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Maptlantis

Whale shark · Philippines

Where to see whale sharks in the Philippines

Operators 27Season Nov–MayRegions 8Published prices 22Encounter formats 5
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see whale sharks in the Philippines is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the whale shark as a target species, 27 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Anda, Cebu & Mactan, Cebu, Dauin, Dumaguete & Apo, Donsol & Sorsogon and Moalboal. Encounters are split into swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, land-based watching and boat-based watching. Two "whale shark tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 22 of the 27 operators (81%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. The 6 operators that state a season for whale shark programs in the Philippines cluster in Nov–May. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

Whale shark season in the Philippines

Nov–May

  1. JanJanuary: in season, singled out
  2. FebFebruary: in season, singled out
  3. MarMarch: in season, singled out
  4. AprApril: in season, singled out
  5. MayMay: in season, singled out
  6. JunJune: not in season
  7. JulJuly: not in season
  8. AugAugust: not in season
  9. SepSeptember: not in season
  10. OctOctober: not in season
  11. NovNovember: in season, singled out
  12. DecDecember: in season, singled out

The months 6 operators state as their program season, combined. That is the operators' operating period, not a sighting guarantee; each operator's months are in the whale shark season table.

27 listed operators

Whale sharks in the Philippines, by region

Whale sharks in the Philippines, by way to meet them

Whale shark season

Whale sharks in other countries

Other marine life in the Philippines

Activities in the Philippines

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see whale sharks in the Philippines?

27 operators name the whale shark as a target species. Main regions: Anda, Cebu & Mactan, Cebu, Dauin, Dumaguete & Apo, Donsol & Sorsogon and Moalboal.

Do you have to get in the water to see whale sharks?

Formats on record: swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, land-based watching and boat-based watching. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is whale shark season?

The 6 operators that state a season for whale shark programs in the Philippines cluster in Nov–May. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Whale sharks are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.