whale shark tourism philippines

Where To See Whale Sharks Ethically In The Philippines

Last Updated on March 16, 2024

Picture this: You’ve dreamed of swimming with the world’s largest fish for ages and ages and after months of planning the seemingly perfect excursion, you arrive at the beach with hundreds of others in neon orange life jackets prepared for the same adventure. It’s crowded. You realize the whale sharks are mistreated and exploited and although you paid for the experience of a lifetime, you’ve realized that maybe it’s not all it’s cracked up to be even though it’s what EVERYONE raves about when they visit the Philippines.

Now, picture this: You arrive at the beach with a handful of travelers joining the tour (less than six), your boat captain, and a few local guides from the small village nearby. You’re cooked a FRESH, traditional Filippino lunch made by the wives of the whale shark spotters. You munch on, quite possibly, the greatest pineapple on the planet while overlooking an expansive, empty bay anxiously anticipating your first whale shark experience. At last, one of the spotters finds the first one, brings you on his paddleboat, and takes you out to experience the solitude of the open bay along with one of the most magical creatures in the ocean. Bucket list-worthy. Am I right?!

Which sounds more appealing? Have I piqued your interest in option number two?

When I was planning my trip to The Philippines, I wanted to make sure that I was traveling sustainably. I toyed around with the idea of just going to the Oslob whale shark tours because it was convenient and whale shark sightings were basically guaranteed and it had fit in with my itinerary , but honestly, I couldn’t make the leap to go on that tour being aware of everything that I was supporting: unethical animal encounters and animal exploitation.

Chances are, if you’ve come across this post, you are in one of two boats:

BOAT 1 | You had no idea that Oslob was unethical. You had planned on visiting Cebu island and believe the tour is convenient but now having second thoughts after hearing about how unethical the tour is.

BOAT 2 | You are committed to making an ethical choice in your whale shark tour but aren’t sure what your options are.

No matter which boat you find yourself in, this blog post is going to give you the low-down on everything regarding seeing whale sharks in the Philippines and where the best place to see them ethically is. Let’s dive in, shall we?!

This post may contain affiliate links for the products or services I mentioned, but as always, all opinions are my own. I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase or booking through these links. This helps to support this space and keep me blogging, which I am so extremely thankful for.

Is it possible to swim with whale sharks ethically in The Philippines?

Depending on who you ask, this question can be answered with either a “ hell yeah! ” or a “ hell no “. While there are people that believe any and all animal encounters around the world are unethical, I am not one of those people. I believe that with the right intentions, practices, and environment, you can coexist with amazing animals, like whale sharks, without causing any harm. Psst! Swimming (ethically) with whale sharks is one of my many great travel tips for the Philippines , so make sure you brush up on those for a perfect trip to the Philippines!

When I was looking at whale shark tours in the Philippines, I had a lot of trouble finding a tour that was ethical.

I began with Oslob, on Cebu Island, and immediately ruled that out because it’s quite possibly one of the most unethical animal experiences I’ve come across (for reasons I’ll discuss in this blog post). Next, I researched Donsol, which led me to another dead end (I’ll discuss why down below). After I crossed those two spots off my list, it left me thinking, “ Where can I go to see whale sharks ethically in the Philippines? “. Then it happened. The shimmering gates of heaven opened before my computer and I discovered a very special, low-on-the-travel-radar region in the Philippines known as Leyte/Southern Leyte where you can swim with whale sharks without the crowds, harm, and that ‘ yuck, touristy ‘ feel.

After hours and hours, I had found the exact thing that I thought didn’t exist! So if you’re looking to swim with whale sharks, Southern Leyte is the best place to do it ethically. Why? Let’s talk about it!

How Whale Shark Tourism Began in The Philippines

Believe it or not, there is some controversy to the whole “ Oslob is unethical ” statement.

When I was still exploring around Cebu, I had met someone that organizes international tours, to make a long story short. He asked me about seeing the whale sharks in Oslob, and after expressing my thoughts on the ethical side of the matter, he told me that this form of tourism is actually good for the sharks? Why?

It all starts with how whale shark tourism began in the Philippines, so let’s go back and explore how this all came to fruition.

The Philippines is a third-world country and there aren’t any if, an’s, or but’s about it. The villagers here do what they need to in order to survive, and at one point, this meant killing the whale sharks in Oslob as a form of food and money for the village, the man in Cebu explained to me. People will argue that this makes the Oslob tours just, but that’s not particularly true. Whale Sharks in the Philippines have been a protected species, by law, since 1998. In addition to that, whale shark tourism wasn’t established in the Philippines until around 2011, so for a little over a decade, the villagers were making money from fishing, not whale shark exploitation.

So, even though it does provide the villagers with a living, this doesn’t mean that the unethical side of their practices can be swept under the rug. Whale shark tourism in Oslob is about money, money, and more money. None of the profits from the tours are reinvested for whale shark conservation or preservation, so they’re only used for monetary benefit. There are many other places to see whale sharks in an ethical environment, so promoting this malpractice is so far beyond unnecessary. I believe most people choose this tour out of convenience since traveling to other regions would be a “hassle”. However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, after all, isn’t it? Wouldn’t you go a bit further to make sure you’re supporting something good?

One of my favorite quotes by L.N. Smith describes this situation perfectly,

“Every dollar you spend . . . or don’t spend . . . is a vote you cast for the world you want.”

What world do YOU want?

Why Oslob isn’t the ethical option

+ why you shouldn’t go.

First things first, I know you’re going to be tempted to go anyway because you’re thinking, “ is it really that bad? “. Before you second guess yourself like I almost did, yes, it is. I follow many photographers and creators that have said that they ‘ wanted to see it for themselves ‘ to see if the tour was as bad as everyone said it is only to find out that, in fact, it is just as bad as everyone says it is while still posting their “bucket list” photos for their Instagram page. It’s very difficult to go through with these whale shark tours and feel good after leaving them. So please, trust me, the marine biologists stationed in the Philippines, and all the other sustainable travel bloggers that don’t recommend these tours.

There isn’t one exact reason why Oslob and Donsol are so unethical, so I want to break down everything you need to know before you decide to book a tour at either of these two locations and why you should go somewhere else instead. First things first, take a look at the reviews of the Oslob whale shark tours and the Donsol whale shark tours , specifically the negative ones (selected in the link). This is what really goes on during these tours that all those “picture-perfect photos” don’t tell you.

“Alright, alright, alright. Aaren, we get it, so what makes Donsol and Oslob so unethical?” 

So rather than I explain the nitty-gritty details in an extremely subpar way, I want to let the experts tell you . There is so much good research compressed into that blog post linked and I think that it gives much better detail than I could describe. Plus, I don’t want to simply regurgitate the same information as every other post about whale sharks in the Philippines, so I’ll let the experts handle it!

So, What Makes Southern Leyte So Much Better?

What makes it better + different, no crowds (i’m talking none).

I’m talking ZE-RO crowds. The tour that I tagged along on caps at ten people, but there were only four travelers total on my boat. It was myself, three other travelers, our boat captain, a handful of spotters, and a marine biologist! We had the entire bay to ourselves in the heart of high season! This was amazing because you didn’t have to squeeze past people to get a good view of the sharks and it felt 1000% more authentic to experience it with only a couple of people.

The Tour Supports Locals In Remote Regions

The spotters on our boats were locals from the village right off of Sogod Bay. This region of the Philippines doesn’t expect much tourism, so by taking this tour, you’re helping the spotters and their families. The wives of the spotters made us a fresh, traditional Filippino lunch that was probably the best meal that I had on my entire trip! If you’re focused on practicing sustainable travel, then this is the perfect tour to give back to the local communities in Leyte.

Marine Biologist On Board

Our marine biologist, Scarlet, had been living in one of the villages nearby documenting the whale sharks in Sogod Bay, and it was refreshing to have her on board to answer any questions that we had about whale sharks, the ocean, and conservation in general. One of the things that I enjoyed most about having her on board was that she was an INCREDIBLE freediver. I’ve always wanted to learn how to free dive and seeing her cut through the water so seamlessly all the way down to the sand BLEW. MY. MIND. It put in perspective just how massive these gentle giants are!

Raw, Natural Experience

This experience is a memory that I am going to remember for the rest of my life because of the atmosphere and quality of this tour. We ended up seeing five different whale sharks that day and were able to follow them and have long interactions with them before they swam off into the deep blues. At one point one of the tours, the spotters had picked me up from my spot and took me directly to one of the sharks (this guy was slicing through the water so fast with his paddle it was nuts) and whenever he told me to jump, I looked around and didn’t see anything.. come to my surprise it was right below us! I hopped out and came up close and personal (while still being the proper distance away). This was probably the most memorable part of my trip, hanging onto the back of boat being dropped off by one of the coolest creatures in the ocean. You can’t get an experience like this in Oslob or Donsol!

I don’t think my smile ever faded this entire boat ride. We were secluded in this beautiful, tropical bay, feasting on delicious food, and just being with nature. It was incredible.

Whale Shark Tour Options In Southern Leyte, Philippines

Padre burgos resort , *the best whale shark tour in the philippines*.

Price | inquire

Address | tangkaan ,  padre burgos, southern leyte province 6602,  philippines, contact | [email protected], reviews | trip advisor, peter’s dive resort.

Address | Peter’s Dive Resort PO Box 007, Maasin City 6600, Southern Leyte, Philippines

Price | 3500 PHP

Address |  candatag, malitbog, southern leyte, philippines 6603, my whale shark tour experience with padre burgos, philippines.

So, my trip to the Philippines was booked really last minute… Like a few months prior last minute. I booked my flights in January or February and headed out in March. Since I booked everything so late and I happened to be traveling to the Philippines during Holy Week, all the spots were booked up at Padre Burgos Castle Resort, the resort I booked my whale shark tour with so I ended up staying at Southern Leyte Dive Resort that was only a couple of minutes up the road.

Actually getting to my accommodation was a bit of a trip. I booked a flight from Dumaguete to Tacloban and then I scheduled a private transfer to my stay. Since this region of the Philippines is still developing in terms of tourism, there isn’t really any local transport that would be comfortable enough to make the drive from Tacloban City to Padre Burgos/Sogod Bay, so you’ll have to take a taxi, hire a driver, or take a bus to Massin City and then find transport to Padre Burgos. It’s not at all like Cebu or Dumaguete where a tricycle or habal-habal is seconds away. Plus, I would not want to drive three hours crouched in a tricycle or on a scooter. Talk about sore buttcheeks, am I right?!

The private transfer ended up being around 3500 PHP and then plus a little more I think since it was Holy Week. I was posted up in the backseat and ended up sleeping the entire way to the resort. I was exhausted after the previous week traveling and so it was much needed. I took a shower, went to bed, and woke up extra early to make my whale shark tour.

I had a slight issue getting to the resort since I didn’t have any signal to contact the driver that was coming to get me, but he eventually found me on the side of the road outside my resort, and we headed fifteen minutes to Padre Burgos Castle Resort. When I arrived, I was fitted for my snorkel and fins while they gathered the spotters and other travelers going on the tour. The four of us boarded the ship with the captain and we headed out into the bay. I think the ride into the bay was around forty-ish minutes if I remembering right. We were the only boat in the entire bay, so we were able to take in all the views over coffee and some notable breakfast cookies.

Once we arrived at the bay, we picked up, Scarlet, the marine biologist that was staying in a neighboring village, and we began the anticipated wait for the spotters to find the sharks. The thing about these tours is that whale sharks are never guaranteed, but we ended up seeing FIVE different sharks this morning! It took a minute for the spotters to locate them, but one after the other, they kept appearing and we would all hop back into the water to follow the sharks. Our boat sort of cruised around and once the sharks were spotted, we were taken a bit of a distance away with the big boat and then paddled in by the spotters to make sure the boats motor/sound-level didn’t disrupt the sharks. Every bit of it was 100% authentic, amazing, and downright surreal. I couldn’t believe that so many people saw whale sharks in the Philippines in Donsol or Oslob when this magical tour existed. The entire morning truly felt like some sort of dream!

After the five different whale shark interactions, we had one of the most memorable lunches from my trip. The boat hands had brought in a local lunch made by their wives from the nearby village and it was probably the great pineapple and noodles I’ve had in my entire life. Trust me, that’s a HUGE statement to make but I honestly couldn’t believe it. If you take this tour and luck out with no whale sharks, the lunch alone is worth the entire trip out here!

After lunch, we made our journey back to Padre Burgos. It began to rain a bit on our way back, so we all ended up wrapping up ourselves in towels since the rain and wind combo made the weather go from beautiful to frigid in about twenty minutes. Gotta love that island weather!

We boarded back at the resort, said our goodbyes, and went on our ways! I am still connected with one of the ladies that was on the whale shark tour with me! You’ll make lifelong bonds on a tour like this and I cannot say that Oslob or Donsol would do the same. You won’t regret taking this tour.

How To Get To Southern Leyte

No matter where you depart to get to Southern Leyte, there’s going to be a different mix of transportation options you can take based on your budget and how much time you have. It’s a bit of a journey to get here, but don’t let that discourage you from pursuing the tour! I was extremely hesitant since it was out of the way compared to the other stops on my itinerary, but the reward is more than worth the journey! I will say, though, that this part of the Philippines is pretty remote, so transportation options haven’t expanded much since it’s a low-traffic region. So, it’s a little difficult to get there, BUT you’ll have basically everywhere all to yourself!

Browse All Routes + Book Via Rome2Rio

Cebu (city) to southern leyte, via plane + transfer (10+ hours).

There’s a large chance that if you’re coming from any other island in the Southern Visayas, you’re going to have to fly through Cebu to get to Tacloban City since there are very limited options when it comes to direct flights. You’re going to fly out of the Cebu-Mactan Airport directly to Tacloban City and then book a private transfer to your resort. Alternatively, you can board a bus due for Maasin City, then find local transport from Maasin City to Padre Burgos. The bus ride is a little longer, but cheaper if you don’t have the means for a private transfer.

Via Ferry + Transfer (8 Hours)

This ferry route isn’t as bad as the one that I mentioned above since it does save you a little bit of time for the journey. From Cebu City you can board a ferry headed for Ormoc which takes around two hours and then after you land, find public transport to Maasin City with another transfer to Padre Burgos or you can get a direct route to Padre Burgos from Ormoc. I don’t think that there is any guarantee that the ferry is only going to be two hours, so proceed this route with caution and a bit of extra time in case things get delayed.

Siargao (+ other islands in the Visayas) To Southern Leyte

Via plane(s) + transfer (9+ hours).

To get to Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte from Siargao and other islands in the Southern Visayas (think Bohol, Romblon, Palawan, Dumaguete), it’s basically the same as the “plane + transfer” from Cebu, except you’ll be booking an additional flight from the island you’re on to Cebu and then onto Tacloban. So it’ll look a little like this, IAO > CEB > TAC > Private Transfer/Bus .

