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PUERTO PRINCESA · PALAWAN
Puerto Princesa Whale Shark Tour Ethical & Small Group
Max 10 guests to reduce crowding around each animal · Wild open ocean · No feeding · No baiting · Clear wildlife-sighting policy.
Quick Answer
What is the Puerto Princesa whale shark tour?
The Puerto Princesa whale shark tour is a small-group open-ocean expedition from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, operating during the April to October whale shark season. Tour Z uses a 30ft speedboat, caps each departure at 10 guests, includes hotel pickup, snorkel gear, lunch, fees and guide support, and does not feed, bait or chase whale sharks. Sightings are not guaranteed because the animals are wild.
Price₱3,500 per guest, all-inclusive
SeasonApril to October, strongest May to September
Group sizeMaximum 10 guests per departure
Pickup7:00 AM, Puerto Princesa city centre hotels
Wildlife policyNo feeding, no baiting, no chasing
No-sighting policyNo wildlife-sighting refunds; backup stop when conditions allow
Live Honda Bay Field Notes
Whale shark and dolphin sightings, updated from our crew tracker.
Recent Puerto Princesa field notes, dolphin encounters, moon phase and next-day sea conditions for transparent wildlife-aware tour planning.
Field data loads when the crew tracker is available. Time zone: Asia/Manila.
Moon phase
Pending
Moon phase shown for field context only
Last whale shark spotted
Not logged yet
Confirmed by Tour Z Palawan crew
Last dolphin pod spotted
Not logged yet
Spinner and bottlenose dolphins in Puerto Princesa
Biggest whale shark logged
Not logged yet
Estimated size from crew field notes
Whale sharks recorded
Not logged yet
Total whale sharks spotted since tracking began
Whale shark encounter rate
Pending
Shown only from verified Tour Z field notes when available
Honda Bay Marine Life
Wild sea life you may encounter on a Puerto Princesa whale shark tour
Honda Bay is recognised in marine research as a seasonal whale shark hotspot and a Marine Key Biodiversity Area. Every Tour Z Palawan trip records sightings carefully because the same waters can hold whale sharks, dolphins, rays, turtles, tuna and other pelagic wildlife.
Whale shark Rhincodon typus
The main expedition target: a wild, filter-feeding shark that visits Honda Bay seasonally, usually April to October, to feed on plankton, krill and small schooling fish.
Spinner and bottlenose dolphins
Resident and passing dolphin pods may ride bow wake in deeper channels. Tour Z uses parallel cruising only, never chasing or cutting across a pod.
Dugong, or sea cow Dugong dugon
Dugongs are sirenians related to manatees, but they are not manatees. In Palawan, dugong is the correct species name. Sightings are rare and treated as a conservation event.
Green and hawksbill sea turtles
Green turtles and hawksbill turtles occur around Puerto Princesa. They surface to breathe and feed in seagrass and reef areas; observation is passive only.
Manta rays and mobula rays
Large rays, including oceanic manta rays Mobula birostris, are possible offshore megafauna in the wider Sulu Sea. Encounters are uncommon but important to log.
Reef sharks and pelagic fish
Blacktip reef sharks, bamboo sharks, skipjack tuna, trevallies, barracuda and mackerel may appear where reef edges, baitfish and current lines meet.
Why a Speedboat
More Search Range in the Morning Window
Whale shark scouting depends on reading open water, not following a fixed route. A faster boat lets the crew cover more ground while the morning sea is usually easier to read.
Our 30ft speedboat reaches the offshore search area faster than a traditional bangka and keeps the group capped at 10 guests. That gives the guide more control over briefing, entry timing and swimmer spacing.
A speedboat does not guarantee sightings. It gives the crew better range, manoeuvrability and timing when wild animals choose to stay near the surface.
