Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle

Unfortunately, of all the tours we did, this was by far our LEAST favourite. We had initially booked a group tour but were advised the day before it that not enough people booked and were recommended to upgrade to a private tour. Our driver/ guide Abam, was fantastic! Such a nice guy and great to talk to, but unfortunately that was the best part of this tour. We didn’t realise that we were being taken to see the whale sharks in a netted off area where they are lured into with food. As beautiful as they were, it was super sad. Then we were taken to see the sardine run and the turtles. The water conditions and clarity was terrible and we could hardly see anything. To be fair, there were a lot of sardines. They were basically everywhere and it was kinda cool if you’re into that. But when it came to seeing the turtles, well there was just 1 turtle and so many people crowded around. You could barely see it as the clarity was so bad and it was so scared is was laying still on the ground with nowhere to go and so scared. There were other guides there as well physically pushing us out of the way so their guests could take photos. The water was really dirty and I was stung by what I’m assuming is sea lice from all the seaweed that wrapped around us while we were snorkelling. The guides for this part were also really good but the experience as a whole was sub par. Won’t be recommending this tour to anyone.

He and his wife participated. He came to the hotel at 3 o'clock in a sedan and we went to Oslob. Driving at nearly 100km/h was a bit scary. However, when we arrived in Oslob, a beautiful female local guide accompanied us and took us to the waterfall for an extra 50 pesos, buying tickets for Oslob, breakfast at a nearby restaurant (thin bread with fried eggs, banana flavor...) while we waited. He was very proactive and kind to me, taking pictures and carrying luggage. Whale sharks are really close and big. It was moving. Another 500 pesos. And it's better to have a go-pro. He took a lot of videos. After that, head back to the restaurant for lunch. We had a course meal (soup, stir-fried vegetables, chicken, etc... with local flavors △) and were rocked by a sedan for two hours to see sea turtles and sardines. Sea turtles and sardines were shown by a local guide (two men) on a chartered board. The local guide is very good at diving. He added it for 800 pesos and took a lot of pictures. Sea turtles are close enough to touch. The sardines are full of jellyfish. Long sleeves and long pants are good. We then arrived at the hotel at 3pm, rocked by a sedan. ※From Oslob to sea turtles, all swimsuits are moved, so it is good to have a rash guard or a wet t-shirt. Waterfall Point is quite cold. * A female guide took care of the valuables on the ground in Oslob (I don't think I can take them on the boat). There was no sense of distrust. In sea turtles, they could be taken on a boat.

Impressed by the proximity of whale sharks and sea turtles! The local guide was very kind as well, with transportation to and from the hotel!!