Where To Stay In Southern Leyte

The best place to stay in Southern Leyte is at the dive resort where you booked your whale shark tour. Ironically, I wasn’t able to stay at Padre Burgos Castle Resort because all the rooms were booked when I went to find a place to stay (kudos to myself for trying to book last-minute lol), so I ended up staying at the Leyte Dive Resort and really enjoyed my stay. If you can’t find a room at the resort where your whale shark tour is operating out of, check the other diving resorts in the area and see what is available.

I didn’t rent a scooter while I was in this region, so I paid a small fee to have one of the resort employees from Padre Burgos pick me up via scooter which made the whole not-staying-at-the-dive-resort thing a lot easier.

HELPFUL GUIDES FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES:

–  30 Travel Essentials For Backpacking Southeast Asia

–  50 Philippines Travel Tips For An EPIC Trip

–  The Best Time To Visit The Philippines

–  The BEST Philippines Packing List: What To Pack For The Tropics

LOOKING FOR DESTINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES? CHECK THESE OUT:

–  The Perfect Philippines Itinerary For 2 Adventurous Weeks

–  Tumalog Falls: Cebu’s Unmissable Waterfall

–  Canyoneering In Cebu: Epic Cliff Jumping

–  Exploring Kawasan Falls on Cebu (Without the Crowds)

–  Island Hopping in Siargao: Guyam, Daku, + Naked Island

–  Where To Stay On Siargao Island For A Dreamy Stay

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–  Casaroro Falls in Valencia: Hidden Waterfall Near Dumaguete (FULL GUIDE)

Do you love ethical animal encounters? Share with me your favorite experience below in the comments!

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4 comments on “ Where To See Whale Sharks Ethically In The Philippines ”

Hi! Thanks for your post! Did you reserve your whale shark excursion in advance? Do you know id they do the whale shark excursion everyday? In the same idea, did you reserve your transportation from Tacloban to Padre Burgos in advance? If so, how did you manage to do it? Any specific website?

Yes I contacted them in advance about the day I wanted to go on the tour. I think they have tours as long as there are enough people, so they probably plan around that. I recommend contacting them and trying to join a day where there are already people booked. As for the driver, I was able to reserve one in advance through the dive resort I stayed at. I wasn’t able to stay at Padre Burgos because it was sold out when I went to book, but they picked me up from where I stayed. I looked on their site and it looks like you can arrange an airport transfer through Padre Burgos, which is what I recommend (:

I hope that helps, Aaren

Wow amazing whale shark tours in Philippines.

It is incredible, isn’t it?! Did you get a chance to go on it? (:

Whale Sharks in The Philippines: Things to Know Before You Go

Get up close to the world’s largest fish, the whale sharks in The Philippines. Well, maybe it’s a bit too close for us in Oslob, which is where we went. Swimming with a whale shark is a unique wildlife interaction that will leave a lasting memory, but we recommend thinking it over if this really is what you want. In this short guide, we tell you our story, some useful tips, and an alternative.

Our Whale Shark Experience

Sorry for starting this article a bit skeptical. Swimming with whale sharks sounds like an amazing experience, and it is. But after seeing how this works at Oslob, we felt bad. We didn’t read any bad things about swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, so what we expected was a lot of people on a big boat, sailing away from the coast out on the sea. From there, we would jump into the water and see the whale sharks. However, the situation was much less attractive.

Read more about wildlife tourism & better alternatives

The people who run the company feed the Whale Sharks every morning, and not in the middle of the sea but just 50 meters away from the beach where we stayed. That’s a weird spot to swim with whale sharks, don’t you think?

Now that we’ve explained the real scenario, we still like to provide you with information and tips about this activity, in case you still want to do it.

Also read: Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Oslob, The Philippines

It’s best to stay in or near Oslob. Don’t book a tour to the whale shark diving spot. Arrange a tricycle, jeepney, or taxi and get to Tan-Awan village, 10 km to the south of Oslob.

Good to know before swimming with whale sharks:

• Get up early, be there around 5:45, and you’ll be on the first boat.
• Do not put sunscreen on! This isn’t healthy for the whale sharks.
• When you’re in the water, try to keep a certain distance (6+ meters) from the animal. Never touch this protected species, and watch out for their tails.

Swimming with whale sharks is safe as long as you stick to the rules.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Philippines trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

How to get to Oslob?

Ride a bus to Oslob at Cebu South Bus Terminal, which lies just beside the Elizabeth Mall. Don’t worry about getting on the wrong bus because there will be boards displayed clearly to guide you on which bus goes where. If you want to be absolutely certain, the guards and staff are friendly and will be more than happy to offer assistance.

Bus tickets cost around 150PHP (2.60 USD).

Whale Sharks in Donsol

Probably a better place to watch Whale Sharks is in Donsol. As far as we know, they don’t feed the whale sharks here, so spotting them can be more difficult. They are very clear about the rules and will make sure you stick to them, making this a better place to go to. Scuba diving and flash photography are prohibited, for example. Check out Bicol Dive Center in Donsol, the Philippines.

Everything about The Philippines

Where to Stay

If you’re choosing to go swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines, Donsol is the better option. Both here and in Oslob, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options.

Hotels in The Philippines 😴

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Canyoning in Cebu: Jump off Waterfalls in The Philippines

10 best things to do in el nido, palawan, 9 x best things to do in siquijor (travel guide).

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Amazing! This is great, you have just made everything so easy for people to see the whale sharks by your guide. Thanks for this.

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Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines – your full guide

Is swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines ethical? Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, making them a prominent feature on the bucket list of many divers and marine enthusiasts. However, in recent years the Whale Shark has been classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Many tourists venture to the Philippines and are enticed by the shots they’ve seen of people swimming up-close and personal with the Whale Sharks in Oslob.

However, unknown to many, Oslob and some other Filipino whale shark attractions conduct and encourage many unethical practices, which of course restricts the ability of Whale Shark populations to grow worldwide. This is only one example of unhetical practices you’ll find in regions around the world, such as in Southeast Asia, which is why it’s always good to read more about it before packing your backpack. Check out this post on how to travel respectfully to SEAsia .

Thankfully, there are many alternatives that are quite unknown whale shark experiences in the Philippines which pride themselves on the promotion of eco-tourism. One of these incredible experiences can be found off the coasts of Southern Leyte in Sonoc Bay.

A special thanks to Liv and Lew from @livandlew for this guest post giving us an inside look into Swimming with whale sharks. Keep reading and learn all there is to know about this activity with their full guide!

Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob: the reality behind this trending activity

As already mentioned, the most popular Whale Shark experience is found in Oslob. The site was established in 2011 and now welcomes on average 2,000 tourists a day! Many, including Liv and I, have this encounter as one of their must-do’s prior to travelling to the Philippines.

Upon our arrival in the Philippines, through discussions with locals and tourists alike, we decided that the Oslob Whale Shark encounter was not for us. The reason being is that the Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob experience is one of those in the Philippines which conducts unethical practices towards the animals.

Are you travelling to Southeast Asia? Check out our guide on how to travel Southeast Asia respectfully .

Now, we have not been to Oslob*, so the information we have gathered is second-hand. But, the main reasons this tourist attraction is deemed unethical is because:

• The Whale Sharks are fed vast amounts of krill by the local fishermen. A daily, reliable source of food prevents them from foraging naturally and travelling for their food supply. This means they: • Fail to consume many nutrients they would otherwise eat in a natural diet. • Do not take up their natural migration patterns . Whale Sharks are seasonal feeders, meaning they migrate across vast oceans to source their food supply. Not doing so, hinders their growth and breeding habits.
• Having so many people in the water at any one time means people touch the Whale Shark. Touching any marine life is unethical as we can transfer harmful bacteria to marine life and can damage the protective layers they build on their skin.
• The large numbers of tourists bring many boats to the shores of Oslob. There are numerous reports, and pictures, of Whale Sharks with severe injuries caused by them swimming into the boat’s propellers. Further, engaging with a wild animal never feels as natural when you form part of a queue with hundreds of other tourists and then have to find space amongst all these people in the water to try and attempt the perfect ‘insta selfie’.

* NOTE: Similar unethical experiences can be found in Lila (Bohol) and Donsol.

Read also: Kawasan Falls: an honest guide to Cebu’s most popular waterfall

Whale shark facts:

Firstly, a few fun facts about the Whale Shark:

• They are often found off the shores of countries honing tropical waters, including Australia, South Africa, The Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, to name a few.

• They predominantly feed on plankton and other small fish – not humans, even though they are a shark!

• The largest recorded Whale Shark had a length of 18.8m (62ft), but on average they are 9.8m (32ft).

• Their mouths can be as wide as 1.7m (5.7ft) and contain 30 rows of tiny teeth.

• The average Whale Shark weighs approximately 9 tonnes (20,000 lb).

• Pupping, as the birthing of Whale Sharks is referred to, has never been witnessed by humans.

Why should you go to Southern Leyte for swimming with whale sharks?

For over 25 years, the local people of Southern Leyte have developed a way of living alongside Whale Sharks, without exploiting them for personal gain. Juvenile Whale Sharks thrive in the Sonoc Bay, feeding on the vast quantities of plankton that can be found there.

Leyte itself is not widely visited by tourists – in comparison to its counterparts of Palawan, Cebu, Siargao and other Filipino hotspots. Therefore, given Southern Leyte is quite out-of-the-way you’re guaranteed to be experiencing your encounter alongside individuals who are passionate about the sustainability of marine life.

Our experience in Southern Leyte

Eager to set off on our first voyage, after hearing the success stories of fellow travellers who had been lucky enough to swim with the Whale Sharks the day prior, we headed down to the small private beach linked to our hotel at 8:30 am. We were greeted by Klaus , our captain, who first landed in Padre Burgos over 12 years ago. Since then he has trained many of the locals to Scuba Dive and most notably has developed the whale shark experience into what it is today.

Klaus has a strong ethical grounding, particularly when it comes to marine life. As we set off on the 1 hour trip across to Sonic Bay, on our small boat filled with 8 safer tourists and Klaus’ two crew members, we were briefed on the rules for the day.

Put simply:

• When we first ‘spot’ a Whale Shark, once given the signal we will each jump in a pre-meditated sequence, ensuring our fins are pointing downwards, in order to minimise the sound upon impact with the water which if it is too loud it will scare the whale sharks.
• Always stay 4m away from the front and back of the whale shark whilst keeping a distance of 3m to the sides.
• Do not actively touch the whale shark. Contact can only be made if the whale shark swims toward you and you are unable to get out of the way.

As we pulled into Sonoc Bay, we were greeted by approximately 15 ‘spotters’ each on their own singular rowing boat, and a researcher from the La Mave research institute who joined us on our whale shark interaction. Polly – our researcher for the day – is a whale shark expert. Her role is to clarify the rules for whale shark interaction and to observe any whale sharks we are lucky to see. The researchers are incredibly helpful and are able to answer any questions you may have.

The spotters, put in a mammoth effort, each rowing around the Sonoc Bay whilst occasionally putting on their masks and sticking their heads under the water to look for whale sharks. Incredibly, some continue to row whilst having their heads under the water. A particular mention goes to Baloy – who has spent 25 years operating as a spotter in these waters and as such his ability to spot the whale sharks is second-to-none.

Once greetings were complete, and the researcher came on board, we instantly heard our first call of “whale shark” from one of the spotters. Incredibly, we were about to have our first swim with the whale sharks after less than 5 minutes of entering the bay.

As the adrenaline rush hit, we entered the water and swam, face-down looking for our first whale shark. Out of the depths of the dark blue water, it appeared. It’s impossible to put into words the feeling when the shark comes into eyesight for the first time. Its enormity is astonishing, matched by its elegance as each stroke of its huge tail pushes it through the water. Go-pro in hand we swam as hard as we could to keep up.

The shark would occasionally come into shallower depths, giving us the chance to put our somewhat limited free-diving skills to the test. Thankfully we were good enough swimmers to get side-by-side with the whale shark. What’s apparent is that the whale shark is conscious we were there, but simply did not mind. We were able to spend 15 minutes swimming at a pace with the whale shark before it had had enough food and returned to the depths of the Ocean, out-of-sight.

We returned to the boat, sharing our photos with other members of the group. 15 minutes later, our second call came from the spotters. We returned to the sea, following the same process as before, and spent another 5 minutes swimming alongside our second spot of the day, which was equally amazing. Unfortunately, that was to be our last interaction of the day. We spent the remaining 2 hours of our 3-hour trip searching the waters to no avail.

After 2 hours spent on the boat, enjoying the sun and chatting to the other crew members, we stopped for lunch in the next bay along the shore and did some snorkelling before starting the 1-hour journey back. With the adrenaline from the day still kicking in, we immediately convinced Klaus to run the tour again the next day – something which was currently not planned.

The next morning we set off a little earlier at 8:00 am this time with only 2 other travellers. Our researcher Nat was really insightful and taught us about the importance of the conservation of whale sharks. Astonishingly we had 8 interactions this day, with 5 different whale sharks. The most notable occasion was when we swam with one for about 5 minutes before it set off into the depths. Upon swimming back to the boat we heard the call from Baloy – who was approximately 50m away – that it had come back up near his boat. We hurled over to him and Liv gave him our GoPro. As already mentioned Baloy is an amazing free diver and he was able to spend around 30 seconds at a depth of approximately 15 metres alongside the shark.

Once this shark had left for good, we swam back to the boat. Again, we heard the call from a spotter. Klaus then told us all to hold onto the ropes attached to the side of the boat. We held on as we shot over to the call, which was such good fun. We were then greeted by our biggest shark of the day, at 8m long.

Unfortunately, we did not capture the footage of this, however as we were pelting through the water searching the blue depths, Liv stopped still in her tracks as the whale shark came into sight. Mouth wide open going head to head we were so lucky to take in this intimate moment – before the shark swam under her, which thankfully Klaus had told us beforehand they would do.

Sitting on the front of the boat, as we head back to our hotel for the final time, it was quite apparent that this had just been one of the best experiences of our lives, one we cannot recommend highly enough, nor one we can do justice by writing about. This experience was more than just an eco-tourism attraction, we left with an education and respect for marine life like nothing before.

Best tips for swimming with whale sharks in Southern Leyte

• If you stay in a hotel in Pintuyan, near Sonoc bay, you are able to pay 800 pesos to spend the day on a spotters boat • Donsol has both an unethical and ethical swimming with whale shark experience. The ethical experience is a little more known than Southern Leyte but is an alternative if it fits your route better. • The best time to visit the whale sharks in Southern Leyte is between December and April

How to get to Pintuyan?

So, how to get to Pintuyan? We will cover the routes from Cebu/Bohol and Siargao – the two most likely destinations prior to arriving in Leyte.

Firstly, you have two options for accommodation. The first is to stay in a hotel in Pintuyan, or you can stay on the other tail of the island in Padre Burgos. From there, you’ll take a 1-hour boat ride across the sea to reach the whale shark spot. We opted for Padre Burgos and the transfer was included in our whale shark package. If you’re lucky you’ll spot some dolphins en route across the sea!

