Lila Whale Shark Watching in Bohol
2.5
Lila Whale Shark Watching in Bohol
By CTPH TOUR
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About
Tick off a bucket list experience and get a chance to swim and snorkel with whale sharks in the Philippines! Encounter whale sharks on your visit to Bohol with this tour. This private 6-hour tour already includes the entrance fee, tour guide assistance, air-conditioned van transfers, and boat transfers, so you don’t have to arrange anything else. It also comes with free use of snorkeling gear, but guests are encouraged to bring their own gear if they have it for health and safety reasons. Also, remember to pack sunblock and an underwater camera if you have one.
Ages 3-100
Duration: 5–6 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Private Transportation During the Tour
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop off
- Life Jacket & Snorkeling Gear
- Bottled water
- Local Guide
- Boat Transfer
- Environmental Fee
What's not included- Anything that was not mentioned in inclusion.
- Buffet River Cruise Lunch (optional/ add on)
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- Pick-up in Town Proper only.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 20200P831- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 20200P831
Itinerary
- 1Lila, Bohol, Philippines
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 295julianay0 contributionsAlways be the bestI had a very nice moment enjoying my trip to this few places with my friend . We guided well by the driver. Thanks you so muchWritten December 12, 2024
- M3127WCpaulag0 contributionsLoud but funHusband and I went by ourselves the first week of December. Well run, boats leaving regularly, easy to get ticketed. Food on the boat was delicious with many choices. Cultural dance stop was fun. The only problem was the on board music was too loud. It was hard to have a conversation with your cruise mates.Written December 4, 2024
- jadefS300NY0 contributionsTerribly organisedWe were meant to be picked up at 07:30- driver didn’t arrive until 08:30. There wasn’t any clear communication of what was happening. We got to the venue and the driver didn’t know who our tour operator was. In the tour description it said we would be provided with water which we didn’t receive. If we knew that, we would have brought our own. The description also states the entrance fees are included but when we got there we were asked to pay. I reiterated that the extortionate amount we paid for the tour already included the entry fees. The actual guide that swam with us to the reef was fantastic. He took plenty of videos and pictures for us- I cannot fault him. However, the way the entire thing was organised was haphazard and it wasn’t at all worth the amount we paid! I should’ve really waited until we got to Bohol and booked here instead of before we arrived here.Written November 22, 2024
- davero250 contributionsAMAZING EXPERIENCEWe didn't want to do the cruise during our country tour of Bohol but at the end we did it and it turned into an amazing experience! The ship is very nice and all the tour is super organized. The buffet style food and the service were excellent, the waiters and staff very kind. We also loved very much the entertainments. I really recommend it to everyone!Written November 15, 2024
- Curiosity453242022400 contributionsNever even got to go on the tripI booked this for January 26th. It got changed to November 9th somehow. They will not refund or change the date. Will never book with this group again.Written November 10, 2024
- BelindaH9600 contributionsNicest Island!Finest sand beach I've ever been to. Worth the visit! Clear water, fine sand and lush mountains! We practically owned the island.Written October 22, 2024
- Naman0070 contributionsAwesome SardinesIt was a moment of a lifetime with thousands of sardines zipping past you in a terrific snorkeling area right next to the cliffs where you descend from...apart from sardines, other beautiful marine fishes such as Nemo too find their way there..Its a MUST SEE thing when you are visiting Bohol....better stay at one of the resorts by the cliff for a night to enjoy it even more.Written October 3, 2024
- Naman0070 contributionsAwesome Whale sharkWe went to Albuquerque in Bohol where we saw 3 Whale sharks hovering around our small canoe & it was a thrill of a lifetime....Huge fish swimming across in open ocean with startling speed to get the feed & was a heart stopping moment....loved it!Written October 3, 2024
- VivenN10 contributionsMoalboal white beach, Cebu is uglyMoalboal White Beach is the ugliest beach in the Philippines. Very dirty, the sand is like an ashtray full of cigarretes and all trash everywhere . It is deceiving in pictures but once you get there, people ask for Environmental fee, and the beach is so dirty. Don't ever go to this place. Foreign Vloggers fearure this beach but it's really ugly, filthy in reality. It was a mistake going there. Never again. The environmental fee was a such a scam. Not sure where the money goes, definitely not in cleaning the beach.Written August 18, 2024
- dianadJ3629JC0 contributionsNON REFUNDABLE despite saying trip can be canceledBuyers beware! When ordering, it says you can cancel a few days before the trip but they will NOT give you your money back. Such terrible false advertising. It should really say non refundable to be accurate. I feel cheated and they should warn about their no refund policy before they accept the order and take to your money.Written August 17, 2024
- richardhA8629YB0 contributionsSIARGAO HUGE REGRETSSiargao Island Hi k three times not twice about visiting this destination. It’s such a EXTREME DISSAPPOINTMENT ! TrustWritten July 29, 2024
- 217rhand0 contributionsThe price on this site is too muchThe price here is just too much. The tri-island tour only costs 1,500 per head. On this site they're charging 7k per head???? Please run away, don't book here. Save your money!Written July 25, 2024
- Agkoanta0 contributionsIsland hoppingWe had great time doing the Island Hoping using Coron Ultimate Tours Our tour guide Christian is very good and the crew for coronian 9 are very helpful and friendly . I highly recommend this tour !!!Written July 7, 2024
