The Philippines, with its stunning archipelago and rich marine biodiversity, has long been a haven for eco-tourism. Among its most cherished marine inhabitants are whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean. These majestic creatures have captivated many hearts, drawing tourists from around the world eager to swim alongside them. However, the rise in whale shark tourism has raised significant concerns about its impact on these gentle giants. As the demand for close encounters increases, so does the need for ethical and sustainable practices to ensure their well-being.
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus), affectionately known as “tiki-tiki” or “butanding” in the local tongue, holds the title of the world’s largest fish species. These gentle giants can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh as much as 20 tons. Despite their colossal size, whale sharks are filter feeders that primarily consume plankton. Their presence in marine ecosystems is a crucial indicator of ocean health and highlights the importance of conservation efforts.
swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines
Whale shark tourism in the Philippines manifests in starkly contrasting ways. On one end of the spectrum, places like Oslob in Cebu and Lila in Bohol have drawn significant controversy due to their feeding practices. On the other end, destinations like Donsol in Sorsogon, Pintuyan in Southern Leyte, and Honda Bay in Palawan prioritize non-invasive, sustainable tourism practices.
The Controversy: Oslob and Lila
Thousands of tourists flock to Oslob and Lila every year for the chance to swim with whale sharks. The allure is undeniable—guaranteed sightings and close encounters promise an unforgettable experience. However, the practices employed in these locations have raised significant ethical and environmental concerns.
Whale sharks are naturally migratory animals, and feeding them disrupts their natural behavior and feeding patterns. Close interaction with humans can lead to injuries, as the gentle giants may inadvertently collide with boats or tourists. Moreover, the food provided by tour operators is not always nutritionally adequate, further compromising the health of these majestic creatures.
Feeding whale sharks also has broader ecological implications. It can lead to overpopulation in certain areas, disrupting the marine ecosystem. Overcrowding and reckless behavior by tourists can cause physical injuries to the whale sharks, endangering their well-being. Despite warnings and reminders during briefings, it is common to see tourists getting too close to the sharks for a good photo or video “for the gram.” Reports of tourists touching the sharks, whether intentional or by accident, are also frequent.
While I have not personally experienced how tours are conducted in Oslob or Lila, the stories from other divers and ocean advocates have compelled me to avoid supporting whale shark tours in these provinces.
A friend described the water reeking of rotting fish, with boatmen feeding the sharks shrimp that were likely imported from other regions and no longer fresh. Another mentioned the chaotic experience of hundreds of people waiting for their turn, herded into the water like cattle. One diver likened it to visiting a zoo minus the cages. Another friend, who was dragged by her family to go, ended up skipping the tour as soon as she saw how the tours were done, describing it as “heart-breaking.”
The practice of feeding whale sharks has sparked significant debate. Proponents argue that the feeding practices have economic benefits for the local community. By luring whale sharks closer to the shore, they make it easier for tourists to observe these majestic creatures, transforming Oslob into a popular tourism hotspot. This influx of tourists generates revenue that supports local businesses, creates jobs, and uplifts the community’s economy. Local fishermen, who traditionally saw the whale sharks as competitors for their catch, now find livelihood opportunities as guides and tour operators.
However, critics argue that these short-term benefits come at a cost to the whale sharks’ natural behavior and long-term health. The challenge remains to find a balance that caters to both the economic needs of the community and the conservation needs of these gentle giants. This ongoing debate underlines the necessity for continued dialogue and adaptive management to ensure fairness in addressing the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
Sustainable Alternatives: Donsol, Pintuyan, and Honda Bay
Fortunately, not all whale shark tours in the Philippines follow this exploitative model. Places like Donsol in Sorsogon, Pintuyan in Southern Leyte, and Honda Bay in Palawan have implemented strict ecotourism guidelines that prioritize the well-being and natural behaviors of whale sharks.
These areas emphasize non-invasive observation practices, where tourists are educated on keeping a respectful distance and minimizing their impact on the marine environment. Consequently, they have established thriving ecotourism industries that support local economies, provide job opportunities, and foster community development, all while preserving the natural habitats and behaviors of these magnificent creatures. This approach demonstrates that it is possible to find a balance that supports both economic growth and conservation efforts, setting a positive example for other regions to follow.
Whale Shark Tours in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte
Nestled in the heart of Southern Leyte, the serene waters of Sogod Bay offer a captivating destination for eco-tourists and adventure seekers alike. This hidden gem in the Philippines is renowned for its pristine marine ecosystems and diverse aquatic life. However, the true stars of Sogod Bay are the magnificent whale sharks, which provide an unforgettable experience for enthusiastic divers and snorkelers.
On my dive trip to Southern Leyte, I had the honor of snorkeling with whale sharks, thanks to Sogod Bay Scuba Resort. The tour was a full-day adventure. After traveling 1.5 hours from Padre Burgos to Pintuyan, we picked-up the local spotters on their wooden outrigger boats (bankas). These spotters, part of the NGO called KASAKA, play a crucial role in locating the whale sharks and ensuring a safe interaction.
Before we set out, we received a comprehensive briefing on the best practices for snorkeling with whale sharks from our Dive Guide, Dave.
Key Guidelines for Responsible Viewing:
- Maintain Distance: Always keep a safe distance (at least 3 meters from the side, and 5 meters around the tail) from the whale sharks to avoid disturbing them.
- Avoid Touching: Never touch or ride the whale sharks.
