I have seen a lot of unexpected things while traveling around Cebu. But seeing sharks swimming in the water along the highway in Santander? Now, I must tell you, that’s something else.
The Sharks of Santander
In the early months of 2024, I came across a viral video on Facebook showing tourists pulled over along a seaside road in the southern town of Santander. They were gathered at a well-known concrete ledge along the highway, pointing excitedly at the water. The caption read something like: “Sharks spotted just meters from the shore!” Of course, I was intrigued. I thought, Could this really be happening here in Cebu?
So, one random Sunday, I decided to take the long drive down south to Barangay Pasil in Santander to check things out myself.
When I got there, I instantly knew that I was at the right spot. There were people by the side of the road, some standing on the concrete barrier, others holding up their phones and scanning the water. I parked my motorbike across the road, walked closer to the edge, and looked down.
And there they were.
The Sharks Upclose
Swimming just a few meters from the shore were real sharks. Not many, but enough to make my heart skip a beat. I was amazed. They were gracefully gliding through the clear, shallow water, their dark silhouettes dancing with the waves. I later learned that they were blacktip reef sharks. Based on a little research, they are usually harmless and known to be quite shy.
Locals say these sharks have been spotted in the area multiple times in 2024. Although there is no news if they’ve returned to that same spot recently, there is a big chance that they might return someday. Apparently, they like to hang out in the shallow parts during certain times of the day. And this could also be because of how rich the waters of Cebu are.
Despite their size and reputation, blacktip reef sharks are said to be generally timid. Most of the time, they avoid people and swim away if anyone gets too close. Still, no one dared to dip their toes in the water. And that’s a good thing. People were just happy watching them from a safe distance.
It was a great experience. Something you wouldn’t expect to see unless you’re in a documentary or snorkeling in some remote island. And yet, there I was, standing on a roadside in Santander, watching sharks go about their day like it was no big deal. Indeed, we Cebuanos are truly lucky!
If you’re planning a trip down south, I highly recommend making a quick stop in Barangay Pasil. I can’t guarantee anything. But, who knows? The sharks of Santander might be there waiting to say hello.