- mary hope charm... g0 contributionsWe really have enjoyed the scenery and the tour guides were really good. They were very knowledgeable.Kudos to the guides. We really have enjoyed the scenery and the tour guides were really good. They were very knowledgeable.Written June 25, 2024
- Melissa M0 contributionsToo much boat timeYou only spend 3.5 hours at the beaches, the remaining 4.5 hours are on the boat. We were a group of 14, 3 pairs of travelers and a large group of 8. The guide only really paid attention to the large group. The islands were ok if you like sitting on the beach, but this isn't the right tour for those who are more active.Written June 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
2.5
14 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
8
Kaj
Amsterdam, The Netherlands10 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Don’t go. The whale sharks get fed by guys in kayaks. They purposely throw food next to tourists so they swim within arm length. We got told to stay 5-6 meters away with the warning to get a big fine when you go closer. No guide said a word when people reached out to the whale sharks. Awful to realize this happens on a daily base.
Written February 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We take ethical wildlife interactions seriously, Your feedback is valuable, and we'll continue to advocate for sustainable tourism practices in the area. If you have any further questions or would like more information about our tours, please feel free to reach out.
Written June 21, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicole B
Valencia, Spain4 contributions
Awful. The whalesharks get fed by the employees all the time. They tell you to stay at least 5-6 meters away from them but no one does this. They throw the food to groups of people so the whaleshark approach the people. The employee also touched the whaleshark??? It is NOT sustainable at all. Don’t do this.
Written February 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We take ethical wildlife interactions seriously, Your feedback is valuable, and we'll continue to advocate for sustainable tourism practices in the area. If you have any further questions or would like more information about our tours, please feel free to reach out.
Written June 21, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hayley B
Cork, Ireland5 contributions
In the briefing we were told specifically to keep 5-6 meters away from the whale. Not to swim above or below the whale. That a fine would be enforced if you did not adhere to these rules and you would be ‘black listed’ When we got in water all of these rules literally went out of the water.
When we got in the water it was overcrowded. Numerous people who couldn’t swim and were dependent of life jackets and life rings. You were kicked in the body and face from these people.
The guide would push you into the whale shark to capture a picture. Not only is that extremely scary it was also horrible to disturb and distress this animal.My friend and I did not stay in water for long as it was too uncomfortable.
Speaking to other people on the trip they they agreed it wasn’t a pleasurable experience.
This tour was more interested making money rather the safety of there customers or care this animal .
They also mislead a family on our tour and told them it was ok to bring their two kids under the age of two on the boat. When we got there is wasn’t possible as it was extremely unsafe and there people working there also did not allow for this.
I’m say all this it was amazing to see this animal in the “wild” however if I knew what I know now I wouldn’t of done it. I would of found a more humane tour.
When we got in the water it was overcrowded. Numerous people who couldn’t swim and were dependent of life jackets and life rings. You were kicked in the body and face from these people.
The guide would push you into the whale shark to capture a picture. Not only is that extremely scary it was also horrible to disturb and distress this animal.My friend and I did not stay in water for long as it was too uncomfortable.
Speaking to other people on the trip they they agreed it wasn’t a pleasurable experience.
This tour was more interested making money rather the safety of there customers or care this animal .
They also mislead a family on our tour and told them it was ok to bring their two kids under the age of two on the boat. When we got there is wasn’t possible as it was extremely unsafe and there people working there also did not allow for this.
I’m say all this it was amazing to see this animal in the “wild” however if I knew what I know now I wouldn’t of done it. I would of found a more humane tour.
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We take ethical wildlife interactions seriously, Your feedback is valuable, and we'll continue to advocate for sustainable tourism practices in the area. If you have any further questions or would like more information about our tours, please feel free to reach out.
Written July 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alexandra R
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
Whaleshark snorkling was much more exciting than I expected. It was a special experience to swim near that enormous animal. Definitely an amazing full day experience.The agency will contact you several time to be sure that you have all necessary informations.
Written June 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate your feedback, your kind words about our tour package mean a lot to us!
Written June 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gita W
16 contributions
Jul 2023
I went along to this experience as a friend really wanted to dive with the Whale sharks. It was terrible, so many people above us kicking and patting the whale sharks as they are fed directly from the boats. The water was really murky and clarity was terrible. Certainly not worth the money we paid to Magic Oceans. I don't think they should promote this at all.
