Oslob

I was fortunate enough to visit the Whale Sharks in Oslob again this year, it's become a bit of a family pilgrimage! This time I was a lot better-equipped and came armed with a GoPro. Last time, I brought a disposable camera which died on me just as I got on the boat - I was gutted!

These were my favourite shots from the day. Just like last time I really enjoyed the experience, it's unlike anything else. You can't really tell from the pictures, but these creatures are huge - probably around 11 metres in length. Despite this, you never really feel as if you're in any danger - you just have to remember that they tend to feed on plankton.

If you ever visit them Oslob, please remember to be respectful of the rules, i.e. don't touch them obvs, just observe from a distance. Oslob is located on the southern tip of Cebu. The journey from the main/central, Mactan area is roughly an hour - from what I remember, I'd definitely recommend hiring a driver for the day and setting off early as they tend to feed at a certain time then swim away. If you're heading down to that part of the island it may also be worth considering stopping at Badian on the way back up and visiting the beautiful Kawasan falls - the water is SO blue there, you truly have to see it to believe it. I think that one probably deserves a separate post in itself! Another alternative - especially if you are in a big group - is to continue heading south. Just a bit further down the road you can hire a boat to take you to Sumilon Island - which is beautiful especially when it's low tide.

You can find out more about these places here.