have a sari-sari store in front for necessities, snacks, and drinks. Oslob is pretty dead past 9PM but most activities take place in the early morning so there isn't a need to stay up late. Overall, this place is straight forward and has great service for being such a small spot.

Aaron Beach Resort
On National Highway, Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu
http://www.aaronbeachresort.com/
Look for the big blue gate!