Why Tour Z
How Tour Z Runs the Whale Shark Search
These are operational differences guests can verify before booking: group size, search range, briefing style, food, and no-sighting policy.
| Tour Z | Typical larger boat tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Boat and search range | 30ft speedboat; wider morning scouting range | Varies by operator and boat type |
| Group size | Max 10 guests | Often larger join-in groups |
| Wildlife approach | No feeding, no baiting, no chasing | Ask each operator before booking |
| Water entries | Guide-led spacing and distance briefing | Varies by operator and group size |
| Food on board | Fresh lunch, water and non-alcoholic drinks | Varies by operator |
| No-sighting policy | No wildlife-sighting refunds; clear-water backup stop when conditions allow | Varies by operator |
If Wildlife Stays Deep
Clear Water, Lunch and Time to Relax
Wild whale sharks are exactly that — wild. We do not offer refunds for non-sightings, and we never feed, bait, or chase animals to force an encounter. If the ocean has other plans, we keep the morning worthwhile on the water.
🗺️
A Clear-Water Backup Stop
When conditions allow, the crew brings the group to a quiet reef or coastal area with clear water, away from the busiest boats.
📸
Lunch, Photos and a Slow Pause
We use the time for lunch, clear-water photos, snorkelling if the sea is suitable, and a calm place to relax before heading back.
🌊
The Full Day on the Water
Same speedboat, same crew, same lunch, same timing. We never cut the tour short because wildlife chose not to appear.
We don't feed the sharks to force an encounter. When one happens, it's real. When it doesn't, we still give you an honest morning on the water.
What to Expect
Whale Shark Tour Itinerary — Hour by Hour
From hotel pickup to the moment you step back on land — here's how your whale shark day in Puerto Princesa unfolds.
1
7:00 AM
Hotel Pickup
Your air-conditioned van collects you from your Puerto Princesa hotel. No tricycle to the pier, no figuring out transport — just step outside when your driver arrives. Transfer is approximately 30 minutes to the speedboat launch point.
2
7:30 AM
Speedboat Launch & Safety Briefing
Safety briefing, gear distribution, and you're off. Our 30ft speedboat reaches the offshore search area quickly, giving the crew more time to read surface movement, birds, baitfish and sea conditions during the morning window.
3
8:00–8:30 AM
Offshore Scouting — Honda Bay
We arrive in Honda Bay's open water and start reading the ocean: surface movement, feeding birds, water colour changes. Our guide scans with binoculars, looking for the tell-tale signs of a whale shark near the surface. When conditions allow, we use a drone to cover wider areas. This is a real expedition — not a theme park ride — and this phase is part of the experience.
4
~8:30 AM
Swimming with Whale Sharks — Wild & Ethical
When a whale shark is located, you slip quietly into the water for a respectful, guided swim alongside the world's largest fish. The guide briefs spacing before entry: keep distance from the body and tail, never touch, never block the animal's path, and keep flash off.
5
During Encounter
Field Notes — Every Shark, Every Tour
Our team photographs the unique spot patterns behind the gills of each whale shark when conditions allow. We log GPS coordinates, behaviour, estimated size, and ocean conditions so the operation has a cleaner record of what the crew actually saw.
6
Possible Bonus
Wild Dolphin Sighting
If conditions allow and pods are nearby, we look for wild Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins in the deeper open-water channels. Dolphins are an unpredictable bonus, not a guarantee — our quiet engine means any encounter happens on the dolphins' terms.
7
~11:30 AM
Fresh Coastal Lunch
A fresh lunch served on the boat or at a quiet coastal stop when conditions allow. Expect simple local food, fruit, water and non-alcoholic drinks. Tell us about dietary needs before departure so the crew can prepare properly.
8
~1:00 PM
Return & Hotel Drop-Off
Back at the pier around 1:00 PM. Your driver returns you to your hotel in Puerto Princesa City, leaving the afternoon open for rest or onward travel.
Everything Included
₱3,500 — Zero Hidden Costs
All-inclusive means all-inclusive. No pier surprises, no extra fees, nothing to pay on the day.
30ft Premium Speedboat
Max 10 guests — less crowding around each animal
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
Air-conditioned van, Puerto Princesa city centre
Active Wildlife Scouting
Binoculars + drone when conditions allow — no sighting promise
Premium Snorkel Mask & Fins
Anti-fog gear provided for every guest
Life Vests for All Guests
Non-swimmers welcome with guide support
Fresh Coastal Lunch
Simple local food, fruit, water and non-alcoholic drinks
Professional Wildlife Guide
Wildlife briefing, spacing and calm water entries
Field Observation Notes
Photos, position, size estimate and behaviour logged when possible
Clear-Water Backup Stop
Lunch, photos and time to relax when conditions allow
Water & Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Unlimited on board throughout the day
All Permits & Marine Park Fees
Nothing to pay at the pier — ever
Not included: personal towel · alcoholic beverages · gratuities (optional)
Field Notes
Every Departure Builds a Cleaner Record
When conditions allow, our team records photo identification angles, GPS encounter points, estimated size, behaviour and sea conditions. Those notes help the crew improve decisions over time and keep the operation accountable to what was actually observed.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We treat each encounter as a wildlife event first and a guest experience second.
That is why our rules are conservative: no feeding, no baiting, no chasing, careful spacing, and a small group around each animal.
Wildlife Standards
Six Ways We Reduce Pressure on Whale Sharks
Responsible whale shark tourism is not a slogan. It is a set of practical choices repeated every time the boat leaves.
- Maximum 10 guests — fewer swimmers, less noise, and less crowding around each shark
- Quiet 4-stroke engine and careful speed near wildlife
- Propeller awareness whenever animals surface near the boat
- Zero feeding, zero bait, zero chum — ever, on any tour
- No chasing — we position calmly where animals already are
- Clear body and tail distance briefing before water entry
- No touching, no riding, no flash photography
- Field notes recorded when conditions allow
Puerto Princesa vs Oslob (Cebu): Oslob uses daily artificial feeding to keep whale sharks close to shore for tourism. Puerto Princesa is different: the animals are wild, free-moving and less predictable. Tour Z does not feed, bait or chase them. Read our full comparison →
FAQ
Whale Shark Tour FAQ — Everything You Need to Know
Can you see whale sharks in Palawan, or only in Cebu?
Yes — you can see whale sharks in Palawan. Puerto Princesa is one of the places in the Philippines where whale sharks may be encountered in open ocean, with no feeding. Unlike Oslob in Cebu where sharks are fed daily, Puerto Princesa's whale sharks are free-moving animals following natural food sources. The season runs April through October, with stronger reporting from May through September.
Are whale shark sightings guaranteed?
No ethical operator can guarantee sightings of truly wild animals — that would require feeding, baiting, or controlling their movement. Tour Z does not offer refunds when whale sharks or dolphins are not sighted. If whale sharks are not found, we still keep the full morning on the water and, when sea conditions allow, bring the group to a clear-water reef or quiet coastal area for lunch, photos, snorkelling, and time to relax.
When is the best time to see whale sharks in Puerto Princesa?
Peak season is May through September, when whale sharks are more commonly reported in Puerto Princesa's plankton-rich waters during the southwest monsoon. April and October are shoulder months. The tour does not operate November to March because sightings are not reliable enough for a responsible commercial departure.
Is the ₱3,500 really all-inclusive?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off, 30ft speedboat, wildlife guide, snorkel mask and fins, life vest, fresh lunch, water and non-alcoholic drinks, all permits and marine park fees, and a clear-water lunch or snorkel stop when conditions allow. The only things not included are a personal towel, alcoholic beverages and optional gratuities.
Why is a speedboat better than a traditional bangka?
The speedboat lets the crew reach offshore search areas faster, cover more water during the morning scouting window, and keep the group small. It does not guarantee sightings. It gives the crew better range and manoeuvrability than a slower traditional bangka.
Will we see dolphins on the tour?
Dolphins are a possible bonus, not a guaranteed part of the tour. If conditions allow and pods are in the area, we look for wild Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins in the deeper channels. Some tours encounter large pods; others don't see dolphins at all. We'd rather be honest about this than promise something we can't control.
Can non-swimmers or nervous swimmers join?
Yes. Life vests are provided for all guests. Non-swimmers can stay alongside the guide with a vest or watch from the boat. Our 10-guest limit gives the crew more room to support each person during water entries.
Do you use a drone on the tour?
Sometimes — when conditions allow, we use a drone to help scan for whale sharks from the air. It's one tool among several, not a guarantee. Our guides also use binoculars and read the water for surface activity, birds, and current patterns. The drone is never used for filming guests — just finding animals when it helps.
What food do you serve on the boat?
A fresh coastal lunch with simple local food, fruit, water and non-alcoholic drinks. Tell us about dietary needs before departure so the crew can prepare properly.
Can I visit Port Barton after the whale shark tour?
Yes. The tour usually returns around 1:00 PM, which can leave time for an afternoon van to Port Barton if you have arranged transport. Tour Z is not currently taking Port Barton island hopping bookings, but our Port Barton guides can help you plan that destination independently.
How is this different from whale shark tours in Oslob, Cebu?
Oslob uses daily artificial feeding to keep whale sharks close to shore for tourism. Tour Z operates in Puerto Princesa's open ocean with no feeding, no baiting and no chasing. Sightings are less predictable here, but the animals remain wild and free to leave.
How does Tour Z help whale shark conservation?
Tour Z records photo identification angles, GPS encounter points, estimated size, behaviour and sea conditions when conditions allow. These field notes help the crew make better decisions and keep a cleaner record of wild encounters. Whale sharks are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?
Whale sharks are filter feeders and are not aggressive toward humans, but they are still very large wild animals. The main safety concern is accidental contact with the body or tail, which is why Tour Z briefs every guest on position, distance and calm movement before entering the water.
How long is the whale shark tour from start to finish?
The full tour runs approximately 5–6 hours door to door. Hotel pickup is at 7:00 AM from Puerto Princesa city centre; the speedboat departs around 7:30 AM. Most of the morning is spent scouting and, when animals are found, entering the water calmly with the guide. Lunch is served before return.
Can I bring a GoPro or underwater camera?
Yes — personal cameras and GoPros are welcome. One important rule: no flash photography near the animals. Turn flash off before entering the water. Tour Z uses a drone for spotting only when conditions allow, not as a sighting promise.
Plan Your Trip
Best Time for Your Whale Shark Puerto Princesa Tour
Whale sharks migrate through Puerto Princesa's waters during the southwest monsoon season.
Jan
Off Season
Feb
Off Season
Mar
Off Season
Apr
Good
May
Peak 🦈
Jun
Peak 🦈
Jul
Peak 🦈
Aug
Peak 🦈
Sep
Peak 🦈
Oct
Good
Nov
Off Season
Dec
Off Season
Off-season: this tour does not operate November to March because sightings are not reliable enough. Use our Palawan travel guides to plan other destinations independently.
Guest Reviews
What Guests Say
5.0 from 2 verified Tour Z bookings
★★★★★
It was a fantastic experience; they pick you up at your hotel door and drop you off wherever you want. Plus, they're as friendly as they are professional—a truly unique experience, and they treat the animals with respect.
Jorge Campos · Verified Tour Z booking
★★★★★
To be honest, the highlight of my whole trip in Palawan ! That whale shark tour is an absolute gem! Thank you so much Tour Z for this amazing day! It’s an experience I will never forget !
John M. · Verified Tour Z booking
These comments came through completed Tour Z bookings. Read separate public Google reviews →
Book Your Spot
Check Availability
Direct booking. No OTA fees. Online whale shark bookings close 16 hours before departure, based on Manila time; message us on WhatsApp for last-minute requests.
Calendar slow or not responding on your phone? Open the secure booking page or message us on WhatsApp.
Ready?
Max 10 Guests Per Departure — By Design
We cap each departure at 10 guests to reduce crowding around the animal and keep every water entry calm. Join a small-group expedition that prioritises safety, respect, and a quieter way to meet wild marine life.