palawan whale shark tour

Swim in Puerto Princesa with whale sharks

1 day private tour in puerto princesa, whale sharks snorkel experience & puerto princesa city tour, swim in puerto princesa with whale sharks private tour, full day experience, swim with whale sharks in puerto princesa, experience the thrill of swimming with the world’s largest fish.

Looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Puerto Princesa? Look no further than our Swim with Whale Sharks tour! From April to October, you can swim with these magnificent creatures, which can measure up to 10 meters in length.

Swim in a Natural and Free Environment

Our Swim with Whale Sharks tour allows you to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, all while respecting their space and natural environment. You’ll have the chance to swim with them in a completely natural and free environment, without any enclosures or tanks.

Discover the Best of Puerto Princesa with a Puerto Princesa city tour

To complete your day, we’ll take you on a tour of the most interesting areas of the city.

You’ll visit the Crocodile Farm , where you’ll see the fascinating reptiles up close.

Next, you’ll explore the Butterfly Eco-Garden , a beautiful oasis filled with vibrant flora and fauna.

After that, we’ll take a leisurely walk along the Baywalk , where you can take in the stunning views of the sea and the city.

You’ll also visit Plaza Cuartel , a historic site that played a crucial role in World War II.

For a taste of local life, we’ll take you to Mitra Ranch , a popular spot for horseback riding and enjoying the breathtaking view of the city.

And of course, we can’t forget to stop by Bakers Hill , a charming bakery and cafe known for its delicious treats and Instagram-worthy decor.

Finally, we’ll visit the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral , a beautiful church that’s a testament to the deep faith of the people of Puerto Princesa. And if you’re looking for souvenirs or pasalubong to bring back home, we’ll take you to the best souvenir shops in town.

Are you ready for a day full of adventure, culture, and nature? Join us on our Swim in Puerto Princesa with Whale Sharks tour and Puerto Princesa City Tour! It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Important Details About the Private Whale Shark Tour in Puerto Princesa

• Lunch included

HOURS AND ACTIVITIES

• 7:00 AM  – Pick up at your accommodation
• 8:00 AM – Departure from the boat to swim with the whale sharks. The crew will accompany you at all times giving you information and will assist you in everything you need.
• Noon – Lunch on board
• 2:00 PM – Start the city tour quit this itinerary: – Crocodile Farm – Butterfly Eco-Garden – Baywalk – Plaza Cuartel – Mitra Ranch – Bakers Hill – Immaculate Concepcion – Cathedral – Souvenir Shop / 
• 6:00 PM – Return to your accommodation

PRIVATE WHALE SHARK SNORKELING EXPERIENCE IN PUERTO PRINCESA PRICE:

20% discount direct booking, full day puerto princesa  tour (11hours).

• Minimum 2 persons: (12150 ) 9720 philippine pesos/ person

Children under 6 years old: 50% discount

• Travel insurance is mandatory. If you don’t have one, we can provide you with one.
• The weather in the Philippines is highly variable, so we recommend bringing biodegradable sunscreen, t-shirts that protect against UVA and UVB rays, a hat, sunglasses, and a raincoat.
• Bring comfortable water shoes. Swimwear and spare clothes.
• If you have your own snorkeling equipment, we recommend bringing it.
• Don’t forget your waterproof camera!

CANCELLATION POLICY

You can see our cancellation policy here.

How to book the Swim in Puerto Princesa with whale sharks private tour

• Fill in the contact form
• We will answer you with an email where we will confirm availability with a PayPal link for the tour payment
• Once payment is made for the chosen tour, please reply to our email for verification

You have doubts? Check our  FAQ section

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Whale Sharks in El Nido: Rare Encounters with Gentle Giants

Embark on the dream of encountering majestic whale sharks in El Nido’s waters. Join us to explore the fascinating world of these oceanic wonders.

Exploring Marine Marvels in El Nido - Awaiting Whale Shark Encounters

A recent and unforgettable encounter with a whale shark near Miniloc Island has left us in awe! Our dive expedition in El Nido granted us an amazing 45 minutes alongside this grand creature, capturing breathtaking moments through our cameras. While the possibility of spotting whale sharks exists across Bacuit Bay, these gentle giants remain an extraordinary rarity. The fortunate alignment of our guests and team with this encounter provided a unique opportunity to immerse in the world of this captivating being.

Whale Shark - Oceanic Giants of Grace

Seizing the title of the world’s largest fish, whale sharks can grow to an astounding 12 meters in length and weigh up to 20 tons. Despite their colossal size, these creatures pose no threat to humans. Their role as filter feeders involves delicately straining plankton and small fish from the water, a balletic display of the ocean’s intricate survival dance. These captivating beings inhabit warm waters worldwide, including the waters of the Philippines.

