Cebu Whale Shark Watching & Aguinid Falls Tour: Is It Worth It? (2024)
So, you’re checking out the “Cebu Whale Shark Watching Aguinid Falls Tour,” huh? It’s almost a tongue twister! Like your searching the web, looking for what is potentially a really great day trip from Cebu. That said, a day packed with swimming with massive whale sharks and conquering cascading waterfalls! It’s basically an action-packed combo, for sure, but it’s also really worth looking closely to make absolutely certain it fits your travel style. We actually went on this very tour, and like your really going to get the lowdown here – the awesome bits, the maybe-not-so-awesome parts, and, more or less, whether we would suggest it.
What’s the Big Deal with Whale Sharks, anyway?
That is a totally fair question! Usually, whale sharks are actually the biggest fish in the sea, that’s right, and getting up close and personal with them is, pretty much, a bucket-list thing for many people. These gentle giants usually gather in Oslob, Cebu, due, in some respects, to a controversial feeding program. So, like your paying attention here, it’s good to go in really knowing the story! Now, that whole feeding thing… well, that has some folks raising eyebrows (more on that in a little bit), yet swimming alongside these ocean giants really is something else. Seeing these dotted beings is almost magical. Imagine something that is about the length of a bus and incredibly peaceful gliding close by.
Aguinid Falls: More Than Just a Waterfall, perhaps?
Often, after your whale shark encounter, the tour basically takes you to Aguinid Falls in Samboan. These falls actually aren’t just one single drop, but rather a series of eight levels, with each level providing a slightly different climbing or swimming experience. Typically, you can actually hike up these falls with the help of guides; it’s actually both fun and a bit challenging, like scaling rocks with water cascading all around you. Basically, its one great spot to let loose, to feel more alive and for those “look at me!” photographs.
Our Actual Experience on the Whale Shark & Aguinid Falls Tour
As I was saying, we did the whole shebang, right? Early morning pickup, which is almost brutal (think pre-coffee!). And then usually a drive down south. That ride? Well, in some respects it is scenic! Yet, it is also somewhat lengthy, actually. When your there the Whale shark swim itself is very, very organized, more or less like a well-oiled machine, right? Short briefing (don’t touch the sharks, very, very important!), life jacket on, and then boom you are in the water. To be honest, that moment that the whale shark emerges, seemingly, from the blue… Whoa! They tend to come super close, and when I say very close, well they will be near enough that you’ll want to basically make absolutely certain that you listen in that safety briefing!
Anyway, the time is fairly short; usually it’s thirty minutes in the water, which in some respects feels very short after all of that travel time, you know? Like your headed towards Aguinid Falls, the experience is definitely different, you know. It is like your in very small groups, and a guide helps you up the falls. These folks actually really know their stuff! They definitely know where to step, plus they literally drag you up at points (trust me, you’ll in some respects be happy for this). The falls themselves are definitely stunning. Arguably the water is very cool and it could be a tiny bit slippery, that said it adds to the sense of adventure!
Lunch and the other logistics
Usually, most tours often provide lunch, like a typical Filipino spread. Do not anticipate anything fancy, though! You might be able to get rice, grilled fish or pork, some veggies. More or less it fills a hole. It’s still an idea worth considering, to perhaps pack some extra snacks anyway. That said you would be doing a full day adventure!
And in a way make absolutely certain of what’s usually included in that tour price. You will find that that there’s entrance fees, equipment rental (like your snorkel gear for Oslob), and guidance fees. Bringing small bills is typically also great for tipping those guides who were just so very helpful and friendly.
Things to Consider Before your Book
- Ethical concerns with Oslob: It’s very worth doing a bit of research on that effect on the whale shark population, which usually occurs due to the feeding program. Now, many folks basically do have really strong feelings in any case.
- The Crowds: Typically, Oslob is very popular, specifically in peak season. Anticipate loads and loads of other tourists. That may really affect that experience for you.
- Fitness level: Basically Aguinid Falls requires that bit of climbing, so you actually really should be relatively fit, more or less or mobile.
So, is the Tour Really Worth Doing?
Typically, this depends on you, actually! Usually, if you tend to be short on time and also really wish to see whale sharks, and are in the mood for a really adventurous day, more or less then yeah, more or less then it may possibly be worth doing. Now, if your quite sensitive in some respects to ethical tourism quandaries, or you perhaps dislike huge crowds, it could well be better to look to other things. Usually there are responsible ways to basically interact responsibly with wildlife! Possibly, seeing the whale sharks and heading on towards the waterfalls really isn’t going to always be a peaceful experience, although it typically is very memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is that whale shark watching secure for that sharks?
That is an actually valid worry! While these tourism regulators usually state its whale shark watching usually has strict rules to literally minimise the impact, like your keeping a specific distance plus no touching, usually some worry it basically changes migration patterns plus their usual feeding behavior. Make absolutely certain of literally researching that operator; this is when your choosing a tour company and ask them to, more or less show how they actually support really sustainable practices.
Just how does I obtain myself towards Oslob right from Cebu town?
That is probably by bus! South Bus Terminal would get you directly to Oslob from Cebu and that is going to be approximately three – four hrs . Always make absolutely certain that it’s literally an air-conditioned bus! Or just consider actually doing a arranged tour that provide comfortable transport .
Should you will have actually knowledge to swim with whale sharks?
Basically you truly don’t have any of swimming experience and literally no stress: This is something the usage of life jackets do it! When you yourself are slightly intimidated they’re close to literally these big fellows that being said really usually keep at a distance that’s literally decent and enjoy. Basically there’ll often there always be some brief guideline lessons before literally entering within this liquid, for some to make certain absolutely everyones safety.
Should I Personally just literally carry with your personal water evidence digicam towards my journey??
You you also seriously want to. And the opportunities which come once-in-a life that would be, like for one of whale sharks . Usually double confirm every item with what tour has been offering- up the chances like a images will be given with. Alternatively it’s a worthwhile just for sure ! Basically that there were many spectacular scenarios usually.
Key Takeaways
- Whale shark interaction basically may have ethical issues because their usual nourishing behavior could actually also experience consequences of .
- The time there towards Oslob in this actual the Cebu can become reasonably comprehensive usually with really take that seriously seriously just previously .
- Aguinid typically is like the collection of waterfalls that offer amazing adventures for that one climb usually although the fact really is .
- Find just what usually had been that which contained at tour rates ; commonly the thing usually includes dinners nonetheless bring up snacks if it will give .