Want to know more about whale sharks in general?
Whale sharks are incredible animals! If you agree, why not brush up on your knowledge with resources courtesy of WWF and NatGeo? These are good starting points on how to get involved in supporting species conservation and becoming an ambassador for these biggest fish in the sea!
Want to know more about seeing whale sharks in the wild?
First things first: our whale shark encounter took place in 2014 and we were then unaware of the growing controversy in Cebu. Today, it is widely-known that daily feedings attract whale sharks to this area, to the benefit of the local tourism industry in Oslob. Although these feedings may not seem to directly harm the whale sharks, most conservationists agree that it interferes with natural whale shark behavior – resulting in negative outcomes for individuals and species numbers. Moreover, Oslob has become an increasingly crowded and controversial hotspot, with further detrimental impacts on whale sharks and other marine life. As animal welfare advocates, we will definitely seek a wilder destination for our next experience – and I sincerely hope you will too!
It is possible to see whale sharks ethically in the Philippines: avoid Oslob and head to Donsol instead! Donsol is on Luzon, the same island as the capital Manila, and is another terrific tourist destination. The whale sharks that congregate here do so to take advantage of natural plankton blooms. Do some research, ask around, or get started here. If you go, please be sure to follow all rules and regulations (whale sharks appreciate social distancing!). Even more important is to check the current conditions before you go to see if this is right for both you and the whale sharks: conditions change over time and you’ll want to have the latest before you commit.
Please also note that although the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico also offers whale shark sightings, it is following a similar trajectory to Oslob. If you love these animals, you may not want to support an industry that is ballooning out of ethical proportions there. Several welfare-focused tour operators are leaving the area as a result of overcrowding, so this is another spot you might want to avoid. Again, careful research is key to seeing these fascinating fish in a way that does them no harm.
Australia, on the other hand, has a good record of reliably monitored snorkeling with evidence-based improvements. For an experience both magnificent and moral, consider Ningaloo Reef! Another great alternative is to immerse yourself in whale shark research in the Maldives: wonder at whale sharks while actively helping scientists learn about and protect them!
For more reading on the ethics of swimming with whale sharks, you may want to read this article or this one.