Species Profile:

• Common Name: Whale Shark
• Genus: Rhincodon
• Depth: Ranging from 1 to 1800 meters
• Diet: Filter feeder – predominantly plankton
• Size: Impressive lengths of up to 14 meters; Maximum weight: 20 tonnes
• Lifespan: Astonishing longevity of 100 years!!!

Whale Shark - Rarity and Conservation

The rarity of whale sharks isn’t solely due to their size, but also their lifecycle. With a life expectancy surpassing 70 years and only reaching sexual maturity around 30 years old, their reproductive capabilities are limited. They give birth to relatively few offspring in their lifetime, rendering them vulnerable to human-induced pressures. Each whale shark boasts a unique spot pattern akin to human fingerprints, aiding in individual identification. Through meticulous photo documentation, WWF has cataloged 458 distinct whale sharks in the Philippines.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

These majestic creatures face threats such as habitat loss, decline in prey species, marine pollution from coastal development, boat collisions, and disruptions from irresponsible tourism activities. Ensuring their survival mandates passive interactions with marine life. Observing without touching or altering their environment preserves their well-being and natural behaviors. Avoiding practices such as whale shark feeding further bolsters their protection.

Whale Shark - A Rare Jewel in El Nido's Depths

Encountering a whale shark in El Nido is a treasured privilege, occurring only 2 to 3 times per diving season. These extraordinary sightings are more likely during plankton-abundant months from December to February. The key lies in being at the right dive site during the opportune moment, infusing the experience with an air of mystery and exhilaration. Join us to embrace the possibility of encountering these awe-inspiring ocean wonders in the azure depths of El Nido’s waters.

Dive with us and explore El Nido's underwater world

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Palawan Days

06a. Whale sharks Private tour ★★★★ ★ Location: Palawan / City: Puerto Princesa

16,500 ₱ (298 $) - 32,000 php (578 $)    booked: ( 0 ).

• ➤ Description
• ➤ Itinerary & conditions ✍

Unique excursion in the waters of the Honda Bay city of Puerto Princesa. You can personally meet with the largest of all living in the moment fish. From April to October  on certain days you can swim with whale sharks in the wild. Long whale shark reaches 20 m. and weight – 15 tons. They are peaceful and safe for human, they eat only plankton.

The tour is unique that the shark inhabited in the wild. Sometimes there is no whale or to find them need time, they often swim alone far away from each other. On the way you can see dolphins, turtles, giant – manta, sea snakes and shoals of fish.

Book your tour in advance! If there is no tour due to weather conditions or no whale in the wild, you will get notification and refund of payment if you can not go the other day.

Itinerary & conditions ✍.

The price includes: pick-up at your hotel (6.30 – 7:00 am), boat to the sharks habitat (1.5 hours), swimming with sharks 3 – 5 times (depending on the number of fish), lunch on the boat, bottled water, transfer back to the city. Excursions end around 2 pm. In the boat you can rent flippers and mask, and also underwater video shooting is available – add 500 pesos.

✱ If, for obvious reasons, the excursion boat will not find sharks living in the wild, you only pay 50% from total cost ✱ The tour is carried out only from the city of Puerto Princesa. From El Nido, tour can not be made! ✱ Expect the excursion car on the hotel’s reception desk or in the rooms, pick up at 6:30 – 7:00AM. ✱ During the tour, your things kept with you on the boat. ✱ If you need excursion from airport, bee there at 6 – 7 AM ✱ Free cancellations and 100% refund is possible at least 48 hours before the start of tour ✱ Cancellation less than 48 hours before the tour, possible with a charge of 30% of the tour price ✱ Cancellation less than 24 hours before the start, is non refundable! ✱ Cancellations: Tours to the Whale Sharks can be cancel for visitor entry due to weather conditions. In such case, the visitor may to rebook the tour on a later date or seek a refund. ✱ Make sure you fill the right email address, and make sure you look for your voucher on that email address what you filled! ✱ Palawan Days reserves the right to cancel any bookings in the any time

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claudio kawano

Canyoneering and whale shark were excellent choices to make for us!!! We’ve loved!!! Tumalog falls wasn’t interesting. Guides were very good and they give us towels to after trip to use. Everything was very organized.

Amazing personal driver and guide. Great food and very worthwhile tour all up! Had an amazing day

Pijus Peckaitis

Attention to us as an older couple and the organization was absolutely top notch.

Highly recommend this tour! Swimming with the whale sharks was a surreal experience. It was also very convenient that you can rent a go pro at the location and people on the boat offer to take videos for you. Lynde, our guide during the whale shark and tumolog falls was really kind, informative & helped capture our experience with great photos. Our canyoneering guide Joseph was awesome! He went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time and have great photos and videos, especially with my older parents. We were very happy to have Joseph as a guide, it was enjoyable to spend 3-4 hours with him. My older parents who definitely were tired from the long adventurous day can’t stop talking about this tour nor showing photos and videos that were taken. Such a beautiful place and this tour definitely showcases the beauty of nature.