HOW TO GET TO PINTUYAN FROM CEBU/BOHOL

(approx. 5.5 hours to Pintuyan and 4.5 hours to Padre Burgos) This is the route we took. The quickest route is to take a bus to Ubay port in the north of Bohol. Buses tend to run hourly in Bohol heading both North and South and you’ll be able to flag one down if you stand on the nearest highway. Buses are the cheapest mode of transport in the Philippines and you’ll pay no more than 150 PHP ( prices will vary depending on where you join the bus ).

From Ubay port there is then an 11:30 am fast boat which runs once daily. There are other, slower options, you’ll be able to find information online. We paid 300 PHP for the fast boat and docked in Bato port on the island of Leyte 1.5 hours later.

When docking in Bato port, a short stroll to the end of the pier will bring you to the local bus and tricycle station. Loads of minibus operators and tricycle drivers will offer to drive you to Southern Leyte for 3000 PHP. However, we strongly recommend taking a bus from the bus station.

Now if you’re staying in Pintuyan, you’ll need to take a bus to Sogod, before changing buses and heading south to Pintuyan. If you’ve opted to stay in Padre Burgos you can take a bus to Macrohon, where you can then get a cheap Jepney or tricycle to Padre Burgos.

HOW TO GET TO PINTUYAN FROM SIARGAO

(approx. 4 hours to Pintuyan) If coming from Siargao, it is recommended to stay in Pintuyan. To reach Pintuyan you’ll need to take one of the 5 daily ferries to Surigao. Check out updated information on discoversiargao.com . Ferries leave from Dapa .

Once there, you’ll have to head to Surigao Lipata Port where you will be able to take one of the three ferries that run each day to San Ricardo Port, which is then a short drive to Pintuyan.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Lewis and Liv have been travelling – albeit with a few interruptions from a global pandemic! – since 2019. In that time they’ve built a self-converted campervan and mix up their time travelling Europe in their camper, and backpacking further afield to Asia, Africa and the like.

They have plans to continue their travels for at least two more years – with South America, Asia and Africa coming in the next 12 months – and aim to provide insights to their followers on how to travel the world on a reasonable budget. Follow their adventures on @livandlew !

Would you like to write a blog post for backpackersintheworld.com? Send us an email at [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram .

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My girlfriend and me want to go snorkeling with the tiki-tiki in Pintuyan. What are the best places to stay to be sure to arrange a tour? We cannot seem to find that much information, but are now planning to stay in Padre Burgos or Pintuyan but accommodations are limited.

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Whale Sharks in Donsol, Philippines

Options for responsible tourism in the philippines.

Experience See – Photos & Videos Go – Getting There Do – Activities & Attractions Stay – Accommodation Eat – Restaurants Time – Seasonality & Schedules Safety – Possible risks Pay – How much does it cost? Responsible Travel – Best Practices Reality Check – Be Aware JOIN US! Travel Packages Offered

Why is Donsol famous?

Known as “the whale shark capitol of the world”, Donsol’s main attraction is whale watching , where tourists have the opportunity to interact with whale sharks (known locally as “butanding”) through activities such as snorkeling, diving, or observing them as they surface.

My Experience

I drifted through the murky, dark water and rose slowly to the surface as the dive drew to a close. A colossal shadow suddenly loomed large above me. It was the unmistakable shadow of a Whale Shark, and as I reached for my GoPro, all thoughts of the ascent went out the window as I gazed in awe at the behemoth that was circling our small group of divers.

Within moments, the Whale Shark was gone, disappearing into the blue again. A few seconds later, a smaller, younger Whale Shark appeared from the same direction. Gliding gracefully overhead, the young calf had soon followed the parent into the abyss.

This had been my last dive in Donsol, the Philippines, and the last chance for me to see Whale Sharks in a natural setting. The Bay of Donsol, due to the enormous quantities of algae and plankton in the water, attracts large populations of Whale Shark throughout the year. But of course, the bay is big, the water is deep, and there is never any guarantee of seeing these magnificent fish.

After three days of boat rides and diving, on my last day out on the water, the Whale Sharks had made their appearance. The boat captains knew that the ‘Butanding,’ as the world’s largest fish is known to the local Filipinos, would feed out in a submerged crater known as Manta Bowl.

The Manta Bowl is deep, and the dive would take me down to 30 meters. The current is strong, and there is little to do but drift across the bottom of the bowl and hope the Whale Sharks turned up for the show.

After the first two dives of the day, there were no sightings, but on the third and final dive, running low on air and rising to safety stops, the Whale Sharks appeared out of the gloom, ever so briefly.

It had been a fleeting visit, but an encounter with a Whale Shark is always humbling, no matter how quickly they disappear again.

Back to Top

SEE – Photos & Videos

GO – Getting There

Until recently, Donsol was just a small, sleepy fishing village; today, it’s just a small, sleepy fishing village with a few hotels and a Whale Shark Interaction Centre. Donsol is located on the southern end of Luzon, and the easiest way to get here is to fly into the city of Legazpi .

There are regular flights – almost hourly – to Manila and Cebu, from where you can connect internationally or to anywhere else in the Philippines. From the airport in Legazpi, a short tricycle ride will bring you to the large minibus terminal – opposite the SM City Mall – where you can catch a transfer direct to Donsol. The buses leave when they are full and generally take around 60-90 minutes.

The minibusses drop passengers in the center of Donsol, but most of the accommodation, the dive shops, and the Whale Shark Interaction Centre are all located along the coast, around five kilometers away. You can easily grab a tricycle to your final destination though.

Do – Activities & Attractions

Whale Shark Interactions

The main reason to visit Donsol is for the Whale Sharks. The rich waters of the bay attract these beautiful creatures for certain periods of the year, and Donsol has created a tourism initiative that – unlike the infamous operations at Oslob, in Cebu – keeps the Whale Sharks wild.

At the Whale Shark Interaction Centre, you sign up for a boat trip across the bay. This three-hour tour will allow you to swim with the Whale Sharks if they are spotted, but there are no guarantees you’ll see them. The Whale Shark tours are led by trained Whale Shark Interaction Officers, and there are stringent rules you’ll be required to follow that help keep things here sustainable.

Although diving is not allowed in much of the bay, just outside of Donsol Bay, in the strait between Luzon and Ticao Island, there are some spectacular dive sites. Manta Bowl is the best, where Whale Sharks are often found feeding, but also where you are likely to spot Sea Snakes and Manta Rays.

There are some great dive sites along the coast of Ticao Island too, which are easily reachable by boat from Donsol.

Firefly Tours

When the sun sets over Donsol, the river comes alive with the noise and light of fireflies as they fill the trees and the mangroves every evening. The unusual phenomenon can be experienced by taking a small boat cruise along the river in the darkness, led by a local guide who will explain precisely what brings the fireflies here.

Waterfalls and Beaches

In the surrounding forest are some lovely waterfalls, but to find them, you will need a tricycle driver to show the whereabouts. You can take time off from Whale Shark watching to explore the local area, discover waterfalls, or simply relax on the beaches found along the coast.

Stay – Accommodation

Almost all the hotels are found along the coastal road leading out from the center of Donsol. It’s a nice, quiet area, but to get to town, you’ll need to jump on a tricycle. Most of the hotels have restaurants and bars though and are reasonably self-contained.

Budget options are limited, but most of the ‘resorts’ aren’t too expensive. Accommodation can be basic; Donsol is still developing its infrastructure, and you can’t expect to have hot water all the time or fast wifi. Most hotels overlook the beach and the bay though and are great places to relax.

During high season and public holidays, accommodation can get booked out in Donsol, as the available options can be far less than the demand.

Eat – Restaurants

Eating options can be limited in Donsol. In the town itself, you have lots of local market stalls and local eateries serving up cheap Filipino dishes. The hotels mostly serve food and drinks, but the menus, while they may look extensive from the outset, are fairly limited, as most of the items may not be available! You can expect lots of rice, Filipino meats, and just a few vegetables.

Time – Seasonality & Schedules

Timing can be everything when it comes to spotting Whale Sharks in Donsol. The official season runs from November through to May; however, at the start and end of the season, few Whale Sharks can be spotted in the bay. February through to April, which is the Filipino summer, is when the highest numbers are recorded.

Storms can throw off your chance of seeing these creatures, as they retreat from the bay. So if there has been heavy rain before your trip, you may want to reconsider. Ultimately though, a bit of luck is always involved; you can increase your chances of spotting a Whale Shark by spending more days in Donsol itself.

Safety – Possible risks

Donsol is a safe destination to visit. The local economy now relies on tourism, so you can rest assured that you will be looked after.

Of course, the activities you’ll be doing here may present dangers in themselves, so if you are diving, make sure you are comfortable with the company and with the dive sites you are visiting, and that they suit your level of experience.

Be careful of the strong sun when you are out on the boats, and take plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Please Note:  Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.

Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.

Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).

Pay – How much does it cost?

Donsol is an incredibly inexpensive place to experience Whale Sharks in their natural habitat, particularly in comparison to other parts of the world.

Transport from Legazpi City to Donsol costs just 98 Pesos (2 USD), tricycles in Donsol cost anywhere from 20 to 40 PHP for a trip around town.

The Whale Shark tours organized by the Interaction Centre cost 3500 PHP per boat, but this is split between a maximum of six tourists. Each tourist also pays an additional 300 PHP conservation fee.

Diving is very cheap here; three dives, including lunch, water, and all your equipment will cost around 100 USD in total.

Accommodation varies in price, but you can find basic lodgings for around 10 USD per night, and nicer private rooms with a swimming pool for 30 USD.

Responsible Travel – Best Practices

Donsol is all about responsible tourism; it’s a destination that has thrown everything into sustainable travel, rather than the Oslob approach of feeding the wild animals to bring them to the bay. There are strict rules that must be enforced. If you ignore these rules, your boat captain has the power to turn the boat back to land.

You can’t touch the whale sharks, time in the water is limited, and you must keep a certain distance at all times. Boat numbers are limited, as are the number of tourists per boat. Scuba Diving is not allowed in the main bay, but it is allowed out in the strait. Equally, if you see your boat captain not following the rules, tourists are asked to report them to the Interaction Centre.

Reality Check – Be Aware

Donsol, despite its focus on sustainable tourism, is still an emerging tourist destination. The rules of Whale Shark Interaction and knowledge of the fish themselves is an ever-developing process as the town learns from mistakes. Accidents do sometimes happen, and there can be collisions with the Whale Sharks, but for the most part, the rules enforced here keep incidents to a minimum. You are not guaranteed to see whale sharks, but this is the best place in the Philippines to do it as ethically as is possible.

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This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Follow this link for our ‘ Choose Your Own Adventure ’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

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Learn more about the Philippine’s whale sharks and find out what it’s like to swim with them in Cebu!

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Bohol Lila Whale Shark Watching & Snorkeling Private Day Tour with Transfers

Description

Swim with gentle whale sharks in the clear waters of Lila town through this Bohol whale shark tour. This experience is perfect for animal lovers as you will get to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The tour also includes land and boat transfers, the service of guides, and free hotel pick-up and drop-off within Panglao Island or Tagbilaran City. 

This Bohol private tour also comes with free use of snorkeling gear, but you are encouraged to bring your own gear if you have it for health and safety reasons. Also, remember to pack sunblock and an underwater camera if you have one.

Your Lila, Bohol whale shark tour starts when your guide fetches you at 8 AM. From there, you will be driven to the local port, where you will board a boat. You will then start sailing to areas where the whale sharks often feed. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled and listen to your guide as they look for whale sharks. However, remember that since they are migratory animals, there is no guarantee that you'll spot one during your tour. 

If you are lucky to see one in the water, feel free to put on your snorkeling gear and slowly ease into the water. It's best not to jump into the sea to avoid startling the whale sharks while they feed. Remember to keep a safe distance from them, so you don't accidentally hit or step on them while you swim. You can also bring your underwater camera to snap photos of these gentle giants in their natural habitat. 

After swimming with the whale sharks, you will sail back to the local port. From there, you will ride an air-conditioned van back to your hotel. 

Experience swimming with whale sharks off the shores of Lila town on Bohol Island by booking this day tour. Check the availability by choosing a date. 

DISCLAIMER: Seeing whale sharks during this tour is NOT GUARANTEED. Whale sharks are migratory animals, and even during the whale shark season, there is a possibility that you may not encounter one during your tour.

Attractions

What to bring

Good to know.

This is a private tour. Meals are not yet included. You may opt to bring your own snorkeling gear but your boatmen will have some ready for you. Activities not indicated are to be paid on site should guests want to avail themselves.

Children Friendly: Children 12 and above may join this activity.

Pet Friendly: No. Please understand that this is for your fur baby's safety.

Senior Citizen/PWD Friendly: There are no extreme activities included in this experience.

Pick-up time is at 8:00 AM Philippine Standard Time from any hotel within the vicinity of Panglao or Tagbilaran. To change the pick-up time and location please request in advance so our operator may check if the itinerary will fit as we may need to move the pick-up time if the location is far and additional fee may apply.

The operator may cancel the tour in case of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions. In this case, you will be given the option to reschedule or request a full refund. Note that being late by 15-30 minutes without any advice is considered a no-show. Schedule cancellation requests must be made 48 hours before your original subject to approval.

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Please Don’t Feed the Whale Sharks? Fishing Town Says It Must, to Prosper.

The chance to swim with the world’s biggest fish drew tourists to a Philippines town, but conservation groups denounce the hand-feeding that keeps the gentle creatures around.

A fisherman feeding whale sharks in the waters around Tan-Awan, a small town in Cebu. Credit...

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Photographs and Text by Hannah Reyes Morales

• Oct. 24, 2021

TAN-AWAN, Philippines — In the predawn light, Lorene de Guzman paddles out to sea in his tiny wooden outrigger to hand-feed the giants living in the water.

One of the behemoths, a whale shark known as 180, swims up, its enormous mouth gliding across the surface of the still ocean.

“Where have you been?” Mr. de Guzman asks 180, whom he hasn’t seen in weeks, as he drops handfuls of shrimp into the water and gently scrapes some debris from the shark’s body. “You must have traveled to a far-off place.”

When 180 is done with breakfast, Mr. de Guzman gazes out and waits in the calm water, hoping the tourists might return today, or some day.

The waters around Tan-Awan, his town of some 2,000 people in Cebu Province, attracted more than half a million tourists in 2019, all eager to interact with the huge and charismatic marine animals, which can reach over 60 feet in length.

While their size is imposing, whale sharks are gentle giants. Their mouths are gargantuan, but they are filter feeders. Their hundreds of vestigial teeth are tiny, and they can’t bite.

In prepandemic days, whale shark tourism was booming in Tan-Awan, which had been a sleepy fishing community until the area’s outsize animals became a global draw starting about a decade ago.

But even before the pandemic all but halted international visits to Tan-Awan, and to Oslob, the broader municipality surrounding it, difficult questions were being asked about a controversial relationship between a species in decline and a community grappling for survival.

Whale sharks are migratory, but tourism-dependent residents of Tan-Awan like Mr. de Guzman have kept at least some of them staying year-round with the highly contentious practice of feeding the wild animals on a daily schedule.

Posing no threat and often frequenting coastal areas, whale sharks and people have long been meeting, often to the animals’ detriment.

“The accessibility makes them quite a good target species,” said Ariana Agustines, a marine biologist who has researched the whale shark populations in the Philippines. “In terms of hunting, unfortunately, in the past; and tourism now in the present.”

Human feeding has changed the whale sharks’ behavior. “Typically they have a very varied diet,” Ms. Agustines said. “They eat coral, lobster larvae, different varieties of zooplankton, even small fish.”

But in Tan-Awan, they’re being provisioned with sergestid shrimp, known locally as uyap. “It’s just one type of food,” Ms. Agustines said. “This is a large deviation from their natural diet.”

The regular feedings have also altered their diving behavior, with these whale sharks spending more time close to the surface, resulting in significantly more scarring and abrasions on their bodies from boats and other floating hazards than those in non-provisioning sites.

But the appeal to tourists of a practically guaranteed sighting means Tan-Awan residents have no intention of abandoning the feeding practice, despite the growing pressure to stop. The tourism money means too much, with whale shark encounters bringing some $3.5 million into the area in 2019.

“The whale sharks lifted us up,” Mr. de Guzman said. “They gave jobs to the people.”

Besides, he said, the people who feed the sharks have grown close to the animals — and, they argue, the sharks close to them.

“They’ve taken to us. They will leave if we don’t feed them. It’ll hurt their feelings. They’ll sulk,” Mr. de Guzman says. “We feed them even if we run out of budget. We borrow money to feed them.”

The affection is made easier both by the sharks’ agreeable nature and by how readily identifiable individuals are.

Each whale shark has a unique constellation of spots, which bear a resemblance to stars in the night sky, the inspiration for its name in Madagascar, “marokintana,” or “many stars.” In Javanese, it’s “geger lintang” or “stars on the back.”

In the past, local fishermen avoided the sharks. But a little over 10 years ago, one fisherman, Jerson Soriano, started playing with them in the water. A resort owner in the area was struck by the spirited interaction and asked Mr. Soriano to transport some of his guests out on the water so they too could swim with the giants.

Mr. Soriano started baiting the whale sharks with uyap. More fishermen followed suit. They formed an association of sea wardens responsible for both feeding the sharks and ferrying the tourists to see them. Visitors posted their whale shark selfies on social media. Suddenly, the local waters were crowded with visitors.

The quiet town lit up with resorts and restaurants. Younger residents stayed to work in Tan-Awan, instead of migrating to the city or abroad. Mr. De Guzman’s income doubled, then tripled, and he rebuilt his home. The area’s only high school opened.

But the provisioning practice has come under strong criticism, with the World Wildlife Fund only one of many conservation organizations faulting the idea of whale shark feeding and urging tourists in the Philippines to go instead to Donsol, a non-provisioned site, to see them.

Almost 1,900 whale sharks have been identified in Philippine waters, the second-largest known population in the world. Scientists give individual whales numbers for names.

Globally, the whale shark population has been more than halved over the past 75 years, and their decline in the Indo-Pacific region has been even more rapid, at 63 percent, statistics that prompted their listing in 2016 as an endangered species.

Mark Rendon, the president of the sea wardens, is aware of the criticism but is unmoved. “We know the whale sharks better than they do,” he said of the efforts by conservationists to end the practice.

Of much greater and more immediate concern to Mr. Rendon are the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. With no tourists arriving, hospitality workers, motorbike drivers and whale shark boatmen have been scraping around for alternative sources of income. Across town, doors and windows were boarded up.

“A nightmare,” Mr. Rendon said.

As the pandemic stretched on, many of the whale shark wardens started returning to their former — and much less lucrative — trades: fishing and farming.

Conservationists point to the pain Tan-Awan is now feeling as a good reason to shun the feeding model adopted here.

“In most locations globally where they’re not being provisioned, it’s seasonal,” Ms. Agustines said of the appearance of whale sharks. “So with that seasonality, there is an opportunity for having a different set of income so that the community isn’t completely reliant on just one type, in the event that something happens.”

Pandemic or not, the whale sharks have continued showing up, right on time, to be fed.

Mr. Rendon said the wardens had turned to different government bodies to raise money for the more than 60 pounds of shrimp needed each day. “If that goes,” Mr. Rendon said of the small amounts of government aid, “all of this will disappear.”

This September, a fisherman went to Mr. Soriano’s home and found him dead. The man known as the father of Tan-Awan’s whale shark tourism boom had killed himself.

On the day he died, Mr. Soriano spoke with his sister, Rica Joy, who was alarmed by how thin he was. The family was told he died on an empty stomach. Like many of the other wardens, the money he made during the tourism boom didn’t last. “He was a one-day millionaire,” his sister said.

When Mr. de Guzman heads out to sea to feed the whale sharks, he often thinks of his children. Now that there’s little income from tourism, he says, his daughter helps out, sending money home from another province where she went to be a dive instructor.

“I fed my children by hand when they were babies,” Mr. de Guzman recalled. “It makes me think that all these whale sharks are my children.”

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ASIA , PHILIPPINES · March 23, 2020 Last Updated on March 12, 2024

DONSOL, PHILIPPINES: THE RESPONSIBLE WAY TO SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS

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I first swam with whales sharks off the island of Holbox, Mexico several years ago and had an amazing and ethical experience. When I began planning my trip to the Philippines, I knew I wanted to swim with whale sharks again, but I also knew I wanted to do it in a responsible way. With that in mind I added Donsol to my trip itinerary. 

Swimming with whale sharks has increased in popularity over the last few years, and has quickly made its way to the top of many travellers bucket lists. Whilst this may be good for local economies that rely on tourism it is not always good for the whale sharks themselves.

This particular wild animal sighting has been made even more enticing by social media. Instagram stars and bloggers with huge social followings have began posting about their “incredible and life changing” experiences swimming with whale sharks, and making their followers want to do the same thing. Sadly many of these people are ignoring the ethics of places they visit to swim with whale sharks, in favour of ensuring that they get the perfect Instagram photo.

The main problem location for this behaviour is Oslob, on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Chances are the majority of amazing whale shark photos you have seen were taken here and you probably now want to go too. To give the people posting these images the benefit of the doubt, perhaps they had not researched the location in advance so were not aware of the unethical practices, however what is really disappointing is that once they have been there they still choose to post their pretty pictures afterwards.

In this article I will share why you should not see and support swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, why you should instead visit Donsol and what to expect from your whale shark experience here.

Why You Shouldn’t Swim With Whale Sharks In Oslob

Oslob, Cebu has become the place to see whale sharks and the main reason is that you are guaranteed to see them. But have you stopped to ask yourself why seeing them is guaranteed?

These are wild animals, with migration patterns that surely means they can’t be seen year round. But in fact they can, and the reason is that the local fisherman began feeding and baiting the whale sharks several years ago to bring them close to the shores and close to the tourist filled boats.

This means that you will definitely see a whale shark, sadly it might be being hit by your boat whilst a huge number of tourists jump in on top of it to get their selfie. There is no protection for these animals in Oslob, no rules and as such the human interaction is not controlled.

Worse still, the feeding has made these whale sharks reliant on the boats and has messed with their natural migration pattern – we are truly disturbing the natural behaviour of these animals in a way that could seriously impact their future in our oceans.

From what I understand when you go here, hundreds of boats go out per day and line up ready for the whale sharks. A man in a kayak will pass in front of the boats feeding the whale shark behind him so that it follows him allowing each boat of tourists to drop into the water and take their selfie.

If you are opposed to places like Sea World, but you still choose to go to Oslob you need to check your ethics and realise you are supporting an amusement park if you go here. And worse still you are encouraging more people to do the same if you post about it.

Read what others have to say about swimming with whale sharks in Oslob:

• Why You Should Not Swim With Whale Sharks In Oslob  – WanderingRedhead.com
• Why We Chose Not To Swim With Whale Sharks in Cebu  – DontForgetToMove.com
• Why You Shouldn’t Swim With Whale Sharks in Oslob  – AlienChris.com

Why You Should Swim With Whale Sharks In Donsol

Donsol is a protected area for whale sharks in the Philippines. This means that there are strict rules about human interaction with the whale sharks and means that when you travel here you know that the experience you have has the least damage to the sharks natural environment.

None of the practices that happen in Oslob are in place here. You will go in search of the whale sharks and if you are lucky you will see one.

In 1998, an aggregation of whale sharks were seen off the coastal waters of Donsol, Sorsogon. This made the news and also caught the attention of Manila based shark traders who slaughtered 6 whale sharks. At this time the community, who had no experience with tourism together with support from WWF began an ecotourism programme to protect the whale sharks.

Since then, Donsol has been awarded the Kalakbay Award for the best ecotourism destination for 2003. In 2004, Time magazine voted Donsol as the best destination for an animal encounter in Asia.

What Are The Rules In Donsol?

The whale sharks are found relatively close to shore swimming around a bay so the boats that will take you out can circle around the bay in search of the whale sharks. There are a number of rules that will be told to you by the guides and also in a short video which you must watch before you go out on the boat. These are the key rules:

• Maximum of 30 boats permitted in the bay at any one time
• Maximum time in the bay of three hours. Only one morning schedule for boats to go our per day
• Maximum 6 persons (swimmers) per boat (plus driver, guide etc.)
• Maximum 3 people in the water at a time (however, this did not seem to be enforced at all)
• No touching the whale sharks
• Swimmers should stay 3 meters from the head and body and 4 meters from the tail
• Only 1 boat per whale shark (this was not enforced on my trip)

The Positives

When you choose to see whale sharks in Donsol, you are choosing the most ethical and responsible option in the Philippines.

The main positive about Donsol is this – you are seeing a wild animal in its true environment and you can feel good about the choice you made. I think the t-shirts that are on sale at the port in Donsol say it all “I would rather seek than feed”.

The Negatives

Whilst Donsol has made every effort to be an ethical and responsible place to swim with whale sharks there are still some negatives to be aware of.

• There is no guarantee that you will see a whale shark. They are not baited so it’s like heading out on a safari where you can search for hours and maybe not see a thing.
• When you do see a shark you and your fellow boat riders will jump into the water together meaning whoever jumps in first will probably get the best view and chances are you might miss it if the whale shark is moving quickly.
• The water was murky and dark, meaning the sighting may not be the perfect clear sighting you see at other locations.

Honestly, having swam with whale sharks in Mexico I did feel that whilst Donsol is protected and they have strict rules, the quantity of people in the water at any one time was still disruptive to the whale shark. In Mexico, we were allowed two people and one guide at a time in the water and this was not per boat, this was for  all the boats.

So each boat would wait as the next two people plopped into the water. This meant there really was very minimal disruption to the shark (please note, this was several years ago and practices in Mexico may have changed). In Donsol, there is maximum of six people per boat, but everyone can get in at the same time.

With a maximum of 30 boats in the bay, 6 x 30 could mean you end up with 190 people plus the guides in the water at the same time. Now this is unlikely and the boats are not always close together, but it’s something to be aware of.

What To Expect From Your Day With The Whale Sharks

We booked our whale shark trip with Bicol Dive Centre . My boyfriend did a lot of research and decided we should go with a proper dive centre rather than simply lining up at the port and joining a boat. This seemed to work out really well and we were happy with the service we got at Bicol.

You will be picked up from your hotel at 7.30am to take you to the dive centre. Make sure to have some breakfast before you go. At the Dive centre you will receive masks and fins and complete a registration form and watch a video detailing the rules of swimming with the whale sharks.

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You will then head onto the boat and start your search for the whale sharks! This happens in the bay directly in front the beach so you don’t travel far out to see and the water is relatively calm. When you do see a whale shark you will line up with the other swimmers on your boat with the guide at the front and you will all drop into the water together.

To be totally honest, this was very frantic and not a calm or serene experience at all! Hopefully, you will then get to have a good view of the whale shark before clambering back onto the boat to do it all again when you see another one!

After three hours your adventure is over and you will head back into the dock – hopefully with lots of great memories to take with you!

What Other Dives Can You Do In Donsol?

If you have a few days in Donsol and some dive experience then you should add a dive at manta bowl to your itinerary. Manta bowl has mantas, whale sharks, sometimes thresher sharks all congregated at the same spot.

Your day will include three dives, one easy entry dive at San Miguel island followed by two dives at Manta Bowl. San Miguel island is about one hour from Donsol and then it’s another 45 minutes to Manta Bowl. (The journey back is 1.45hrs from the Manta Bowl to Donsol)

Since we had not dived for a while and had an early flight the next day we decided not to dive at manta bowl and instead go along with the dive boat to snorkel at these two spots. Whilst it was a nice day out at sea I honestly could not recommend doing the same.

The only way to see manta bowl is by diving and unless you are lucky enough to see a whale shark surface you will likely circle around for a few hours and see nothing. The day trip starts at 8am and finishes at 5pm and that’s a long day if you don’t get lucky and see a whale shark. The divers on the other hand had great success and saw multiple whale sharks on both dives in the manta bowl.

Where To Stay In Donsol

Since Donsol is not yet an established tourist destination, accommodation is limited. If you are looking for a luxury hotel that will not be an option, however there are enough great options to choose from. Personally I prefer a smaller hotel that is not part of a chain so the options in Donsol were perfect for me.

We chose the Elysia Beach Resort which cost roughly US $60 per night for a comfortable double room next to the pool. I really fell in love with this place, despite running full occupancy, you felt like you had it all to yourselves. It was quiet, tranquil and I just wished I had more than three nights here!

• Elysia Beach Resort
• Vitton Resort
• Donsol Aguluz Homestay
• Villa Peralta Inn
• Find the best price on hotels in Donsol here
• Sign up to Air BNB with this link and receive a US $35 off your first booking!

Getting To Donsol

Getting to Donsol is easy! There is absolutely no way that anyone can use the excuse that getting to an alternative location to see whale sharks was difficult so they chose Oslob, this is simply not true. To get to Donsol, you take a one hour flight from Manila to Legazpi and then a one hour car ride from Legazpi to Donsol. Easy peasy. You just need to allow a couple of days to add this into your itinerary.

Other Resources

• Bicol Dive Centre
• WWF: Donsol Community-Based Whale Shark Ecotourism and Coastal Resource Management 

To summarise, I absolutely loved my time in Donsol. We saw whale sharks and got to experience them in a way that I could feel good about.

Travelling is a privilege and a responsibility, if you are fortunate enough to be able to travel please do your research and if you see something that you don’t agree with stand up and say something about. Tell others so that together we can all be more responsible travellers.

We hope that this article has helped plan a responsible way to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines. If you have any questions or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Do you want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Read More About The Philippines

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• 5 Most Unforgettable Places In The Philippines
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Exciting & Sustainable Whale Shark Tours in Southern Leyte by Peter’s Dive Resort

With nearly 2,000 whale sharks ( Rhincodon typus ), the Philippines is home to the world’s second-largest population of the ocean’s biggest fish. The tropical archipelago is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks — locally called butanding in Tagalog — in the wild. Growing to lengths of up to 18 meters long, they are magnificent but docile leviathans that feed on shrimp, zooplankton and small fish.

Whale Shark Tourism in the Philippines

Whale shark tourism in the country started in Donsol, Sorsogon in 1998, followed by the controversial and overcrowded tours in Oslob, Cebu in 2011, where the sharks are baited with uyap (small shrimp) to keep them around longer for days or weeks in a specific area for the amusement of up to 2,000 tourists everyday.

While the popular activity has benefited the local economy in Oslob, the feeding of whale sharks is an unsustainable practice that disrupts the feeding and migratory behaviors of the animal, and conditions them to approach boats for food, hence increasing the risk of sea vessel collisions, resulting in injury or death. (Read WWF-Philippines’ statement on Oslob whale shark interactions here .)

Donsol tours are a far better option than Oslob. However, while there’s no feeding happening here, some visitors have complained about overcrowding and poor enforcement of the interaction rules among guests.

Sustainable Whale Shark Tours of Sogod Bay

A third option – which in my opinion is the best place to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines – is Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte . Peter’s Dive Resort , one of only a handful of dive operators in the bay area, offers sustainable snorkeling tours with whale sharks or tiki-tiki in the local tongue. Between November and April, whale sharks congregate to feed on plankton off the coast of Pintuyan and San Ricardo on Panaon Island in Southern Leyte.

The tour is a whole-day activity, because the whale sharks are found on the other side of the bay and the boat has to search for them freely cruising around the bay. From the resort, it takes at least 90 minutes to reach Barangay Son-ok , Pintuyan, across Sogod Bay, where the tour boat meets several local spotters on bangkas (outrigger canoes), which are then tied to the boat. A lead spotter also boards the tour boat, before continuing to the southernmost tip of Panaon Island.

Aside from the pandemic lockdowns, the area was devastated by Supertyphoon Odette (Rai) in 2021 and greatly benefits from tourism without exploiting the animals and disregarding their welfare. The tours directly support remote communities by paying environmental fees to the municipal government of Pintuyan, and hiring local fishermen to spot the sharks and assist guests on their bangkas while snorkeling.

Before the search begins, a resort staff member onboard briefs all the guests on the whale shark interaction guidelines (see below). During our tour last weekend with 14 foreign guests, our big boat — accompanied by seven spotters on small bangkas — scoured up and down next to the coastline of San Ricardo near Benit Port, where whale sharks have regularly appeared for the past months.

Unfortunately, after more than three hours of searching – and silently praying – not even a shadow or fin of a whale shark appeared! We had to eventually bring back the spotters to Son-ok, and start our return trip back to the resort. After stopping by Son-ok, our boat slowly traveled northward, staying close to the coastline.

Just before we traversed Sogod Bay, the crew of a dive speedboat, anchored off the coast of Barangay Catbawan , signaled to our passing boat to come over. Just when we thought all hope was lost, we finally hit the jackpot!

Three juvenile whale sharks, measuring around four meters in length, were actively feeding in the area, circling near the surface with their mouth wide open to gulp in plankton-rich water. From a distance, we could see their heads, dorsal fin, and tail break the surface with their distinctive skin pattern of starry dots.

Surprised by the totally unexpected appearance of the whale sharks towards the end of the tour, everyone onboard was scrambling to get back into their wetsuits and wear their masks and fins. At the signal of the crew, all 15 guests were in the water in a matter of minutes, finning towards the whale shark.

Only a handful of us could keep up with the sharks, as they were constantly swimming around in large circles, filtering the water through their mouths. Teeming with zooplankton, the water was somewhat turbid but the sun was out and illuminated the area in gorgeous shades of blue.

Fortunately, the boat crew were helpful at pointing out the exact locations of the animals and the direction they were headed, so we could anticipate their movement. Without the assistance of the spotters on bangkas , it was challenging to keep up with the sharks.

Nonetheless, the last-minute appearance made our unexpected encounter all the more thrilling and rewarding – after hours of waiting and searching in vain. Everyone returned to the boat with the biggest smiles on our faces, letting out a whistle or hoot of joy as our tour boat departed Catbawan for the journey back to Padre Burgos.

How to Get There

Peter’s Dive Resort is located at Barangay Lungsodaan, Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte – a three-hour drive from Tacloban Airport, which serves regular flights from Manila and Cebu.

Alternatively, from Cebu City, you can take a ro-ro ferry or fastcraft to any of the ports along the southwestern coast of Leyte island (ie. from north to south, Ormoc, Baybay, Hilongos, Bato or Maasin), then travel southwards by bus or van to Padre Burgos. (Tip: Cebu-Ormoc route has fastcraft options, while Hilongos has daily ro-ro ferry trips).

I took a Roble Shipping ferry (₱680 for tourist class, 6-7 hours), which departed Cebu City at 9pm and arrived at Hilongos Port at 4am. While onboard, one can purchase bus transfer tickets to other places on Leyte island. I bought a bus ticket for Maasin City Terminal (₱150, 1 hour), where I transferred to a Sogod-bound van (₱100, 45 minutes), which dropped me off at Peter’s Dive Resort in Padre Burgos.

Check out the Facebook pages of the ferry companies for the latest schedule:

• Roble Shipping (Cebu-Hilongos) – Ro-ro ferry, 6 hours
• KHO Shipping Lines (Cebu-Maasin)* – Ro-ro ferry, 6 hours
• OceanJet & SuperCat (Cebu-Ormoc) – Fastcraft, 3 hours

*Unreliable schedule

Where to Stay

Peter’s Dive Resort offers an assortment of rooms, starting at ₱400 ($7.25) for a fan-cooled dorm bed or ₱1,440 ($26) for a private economy room. Find discounted rates and check room availability here!

Whale Shark Tour Rates

Whole-day whale shark tours at Peter’s Dive Resort is ₱3,750 ($68) with own equipment, or ₱4,000 ($73) with rental equipment. Whale shark season runs from November to April. For inquiries, contact [email protected] or +63 917 7910993.

Tour Reminders

• Bring your own lunch, or pre-order from Peter’s Dive Resort.
• Wear a rashguard or wetsuit to protect yourself from jellyfish stings.
• Use only reef-friendly sunblock.
• When snorkeling, listen to the crew or spotters to know the positions of the whale sharks in the water. Chasing them around can quickly exhaust you.

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Philippines: Whale shark interactions, more than 100 sites reopen to tourists

Asia philippines.

Dozens of destinations in Bicol region welcome visitors again after 2-year shutdown

Sorsogon, Philippines: If you want to interact with humongous whale sharks, the season is open once more in Donsol town of the touristy Sorsogon province.

After a two-year slump due to COVID curbs, visitors are now welcome as travel restrictions had been lifted in Donsol and more than 100 other tourist sites across the Bicol region, according to local officials. Swimming with whale sharks, the so-called "gentle giants" of the open sea, forms part of the bucket list of most visitors to the province, about 600 km south-east of Manila.

Prior PCR test for inbound fully-vaccinated domestic visitors had been scrapped in the province, alongside dozens of destinations in the country, including the world-renowned Boracay island.

In-bound international travellers are still required to obtain a pre-departure negative PCT test result within 48 hours before departure. However, for fully-vaccinated international visitors and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), mandatory facilities-based quarantine rule has been scrapped.

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Tourism revival

The move is seen as key to the revival of the region’s tourism industry, a major job and revenue generator. Bicol, a region comprising six provinces east of Manila, boasts more than 104 tourism sites that had been flung open to visitors following two years of pandemic restrictions.

Together, the industry lost an estimated Php10 billion in the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But with high rates of vaccination and the drop in new cases and virulence, the sectors is slowly coming back to life. Not all COVID safety protocols had been scrapped yet.

Recently, health authorities downgraded the local COVID-19 alert status to Level 2 — which means indoor establishments are allowed to have a 50-percent capacity while outdoor areas may have a 70-percent capacity.

Attractions

Besides whaleshark interactions, Sorsogon is also known for its volcanic hot springs (in Irosin town), a pink-sand beach (in Matnog town), wave surfing (in Gubat), the Bulusan Lake and various eco-tourism sites.

Bobby Gigantone, chief of the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Office (SPTO), announced the reopening decision following a meeting between local health, tourism and government agencies.

Certain guidelines had been adopted in order to ensure the safety of both the tourists and locals.

Tourism officials here are optimistic about the industry’s revival, following two years of hardship.

Data from Donsol Tourism Office (DTO) showed the pre-pandemic edition of the Butanding Festival in 2019 generated a total of Php448 million in gross revenues (about $9 million).

The DTO data also showed 13,000 tourist arrivals in the same year.

“With the permanent and temporary closure of tourist establishments such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, hundreds of millions in revenue were lost and hundreds of workers lost their jobs,” Gigantone said.

Collaboration with WWF

The town's whale shark interaction project is a collaborative undertaking between the local government, the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, a joint commitment for a sustainable and balanced eco-tourism program.

Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero, in a statement, said the reopening of the sites would help the industry and community recover from a tough period.

The province will soon also open other tourist destinations, including the Bulusan Natural Park, Escudero said.

Department of Tourism director Herbie Aguas told the Philippine News Agency that the Bicol Region’s tourism industry lost an estimated Php10 billion (about $200 million) in the the last two years.

He also said the pandemic taught some industry stakeholders to find alternative sources of income, such as engaging in agri-tourism.

Agri-tourism sites

Bicol currently has 16 farm sites that feature agricultural products, research and development, farm exhibits, and farmers' training.

Among the sites opened for tourist:

• Hibiscus Trekker’s Camp in Tigaon, Camarines Sur
• Inarihan Farm Resort in Naga City, Camarines Sur
• LRV-Agri Science Far in Calabanga, Camarines Sur
MikeLiz Integrated Farm also in Calabanga, Camarines Sur
• Sonrisa Farm in Magarao, Camarines Sur
• AO Techno Science Park @ OADP at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Pili, Camarines Sur
• Aguas Farm in Sto. Domingo, Albay
• Farmer's Bounty Village in Camalig, Albay
• Farm Plate in Gabawan, Daraga, Albay
• Elmiro De Shei Integrated Farm in Camalig, Albay
• Solong Eco Park and Tours in Camalig in Camalig, Albay
• Villa Miranda Farm and Resorts in Libon, Albay
• Quak Biking, Cagsawa Ruins, Albay
• Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm in Bulusan, Sorsogon
• Casa Eduardo Agri-farm Resort in Claveria, Masbate
• Barcelona Agrihope Tourism Farm in Barcelona, Sorsogon
• Uma Koinonia in Masbate City, Masbate
• JSMS Organic Farm and Agribusiness in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte

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• Travel Guide

Donsol Whale Shark Interaction In The Philippines

Published: November 16, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Kerri Thorne

• Philippines
• Plan Your Trip
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Introduction

Welcome to Donsol, a hidden gem nestled in the province of Sorsogon in the Philippines. Known as the Whale Shark Capital of the World, Donsol offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Here, you have the unique opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea – the magnificent whale sharks.

Donsol is a small coastal town located in the southeastern part of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. It is known for its pristine waters, lush mangrove forests, and vibrant marine life. What sets Donsol apart from other destinations is its sustainable approach to whale shark interactions, ensuring the well-being of both the marine creatures and the visitors.

Whale sharks, also known as gentle giants, are the largest fish in the ocean. These magnificent creatures can grow up to 40 feet in length and weigh over 20 tons. Despite their massive size, they pose no threat to humans as they are filter feeders, predominantly consuming plankton and small fish.

The whale shark season in Donsol typically runs from November to June, with the peak months being February to May. During this time, the waters of Donsol become a feeding ground for these majestic creatures, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.

It is important to note that whale shark interactions in Donsol are conducted in a responsible and eco-friendly manner. The local government and tour operators have implemented guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the whale sharks, as well as to preserve the natural environment.

The experience of swimming alongside a whale shark in its natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring. As you dive into the crystal-clear waters and come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures, you will feel a sense of wonder and appreciation for the incredible biodiversity that exists in our oceans.

In the following sections, we will explore the geography of Donsol, the guidelines for whale shark interactions, the best time to visit, accommodation options, other attractions in the area, and the conservation efforts in place to protect these gentle giants.

Join us on this virtual journey to Donsol, where adventure and conservation go hand in hand, and where you can create memories that will last a lifetime.

Geography of Donsol

Donsol is located in the southeastern part of the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. Situated on the island of Luzon, it is approximately 37 kilometers south of the busy capital city of Sorsogon. The town is blessed with a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush greenery and pristine waters.

The topography of Donsol is a combination of coastal plains, rivers, and mountains. The town is bordered by the Sorsogon Bay on the west, which serves as the main gateway for whale sharks entering the area. To the south lies the Ticao Pass, a strait that separates Luzon from the island of Ticao.

Donsol is also home to several rivers and estuaries, including the Donsol River and the Ogod River. These waterways serve as critical habitats for various aquatic species, contributing to the rich marine biodiversity of the area.

Surrounding the town are vast mangrove forests, which act as natural nurseries and feeding grounds for numerous marine creatures. These mangroves provide a habitat for a wide range of species, including birds, fish, crustaceans, and reptiles.

The climate in Donsol is tropical, characterized by a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The average temperature throughout the year ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

Due to its geographical location, Donsol experiences the nutrient-rich waters of the Sorsogon Bay and the Ticao Pass, which attract a multitude of marine life. This abundance of food sources makes Donsol an ideal destination for whale sharks, as well as for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the vibrant underwater world.

With its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and proximity to the majestic whale sharks, Donsol offers a unique blend of adventure and natural wonders that will leave every visitor in awe of its beauty.

Overview of Whale Shark Interactions

Whale shark interactions in Donsol provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. The town has gained global recognition as one of the premier destinations for responsible and sustainable whale shark tourism.

Whale sharks are filter-feeding sharks that migrate to the waters of Donsol to feed on the abundant plankton and small fish found in the area. During the peak season, the local ecosystem becomes a haven for these gentle giants, attracting them in large numbers.

The interactions with whale sharks in Donsol are carried out through snorkeling rather than diving, making it accessible to both experienced swimmers and beginners. The experience does not require scuba gear, reducing the impact on the marine environment and minimizing disturbance to the whale sharks.

Before heading out on the boat, visitors are given a briefing on the guidelines for whale shark interactions. These guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful distance from the whale sharks, avoiding any physical contact, and refraining from using flash photography or excessive noise that could disturb the animals.

Once out on the water, spotters stationed on small boats search for whale sharks using their keen eyes and extensive knowledge of the area. When a whale shark is sighted, the boat approaches slowly and carefully to allow visitors to slip into the water and observe these majestic creatures from a safe distance.

Swimming alongside a whale shark is a truly awe-inspiring experience. As you float in the water, you will be amazed by their size and grace as they glide effortlessly through the ocean. The sight of their distinctive patterns and their enormous mouths filtering out plankton will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.

Donsol’s commitment to responsible tourism ensures that the welfare of the whale sharks is prioritized. The number of boats allowed in the water at any given time is regulated to prevent overcrowding and minimize stress on the animals. This sustainable approach ensures that the whale sharks’ natural behavior and habitat are not disrupted.

Whale shark interactions in Donsol not only provide a thrilling adventure but also contribute to the conservation of these magnificent creatures. The fees collected from visitors support ongoing research, education, and conservation efforts to protect the whale sharks and their habitat.

By adhering to the guidelines and practicing responsible tourism, visitors to Donsol can play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term survival of these gentle giants, allowing future generations to continue experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of whale sharks in their natural environment.

Guidelines for Whale Shark Interactions in Donsol

Interacting with whale sharks in Donsol is an incredible experience that comes with a responsibility to protect these magnificent creatures and their natural habitat. To ensure the well-being of the whale sharks and maintain sustainable tourism practices, strict guidelines have been implemented. Here are the key guidelines to follow during your whale shark interaction:

• Maintain a Respectful Distance: Keep a minimum distance of 3 meters (10 feet) from the whale sharks. This distance is crucial to avoid any potential stress or disturbance to the animals.
• No Touching: Resist the temptation to touch or grab the whale sharks. Respect their space and allow them to swim freely without any interference.
• No Flash Photography: Avoid using flash photography as it can startle the whale sharks and impact their natural behavior. Utilize natural lighting to capture the beauty of these gentle giants.
• No Feeding: Do not attempt to feed the whale sharks or introduce any foreign substances into the water. Let them feed naturally on the rich plankton resources in the area.
• Silence is Golden: Maintain a peaceful and quiet environment during the interaction. Excessive noise can disrupt the whale sharks and may cause them to swim away.
• Do Not Block the Path: Avoid blocking the path of the whale sharks or swimming directly in front of them. Allow them to pass by and observe from a safe distance.
• Be Mindful of Fins and Tails: Be cautious of the whale sharks’ powerful fins and tails. Keep a safe distance to avoid accidental contact that may harm you or the animal.
• Follow the Guide’s Instructions: Listen carefully to the instructions of your guide or boat crew. They are highly trained and experienced in ensuring both your safety and the well-being of the whale sharks.
• Travel in Small Groups: To minimize the impact on the whale sharks and their environment, travel in small groups. Large crowds can disrupt the natural behavior of the animals and cause them stress.
• Respect the Environment: Help preserve the natural beauty of the Donsol ecosystem by not littering or throwing any trash into the water. Leave only footprints, take only memories.

Adhering to these guidelines is crucial to protect the whale sharks and their habitat, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate these magnificent creatures. By practicing responsible and sustainable tourism, we can contribute to the conservation efforts and preserve the beauty of Donsol’s marine ecosystem.

Accommodation Options in Donsol

Donsol offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you are seeking luxurious beachfront resorts or cozy guesthouses, there is something for everyone in this enchanting town. Here are some of the accommodation options available in Donsol:

• Resorts and Hotels: Donsol is home to several resorts and hotels that provide comfortable and convenient accommodations. These establishments offer a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and spa facilities. Some popular choices include Amor Farm Beach Resort, Elysia Beach Resort, and Vitton Beach Resort.
• Guesthouses and Inns: For a more affordable option, Donsol has guesthouses and inns that offer comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. These accommodations often provide basic amenities and a friendly atmosphere. Examples include Donsol Agbayani Resort, Woodland Beach Resort, and Giddy’s Place Donsol.
• Homestays: Experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality by staying in a homestay in Donsol. This option allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about daily life in the community. Local families open their homes to visitors, providing comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals.
• Beachfront Cottages: Enjoy the tranquility of the beach by opting for a beachfront cottage. These charming accommodations offer breathtaking views and direct access to the sea. Relax in a hammock while admiring the stunning sunsets and waking up to the sound of the waves. Examples of beachfront cottages include Donsol Iraya Cottages and Irosin Kims Garden Oasis.
• Backpacker Hostels: Backpackers and budget travelers can find affordable and sociable accommodation in Donsol’s backpacker hostels. These hostels provide shared dormitory rooms or private rooms at budget-friendly rates. The communal areas are a great place to meet fellow travelers and exchange stories. Check out 8 Dragons Hostel and Amor Chico’s Inn Backpackers Hostel.

Most accommodations in Donsol are located within close proximity to the whale shark interaction sites, making it convenient for visitors to join the tours. Additionally, many of these establishments offer tour packages and assistance in arranging transportation to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay.

It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season when Donsol attracts a larger number of visitors. This ensures that you can secure your preferred choice and have a comfortable place to relax after your exciting whale shark interactions.

Whether you prefer upscale resorts, cozy guesthouses, or immersive homestays, you will find a diverse range of accommodation options in Donsol to suit your needs. Prepare for a memorable stay in this coastal paradise as you embark on your adventure with the magnificent whale sharks.

Best Time to Visit Donsol for Whale Shark Interactions

The best time to visit Donsol for whale shark interactions is during the peak season, which typically runs from February to May. This period offers the highest probability of encountering these gentle giants in large numbers, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

The whale sharks migrate to the waters of Donsol in search of plankton, which is more abundant during these months. As the plankton blooms, it creates a feeding frenzy for the whale sharks, attracting them in great numbers to the area. This concentration of whale sharks increases the chances of sightings during your visit.

However, it is important to note that whale shark encounters are possible throughout the season, which extends from November to June. Even outside of the peak months, you still have a good chance of swimming alongside these magnificent creatures.

During November to January, the whale sharks may be fewer in number, but this period offers a quieter and more serene atmosphere. The waters are less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience with the whale sharks and a greater opportunity for uninterrupted observation.

As with any marine wildlife, sightings are subject to natural fluctuations and cannot be guaranteed. Factors such as weather conditions, water temperature, and plankton abundance can impact the presence and behavior of the whale sharks. However, the chances of sightings are generally higher during the peak season.

To increase your chances of encountering whale sharks, it is recommended to schedule multiple days for your visit. This allows for flexibility in case weather conditions or other factors affect visibility or the presence of the whale sharks on a particular day.

It is also advisable to check with local tour operators or visitor centers for up-to-date information on whale shark sightings and conditions prior to your trip. They can provide insights on recent sightings and help you plan the best time to visit based on the current circumstances.

Regardless of the specific time you choose to visit Donsol, witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. The dedication of Donsol to responsible and sustainable tourism ensures that your encounter with the whale sharks will be both memorable and respectful to the marine ecosystem.

Other Attractions in Donsol

Beyond the incredible whale shark interactions, Donsol offers a multitude of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region by exploring these additional highlights:

• Firefly Watching: Embark on a mesmerizing night tour along the Donsol River to witness the enchanting sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees. The flickering lights create a magical ambiance and provide a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.
• Mangrove Forest Tours: Take a boat tour through the dense mangrove forests of Donsol and discover the wealth of biodiversity that these ecosystems support. Marvel at the intricate root systems, spot various bird species, and learn about the importance of mangroves in coastal conservation.
• Trekking and Hiking: Explore the lush landscapes surrounding Donsol through trekking and hiking adventures. Ascend the slopes of Mount Bintacan or Mount Mayon for panoramic views, trek through the verdant rainforests of Bulusan National Park, or hike along rivers and canyons for a thrilling nature experience.
• Island Hopping: Venture out to the nearby islands of Ticao and Burias for a day of island hopping. Discover pristine beaches, turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. Explore caves, go snorkeling, or simply bask in the beauty of these unspoiled paradises.
• Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting nearby communities and engaging in cultural activities. Participate in traditional cooking workshops, learn weaving techniques from local artisans, or witness vibrant festivals and celebrations that showcase the rich heritage of the Bicol Region.
• Waterfall Adventures: Cool off and unwind at the breathtaking waterfalls scattered around Donsol. Visit the enchanting Palogtoc Falls, Botong Twin Falls, or Balatukan Falls to enjoy cascading waters, natural pools, and serene surroundings that offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat.

These attractions provide a diverse range of experiences that complement the whale shark interactions in Donsol. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating destination.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these attractions and create unforgettable memories alongside your awe-inspiring encounters with the magnificent whale sharks of Donsol. Each experience will deepen your appreciation for the natural wonders and unique charm of this remarkable part of the Philippines.

Conservation Efforts for Whale Sharks in Donsol

Recognizing the importance of protecting the whale sharks and their fragile marine ecosystem, Donsol has implemented various conservation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of these magnificent creatures:

• Community-Based Tourism: Donsol’s approach to whale shark tourism is centered around community-based tourism, which actively involves and benefits the local community. The revenue generated from tourism activities is reinvested into conservation programs, education, and the improvement of community livelihoods.
• Strict Guidelines and Regulations: The local government and tour operators in Donsol strictly enforce guidelines for whale shark interactions. These guidelines ensure a responsible and sustainable approach, minimizing disturbance to the whale sharks and their habitat. Visitors are briefed on these guidelines before their tours to ensure adherence.
• Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research and monitoring programs are conducted to gather crucial data on the behavior, abundance, and migration patterns of whale sharks in Donsol. This data helps inform conservation strategies and management decisions to protect the long-term well-being of these gentle giants.
• Environmental Education: Donsol places a strong emphasis on environmental education and awareness. Outreach programs are conducted to educate local communities, schools, and visitors about the importance of conservation, marine biodiversity, and the ecological role of whale sharks. These initiatives foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the marine environment.
• Sustainable Fishing Practices: Donsol actively promotes sustainable fishing practices to minimize negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. Local fishermen are encouraged to adopt responsible fishing methods, such as avoiding the use of harmful fishing gear and practicing proper waste management to prevent pollution.
• Mangrove Reforestation: Recognizing the critical role of mangroves in coastal conservation, Donsol undertakes mangrove reforestation initiatives. Mangrove forests serve as important habitats for various marine species, including juvenile fish and crustaceans, and contribute to the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
• Partnerships and Collaboration: Donsol actively collaborates with international organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to strengthen its conservation efforts. These partnerships help leverage resources, expertise, and funding to support research, education, and sustainable tourism practices.

Through these collective conservation efforts, Donsol strives to create a harmonious balance between tourism development and the protection of whale sharks and their habitats. The aim is to ensure that future generations can continue to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of these gentle giants while preserving the natural wonders of Donsol.

By participating in responsible whale shark interactions and supporting local conservation initiatives, visitors to Donsol play a vital role in contributing to the sustainability of these efforts. Together, we can safeguard the future of whale sharks and promote a more environmentally conscious approach to tourism in Donsol and beyond.

Donsol, the Whale Shark Capital of the World, offers a truly unique and unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its beautiful coastal setting, rich marine biodiversity, and commitment to responsible tourism, Donsol provides an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside the majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat.

From the moment you arrive in Donsol, you will be captivated by its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and warm hospitality. The town’s dedication to sustainable tourism practices ensures that your whale shark interactions are conducted with utmost respect for these gentle giants and the marine environment.

Donsol not only offers thrilling encounters with whale sharks but also provides a range of other attractions and activities to explore. From firefly watching and mangrove forest tours to island hopping and cultural immersions, there is something for every interest and preference.

By adhering to the strict guidelines, supporting local conservation efforts, and learning about the importance of marine conservation, you can make a positive impact during your visit to Donsol. Your participation in responsible tourism promotes the long-term sustainability of whale sharks and contributes to the preservation of this natural wonder.

So, pack your snorkeling gear, prepare your adventurous spirit, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey in Donsol. Swim alongside the magnificent whale sharks, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Experience the magic of Donsol, where adventure and conservation merge, and where the wonders of the sea await your exploration. Plan your visit to this remarkable destination, and be prepared for an adventure that will leave you in awe of the natural world’s beauty and marvel.

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Whale Shark Tourism: Impacts on Coral Reefs in the Philippines

• Published: 04 December 2018
• Volume 63 , pages 282–291, ( 2019 )

Cite this article

• C. W. Martin Wong 1 ,
• Inga Conti-Jerpe 1 ,
• Laurie J. Raymundo 2 ,
• Caroline Dingle 3 ,
• Gonzalo Araujo 4 ,
• Alessandro Ponzo 4 &
• David M. Baker   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0308-4954 1  

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Reef-based tourism has been developing rapidly in recent decades yet its impacts on reef ecosystems are often overlooked. In Tan-awan, Oslob, Philippines, whale sharks are attracted to the shallow reefs where they are provisioned up to 50 tons y −1 of feed and this phenomenon in turn attracts >300,000 y −1 visitors. Given the intensive provisioning and concentrating tourism activities, we hypothesized that the whale shark tourism-impacted site (IS) will have greater impacts on reef degradation and higher anthropogenic nitrogen pollution level compared to its reference site (RS). Ecological surveys revealed that relative to the RS, the IS had 36% higher relative abundance of Pocillopora and Porites coral over other genera, >2.5-fold lower coral density, and 20% higher macroalgal cover, which we concluded are signs of reef degradation. Also, we conducted stable nitrogen isotope analysis on gorgonian skeletons to trace nitrogen sources at both sites through time. Although an average 1‰ isotope enrichment found in the IS relative to the RS could indicate anthropogenic nitrogen inputs in the IS, this enrichment was consistent over time and existed before the tourism developed. Despite that, we cautioned against the imminent threat of local eutrophication caused by the continued inputs of nitrogen derived from provisioning and tourism activities. In summary, this study provided the first documentation of the impacts of provisioned whale shark tourism on the local reefs in Tan-awan and established an ecological baseline for future comparisons. Such assessments can offer important information on reef health, coastal development, and tourism management.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) for the logistical support during our expedition in Tan-awan. We are grateful to be granted an export commodity clearance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources—Region 7, Department of Agriculture, Republic of the Philippines. We also thank Mr. Ronald Guaren, the municipal mayor of Oslob, Cebu, for permitting the collection of samples for this study. We would like to acknowledge Ms. Holly Wong from the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Hong Kong for assistance with stable isotope analyses as well as Dr. Nicolas Duprey, Jeffrey Yuen, and Arthur Chung for their support in laboratory work.

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The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China

C. W. Martin Wong, Inga Conti-Jerpe & David M. Baker

University of Guam Marine Laboratory, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU, 96923, USA

Laurie J. Raymundo

Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China

Caroline Dingle

Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, Barangay Tejero, Jagna, Bohol, 6308, Philippines

Gonzalo Araujo & Alessandro Ponzo

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Wong, C.W.M., Conti-Jerpe, I., Raymundo, L.J. et al. Whale Shark Tourism: Impacts on Coral Reefs in the Philippines. Environmental Management 63 , 282–291 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-018-1125-3

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Received : 27 April 2018

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Published : 04 December 2018

Issue Date : 15 February 2019

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-018-1125-3

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How to Ethically Swim with Whale Sharks in the Philippines

Whale sharks are one of the most incredible animals on this planet. Getting close to one of these amazing creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being dwarfed in the presence of a creature so large is astounding. It is possible to swim with whale sharks ethically in the Philippines with a bit of determination.