- No Flash Photography: Use natural light for photography to avoid startling the animals.
Fatima, a volunteer in LAMAVE which is a marine conservation group in the Philippines, was also present to educate us about their ongoing research and involvement in the local community. She was also there to observe and collect data on the whale sharks.
There were 18 guests on board our dive boat. — accompanied by the dive boat crew, a volunteer from LAMAVE, and six spotters. Peter’s Dive Resort was also in the area with their guests, so there were roughly 36-40 tourists in the entire bay during our visit.
Unlike other places where they feed the whale sharks to attract them, the whale shark tours in Sogod Bay require more effort as participants have to go to them.
When a whale shark was spotted, the spotter would wave his oar and point to the direction it was heading. The dive boat would slowly approach the area, and one by one, coming from a seated position on the side of the boat, we would enter the water with our fins first. We then had to snorkel towards the gentle giant.
The experience was surreal, as we observed these majestic beings glide gracefully through the nutrient-rich waters.
According to Fatima, the volunteer from LAMAVE, she recorded 3 individuals circling the bay at the time of our visit. We were quite lucky as the sighting are never guaranteed, especially when the whale sharks are not fed.
Despite overcast skies and occasional drizzle, the tour provided multiple opportunities to interact with the whale sharks. I do not know if I saw all 3 of them, however I did have more than 5 whale sharks interactions which lasted 5-10 minutes at a time. The whale sharks would sometimes be in shallow areas 5 meters and sometimes they’d be at 10 meters or more.
If you can’t keep up or can no longer see them, you can opt to go back to the dive boat and wait for the next sighting.
The whale shark watching in Sogod Bay lasts for three hours.
How to Experience swimming with Whale Shark In southern Leyte
One of the best place to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines is Sogod Bay, particularly the waters off Pintuyan and San Ricardo. To embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, several reputable dive resorts in Sogod Bay offer guided whale shark tours.
Two of the notable options are Sogod Bay Scuba Resort and Peter’s Dive Resort. These tours are meticulously planned to ensure an eco-friendly and respectful interaction with the whale sharks. Prices and inclusions will differ so best to contact the resorts directly for their rates.
Peter’s Dive Resort
Lungsodaan, Padre Burgos
Southern Leyte, Philippines, 6602
Mobile: +63 917 791 0993
Email: [email protected]
Sogod Bay Scuba Resort
Lungsodaan, Padre Burgos
Southern Leyte, Philippines 6602
Mobile: +639155207274
Email: [email protected]
A typical tour starts from the resorts in Padre Burgos, with boats departing at 8:30 AM and returning at around 3 PM. The snorkeling tours arranged by these resorts in Padre Burgos usually require a minimum number of 6 participants for it to push through. They are not conducted daily, so advance coordination and reservations are necessary.
Alternatively, you can also arrange for a whale shark snorkeling tour via the Pintuyan Tourism Office. Many solo travelers and backpackers choose this option as you can hire a local spotter and ride on their small banka to look for the whale sharks around Pintuyan.
Dive Sogod Bay on November 2024 | march 2025
Ideal Time to Visit
The prime season for whale shark watching in Sogod Bay spans from November to April. During these months, whale sharks congregate off the coast of Pintuyan and San Ricardo on Panaon Island to feast on abundant plankton blooms.
Tips when going on a whale shark Snorkeling tour in Sogod Bay
The exhilarating experience of swimming alongside whale sharks in Sogod Bay is both physically demanding and immensely rewarding.
Here are some tips for when you go swim with whale sharks:
- Wear reef safe sunscreen as you’ll be staying under the sun for hours.
- Wear rash guard or wetsuits. There are also some jellyfish in the water so wear exposure suit to reduce the chances of getting stung. The water in Sogod Bay can be very cold during the whale shark season hitting 22- 24C.
- The whale shark snorkeling tour package usually includes a lunch, but bring your own snacks. You can burn a lot of calories swimming with the whale shark so take food and water breaks in between.
- If you’re a freediver, bring your longfins to give you some advantage in the water.
- If you’re a poor swimmer, you can ask the spotters to take you on a ride on their banka. They don’t mind having you hang on to their boat if you need a breather.
- Pay attention to the crew or spotters for guidance on the whereabouts of whale sharks in the water. It can be exhausting trying to catch up to the whale sharks. They will always swim faster than you.
- Go on a weekday so there are fewer dive boats in the area.
The success of whale shark snorkeling tours in Sogod Bay is a testament to the collaborative efforts between local communities and conservation organizations. KASAKA, a local NGO composed of fishermen-turned-spotters, plays an integral role in the tours. These spotters not only guide tourists but also contribute to the preservation of whale sharks and their habitat. They are authorized by the Local Government Unit to manage, control, supervise, and maintain the whale shark tours and guard the Son-ok Fish Sanctuary.
LAMAVE, another key player, conducts research and monitoring activities to ensure sustainable tourism practices. By participating in these tours, tourists directly support the livelihoods of local communities and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.
In the heart of the Philippines lies Sogod Bay, a sanctuary where eco-tourism and adventure converge. Swimming with whale sharks in this pristine bay is an experience that transcends words. It leaves a lasting impact on anyone lucky enough to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
By choosing responsible and sustainable tour operators, you can enjoy this magical encounter while supporting conservation efforts and local communities. So, if you’re an eco-tourist, adventure seeker, or diver yearning for an unforgettable journey, pack your bags and head to Sogod Bay. The gentle giants are waiting for you.
