Where Can You Swim With Whale Sharks In The Philippines and Best Tours
The first time I swam with a whale shark in the Philippines was nothing like I expected. It was hot, crowded, and chaotic as people rushed toward the boats, and by the time I finally got onboard I was sweating and buzzing with nervous excitement.
When I jumped into the water, everything happened at once. Visibility was excellent, and a whale shark the size of a school bus was already right in front of me, less than ten feet away, moving straight toward me with its mouth wide open. The shock was instant. I felt fear, adrenaline, and pure awe all hit at the same time as this massive, gentle creature glided past.
Experiences like that are unforgettable, but they can vary dramatically depending on where you go. Some spots are peaceful and natural. Others are busy and controversial. This guide will help you choose the best place to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines and find the right tour for the experience you want.
Quick Travel Resources for Whale Sharks in the Philippines
🌴 Top Pick
👉 Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Eco Tour
Hotels
👉 Vitton Beach Resort in Donsol
Tours
👉 Oslob Whale Shark and Tumalog Falls Tour
eSIM
👉 Airalo Philippines eSIM
Insurance
👉 VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance
Transport
👉 12Go Asia Ferry and Bus Tickets
Where Can You See Whale Sharks in the Philippines?
Whale sharks appear in several regions of the Philippines due to seasonal plankton blooms and warm currents. Some locations offer wild natural encounters while others rely on feeding which guarantees sightings but raises ethical concerns. Your experience can change dramatically depending on where you go.
Below are the major whale shark locations in the Philippines, starting with Lila in Bohol which has become one of the most talked about sites.
Lila, Bohol
I first heard about the Lila whale shark experience while on a scuba trip to Balicasag Island. Between dives, another diver told me it was worth checking out if I had an extra morning. When I arrived, the scene was instantly chaotic. Crowds formed in every direction, multiple lines overlapped, and it was unclear who to talk to or where to stand.
Tours in Lila ran nonstop. Boats would shuttle people back and forth while whale sharks were fed near the surface. This made sightings almost guaranteed but also stirred controversy because feeding changes behaviour and interrupts natural migration routes.
Despite the confusion on land, the moment in the water was unforgettable. As soon as I entered, a massive whale shark appeared right in front of me. No anticipation. No slow build. Just instant shock, adrenaline, and awe as this huge, gentle creature glided past.
Lila has since been shut down, but it remains an important part of the whale shark tourism conversation in the Philippines. It may start up again in the future as well.
Why Lila was closed:
• Feeding whale sharks disrupted natural migration
• Overcrowding and limited regulation
• Safety and boat congestion concerns
• Environmental sustainability issues
Even though the Lila experience has been shut down, Bohol remains one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. Whale sharks can still be spotted naturally and ethically on scuba diving trips around the island, and there are countless great day tours to beaches, waterfalls, and heritage sites that make Bohol one of the most visited islands in the country.
If you are exploring the area, here is my full guide to the best things to do in Bohol.
👉 What to Do in Bohol
Donsol, Luzon
Donsol is widely considered the most ethical and natural whale shark destination in the Philippines. There is no feeding. No artificial attraction. Everything is run through the official Whale Shark Interaction Centre which enforces strict guidelines for both swimmers and boats.
The experience feels calm and wild. A trained spotter stands on top of the boat looking for shadows and surface breaks. When a whale shark is seen, you slide into the water and swim beside it at a respectful distance while it follows its natural route.
Why Travellers Choose Donsol
Natural wild movement
Ethical guidelines enforced
Long and peaceful encounters
Community based tourism
Professional guides and spotters
Best Season and How to Get There Smoothly
Whale shark season in Donsol runs from November to May, and the timing matters more than most travellers realise. In the past, I made the mistake of taking a bus from Manila to Legazpi without checking the season. It was a brutally slow overnight ride that stopped constantly, took about 15 hours, and when I arrived, the whale sharks were not even there. I had travelled all that way for nothing.
Since then I always fly or book a private shuttle. It saves hours of frustration, gets you to Donsol rested, and guarantees you do not waste precious travel days.
🌴 Flights to Legazpi
The fastest and easiest way to avoid long provincial bus rides.
👉 Search flights to Legazpi
🌴 Private Shuttle From Manila
Skip the slow multi-stop bus and arrive rested and on your schedule.
👉 Book a private shuttle to Donsol
🌴 Donsol Whale Shark Tour
The most ethical and natural whale shark experience in the Philippines.
👉 Reserve your Donsol whale shark tour
Oslob, Cebu
Oslob is the busiest whale shark site in the Philippines. Sightings are almost guaranteed because feeding occurs. This makes it very accessible for beginners but also controversial for those concerned about the ethics of it.
The area becomes crowded before sunrise and tours rotate quickly. If you choose Oslob, book a tour with transport so you arrive early and avoid confusion at the meeting area.
Why Travellers Choose Oslob
High chance of sightings
Clear shallow water
Easy access from Cebu City
Simple for first time snorkellers
Things to Know
Feeding affects behaviour
Crowds build rapidly
Time in the water is limited
If you are exploring Cebu, Moalboal is one of the best places for snorkelling, beaches, and adventure. Here is my full guide to help you plan your trip.
Southern Leyte
Southern Leyte is one of the least crowded and most natural whale shark destinations in the country. There is no feeding, no lines of boats, and often only a few swimmers in the water at any time.
Encounters feel peaceful. You drift over a coral shelf while a whale shark moves quietly alongside you. It is one of the closest things to a wild, untouched experience in the Philippines.
Why Southern Leyte Stands Out
Wild, natural movements
Very small groups
Quiet coastal villages
Excellent visibility
Best Time to Visit
December to May offers the calmest seas and the highest chance of sightings in Southern Leyte.
How to Get There
Most travellers fly into Tacloban or Cebu, then continue by ferry to Padre Burgos or Liloan. The region has less tourism infrastructure than Cebu or Bohol, but that’s exactly why encounters here feel quieter, wilder, and far more natural.
Planning a longer Visayas trip?
I put together a free Visayas itinerary that covers the top regional highlights, including my personal transport tips and mistakes to avoid.
👉 Download your free Visayas itinerary here
(Perfect if you’re combining whale sharks with waterfalls, beaches, and diving spots.)
Comparison Table: Whale Shark Locations in the Philippines
| Location | Experience type | Crowd level | Best for | Season | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lila, Bohol | Feeding based | Medium | Travellers already in Bohol | Closed | Previously popular but highly controversial, now shut down |
| Donsol | Natural wild encounters | Medium | Ethical travellers and snorkellers | November to May | Community managed, no feeding, strong focus on guidelines |
| Oslob | Feeding based | Very high | First time visitors who want guaranteed sightings | Year round | Very busy and controversial, easy access from Cebu |
| Southern Leyte | Natural wild encounters | Very low | Travellers seeking quiet and peaceful experiences | December to May | Remote, relaxed vibe and non feeding interactions |
Are Whale Shark Tours Ethical?
Ethics play a major role in choosing where to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines. Some places offer natural, non feeding encounters, while others rely on feeding practices that change behaviour and migration patterns.
The most ethical and natural sites are Donsol and Southern Leyte, where whale sharks are never fed and interactions follow strict community managed guidelines. Operators limit swimmers, shut off engines, and provide clear briefings to protect the animals.
In contrast, feeding based sites like Oslob and the now closed Lila in Bohol attract whale sharks by providing food, which makes sightings almost guaranteed but also fuels major controversy.
If choosing an ethical experience matters to you, Donsol and Southern Leyte offer the most responsible whale shark encounters in the Philippines.
What to Pack for a Whale Shark Tour
Snorkel mask
Underwater camera with wrist strap
Waterproof phone pouch
Dry bag
Flip flops
Motion sickness medication
Cash for fees and tips
🌴 A small tip that prevents big problems
I always bring a dry bag on snorkelling and scuba diving tours because the boats take on water constantly and your possession can get soaked fast.
👉 Find a reliable dry bag on Amazon here
FAQs
Where is the best place to see whale sharks in the Philippines
Donsol is the best natural and ethical option.
When is whale shark season in the Philippines
November to May is peak season.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks
Yes. They are gentle filter feeders and tours include safety briefings.
Where can I see whale sharks near Cebu
Oslob for convenience, Southern Leyte for natural encounters.
In Summary, Whale Sharks in the Philippines
The Philippines offers some of the most unforgettable whale shark experiences in the world. From natural encounters in Donsol and Southern Leyte to the busy but accessible sites in Cebu and Bohol, there is a location for every travel style. Now that you know the differences between each one, you can choose the experience that matches your comfort level and expectations.
Booking a Trip Soon? Here Are Trusted Resources I Use
- Find the best flight deals on Trip.com.
- Reserve budget stays with Hostelworld.
- Book hotels with Booking.com.
- Protect your trip with SafetyWing travel insurance.
- Plan trains, ferries, and buses with 12Go.
- Discover unforgettable activities with GetYourGuide.
- Compare car rentals worldwide with DiscoverCars
- Download my free Visayas Itinerary