Frequently asked questions

What are whale shark tours in the philippines, where are the best places to swim with whale shark in the philippines, when is the best month or season to go on a whale shark tour, are there whale shark tours during rainy or bad weather, can i join whale shark tours even if i don’t know how to swim, is there an age limit for joining whale shark tours, are phones and cameras allowed during the tour, how long does a whale shark last, are whale shark tours ethical, how do i book a whale shark tour in the philippines.

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Whale shark diving in Palawan

We couldn’t have a better day of scuba diving in El Nido. Our certified divers spotted a whale shark diving in Palawan, exactly in North Rock dive site only at 8 meters depth.

Don’t miss the video of Ola, which to who we are very grateful.

Whale sharks and dolphins watching in Puerto Princesa

Encountering whale sharks and dolphins in the wild is a great experience for any tourists to the Philippines and fortunately, you can take this unique tour in the turquoise waters of the Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa city. During the country's southwest monsoon from April to November, these gentle and large creatures will visit the bay often, offer higher chances of spotting them. Visitors will go out to the sea in traditional boats and jump into the water to personally meet whae sharks and dolphins. They are peaceful and safe for human but make sure you stay from a respectful distance. As they are wild animals, the sighting is not guaranteed, though you can see turtles, mantas, sea snakes and other schools of fish on the way.

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Dolphin and Whales Travel and Tours

The dolphin and whales specialist in palawan.

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We are an established and DOT accredited travel agency that caters the travel needs of both local and foreign tourists by providing a quality and memorable tour experience in Palawan that you sure cannot forget.

Our vision is to protect, promote, save and help. We aim to contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism industry of Puerto Princesa City from mountain high to ocean deep.

• Company Type: Travel and Tours
• Active Since: 2019
• Area of Service: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• Address: 399 Rizal Avenue Extension, Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 5300 Philippines

Represented by : Ivy Cayabo

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Swim With The Whale Sharks in Puerto Princesa

Dolphin Watching in Puerto Princesa

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Encounter the Gentle Giants: Oslob Whale Shark Watching

Oslob Whale Shark Watching offers a unique and unforgettable experience of swimming alongside gentle giants in their natural habitat. Located in Cebu, Philippines, this popular eco-tourism destination is home to the world's largest fish, the whale shark.

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Located in the southern tip of Cebu Island, Oslob offers a plethora of attractions, including whale shark interaction, Sumilon Island, and Tumalog Falls.

Tan-awan village, just 10km from Oslob town centre, is a perfect spot to see and swim with these majestic creatures, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

When to go to Olsob:

The best time to visit depends on your preferences.

High season is from December to May, with Christmas, New Year and Easter being the busiest times. The low season and rainy season runs from June to November.

However, whale sharks can be spotted year-round.

For a more peaceful experience, it’s best to visit on weekdays when there are fewer crowds.

Getting to Oslob

From cebu city.

To get to Oslob from Cebu, you can take a bus or hire a private car. Buses depart from Cebu South Bus Terminal and take approximately 3-4 hours to reach Oslob. The fare is around 200-300 PHP (4-6 USD) per person. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or van for a more comfortable and convenient ride.

From Dumaguete

You can take a ferry to Liloan, Santander, which is about 30 minutes away from Oslob by bus or private car. The ferry ride takes approximately 30-45 minutes and the fare is around 70-100 PHP (1.5-2 USD) per person. From Liloan, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach Oslob.

Controversial Tourism Attraction

The whale shark interaction in Tan-awan village attracts a large number of tourists every day. However, this activity is controversial as the sharks are hand-fed, which can alter their behavior and negatively impact the ecosystem, according to many scientists.

For those seeking a more natural experience, the whale shark interaction programs in Donsol may be preferable.

Despite the controversy, the tourism industry in Oslob provides benefits to the local community and ensures that the sharks remain alive, rather than ending up as dead fins in storage facilities across Asia.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

The experience of interacting with whale sharks typically begins early in the morning, where visitors receive a quick briefing before boarding outrigger boats that take them to the interaction area located around 50 meters from shore. Once there, visitors are allowed to swim with the whale sharks for a limited time of 30 minutes and are required to adhere to strict rules that include no touching, no riding, no flash photography, and keeping a safe distance of at least 2 meters away from the sharks.

Diving with whale sharks is also possible at an additional surcharge. Visitors who are certified divers can explore the underwater world and swim alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, creating an even more unforgettable experience.

