Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, Philippines, is famous for pristine beaches and the breathtaking Underground River. However, a lesser-known gem is its incredible whale shark tours, offering an unforgettable experience swimming alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
If you’d like to check out these magnificent creatures, just send us a note and we’d be happy to get you set up!
🌊 Why Puerto Princesa?
Puerto Princesa provides a more authentic and eco-friendly whale shark experience compared to more commercialized locations. Tours in Puerto Princesa maintain strict ethical guidelines, emphasizing conservation, sustainable tourism, and minimal human impact on these majestic creatures.
📍 Where to See Whale Sharks Near Puerto Princesa
Whale sharks—locally called “butanding”—are typically spotted in the outer waters of Honda Bay, located just off the coast of Puerto Princesa City. Most whale shark tours depart early from the Baywalk Pier or Honda Bay piers, heading southeast into deeper, plankton-rich waters where these gentle giants feed .
🌅 Key Whale Shark Hotspots & Why They Matter
- Honda Bay (20–45 minutes by boat): This bay’s offshore zones, including the area near Pambato Reef, act as popular aggregation spots for plankton and small fish, making them ideal for whale shark sightings.
- Southeast offshore waters (1–2 hours from Baywalk Pier): Tour guides collaborate with local fishermen to track migratory whale sharks—especially around full-moon periods and dry season months—ensuring higher chances of sightings.
🗓️ Seasonal & Environmental Patterns
- April to October is the primary whale shark season. Sightings are most common one week before and after a full moon, as these phases trigger plankton blooms that attract the sharks.
- Compared to tourist-heavy spots like Oslob or Donsol, Puerto Princesa offers more natural, less crowded encounters without artificial feeding, allowing for greater ecological integrity.
⛵ Tour Routes & Local Knowledge
- Most operators begin at Baywalk Pier or Honda Bay, carefully navigating to deeper waters where guides have last received real-time whale shark sightings from fishermen. A typical trip includes 1–2 hours boat ride before snorkeling begins.
- Some operators also include additional marine exploration, like coral reefs or dolphin watching on the same excursion—enhancing your overall marine day trip experience .
✅ Why This Location Is Ideal for Whale Shark Tours
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Proximity to city | Only 20–45 mins by boat—quick access from Puerto Princesa docks. |
| Rich feeding grounds | Plankton-rich outer Honda Bay and deep-sea zones support whale shark presence. |
| Ethical tourism | No feeding; natural movement patterns tracked using local knowledge. |
| Seasonal predictability | April–October window & full-moon timing increase spotting success. |
✨ Tips for Ensuring You Spot Butanding (whale sharks)
- Time your tour around full moon periods during April–October for maximum plankton activity.
- Ask our tour guide where they typically find them—close to reefs like Pambato, around Honda Bay, or further out.
- Book early and choose smaller groups for more attentive search trips.
- Look for boats around Honda Bay scouting areas—whales sharks are often spotted near boat clusters, circling plankton blooms.
📅 Best Season for Whale Shark Watching
Whale sharks can be spotted around Puerto Princesa primarily from April to October, with peak sightings aligning closely with the full moon. Booking during this window maximizes your chances of encountering these gentle creatures.
🚤 Typical Tour Itinerary
- Early morning pickup (around 6:30 AM).
- Boat ride (1–2 hours) to whale shark hotspot.
- Briefing on safety and eco-tourism guidelines.
- Snorkeling sessions (2–3 hours).
- Lunch onboard, usually local Filipino cuisine.
- Return to Puerto Princesa by early afternoon.
🐳 About Whale Sharks: Gentle Giants of the Ocean
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish species on the planet, easily recognizable by their massive size and unique spotted patterns. Despite their intimidating size, whale sharks are harmless filter-feeders, consuming mainly plankton and small marine life such as krill and tiny fish.
🔍 Physical Characteristics:
- Size: Typically 5.5–10 meters, but they can reach lengths up to 18 meters.
- Weight: They can weigh up to 34 tonnes (around 75,000 pounds).
- Appearance: Distinctive checkerboard pattern of white spots and stripes over a dark gray or blueish body.
🌍 Habitat and Migration:
- Whale sharks prefer warm tropical oceans, often near coastal areas rich in plankton.
- Known to undertake extensive migrations, tracking seasonal plankton blooms.
🐟 Feeding Behavior:
- Whale sharks are filter-feeders, swimming slowly with mouths wide open to strain plankton through their gills.
- They can filter over 1,500 gallons of water per hour.
🚼 Reproduction:
- Whale sharks are ovoviviparous—embryos develop inside eggs within the mother’s body until ready for birth.
- A female whale shark can give birth to hundreds of pups at a time, although sightings of young whale sharks are rare.
🌿 Conservation Status:
- Classified as Endangered due to threats like fishing, bycatch, boat collisions, and habitat loss.
- Puerto Princesa emphasizes responsible interactions, strictly prohibiting touching or chasing whale sharks to ensure their conservation.
📸 Tips for the Best Whale Shark Experience
- Book during peak months (April–October) around full moon periods.
- Opt for ethical operators who enforce responsible interaction.
- Bring eco-friendly sunscreen, waterproof cameras, and swimming gear.
🌎 Responsible Tourism Reminder
Adhering to ethical tourism practices ensures the continued health and survival of whale shark populations. Always follow the guidelines provided by your tour operator, maintaining a respectful distance and never attempting to touch or feed the whale sharks.
✨ Booking and Final Thoughts
A whale shark tour around Puerto Princesa is more than just a travel highlight; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures. Just send us a note and we’d be happy to organize for you an extraordinary marine adventure!
Experience the thrill of
island hopping whale shark boat tours in the Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions – Whale Shark Tours in Puerto Princesa
When is the best time to see whale sharks in Puerto Princesa?
The best time to see whale sharks in Puerto Princesa is from April to October, especially around the full moon when plankton blooms attract them to the area.
Where can whale sharks be seen near Puerto Princesa?
Whale sharks are usually spotted in the outer waters of Honda Bay and southeast of Baywalk Pier. These deeper waters are rich in plankton, attracting whale sharks during the migration season.
How much does a whale shark tour cost in Puerto Princesa?
Whale shark tour prices are around ₱3,000 per person for group tours. Private tours start at around ₱3,500 per person.
Are the whale shark encounters in Puerto Princesa ethical?
Yes, our tours in Puerto Princesa follow eco-tourism guidelines. There is no feeding or touching of the whale sharks. Encounters are based on natural sightings and local knowledge, ensuring minimal impact on the animals.
How long does a whale shark tour last?
Most whale shark tours last around 6 to 8 hours, starting early in the morning. The trip includes transfers, a boat ride to the site, a briefing, snorkeling sessions, and lunch.
What is included in the whale shark tour package?
Tour packages include hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transfers, snorkel gear, life vests, lunch, and a licensed tour guide.
Is it guaranteed that I will see a whale shark?
While we do our best using local spotters and seasonal patterns, sightings are not guaranteed. However, booking during peak months and full moon periods increases your chances significantly.
Can beginners join a whale shark snorkeling tour?
Yes, beginners are welcome. Life jackets and snorkel gear are provided, and guides are on hand to assist those who are not confident swimmers.
How can I book a whale shark tour in Puerto Princesa?
Just send us a note through our contact form on this page and we'd be happy to get you set up!
Are children allowed on whale shark tours?
Yes, children can join, but parental supervision is required. It's best to check with the tour operator about age restrictions and safety policies.
Palawan marine life links |
|---|
| Dugong / Sea Cows |
| Blacktip Reef Sharks |
| Whale Sharks |
| Manta Rays |
| Sea Turtles |
| Bioluminescent Plankton |
Our reviews:
Home » Palawan » Boat Trips Tours »
You may also like:
We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.