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We take ethical wildlife interactions seriously, Your feedback is valuable, and we'll continue to advocate for sustainable tourism practices in the area. If you have any further questions or would like more information about our tours, please feel free to reach out.
Written June 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LizMcLure
Santa Barbara, CA24 contributions
Jan 2023
This review is not for CTPH Tours, but rather for the establishment that offers these whale shark experiences in Lila. I could not find a direct site to leave my review, and travelers should be aware of what the actual experience is.
Do not support Bohol Taug whale shark watching in Lila! Swimming with whale sharks is an extraordinary experience that I highly recommend you put on your bucket list, but this IS NOT THE PLACE TO DO IT. This is a tourist trap where they canoe mass numbers of people to a spot right off shore where they have employees hand-feeding the whale sharks. They have buoy lines that encourage tourists to remain in a small area, which the sharks swim through and stop in to get fed. This is not a natural way to see these incredible creatures. It’s disruptive to their migratory patterns and hurts the local ecosystem.
I had heard of what goes on in Oslob and knew I didn’t want to support such unethical practices. I had trouble finding reviews for the tours offered in Lila in Bohol. Some had said to experience swimming with the whale sharks in Bohol before it turns into Oslob, and I had read that whale shark sightings aren’t guaranteed there. Both of these led me to believe the excursions were still being done ethically, but I was very disappointed to discover first-hand that the Taug Whale Shark tours are doing the same activities as what’s going on in Oslob. Here’s a summary of the experience:
We arrived at 6:00 am when they opened to discover there were already about 50 people there waiting to go out to the sharks. We were given a group number and waited about twenty minutes before being called, though about eight groups seemed to be called at the same time. This meant that even though they only loaded each canoe with about 10 people, there were six to eight canoes all going to the same location at the same time, putting a large number of people in the water. We were given a briefing on rules prior to loading the canoes, which made it seem like they were acting in the best interest of the whale sharks. Don’t wear sunscreen. Good. Stay a certain distance away from them. Good. Don’t swim on top or underneath them. Good. Don’t touch them. Good.
All of this seemed like it could still be fine until they brought you out to the site, maybe 100 feet from shore. The buoy lines they placed corralled a large number of tourists into a small area, which limited anyone’s ability to follow the rules. You were forced into groups with the masses, which made it difficult to get out of the way and move around freely in the water. All the rules about keeping distance from the whale sharks were no longer enforceable because they were feeding the whale sharks. The sharks would swim in, and you weren’t always able to maintain the stated distance or even get out of their way. People were trying to tread water and move away but accidentally kicking the sharks. The best thing to do was to hang out on the outskirts of the boundary lines where tourists weren’t all gathered. While I never felt we were in danger from the whale sharks nor that the sharks were in danger due to the tourists, it was a very chaotic and unnerving experience. Pair that with the fact that the staff was actively feeding them, and it’s not an activity you want to support. The sharks weren’t trapped there and could definitely leave, but they obviously opted to hang out for the free meal. It was really disappointing to see and participate in this. I hate that I paid money to this practice. Please stay away and find a more natural, ethical way to see whale sharks in the Philippines.
We were limited to 20-30 minutes in the water with the whale sharks to “protect” them, which I applaud, but I think it’s merely a convenient rule they enforce because it means they can charge and row a new group out to the spot immediately after. The place was packed. I’m sure they easily get 1,000 people out there each morning.
Do not support Bohol Taug whale shark watching in Lila! Swimming with whale sharks is an extraordinary experience that I highly recommend you put on your bucket list, but this IS NOT THE PLACE TO DO IT. This is a tourist trap where they canoe mass numbers of people to a spot right off shore where they have employees hand-feeding the whale sharks. They have buoy lines that encourage tourists to remain in a small area, which the sharks swim through and stop in to get fed. This is not a natural way to see these incredible creatures. It’s disruptive to their migratory patterns and hurts the local ecosystem.
I had heard of what goes on in Oslob and knew I didn’t want to support such unethical practices. I had trouble finding reviews for the tours offered in Lila in Bohol. Some had said to experience swimming with the whale sharks in Bohol before it turns into Oslob, and I had read that whale shark sightings aren’t guaranteed there. Both of these led me to believe the excursions were still being done ethically, but I was very disappointed to discover first-hand that the Taug Whale Shark tours are doing the same activities as what’s going on in Oslob. Here’s a summary of the experience:
We arrived at 6:00 am when they opened to discover there were already about 50 people there waiting to go out to the sharks. We were given a group number and waited about twenty minutes before being called, though about eight groups seemed to be called at the same time. This meant that even though they only loaded each canoe with about 10 people, there were six to eight canoes all going to the same location at the same time, putting a large number of people in the water. We were given a briefing on rules prior to loading the canoes, which made it seem like they were acting in the best interest of the whale sharks. Don’t wear sunscreen. Good. Stay a certain distance away from them. Good. Don’t swim on top or underneath them. Good. Don’t touch them. Good.