Whale sharks are the largest species of fish, known to grow up to 12 meters in length, yet despite their enormous size, they pose no danger to humans. These docile creatures are slow-moving and feed only on tiny micro-organisms. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Beyond Whale Sharks: Exploring Cebu's Natural Wonders and Adventure Activities

In addition to the whale shark experience, there are other activities that visitors can enjoy to further enhance their trip.

Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island, for example, is a stunning coralline island surrounded by a fringing coral reef. The marine sanctuary off Sumilon Island is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved in the Philippines, with a 100-meter wide fringing reef and sharp drop-off down to depths of 30 meters. This makes it perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls, on the other hand, is a series of three waterfalls, with the largest cascade dropping an impressive 20 meters into a massive swimming hole. Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls is considered one of Cebu’s most extreme adventures.

Tumalog Falls

Another must-visit attraction is Tumalog Falls, located just a 10-minute drive from Oslob. This breathtaking waterfall features an impressive swimming hole surrounded by imposing cliffs, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip.

Developing sustainable whale shark interaction guidelines in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Mainly due to continued exploitation in the Indo-Pacific region, the whale shark was categorized as ‘Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2016. The species is also listed into Appendix I of CMS and CITES Appendix II.

The number of whale sharks identified to date in Honda Bay, Palawan, is significant, with photo-ID matches to Tubbataha Reefs (approx. 150 km at the South-East of the target zone), and to Oslob (approx. 500 km at the East of the target zone). Whale sharks returning on more than one year to the same site have been identified and there is a need to establish the reason for this.

Currently, there is only one tour operator engaging in whale shark watching in Honda Bay. With the extension of the airport and the opening of international flights across Southeast Asia, this is likely to change.

The aim of this project, implemented by LAMAVE (Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines), is to establish baseline data of the whale sharks’ habitat use where the tourism takes place. The NGO will work with the Local Government Units and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), under whose whale shark management is, to pass an ordinance to regulate whale shark interactions sustainably. During previous surveys, the NGO also observed oceanic manta rays, bentfin devil rays and spinner dolphins. There is currently no data on these species for Palawan, and also no regulation for their tourism interactions either. The ordinance should include recommendations minimizing disturbances on these endangered species as well.

During this period, new surveys will be done during which environmental parameters and prey samples will be collected when possible. Upon sighting a whale shark, a researcher will enter the water, collect photographic-identification images, note waypoint location, and collect biopsy and parasite samples where possible. The whale shark behavior will be also noted.

Simultaneously, the NGO will also participate in school activities and supplement the local educational curriculum with special focus on marine megafauna and marine ecosystems. Finally, a public event, the ‘Whale Shark Festival’, will engage the general public about the occurrence of whale sharks in the region and their importance.

Final report summary (February 2019):

During the project period, various activities have been implemented:

• 159 field surveys led to the identification of 117 whale shark individuals (and 66 more thanks to pictures extracted from social media). Pictures were collected, shark-tourist behaviours recorded during interactions with boats and prey samples collected. Interactions with other marine megafauna species, such as Mobula, were also documented.
• Identification pictures enabled to observe the same individual whale sharks over long distances, highlighting the migratory nature of the species and the need to develop a collaboration between Philippines and neighbouring countries.
• Awareness activities were also conducted in villages nearby the bay.
• An ordinance has been drafted and shared with the Puerto Princesa City Council and the PCSD to regulate tourism interactions with threatened marine species in the bay. It will be under review shortly by the Councils and a consultation will be organized with the communities.

Fondation Ensemble contributes to this project for a second time in 2019:

The NGO will continue to work with PCSD and Puerto Princesa City to push forward the legislation to regulate marine wildlife tourism. Meetings and workshops will be hosted with stakeholders. The NGO also will continue to monitor tourism activity and a training workshop will be held with tour operator staffs. Whale shark surveys will be conducted on the southern part of the Bay, but exploratory surveys will be done in the Northern part, where no data on marine megafauna exists. In November 2019 a biodiversity festival will be hosted in Puerto Princesa City where the NGO will include a whale shark segment to the festival to raise awareness, involving children from the local villages where the species occurs.

Final report summary (September 2020)

During this second period, a memorandum regarding all interactions with marine biodiversity has been signed by 2 of 4 departments in the region (the 2 others were delayed due to elections and COVID). Meanwhile, 139 new studies were held enabling the identification of 179 individuals. This population in the bay is the most important in East Asia. Data was also collected through 300 interactions with tourists. Sensitization activities continued. The next step is the setting-up of a satellite follow-up and the development of a best practices guide with tourist operators.

© Gonzalo Araujo / lamave.org

Research Assistant Anika taking a photo-identification of a whale shark in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan © lamave.org

Research Assistants Brian (left), Ethan (centre) and researcher Ariana (right) sharing shark education in Puerto Princesa, Palawan © lamave.org

Awareness raising activities in schools © lamave.org