Where to Swim with Whale Sharks in the Philippines

As a tropical paradise with over 7,000 islands, the Philippines boasts stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for ocean lovers. One of the most unforgettable experiences you can have is joining whale shark watching tours, where you can swim alongside these incredible creatures—an activity that has become one of the most iconic wildlife interactions in the country.

Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are known for their gentle nature and distinctive spotted patterns. Interactions with these majestic marine giants in the Philippines first gained widespread attention through the Oslob Whale Shark Watching Tour on Cebu Island. This tour introduced many travelers to the thrill of observing these gentle giants up close, paving the way for the country’s reputation as a destination for whale shark encounters.

Locally called butanding or tuki, whale sharks captivate visitors with their mesmerizing spotted patterns, immense size, and calm demeanor, making every encounter a magical experience.

When is whale shark season in the Philippines?

Whale shark season typically begins in November and lasts until June. However, the best time to schedule a whale shark watching tour in the Philippines is between February and April, as this is when the highest number of whale sharks pass through the tropical archipelago. Visiting during these peak months greatly increases your chances of swimming alongside these magnificent creatures.

Are whale shark sightings in the Philippines guaranteed? 

While whale sharks are frequently spotted in the Philippines, sightings are not guaranteed since these gentle giants are migratory animals. Their movements are influenced by ocean currents, water temperature, and the availability of food in various areas. To increase your chances of encountering them, visit popular locations they are known to frequent, such as Sorsogon town, Bohol Island, Cebu Island, and more. Read on to discover the best spots for unforgettable whale shark interactions!

If you're eager to witness these magnificent creatures, here are some of the top tours and best places where you can see whale sharks in the Philippines:

Donsol Whale Shark Tour in Sorsogon Province

Nestled along the southern coast of Luzon Island in the Bicol region, Sorsogon Province is celebrated for its stunning beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and its reputation as a prime destination for whale shark sightings.

Among its most famous attractions are the towering Mount Bulusan within the tranquil Bulusan Volcano Natural Park and the pristine Subic Beach in Matnog town. For unforgettable whale shark encounters, however, the seaside town of Donsol is the place to be. Renowned as one of the top destinations in Sorsogon Province, Donsol town shines for its commitment to sustainability and ethical tourism.

While there are several places across the Philippines to witness the largest fish in the world, the whale shark interaction tour in Donsol town is particularly notable for adhering to the highest ethical standards.

Tours in Donsol town emphasize the importance of ethical interactions by requiring visitors to strictly follow three key rules when swimming with these gentle giants: avoid touching them, maintain a minimum distance of three meters from their tails, and refrain from using flash photography. By respecting these guidelines, you ensure a safe and sustainable experience for both yourself and the whale sharks, helping to protect their natural habitat and encouraging their return during the Donsol whale shark season.

This approach not only enhances the experience for visitors but also ensures the protection and preservation of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

• Read the ultimate list of things to do in the Bicol Region to uncover must-try activities beyond whale shark watching!
• Explore the top selection of tours and activities in Sorsogon Province to help you plan and make the most of your adventure in the vibrant Bicol region

Sogod Bay Whale Shark Tour in Leyte Province

Sogod Bay, nestled in the southern part of Leyte Pr offers a serene and sustainable option for whale shark watching tours. Unlike more popular destinations, Sogod Bay provides an uncrowded experience, with tour operators strictly following guidelines to protect these gentle giants, such as limiting the number of people allowed to swim near them.

While not as renowned as other whale shark destinations, Sogod Bay and Leyte Island boast spectacular tourist spots and are a haven for marine enthusiasts. The bay features over 20 dive sites, including marine protected areas, making it a paradise for divers. With vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, Sogod Bay is a hidden gem for those seeking underwater adventures.

• Check out the top selection of tours on Leyte Island to discover more must-try activities in this beautiful, yet underrated, Philippine destination

If you're planning a whale shark tour in Sogod Bay, be prepared to spend several hours on the water. Unlike other locations, the operators here don't feed the whale sharks to keep them in one place. Instead, spotters search the vast bay for these majestic creatures, which can take time. Although sightings are not guaranteed, the best chances to see whale sharks are between November and April.

For those fortunate enough to encounter these gentle giants, swimming alongside them—even from a respectful distance—can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, as the whale sharks are not fed, they move freely through the water, making it challenging to keep up with them. Still, witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, even from afar, is truly unforgettable and adds to the appeal of visiting the top tourist spots on Leyte Island.

Lila Whale Shark Tour in Bohol Island

For a unique and exciting adventure beyond the usual activities and places to visit on Bohol Island, consider adding a whale shark watching tour in the town of Lila to your itinerary. This charming coastal town is an emerging dive destination where visitors can encounter these majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat

When you embark on a whale shark watching tour in Bohol Island, your adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from the shores of Lila town to a designated feeding area where these gentle giants are often spotted. Equipped with rental snorkeling gear, you'll have the unforgettable chance to swim near these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Remember to follow ethical guidelines during your tour. Maintain a safe distance from the whale sharks to avoid any accidental harm, and always keep your camera’s flash off to ensure their safety and comfort. By respecting these guidelines, you can fully enjoy this unforgettable experience while protecting the well-being of these gentle giants.

Beyond whale shark watching, Bohol Island offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for travelers. You can go on tours to Chocolate Hills or take a river cruise along Loboc River. Nature lovers can also join several tours on Bohol Island to catch a glimpse of the tarsiers, one of the smallest monkeys in the world. Along with whale shark watching, Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary tours offer a unique opportunity to connect with Bohol's rich biodiversity and immerse yourself in the island’s stunning landscapes.

• Discover the widest selection of best-value vacation packages to Bohol Island for a memorable and seamless trip, with everything expertly arranged for your convenience
• Find and book the cheapest flights to Bohol Island

Oslob Whale Shark Watching in Cebu Island

For the best chances of spotting whale sharks even during the off-peak months in the Philippines, make your way to the town of Oslob. This picturesque seaside town is situated on Cebu Island in the Visayas region. 

Oslob town has become one of the top tourist attractions on Cebu Island due to its consistent sightings of whale sharks year-round. It is also one of the most accessible options for whale shark watching, as there are several regular flights to Cebu Island. Additionally, there is a wide selection of vacation packages to Cebu Island that travelers can choose from, many of which include whale shark tours.

However, the whale shark tours in Oslob town have also sparked attention due to environmental concerns. Many tour operators used to attract whale sharks by feeding them large amounts of krill, a practice that has been criticized for negatively impacting these gentle giants. Over the years, however, many whale shark watching tour operators have shifted to follow strict, eco-friendly guidelines to protect the marine life in the area.

Environmentalists have criticized many tour operators' practice of luring whale sharks to certain areas by feeding them large amounts of krill. However, this practice has decreased over the years, and many Oslob whale shark watching tour operators now follow strict guidelines to protect these majestic creatures.

Puerto Princesa Whale Shark Tour on Palawan Island

A visit to Puerto Princesa City on Palawan Island wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Underground River. But beyond this iconic destination, one of the top things to do in Puerto Princesa City is embarking on a whale shark-watching adventure in the pristine waters of Honda Bay. 

• Explore the widest selection of tours and activities in Puerto Princesa City to make the most of your Palawan Island getaway

Booking a whale shark watching tour in Puerto Princesa City offers a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Palawan Island. It begins with an early morning departure, where you’ll head to the port and board a boat bound for Honda Bay. Your boatman will guide you to the designated area where whale sharks are known to frequent. Keep in mind that sightings in Puerto Princesa City may not be as frequent as in other popular spots like Oslob town, so it's best to manage your expectations.

If you’re fortunate enough to encounter whale sharks in the waters of Honda Bay, you’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel near these majestic creatures. However, be sure to avoid touching or disturbing them. Even if whale sharks don’t make an appearance, Honda Bay is rich with other natural wonders to explore. You can check out nearby islets on Honda Bay island hopping tours, where you’ll discover beautiful stretches of sand, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

Consider exploring the widest selection of tour packages in Puerto Princesa City. With these thoughtfully curated packages, you’ll hit all the top spots and have the opportunity to try all the must-do activities. Whether it’s whale shark watching, venturing into stunning natural landscapes, or embarking on unforgettable island-hopping adventures in Honda Bay, you’ll make the most of your time while creating lasting memories.

Swim with the gentle whale sharks of the Philippines

Seeing these gentle giants up close is just one of the many incredible reasons to explore the Philippines. After experiencing the thrill of swimming with whale sharks on some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, you’ll have the chance to discover even more natural wonders. From majestic landscapes to hidden gems, the Philippines is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Whether you choose to go whale shark watching in Sorsogon Province, Bohol Island, or Cebu Island, each destination offers its own unique charm. You’ll find stunning beaches in Cebu, the captivating Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and the serene beauty of the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan. There’s no shortage of incredible experiences waiting for you.

For a seamless and unforgettable vacation, explore the widest selection of Philippine guided tours and travel packages!