Seeing these gentle giants was on my bucket list for a long time. I first saw whale sharks while backpacking in Mozambique. Timon, however, had never seen a whale shark and was excited about getting a chance to swim with them in the Philippines.

We had seen all these amazing shots on Instagram – people swimming inches away from these magical beasts and drone shots from above with seven whale sharks circling a tiny fishing boat.

We were anxious to have the same experience, but we wanted to make sure we did it the ethical way. Many tour operators in the Philippines don’t, so if you’re looking for the best way to swim with whale sharks, read on to learn how!

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

How to Swim with Whale Sharks in the Philippines

Why you shouldn’t swim with whale sharks in oslob.

There are many options around the world to see whale sharks: Mozambique, Mexico, Maldives, Australia, and the Philippines. When visiting the Philippines , many tourists flock to the town of Oslob in Cebu . The local fishermen found out about 10 years ago that by feeding the whale sharks they could move them so they wouldn’t interfere with fishing.

Tourists got wind that whale sharks were easy to spot in this particular town. After a few years of word of mouth and pictures disseminating on the internet, hundreds flock daily to Oslob for a near-guaranteed chance to see a close-up encounter with a whale shark.

Every day the local boatmen feed the whale sharks so they come up to the surface while tourists swim next to them. Dozens of people surround one whale shark to get that perfect selfie. Obviously feeding wildlife is always a no-no, no matter where you are.

What it is Really Like in Oslob

The area where the interaction occurs is about the size of a soccer field. There are hundreds of tourists being ushered back and forth to swim with the whale sharks each day. Usually, there are anywhere between three to eights whale sharks and dozens of people in this small area at any given time. With that many people, it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on.

Although touching them is forbidden, with so many tourists and such little space there is bound to have some interaction. Just take a look at all the photos on social media, and you’ll see people touching their skin and fins.

How Does Feeding Affect Whale Sharks

It is unclear how feeding whale sharks will affect them in the long run, but so far there has been a noticeable change in their migratory patterns. Although this may not seem like a huge issue, there is so much that is unknown about whale sharks. This could potentially be detrimental to their survival.

In addition, the whale sharks are more willing to come closer to boats, which has caused them to be injured. There is still a market for whale shark meat and fins, and because they see boats as a food source, they are more likely to get poached.

Also, they are being fed only one type of food and are not getting the variety of nutrients their body needs. Because of their long lifespan, it is unclear how feeding them will affect the species and the sustainability of this practice. Whale sharks are currently listed as an endangered species by the IUCN. So, why risk endangering them any further?

Is it Worth the Photo?

I understand wanting to get a good photo, but the practice of feeding these enormous creatures is not responsible tourism and it is not a sustainable practice.

You, of course, are free to do what you want. Ride elephants, go to unethical animal “sanctuaries”, pet drugged-up tigers, and take selfies with whale sharks in Oslob. But, as a tourist, where you spend your money affects generations to come.

Should You Go to Oslob to swim with Whale Sharks?

Am I saying for everyone to stop going to Oslob? No, that would be detrimental to the people and economy of Oslob. But, there needs to be more education regarding ethical practices for swimming with whale sharks and a solution needs to be in place to make this a more sustainable tourism attraction.

Some options to make swimming with whale sharks more eco-friendly include slowing or stopping the feeding of the sharks. There should be a cap on the number of people that can visit the site daily and the regulations need to be strictly enforced.

A higher price tag to swim with the sharks would limit the number of experts. I’m no expert, but these are easy changes to help Oslob become a more sustainable tourist site.

There are ethical ways to see these magnificent animals while supporting whale shark ecotourism in the Philippines. For more information, check out this  National Geographic Article .

Where to Ethically Swim with Whale Sharks in the Philippines

There are two places for ethical whale shark encounters in the Philippines. When I arrived, I knew I wouldn’t go to Oslob because of their unsustainable practices. But I heard of a couple of places where you could spot a whale shark ethically and responsibly – Donsol, Luzon, and Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte.

Because of the season and location, we decided to go to Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte.

Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte

Even though is not guaranteed, the chance of seeing a whale shark in Sogod Bay is extremely promising. Due to the ethical practices of local fishermen, eco-friendly education of the tour outfitters by a local NGO  Lamave , and strict sustainable regulations, whale sharks flourish here.

And because it is more remote and less known, there are usually only a handful of people visiting each day! This may not be one of the easiest places to go to, but who said it was going to be easy?

Ethical Guidelines for Whale Shark Encounters

Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte abides by some very strict regulations for their business. Scuba diving is not allowed with whale sharks. No feeding and no touching is permitted, and with small groups, this is strictly enforced.

At the first sighting, you have three hours to spend with and/or look for whale sharks. After that, the boat returns to land. Even if you see one for 10 minutes, then nothing for the rest of the three hours, your experience is over.

However, this is unlikely. Between the months of November and May, many adolescent whale sharks are easy to spot in the area and the juvenile males are extremely curious. On our trip, we swam with one for 45 minutes. It was incredible. He was so curious and kept looking at us and swam back and forth slowly.

In our three hours, we saw four different whale sharks. Let me tell you, seeing them swim by you is an out-of-this-world experience.

Sogod Bay Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Interaction

From Padre Burgos, it is a long boat ride to the inlet where the whale sharks are known to hang out and eat. It takes around two hours. Once you arrive at the small inlet within Sogod Bay, the boat arranges local spotters from the nearby village.

Depending on the company, they typically hire between four to eight spotters. The spotters then use very tiny wooden canoes and paddle around the bay with a mask, looking for the whale sharks. Once they spot one, they raise their paddle to tell the boat where they are.

The boat moves to where the whale shark is heading. People jump in the water with instructions from the guide. They may be gracefully swimming by, or deeper underwater and moving very fast. If you get tired, you can hop onto the tiny canoes and the spotter can paddle closer to the front of the whale shark.

Overall, we were very impressed with the interaction and how hard the spotters were working to make it an incredible experience for us.

It helps to create local jobs by involving local fishermen. Local families benefit from the eco-friendly whale shark tours and follow local guidelines to ensure they maintain a steady business for future generations.

Information on Sogod Bay

How to Get to Eco-Tourism Sites in Sogod Bay:  Most eco-tours leave from the town of Padre Burgos. It is not the easiest to get to, but it’s worth it. Getting to this tiny village will require overland transportation. If not on a very strict budget, you can hire private transport from the ferry terminal or airport. Public transport on the island will take a long time and requires several transfers.

From Manila:  The closest airport is in Tacloban. From here it is a 3.5-hour overland trip to Padre Burgos. It is best to pre-arrange transport with your accommodation.

From Cebu:  There are three or four ferry companies that go from Cebu City to Leyte. They will either arrive in Maasin or Hilongos. Hilongos is a two-hour transport, and Maasin is thirty minutes from Padre Burgos.

From Bohol:  There is a ferry from Ubay that arrives in Bato. It is one and a half hours from Bato to Padre Burgos.

Best Time to Visit Southern Leyte:  The whale shark season is between November and May.

Eco-Friendly Whale Sharks Tours : There are more popping up each year, but we suggest going with Padre Burgos Castle Resort, Peter’s Dive Resort, or our choice: Sogod Bay Scuba Resort.

Scuba Diving in Padre Burgos:  This is an amazing scuba diving destination. It’s not as well known as other locations in the Philippines, but it is becoming more popular each year. The reefs are in amazing condition and divers in the know say this is one of the best places in the Philippines to dive. Some of the best dive sites include Napantao and Limasawa Island (Zach’s Cove and Adrian’s Cove).

Things to Know:  There are no ATMs, so bring all your cash with you.

Donsol, Luzon

We didn’t go to Donsol for our whale shark experience, but we gathered some info (below).

Donsol Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Interaction

While we did not go to Donsol, we have heard from others who have been and we’ve done extensive research. Donsol originally was on par with Sogod Bay – encounters were high and guidelines were stringent.

However, we are hearing different stories today. More often than not, people may have only one encounter during three days of searching for whale sharks. Water visibility is also not known to be as clear as Sogod Bay. In addition to all that, Donsol is more popular than Sogod Bay, which can attract a dozen boats searching for whale sharks.

With all that said, they still do NOT feed the whale sharks. It also is a much more affordable experience than Sogod Bay. We highly recommend Donsol over going to Oslob, which will be a more authentic and eco-friendly experience.

Information on Donsol

How to Get to Eco-Tourism Sites in Donsol:  From Cebu or Manila, fly to Legaspi Airport, take a public van or private van to Donsol – about a 1-hour 30-minute drive. You can take a bus from Manila to Donsol, which takes 11 hours.

Best Time to Visit Donsol:  The whale shark season is between November and May.

Eco-Friendly Whale Sharks Tours : Whale Shark Interaction Center.

Cost for Diving With Whale Sharks:  Registration is 150 PHP per person, and snorkel gear hire is 300 PHP per set. Tour packages cost 3,500 PHP for the entire boat (up to 7 people). This includes half-day boat rental, snorkel gear, spotters, a guide, and a Butanding (whale shark) interaction officer.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Guidelines for Swimming with Whale Sharks:

• Do not block the shark’s path or restrict its movement
• Do not chase the whale shark
• Do not touch or ride the whale shark
• Keep a responsible distance of three meters (nine feet) away from the tail
• Do not use flash photography
• Keep noise to a minimum when getting in the water

Whale Shark Facts

• Whale sharks live to be around 80 years old
• They are filter feeders and their diet consists mostly of plankton, krill, and fish eggs
• They are migratory creatures that can weigh up to 50,000 pounds (19,000 kg)
• The largest recorded whale shark was 41 feet long (12 meters), but they are commonly between 15 and 23 feet (5-8 meters) long
• There is very little knowledge about their reproductive system
• Whale sharks have about 3,000 tiny teeth
• Whale sharks move at about 2.3 miles per hour
• Adult whale sharks have no natural predators
• Females are larger than male whale sharks

That’s it – we hope you enjoy Your swim with whale sharks in the beautiful country of the Philippines!

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About the Author:

Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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1 thought on “how to ethically swim with whale sharks in the philippines”.

Hello! Thanks for this information. Me and my German husband to be plan to have a wedding in Palawan in February, and he mentioned he wanted to swim with whale sharks. I’m Filipina so I want to make this as my gift for him. I do understand and agree about ethical practices with our wildlife and plan to follow your advice. This was very good to know before ending up in Oslob. I guess we will be going to Leyte. Many blessings to you!

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The Three Best Places To See Whale Sharks In The Philippines

Seeing one of these gentle giants up-close in the wild can be the one of the most memorable experiences of your time in the Philippines and we have chosen three places that maximise the chance that this will be one of the highlights your stay.

Depending on your location and itinerary in the Philippines any of the places we recommend can be made the object of one or two-day visit and will provide a reasonable likelihood of seeing – and in most cases swimming with – whale sharks.

Whale sharks are migratory creatures and none of these locations comes with a 100% guarantee that you will have a sighting. Sightings are seasonal and going at certain times of the year will increase your chance of success. However this can vary from year to year with sightings being made in other months and it is always best to contact one of the operators listed the end of this article to check on the current situation.

Although whale sharks are not aggressive (they feed exclusively on small organisms such as plankton and krill) you should only get into the water with them if you are an experienced snorkeler and good swimmer. In most areas you must go with a designated guide and follow rules designed to protect the sharks and the environment (for example you should not enter the water wearing sun cream).

Table of Contents

Donsol (Northern Philippines)

Donsol in the Bicol region of Luzon is said to have one of the largest congregations of whale sharks anywhere in the world.

Donsol Bay is a whale shark protected area so only snorkelling is permitted in the day itself. SCUBA divers will need to go a little further afield if they wish to do more than snorkel. There is a well-established infrastructure geared to taking visitors to view and swim with whale sharks.

When to go The season runs from December to June, with the most sightings being between February and April.

How to get there The closest airport to Donsol is at Legazpi, which has regular flights from Manila and Cebu. Vans run at hourly intervals from Legazpi to Donsol (journey time around one and a half hours).

Honda Bay (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

Whale shark encounters in Honda Bay, although common, are perhaps less regular than those in other parts of the Philippines. However even if visitors fail to spot a whale shark they will be compensated by sightings of marine life such as turtles and dolphins.

When to go The season runs from April to October and provides an alternative when other locations have fewer sightings.

How to get there The closest airport is Puerto Princesa Airport. Tour operators offer transfers from major hotels in Puerto Princesa.

Alternatively take a Bangka from San Lourdes pier.

Sogod Bay (Southern Leyte)

Less well known as a whale-shark watching venue than other parts of the Philippines, Southern Leyte is fast developing a reputation within the SCUBA diving community for big-fish sightings. Its relative obscurity and more remote location mean that you are likely find less-crowded waters – for now at any rate.

When to go The main whale shark migration season through the waters off Southern Leyte is November to May.

How to get there Fly to Daniel Z. Romualdez airport in Tacloban and go on by car (three and a half hours). Ferry from Cebu there are a number of options that take three to four hours. See Sogod Bay Scuba Resort’s blog (details below) for ferry routes and schedules.

Other options

Oslob (cebu).

Oslob offers an almost guaranteed opportunity to swim with whale sharks. However it has become a victim of its own success.

To encourage whale sharks to remain in the area the local tour operators feed them on a regular basis – a practice that many environmentalists regards as being unsustainable. Some visitors have reported that the number of boats and crowds of people seriously detract from the experience.

Tabbataha, a group of atolls and reefs in the Sulu Sea south-east of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, can only be reached by joining a live-aboard diving boat and making a trip lasting several days. As such its main appeal is mainly to keen SCUBA divers or those prepared to pay a premium in time as well as money to avoid crowds.

Useful contacts

• Donsol Donsol vistor center tel: 0927 483 6735 Thresher Shark Divers tel: 0917 795 9433 donsolwhalesharktour.com
• Honda Bay Dolphin and Whales Travel and Tours tel: 0948 664 1783 / 0908 812 4571 palawan-tours.weebly.com
• Sogod Bay Sogod Bay Scuba Resort tel: 0915 520 7274 sogodbayscubaresort.com

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Whale sharks regularly visit the food-rich waters around Donsol. (Photo: WWF Philippines)

DONSOL, Philippines: For such enormous creatures, whale sharks tend not to reveal much of themselves. They know how to hide.

It is one the reasons an encounter with the world’s biggest fish is so highly prized.

Waters around Donsol in southern Luzon in the Philippines are where many whale sharks reveal themselves, underwater foragers drawn from the depths towards where fishermen eye smaller catches. 

This is a bountiful hunting ground for the sharks, a nutrient-rich passage where rivers meet the sea and favourable currents encourage the growth of plankton.

Local fishermen say their ancestors always knew about the presence of the whale sharks. But they never understood much about them.

These underwater giants were not being caught, nor were they the subjects of folklore. They were nuisances, though, feasting on the riches of plankton in the area but often at the expense of fishermen’s netting.

Alan Amanse remembers fear coming over him too as a young boy, spotting the drifting shadow below his boat.

“The first time I saw a whale shark was when I was seven years old. A friend invited me to catch fish that day. When we saw it, we screamed,” he said.

“I had no idea what a whale shark was.”

He knows about them now. Amanse is the president of the group charged with the guardianship of the creatures, known as buntanding in the Philippines. The Buntanding Interaction Officers Association is a motley collection of local men who have helped carve out a tourism business on the backs of their visiting marine friends.

Dozens of tourists each day descend on the previously unknown village for boat trips in the hope of spotting and swimming with the sharks - up to 18-metres long in Donsol - in their natural habitat.

With conservation at its core, not profit, the program is lauded throughout the country as a successful marriage between humans and nature.

“I saw them take pride in it and that worked wonders for conservation of the whale sharks. It’s one of the most successful awareness campaigns ever in conservation in the Philippines,” said AA Yaptinchay, the director of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines.

The sea around Donsol is murky and with poor visibility of between three and five metres - a dilemma only for snorkellers, not the marine life. It means a glimpse of a whale shark is instant, fleeting and precious.

Locals have been forced to garner new skills in the increasingly challenging effort to showcase the wildlife that people now travel from across the world to witness.

Randy Radana is a whale shark spotter. He stands on the canopy of the boat for three hours each outing, scanning the distant waters for any sign of whale shark activity. It is a precise and unique task; a fraught search for a dorsal fin, a shadow or a disturbance in the water.

It has also changed his life.

“We love and care for the whale sharks because we get our income from them. We get our funds for our children’s schooling and our everyday budget from whale shark tourism,” he said. “We didn’t know that these large creatures would become a big blessing for us.”

Tourism is a boon for Donsol now, but it was not always a guaranteed endeavour. Some 20 years ago it was not even on the radar.

FROM HUNTED TO HONOURED

In the mid to late 1990s, the hunting of whale sharks was hitting its peak in the Philippines. While sharks were traditionally caught in some communities, cultural activities, particularly around Bohol, began to turn commercial, sparking concern among environmentalists.

AA Yaptinchay, formerly of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), was on the ground in communities at that time. He watched the hunts increase as foreign buyers became involved.

“Initially it was a traditional fishery to serve the local markets but somehow it became this exportable thing. They were shipping out fresh meat to Taiwan. It was developing into a big business,” he said.

It was around the same time that an abundance of whale sharks began to be noticed around Donsol. Sensing an ecological opportunity, quick action was launched to try and create new protection for the whale sharks in the area.

“We were worried that the buyers of whale sharks in Bohol would relocate there.” Yaptinchay said. The spotting of the sharks grew to national prominence almost instantly, and it prompted then president Fidel Ramos, a keen diver, to proclaim them a protected species.

It was a milestone moment, beyond the hopes of what WWF was calling for. And according to Amanse, the ruling came just in time.

“There were outsiders from Balatan who were able to hunt four whale sharks. The problem was the hunters were able to run free because there was no law penalising such acts during the time they were caught,” he said.

“The law was only enacted three days after the hunters were caught.”

What followed was an unprecedented and unexpected tourism surge in the local area. “Donsol boomed. When we first went there, they had never seen anyone in a bathing suit,” Yaptinchay said.

“No one knew about the whale sharks. Even us, in science field, they were meant to be rare animals. We were shocked that Donsol had been there forever, and locals had been seeing whale sharks forever.”

WHERE ART THOU, WHALE SHARK?

While poachers’ ambitions of capturing whale sharks in Philippine waters have been eviscerated, there is still something going wrong.

The number of whale shark sightings in Donsol is on a dramatic slide. During the 2018 season, the number of individual fish encountered fell to just 46. In comparison, that number was 211 in 2009.

The total number of encounters last year, including repeat sightings of the same shark, was just one-third of the number in 2017.

“The trend is going downwards,” said Andrea Pimentel, an assistant researcher on whale sharks for WWF in Donsol.

At the same time, sharks are being drawn in sizeable numbers to a tourism-focused operation in Oslob in Cebu province. They are lured close to shore to an “interaction zone” using food, an experience compared to a “theme park” by AA Yaptinchay.

On any given day, Oslob can expect more than a dozen sharks to appear for feeding. Their season runs 364 days a year. In Donsol, spotting just one or two wild sharks looking for natural sources of food each day, during a migration period lasting about two months, is the new normal.

“These are migratory animals so they’re used to roaming around but in the other place (Oslob) they stay there because there’s food for them. The nature of being migratory is gone for some whale sharks,” said Manul Narvadez, WWF Donsol’s project manager.

But, for now, no research has proven the Oslob operation has directly affected the sharks appearing in Donsol.

The economics for the respective communities are on vastly different scales. Donsol receives just a small fraction of tourists in comparison with Oslob’s half a million visitors last year.

While operators in Donsol refuse to turn to feeding whale sharks themselves, it is evident that the shrinking sightings has seen them start bending their own regulations. There are fewer visitors. But they have high expectations.

Out on the water, the pursuit of the sharks has become desperate. “No-one is following the rules,” says Alan Amanse.  

There is a growing pressure on the buntanding officers to ensure sightings. It means up to 30 boats, the maximum allowed each day, can each follow and circle the same animal once it is located.

“In the interaction, there is a policy of one boat, one shark but it is seldom followed. The interaction operated more smoothly when there were still few tourists and there were many whale sharks,” he said.

“Most of the guests are nice, but there are those who are hardheaded. They say a lot of mean things when they fail to see a whale shark.” The guaranteed experience in Oslob and pursuits of whale shark selfies have contributed to the pressure, he believes.

There are environmental issues at play too. And not all of that can be controlled by Donsol’s whale shark stakeholders. Climate change is looming as the number one threat to the whale shark population in the Philippines.

They are one rather large component of a delicate ecosystem.

“Temperature of the sea plays an important role in the presence of whale sharks. If the temperature will rise probably there will be a change in the composition of our plankton,” Pimentel said.

The WWF, which is a founding partner and supporter of the conservation-tourism project concedes that some of the rules needs to change to better ensure its sustainability. What worked 15 years ago when whale sharks could be spotted with ease needs adjusting during these leaner days.

“It’s about balancing our economy and also the conservation of our resources. It is the challenging part. But we need to address a sustainable means of tourism so the whale shark will be preserved for the future,” she said.

Donsoleños understand the precariousness of the environmental situation. The local government is still reliant on its big ticket but is eager to expand its offerings to visitors.

The off-season is long in Donsol and the tourism dollar is hard fought but enticing.

There is a communal hope that the current downturn is temporary and the sea will turn bountiful like it always was, in the days when whale sharks would bump their noses against small boats before diving away into the mysterious blue.

“We take pride in our role as protectors of the sea, tourists, and whale sharks,” said Amanse, his boatmate Randy Randana in agreement.

“I hope that someday the whale sharks will return like before.”

This is the second in a two-part series looking at the plight of whale sharks in the Philippines. The first part can be read here .

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An Underrated Destination In The Philippines: 10 Things To Do In Oslob, Cebu

• Oslob is an underrated tourist spot with beautiful beaches and budget-friendly transportation options, making it a must-visit destination in the Philippines.
• The best activities in Oslob include swimming with whale sharks, visiting Sumilon Island, exploring Tumalog Falls, joining the Toslob Festival, and exploring the Baluarte Ruins.
• Other top attractions in Oslob include the Oslob Museum and Cuartel Ruins, local food at the Oslob Market, local restaurants, Oslob Heritage Park, and the monkeys at the Oslob Macaque sanctuary.

Aside from having the best whale shark tours and swimming escapades, there are a whole lot of other things to do in Oslob, a little coastal town in the Philippines’ Queen City of the South. Known for its rich cultural history, tourists can spend days outdoors exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines and trying thrill-seeking activities.

Oslob is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines , hence it's super underrated as a tourist spot. Fortunately, it's also budget-friendly; the cheapest and most common way to reach Oslob from Cebu City is by bus, with a total travel time of 3 hours. But tourists can also ride a private car or take a cab for those willing to pay more for transportation.

Visiting this little yet highly underrated coastal town should always be included when planning a trip to the Philippines . It boasts tons to do and see, from interacting with majestic whale sharks to visiting Instagrammable locations, swimming in the famous waterfalls, and sunbathing on Oslob’s famous beaches and islands.

Planning to head to Oslob for a thrill-seeking adventure? Here are the top attractions in Oslob, Cebu Province, for a fantastic vacation exploring what is one of the most underrated places in the Philippines.

RELATED: 10 Exciting Summer Activities In The Philippines (Other Than Swimming)

The Famous Whale Shark Interaction

The first on the list should undeniably be experiencing a live encounter and interaction with the famous whale sharks in Oslob . These are gentle giants, and Oslob is one of the best places to swim with whale sharks around the world.

The whale-shark experience in Oslob includes whale watching, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Guides brief visitors on what to do and how to maintain safety before starting the tour. Also, guides recommend tourists book combo packages for more budget-friendly prices, such as whale shark watching with snorkeling, canyoneering, or heading to Sumilon Island.

• Whale shark watching operating hours: 6 a.m. to 12 noon daily, except on Good Friday
• Admission fee: Around $8.81 per person for watching only

It is essential that visitors respect the whale sharks in the water. While these creatures are gentle and safe, it is important to maintain a distance and not to disturb or touch them as part of being a respectful wildlife observer. The principles of looking and not touching and giving them space are crucial in order to minimize the impact on these majestic creatures and enjoy their presence respectfully without harming them.

Visit Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island , the Philippines’ first marine-protected sanctuary, is a 59-acre coral island with Cebu’s most popular sandbar. Tourists visiting Sumilon should book a stay at the island’s only commercial facility, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort .

As one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines , Sumilon has a long stretch of white sand beaches, famous diving sites, caves, lagoons, a modern lighthouse, and a 19th-century watchtower. Guests staying at Bluewater Resort can book a day pass to experience all activities.

• Sumilon Island day pass: $28.25 on weekdays
• Boat fare: $26 per boat with an additional $1 for an environmental fee per person

Sumilon hosts several cave tours to learn more about the island’s beautiful rock formations.

Swim At Tumalog Falls

The Tumalog Falls is also one of the top tourist attractions in Oslob, Cebu. Tourists are free to swim and jump from nearby cliffs into the cool and clear water.

Tumalog Falls is surrounded by lush vegetation, with the descending waters in constant contact with rocks. Tourists can easily reach this beauty by riding a habal-habal, a local motorcycle taxi, at around $8.81 for the entire trip to the waterfalls.

• Tumalog Falls operating hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Entrance Fee: $0.35

Join The Toslob Festival

Indeed, one of the essential items to pack when visiting the Philippines is a party outfit! Filipinos are famous for their parties and festivals, and tourists planning to visit Oslob during the holiday season should not miss out on joining and watching the Toslob Festival.

This annual event occurs every second week of December, celebrating the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Guests can admire colorful costumes, traditional Philippines dancing, and Catholics parading the statue of the Immaculate Concepción. Toslob Festival also serves as a day of thanksgiving and family reunions.

• No admission fee
• Venue: Starts at Oslob Heritage Park

RELATED: Beachside Adventure: 10 Best Glamping Spots In The Philippines

Explore In The Baluarte Ruins

After touring Sumilon Island, guests can head to Oslob Heritage Park and check out the famous Baluarte Ruins next to the island’s lighthouse. This old watchtower was built in 1788 and served as one of the town’s seven defense towers. Guards around the area went up to the Baluarte’s topmost floor to look for bandits and raiders.

The Baluarte Ruins also feature beautiful panoramic views of Sumilon Island and Oslob's beaches. Many tourists and locals flock to this famous spot to take Instagram photos.

• No entrance fee
• Open 24 hours all year

Visit The Oslob Museum And The Nearby Cuartel Ruins

The Oslob Museum (Museo Oslob) is near the Cuartel Ruins , where tourists can learn more about Oslob’s history and culture through various antiques and artifacts on display. Guests can find old pianos, mirrors, furniture, and other old home decor in traditional Philippines-style huts.

One trivia about the Oslob Museum is that almost all items were contributed and donated by locals who know the town’s history. The best time to visit the Oslob Museum is during the dry season so that visitors can also take a tour around the Cuartel Ruins for a more immersive experience.

• Open 24 hours

Taste Local Food At Oslob Market

Oslob Public Market has everything, including fresh meat and vegetables, fresh produce, and local delicacies like chorizo de Cebu, dried fish, and lechon. Tourists' first time in the Philippines should also look for food vendors selling banana-cue or deep-fried bananas with caramelized sugar.

The public market, one of the budget-friendly places to visit in the Philippines for foodies, also features stalls selling pastries and affordable lunch and dinner dishes. It transforms into a food park at night, where guests can try popular street food skewers, such as betamax, chicken gizzard, and pig’s intestine.

• Location: Oslob Market is a 6-minute walk from the Immaculate Concepcion Church.
• Operating Hours: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

RELATED: More Fun In The Sun: Top 10 Tips For An Amazing Summer Holiday In The Philippines

Dine In Local Oslob Restaurants

It’s never a complete trip without trying famous local dishes in the fishing town of Oslob, especially seafood. Visitors should try sutukil , a combination of three seafood cooking methods: grilled, soup, and ceviche.

There are various excellent restaurants in Oslob and small dining spots, including AC Palayok Restaurant , Nhinz Larangan , George Restaurant , Le Bistrot, and The Big J’s Restaurant .

• Must try at AC Palayok Restaurant: Bicol Express and grilled tuna jaw
• George Restaurant favorite: Beef noodle soup or batchoy

Tourists looking for dessert should head to Sol’s Halo-halo and Desserts for the famous halo-halo and mango tango.

Tour Oslob Heritage Park

History fans will love visiting Oslob Heritage Park, which is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Oslob like Balay sa Agta, Cuartel Ruins, Oslob Museum, and the Immaculate Concepcion Church. Couples also love flocking to this tourist spot to shoot beautiful wedding photos.

The Oslob Heritage Park is near Cuartel Beach, where visitors are advised to be careful of sea urchins. It’s also near the Oslob Public Market, so guests can easily ride the bus and get off at the 7-Eleven store across from it.

• Open for 24 hours

Observe Monkeys At Oslob Macaque

Lastly, one of the unique things to do in Oslob is to visit the long-tailed macaques, endemic to the town’s woodlands and forests. Visitors can find these creatures in Oslob Macaque , a monkey sanctuary in Sitio Bulak.

The sanctuary’s staff ensures guests are briefed about what to do and not to do before entering the premises. Visitors can feed and take photos of the monkeys but must keep a safe distance because these animals are mischievous and clever.

• Affordable whale shark watching and monkey viewing package: $122.98 per person
• Operating hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

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