Swimming With Whale Sharks and Island-Hopping to Sumilon Island

Exploring the vibrant marine life of the Philippines’ Bohol region is an exhilarating prospect for nature enthusiasts. The opportunity to swim alongside the majestic whale shark, the world’s largest fish, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Coupled with the stunning beauty of Sumilon Island, this tour promises a day of adventure and discovery. With a maximum of 10 participants, the journey offers an intimate and personalized encounter with the wonders of the underwater world. While the sighting of these elusive giants is not guaranteed, the thrill of the search and the breathtaking island vistas make this an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• This tour offers the opportunity to swim with whale sharks near Tagbilaran City, Philippines, with an average rating of 4.5 from 23 reviews.
• The tour includes snorkeling gear, life jackets, and access to shower and bathroom facilities, with a maximum of 10 travelers for a personalized experience.
• Pickup is provided from Cebu City and Mactan Island, with the tour starting at 3:00 AM to maximize activity time.
• Moderate physical fitness is required, and the tour is not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or children under 7 years old.
• Whale shark sightings are not guaranteed, as the animals are wild and their movements are unpredictable, but the experience of seeing them is memorable.

Tour Overview and Details

The tour offers a unique opportunity to swim with whale sharks and explore the picturesque Sumilon Island, located near Tagbilaran City in the Philippines. With an impressive 4.5 average rating from 23 reviews, the activity has earned a Badge of Excellence.

Participants will travel by banker boat to Sumilon Island and receive snorkeling gear, life jackets, and access to shower and bathroom facilities. For an additional fee, they can rent a GoPro camera and enjoy meals ranging from 300 to 400 pesos.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, with pickup from hotels in Cebu City and Mactan Island. However, sightings of the majestic whale sharks aren’t guaranteed, and physical fitness is required.

Inclusions and Equipment

This tour provides participants with a variety of included equipment and amenities to enhance their experience. Travelers will receive snorkeling gear and life jackets for safely exploring the waters around Sumilon Island. Plus, they’ll have access to clean shower and bathroom facilities during their island-hopping adventure.

Travelers can also take advantage of the tour’s complimentary towel rental and the latest model GoPro HERO12 camera upon request. To refuel, meals are provided, costing approximately 300 to 400 pesos per person. Guests are advised to bring along sunglasses, a change of clothes, caps/hats, and sunscreen to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable day.

Included Equipment	Recommended Items
Snorkeling Gear	Sunglasses
Life Jackets	Change of Clothes
Towel Rental	Caps/Hats
GoPro HERO12 Rental	Sunscreen
Shower and Bathroom Access

Pickup and Schedule

Pickup arrangements for this tour include transportation from hotels in Cebu City and Mactan Island, with the exact pickup time communicated to participants the day before the scheduled start.

The tour kicks off at 3:00 am, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day’s activities.

To provide an intimate and personalized experience, the tour size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers. This allows for a comfortable and focused exploration of the whale shark encounter and island-hopping adventure.

Participants are advised to be ready and waiting at their designated pickup location, as the schedule is tight and the tour can’t afford any delays.

Health and Safety Information

Participants typically must possess a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

For safety reasons, children under 7 years old aren’t allowed on the tour.

All participants must provide their names, dates of birth, and personal ID information, as well as proof of insurance. This is necessary to ensure the tour operator can properly manage the group and respond effectively in the event of an emergency.

Travelers are advised to consider their own physical capabilities and health status before booking this adventure, which involves swimming, snorkeling, and navigating uneven terrain on the islands.

Whale Shark Sightings

Whale shark sightings aren’t guaranteed during the tour, as these gentle giants are wild animals that roam the open ocean.

While tour operators make every effort to locate and encounter the majestic creatures, their unpredictable movements and migrations mean successful encounters ultimately depend on the whims of nature.

Seeing a whale shark up close is an unforgettable experience, but participants should understand that it’s not a certainty.

The guides will use their expertise and knowledge of the local waters to maximize the chances of a sighting, but there are no promises.

Ultimately, the thrill and excitement of the pursuit is part of the adventure, and the memories made will last long after the tour has ended.

Travel Considerations

With an early 3:00 AM start time, travelers will need to plan accordingly to ensure they’re ready for the day’s activities. The long travel time and potential for bumpy roads may require some pre-trip preparation, such as packing anti-sickness medication.

Plus, participants should be aware of the moderate physical fitness level required for this tour, as the swimming with whale sharks portion can be strenuous.

It’s important to note that while the tour includes access to clean shower and bathroom facilities, as well as towel rental, travelers should still bring a change of clothes, sunglasses, caps or hats, and sunscreen to ensure a comfortable and prepared experience.

On top of that, the tour isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the tour is a straightforward process, with travelers able to reserve their spot now and pay later. Participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility in planning. Plus, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring travelers get the best value for their money.

Travelers can easily book their spot online or through the tour provider’s customer service team.

Payment can be made at the time of booking or up to 24 hours before the tour.

The free cancellation policy allows for changes in plans without penalty, making the experience more accessible.

Price and Payment Options

The tour’s price range is approximately 300 to 400 pesos, which covers the essential inclusions such as the banker boat to Sumilon Island, snorkeling gear, and access to shower and bathroom facilities.

Travelers can also opt for additional features like GoPro rental and meals. The tour operator offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.

On top of that, they provide a reserve now, pay later option, allowing flexibility in booking and payment. With these convenient payment options, travelers can secure their spot on this exciting adventure without the immediate financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Whale Sharks?

The best time to see whale sharks is typically between March and May when they gather in certain locations to feed. This is the peak season for whale shark viewing in the Philippines and other popular destinations.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but the tour provides complimentary snorkeling gear and life jackets. This allows travelers to focus on the experience without the hassle of additional equipment. The provided gear ensures proper fit and safety.

How Long Does the Entire Tour Typically Last?

The entire tour typically lasts around 12 to 14 hours, starting from early morning pickup until the late afternoon return. Guests can expect a full day of adventure, with ample time for swimming with whale sharks and exploring the island.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for Additional Activities?

The tour operator offers extended options, allowing travelers to add additional activities beyond the standard swimming with whale sharks and island-hopping. Guests can inquire about add-on experiences like hiking, snorkeling, or visiting other nearby islands to personalize their tour.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Travelers With Dietary Restrictions?

The tour provider offers accommodations for travelers with dietary restrictions. They recommend contacting them in advance to discuss any special meal needs, which they’ll do their best to cater to during the included meals.

Recap

Exploring the waters off Tagbilaran City offers a chance to swim alongside majestic whale sharks and discover the stunning Sumilon Island.

While sightings can’t be guaranteed, the thrill of the hunt and the breathtaking scenery make this tour an unforgettable adventure.

With a personalized experience and a maximum of 10 participants, it’s the perfect way to take in the natural wonders of the Philippines.