The Philippines is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea. Locally called butanding, these gentle giants gather in Philippine waters to feed on plankton. But the way you see them matters: some encounters are wild and well managed, while others depend on feeding the sharks. See our whale shark profile.
At a glance
| Best time | Donsol: December to May. Southern Leyte: November to May |
| Getting there | Donsol: fly to Legazpi (Bicol). Southern Leyte: fly to Tacloban or ferry from Cebu |
| Big draws | Wild whale shark encounters, manta rays, coral reefs |
| Good for | Snorkellers, responsible travellers |
Wild encounters
Donsol, Sorsogon
- A fishing town in southern Luzon where whale sharks gather to feed in plankton-rich waters.
- A community-based programme trains local “Butanding Interaction Officers” who guide small groups of snorkellers.
- Rules include no scuba diving, limited swimmers per shark and minimum distances.
- Sightings are not guaranteed, as these are wild animals, and visibility can be low because of the plankton. Numbers have varied over the years.
Southern Leyte (Sogod Bay)
- Whale sharks feed in Sogod Bay, near Padre Burgos and Pintuyan, in season.
- Community programmes manage encounters without feeding.
- The area also has excellent coral reefs and diving.
Other sites
Whale sharks are also seen at Tubbataha Reefs (on liveaboards from March to June), off Palawan and in other areas.
Why to avoid Oslob
In Oslob, Cebu, fishermen feed whale sharks every morning, attracting hundreds of tourists a day. Studies have shown that feeding changes the sharks’ behaviour and migration, and that the animals suffer injuries from boats. Many conservation groups and researchers advise against visiting. Choose wild encounters instead.
Code of conduct
- Keep at least 3 to 4 metres from the shark’s body and further from its tail.
- Never touch, ride or chase a whale shark.
- No flash photography.
- Limit the number of people in the water with one shark.
- Do not use sunscreens harmful to marine life; wear a rash guard instead.
When to go
- Donsol: about December to May, with peaks from February to April.
- Southern Leyte: about November to May.
- Typhoon season (roughly June to November) can disrupt travel.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see whale sharks in the Philippines? Donsol and Southern Leyte for wild, community-managed encounters.
Is swimming with whale sharks in Oslob ethical? Most researchers and conservationists say no, because it relies on feeding, which changes the sharks’ natural behaviour.
Do I need to be a diver? No. Encounters are usually by snorkelling.
Are whale sharks dangerous? No. They feed on plankton and small fish and pose no threat to people.
Related guides
- Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef
- Swimming with whale sharks in Holbox and Isla Mujeres
- Wildlife tourism to avoid
- Animal profiles: Whale shark, Giant manta ray
Cover photo: Abe Khao Lak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons