Snorkel with whale sharks

The place in a few words

In the southern part of Leyte Island in the Philippines, Sogod Bay offers a remarkable opportunity to swim with whale sharks in the wild, equipped with just a mask and snorkel. Unlike some tourist sites where the animals are fed to attract visitors, there is no artificial feeding here. Excursions depart from Padre Burgos and head to an area where local spotters in small boats look for whale sharks near the surface. Sightings are unpredictable, and that's precisely what makes the experience so special.

What we loved

Swimming with whale sharks had been one of Matthieu's biggest dreams. After travelling all the way to Padre Burgos, we certainly weren't disappointed! That day, we were lucky enough to see three or four of them. There were about twelve of us on the boat, with only a few people in the water at a time. Over nearly four hours, we watched them moving beneath the surface and swam alongside them. Seeing these enormous animals glide peacefully through the water, without anything staged, felt completely unreal. It's a moment we'll never forget.

Our tip

We recommend spending several days in the area and booking your first excursion early in your stay. Whale sharks roam freely, so sightings are never guaranteed. If you don't see any on your first trip, you may be able to try again over the following days, depending on available excursions. Check the best season before travelling, and ask your operator how frequently whale sharks have been spotted recently. That will give you a better idea of your chances of seeing them.