Where can i see Whale Sharks in the Philippines?

Seeing whale sharks in the wild can be an unforgettable and meaningful experience — especially when done in a way that supports conservation, respects the animals, and benefits local communities. While profit-driven initiatives feeding whale sharks with no respect for their impacts on sharks behaviors and fragile marine ecosystems, are booming, we urge you to resist the temptation for easy - convenient sighting, and instead select carefully when, where and how you will see Whale sharks in the wild, in order to contribute to the protection of their species.

Here’s how to ethically see whale sharks in the Philippines:

1. Choose a responsible location

Avoid popular but controversial places like Oslob, Cebu or Bohol, where whale sharks are fed to keep them unnaturally, leading to serious consequences of their health, behaviors as well as on marine ecosystems. Instead, choose places where interactions are more natural and less intrusive:

• Donsol, Sorsogon (Luzon)

  • Known as the most ethical place to for whale sharks tourism in the Philippines.

  • No feeding is allowed. Strict distance is required.

  • Sightings are seasonal (November to June, peak around February to April).

  • Operated in partnership with the WWF and regulated by the local government.

    
    

• Leyte (Southern Leyte)

  • A less touristy alternative with ethical standards.

  • No feeding, sightings are more natural and seasonal (November to May).

  
  

• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Palawan, advanced divers only)

  • Would you like to see them while Scuba diving? Try your luck in Tubbataha National Park.

  • This is a national protected marine park only open seasonally for tourism via liveaboard diving (mid-March to mid-June).

  • No feeding and strict regulations.

  • Pro: Incredible marine life

  • Cons: Expensive

2. Select your trip with Certified, Eco-Friendly Operators

   
   

   Choose tour operators that:

   • Follow the code of conduct (e.g., no touching, feeding, or chasing).

   • Educate guests on marine conservation.

   • Limit boat numbers and time spent with the whale sharks.

   • Hire trained local guides.

   
   

   Tip: You may look for operators that have partnerships with conservation groups like WWF or certifications such as Green Fins.

   
   

3. Follow Responsible Wildlife Interaction Guidelines

   
   

   • No touching or riding the whale sharks (you may damage their mucus and transmit diseases, as well as teach to trust humans - which can be dangerous as they are not protected everywhere)

   • Stay at least 3–4 meters away from the body and 5 meters from the tail.

   • No flash photography — it can disturb the animals.

   • Limit time in the water to reduce stress to the animals.

   • Use reef-safe sunscreen or none at all to protect the marine environment.

     
     

4. Be patient, travel off-Peak and Respect Local Rules

   • Avoid peak tourism times to reduce pressure on local habitats.

   • Be patient, these animals are rare, it may take you multiple trials to see one. These encounters are precious. <3

   • Always follow local guidelines and briefings.

   • Be courteous to the local communities and respect local customs to support positive tourism as it keys in with conservation.

     
     

5. Support Conservation and the Local Economy

   • Support Conservation and the Local Economy

   • Pay local environmental fees — these often support marine protection.

   • Buy local (handicrafts, food, etc.) from sustainable sources.

   • Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations working on marine conservation in the region.

Have you seen Whale Sharks in the Philippines?

Share you experience in comments.