Puerto Princesa: Swim With Whale Sharks Boat Cruise

Discovering the thrill of swimming alongside majestic whale sharks is an unforgettable experience, and Puerto Princesa‘s captivating boat cruise offers just that. This 6.5-hour adventure whisks travelers away to the heart of the Philippines’ natural wonders, where they’ll don snorkeling gear and enjoy the underwater world. With the guidance of an English-speaking expert, participants gain insights into the ecology and behavior of these gentle giants, all while savoring a delicious picnic lunch. But the true allure of this tour lies in its unique collaboration with local fishermen, ensuring optimal whale shark sightings and an educational journey like no other.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Puerto Princesa.

Key Points

• 6.5-hour cruise from Puerto Princesa to swim with whale sharks, priced at Kč 1,404 per person, including hotel pickup and picnic lunch.
• Opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks in their natural habitat, with snorkeling gear and an English-speaking guide provided.
• Local fishermen collaborate to provide real-time updates on whale shark locations, enhancing the authenticity and sustainability of the wildlife experience.
• Educational component with the guide sharing insights about whale sharks, their migratory patterns, and the importance of marine conservation.
• Comprehensive tour package with high-quality snorkeling equipment, hotel pickup, and a 24-hour cancellation policy for full refunds.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The highlighted Activity Overview offers visitors a unique opportunity to swim with the world’s largest fish – the whale shark.

This 6.5-hour cruise from Puerto Princesa allows guests to experience an up-close encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Priced from Kč 1,404 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a safety briefing, snorkeling equipment, and a picnic lunch.

An English-speaking guide is also provided to enhance the educational experience. Travelers can take advantage of the free 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.

Itinerary and Logistics

The Puerto Princesa whale shark cruise departs from the Puerto Princesa Baywalk Pier.

After hotel pickup from one of 9 locations, guests are transported to the pier where they’ll receive a 30-minute safety briefing before setting out on the boat.

The tour includes a picnic lunch and all necessary snorkeling equipment.

At the end of the 6.5-hour experience, guests can be dropped off at one of 9 convenient locations, similar to the pickup points.

Collaboration with local fishermen ensures the crew stays updated on the latest whale shark sightings, giving guests the best chance to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural environment.

Swim With Whale Sharks

An incredible opportunity awaits guests on this Puerto Princesa whale shark cruise – the chance to swim alongside the world’s largest fish in their natural habitat.

After a safety briefing, guests will don provided snorkeling gear and enter the water to encounter these gentle giants.

The local crew collaborates with fishermen to locate the whale sharks, ensuring the best chance of sightings. Guests can observe the whale sharks’ majestic movements and learn about their ecological importance from the knowledgeable guide.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows travelers to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their own environment.

Snorkeling Equipment

Guests are provided with all the necessary snorkeling equipment for their whale shark encounter. This includes masks, snorkels, and fins to ensure a comfortable and safe experience in the water.

The gear is high-quality and well-maintained, allowing participants to fully enjoy the underwater world. The guides make sure each guest is properly fitted and comfortable before entering the sea.

This attention to detail helps create a seamless and enjoyable snorkeling adventure. Participants can focus on the incredible sight of the whale sharks without worrying about their equipment.

The provided gear enables guests to make the most of this unforgettable wildlife encounter.

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Local Collaboration

Crucial to the success of the whale shark swims is the crew’s collaboration with local fishermen.

These fishermen provide the tour operators with up-to-the-minute updates on whale shark sightings in the area. This real-time information allows the crew to efficiently navigate the boat and increase the chances of guests encountering the gentle giants.

The partnership also supports the local economy and fosters a sense of community involvement in the conservation efforts. By working hand-in-hand with the fishermen, the tour company ensures a more authentic and sustainable wildlife experience for all participants.

Marine Education

The tour also provides an opportunity for marine education, as the English-speaking guide shares valuable insights about whale sharks and their ecological importance.

Participants learn about the world’s largest fish, their migratory patterns, and the vital role they play in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

The guide explains how whale sharks are gentle giants, feeding primarily on plankton, and why their conservation is crucial.

This educational component enhances the overall experience, allowing travelers to develop a deeper appreciation for the remarkable creatures they encounter and the importance of protecting their natural habitats.

Inclusion and Requirements

What’s included in the tour package? The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat tour, a picnic lunch, and snorkeling gear.

However, it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year old. Guests should bring along their swimwear, sunscreen, and a copy of their ID card.

The tour emphasizes environmental respect, and visitors are expected to follow the guidelines to protect the whale sharks and their habitat.

The experience offers:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Boat tour with picnic lunch
• Snorkeling equipment provided
• Not suitable for infants under 1 year
• Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and ID

Customer Reviews and Feedback

A mixed bag of customer reviews reflects the overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 for this whale shark boat cruise experience.

While some customers raved about their successful encounters with the majestic creatures, others noted the uncertainty of sightings.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and eco-conscious guides, as well as the tasty picnic lunch provided.

The transportation aspect of the tour also received high marks, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Despite the mixed experiences with the whale sharks themselves, the overall value for money was considered quite good, earning a 4.2 out of 5 from past participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Close Can I Get to the Whale Sharks During the Swim?

Swimmers can typically get quite close to the whale sharks, often within a few meters, allowing for an up-close and personal encounter with these gentle giants. However, the guide will enforce a safe distance to avoid disturbing the animals.

What Is the Likelihood of Seeing a Whale Shark During the Tour?

The likelihood of seeing a whale shark during the tour varies, as the crew works with local fishermen to track current sightings. While whale shark encounters aren’t guaranteed, many participants report successful and memorable encounters.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Beyond the Listed Price?

The listed price includes the main tour activities, but there may be additional fees for optional extras or services not explicitly mentioned, such as souvenirs, tips, or extra snacks beyond the provided picnic lunch.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment Instead?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snorkeling equipment if they prefer. The tour provides the necessary gear, but guests are welcome to use their personal equipment instead if they have it.

What Is the Policy for Rescheduling or Rebooking the Tour?

The tour operator offers free rescheduling or rebooking up to 24 hours before the activity. Customers can easily modify their plans if needed without penalty, providing flexibility for last-minute changes.

Recap

Discover the thrill of swimming alongside the gentle giants of the sea on this captivating boat cruise in Puerto Princesa. With high-quality snorkeling gear, an informative guide, and collaboration with local fishermen, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter whale sharks up close while learning about their unique ecology. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or seeking an unforgettable adventure, this experience is sure to leave you in awe of these magnificent creatures.

You can check if your dates are available here: