THE VISITOR CENTER

The sharks gather in the area for about six to 9 months every year, mainly from November to July with a peak in March and April, to feed in the plankton-rich waters here. This is one of the few places in the world where they can easily be spotted in large numbers.

Shark watchers have to register at the Visitor Center located at Barangay Dancalan. Registration is made at the Center and everyone pays a fee. Traditional sea vessels (motorized outrigger canoes typically about 6 m/20 ft in length) are used with a maximum of seven guest passengers on board. Each boat has one Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO), a spotter and a skipper, trained specifically for whale shark interaction tour handling.

Business hours

The Visitor Center opens at 7:30 AM on weekdays and dispatches boat for whale shark interaction starting at 8:00 AM. The office will be opened on the same business hours during weekends to accommodate tourists coming on weekends.

Registration

For whale shark interaction:

1. Approach a desk officer over the counter for briefing and registration. Tourists are required to fill-out registration forms.
2. Pay the required fees at the counter.
3. Get orientation from the viewing room of the center.
4. Claim your boarding pass/boat assignment. The tourist should have a boat, a Butanding Interaction Officer, a spotter and boat crew.
5. Discuss your trip with the BIO.
6. Check your things: snorkeling gear, sun protection, food and water

For river cruising and firefly watching:

1. Please follow steps 1 to 2.
2. Get your orientation from any of our staff.
3. Pay the required fees at the counter.
4. Ask for your boat assignment and tour guide.
5. The guide will accompany you to the pick-up point at the river of your choice.

Reminders:

1. Whale shark interaction is a highly specialized activity. Make sure that you are accompanied by a duly recognized Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) during interaction.
2. Wear life vests at all time during boat trips.
3. Don’t leave your valuables unattended.

Please…

1. Respect local culture
2. Support local industries
3. Do not litter
4. Observe but do not disturb natural systems
5. Minimize your impact on the environment