Pintuyan Whale Shark Interaction
About
Swim with butanding the respectful way! In Sogod Bay off Pintuyan, wild whale sharks come in to feed, and the town runs a strictly managed interaction season with no feeding, no baiting and no touching, so the sharks behave naturally. You snorkel beside the gentle giants with local guides from small boats. The season usually runs around November to May, and the town reopens bookings each October. Confirm with the Pintuyan tourism office before you go!
Dry until sunset (5:20 PM). Good time to go!
- Half dayTime to spend
- Around November to May, during the open season; mornings.Best time to go
- variesEntrance and budget
- Bus or van gets you thereNo car needed
What to do here
- Snorkel beside wild whale sharks
- Ride out on a small local boat
- Explore Sogod Bay's reefs afterwards
Know before you go
- Fees
- Filipinos: ₱300 per visitor for the whale shark activity (2026).
- Foreigners: Same ₱300 per visitor; no separate foreigner rate reported (2026).
- When to go
- Best: Whale sharks usually come November to May.
- Rough weather: June to September: interactions close on June 1 and reopen in October.
- Safety
- Keep 3 m away; no touching, feeding, flash, selfie sticks or scuba. Enter the water only when the spotter says to jump.
3 sources, checked Oct 2026
Never touch, chase, feed or block a whale shark; keep your distance and follow your guide.
Wear a rash guard instead of lots of sunscreen to protect the sharks and the reef.
Wear a life vest and listen to the boat crew.
Fees are set by the municipal tourism office each season, so confirm them when you book.
Where it is
Around Son-ok, Pintuyan, Southern Leyte (Sogod Bay)
No car neededRide a van or bus from Maasin City along the Liloan–San Ricardo road to Pintuyan, and book with the municipal tourism office.
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FAQ
Is it open now?
The 2026 season ended on 1 June and was due to reopen in October. Check with the Pintuyan tourism office.
Are the whale sharks fed?
No. Feeding, baiting and touching are prohibited, unlike some other whale shark sites.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No, these are wild animals that come and go with the plankton.