Where can I see whale sharks in the Philippines?
Where can I see whale sharks in the Philippines?
Donsol
The best places to swim with whale sharks in The Philippines are Leyte, Tubbataha, Donsol and Oslob.
When can you see whale sharks in the Philippines?
Whale shark can be seen year round in the Philippines but you would have to be lucky to see one. A random Whale shark encounter cannot be orchestrated, but tend to be between January and May. If you want to have a 99% chance to find a Whale shark in his natural habitat visit Donsol between April and May.
Are whale sharks found in the Philippines?
WHALE SHARKS IN THE PHILIPPINES Today, the Philippines is home to over 1,950 whale sharks, making it the second-largest known whale shark population in the world. Locally known as Butanding, Tikitiki, Tuki, or Tawiki, the whale shark has always been a part of the Filipino consciousness.
Where can I see sharks in the Philippines?
Malapascua Island
Known for their unique tail and interesting hunting habits, Threshers are frequent visitors to Malapascua Island in the Philippines. Malapascua Island is one of the most consistent destinations around the world for thresher shark sightings – so there is no surprise why shark enthusiasts continue to flock here.
Is it OK to swim with whale sharks?
While whale sharks have a huge mouth, they almost exclusively feed on plankton. That is why they are absolutely harmless to humans. They are mainly interested in fish eggs, algae and krill, and they are definitely not interested in the person swimming next to them.
Is it cruel to swim with whale sharks?
But don’t let the ‘shark’ name put you off, whale sharks pose no threat to humans and feed almost strictly on plankton. They are docile, shy animals that are safe to swim with. With a lifespan of 70-100 years, these majestic creatures truly are some of the most amazing animals you could encounter in the water.
Why you shouldn’t touch whale sharks?
Touching whale sharks can disturb the protective mucous layer on their skin – and it can also have unpleasant consequences for you or me. The tiny, tooth-like scales (known as dermal denticles) that cover the skin of most shark species can cause a painful graze known as “shark burn”.
Are there great white sharks in the Philippines?
Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are the world’s largest predatory fish. This is significant, for though we know this species ranges through all the world’s oceans, very few people have seen it in Philippine waters, making it among the rarest sharks in the country.
Has anyone been eaten by a whale shark?
During the dive, the largest whale shark in the area began to act differently. It appeared to be swimming directly at divers with its mouth wide open. The diver recalls being hit hard by the whale shark. Then the diver was sucked into the mouth of the whale shark — head first — and half-swallowed up to her thighs.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?
What types of sharks can be found in the Philippines?
Other populous species include tiger sharks, silvertip sharks, blacktip sharks, brownbanded bamboo sharks, white-spotted shovel nosed rays and sharptooth lemon sharks. Lying along the equator, the tropical waters around the Philippines straddle sharks’ migratory routes, making it possible to find a plethora of shark species within its boundaries.
Where can you swim or snorkel with whale sharks?
There are other great places to swim with whale sharks in the world, like Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, the Similan Islands, Thailand, Donsol Philippines, Triton Bay or Cenderawasih Bay near Raja Ampat in Indonesia, and Mafia Island in Tanzania.
The Atlanta Aquarium swim with whale sharks is perfectly safe. All the fish in the tank are well fed, and aquarium divers are there to make sure everyone behaves. It’s also safe for the sharks! The aquarium pool is filtered very well so there’s no risk of contaminates.
What is the season for the whale sharks?
The whale shark season may sometimes continue from mid-May to mid-September , but nature isn’t that predictable, and in fact, rather changeable. So, if you want a sure thing, then the best time to go for this kind of adventure is between mid-June and August. Find hotels and airbnbs near Swimming with Whale Sharks (Map)