What are whale shark tours in the Philippines?

Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines is a popular and thrilling experience. Philippine whale shark tours are a great way to witness these magnificent creatures up close, and Guide to the Philippines offers responsible and ethical whale shark watching tours in the country.

Where are the best places to swim with whale shark in the Philippines?

If you're wondering where to see whale sharks in the Philippines, some of the places for whale sharks tours are in Bohol, Donsol in Sorsogon, Oslob in Cebu, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

One of the best places to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines is in Donsol, Sorsogon. Donsol is known as the "Whale Shark Capital of the World" and offers some of the most popular whale shark tours featuring the Sorsogon whale shark. If you’re planning to stay for long, you can book Donsol tour packages with whale shark tours.

You can also go on a Bohol whale shark tour in the town of Lila. Although it’s an underrated tourist spot in the Philippines, it’s the home of the amazing Lila whale shark watching activity. You can also try other Bohol tours during your visit.
Oslob, Cebu, is another one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. On a Cebu Oslob whale shark tour, you have a higher chance of seeing whale sharks. Make sure to book Cebu tours, such as Cebu Oslob tours or Oslob whale shark tours from Moalboal, for a fuss-free experience.

You can also witness these gentle giants in Puerto Princesa as they grace the waters of the Honda Bay area from April to October, usually around one week before or after each full moon. If you’re lucky, you can spot them when you book a Puerto Princesa tour.

When is the best month or season to go on a whale shark tour?

The best time to visit the Philippines is during the annual whale shark season, which typically runs from November to May, with peak sightings occurring between February and April. There are also best snorkeling places in the Philippines you can visit during these months.

Are there whale shark tours during rainy or bad weather?

All Philippine whale shark tours will depend on the weather and water conditions. Some tours, such as the Oslob whale shark watching activity, will most likely be canceled if there's a storm signal advisory.

Can I join whale shark tours even if I don’t know how to swim?

Yes. There’s an activity called ‘whale watching in the Philippines.’ But in order to see them up close, it’s best to swim. No need to worry, as life vests are also often provided during the snorkeling tour for your safety. It’s highly recommended to join a whale shark tour as it is considered one of the top reasons why you should visit the Philippines.

Is there an age limit for joining whale shark tours?

Most of the whale shark tours allow children as young as 3 years old to see whale sharks. However, it differs for swimming and snorkeling activities. Make sure to coordinate with the tour coordinator about the age limit for Philippine adventure tours.

Are phones and cameras allowed during the tour?

Yes. Phones and cameras are allowed as long as these are waterproof or sealed in a waterproof bag and the flash is disabled.

How long does a whale shark last?

Whale shark-watching tours often last for 30 minutes, from 6 AM to 12 noon. For swimming and snorkeling activities, you may want to check the Philippine itinerary for the tour duration.

Are whale shark tours ethical?

Whale shark tours, especially in the best islands in the Philippines, like Donsol in Sorsogon, are known to be the most ethical and operate under strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to the animals and their natural habitat. We recommend booking whale shark-watching tours here. You can book from legitimate travel marketplaces such as Guide to the Philippines, which prioritizes the well-being of whale sharks on a Philippine guided tour.

How do I book a whale shark tour in the Philippines?

You can book a whale shark tour through various means, such as online booking platforms and travel agencies like Guide to the Philippines.

Whale Shark Tours