All of this seemed like it could still be fine until they brought you out to the site, maybe 100 feet from shore. The buoy lines they placed corralled a large number of tourists into a small area, which limited anyone’s ability to follow the rules. You were forced into groups with the masses, which made it difficult to get out of the way and move around freely in the water. All the rules about keeping distance from the whale sharks were no longer enforceable because they were feeding the whale sharks. The sharks would swim in, and you weren’t always able to maintain the stated distance or even get out of their way. People were trying to tread water and move away but accidentally kicking the sharks. The best thing to do was to hang out on the outskirts of the boundary lines where tourists weren’t all gathered. While I never felt we were in danger from the whale sharks nor that the sharks were in danger due to the tourists, it was a very chaotic and unnerving experience. Pair that with the fact that the staff was actively feeding them, and it’s not an activity you want to support. The sharks weren’t trapped there and could definitely leave, but they obviously opted to hang out for the free meal. It was really disappointing to see and participate in this. I hate that I paid money to this practice. Please stay away and find a more natural, ethical way to see whale sharks in the Philippines.
We were limited to 20-30 minutes in the water with the whale sharks to “protect” them, which I applaud, but I think it’s merely a convenient rule they enforce because it means they can charge and row a new group out to the spot immediately after. The place was packed. I’m sure they easily get 1,000 people out there each morning.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We take ethical wildlife interactions seriously, Your feedback is valuable, and we'll continue to advocate for sustainable tourism practices in the area. If you have any further questions or would like more information about our tours, please feel free to reach out.
Written July 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine M
1 contribution
While I feel blessed to see these majestic animals as responsible, environmentally, conscious scuba diver , the snorkel boats are despicable in borderline abusive to these animals. I witnessed extreme disrespect to the animals as snorkelers were standing on them, touching them, and pulling on their gills. While I did not expect luxurious facilities. The operation is extremely disorganized and unsanitary. It’s part of my entrance fee went to whale shark conservation. I would feel better about partaking in this. But this operation makes money solely on the exploitation and abuse of animals.
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We take ethical wildlife interactions seriously, Your feedback is valuable, and we'll continue to advocate for sustainable tourism practices in the area. If you have any further questions or would like more information about our tours, please feel free to reach out.
Written June 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nenna91
Bologna, Italy44 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Horrible experience offered by Taug Whaleshark watching in Lila. The water is overcrowded by tourists packed on small boats that are sorrounding the animal. The whale shark is fed continuously with minced fish to keep the whale close to shore. The water is so smelly and dirty that the visibility is really low. At the briefing we were told to keep at least 5 m distance from the whale, however none respected the rule and the tourists were disturbing the animal all the time. After 20 minutes the visit is done and other boats are already on the shore to take your place around the whale.
We spent 3000 pesos for two people, really not worthy: inhumane and not wild at all.
We spent 3000 pesos for two people, really not worthy: inhumane and not wild at all.
Written January 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We take ethical wildlife interactions seriously, Your feedback is valuable, and we'll continue to advocate for sustainable tourism practices in the area. If you have any further questions or would like more information about our tours, please feel free to reach out.
Written June 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert B
82 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Whale shark watching Bohol. You can visit this amazing site at LILA, Bohol Island Philippines several ways, we decided to hire scooters and go there ourselves, it took about 1 hour. If you go aim to arrive early while the ocean is smooth. We got to Lila at 7am, did the short information session, got our safety vest and boarded the canoe where a couple of guides paddled us the 5 minutes out to the spot. It was amazing 6 huge whale sharks just played around where we were, one was as big as a bus. There are strict rules when you visit, no sunscreen, no touching or coming closer than 5 meters
How ever they are so silent as they move through the water, before you know it they are right by your side, they are inquisitive and look you in the eye and gently pass by without touching you, wow amazing and a bit daunting, but you feel safe. We stayed for the 1/2 hour, the guides were helpful and supportive. Once back on the shore we had a basic philippino breakfast with tea and coffee from one of the stalls. What impressed me about this event is that every staff member and person working there is part of the local community, this brings a sustainable income to the normally farming only area. If you ride here like we did look out for all the white vans parked up on the main road on what looks like just a farm house, the guys out the front will show you the way to ride in, and down to the information tents and boats. Cost 700 Peso Philippino,1500 peso foreigner, mask and Goggles, life vest and boat ride included. Ps A GoPro was useful, they rent them if you don't have one.
How ever they are so silent as they move through the water, before you know it they are right by your side, they are inquisitive and look you in the eye and gently pass by without touching you, wow amazing and a bit daunting, but you feel safe. We stayed for the 1/2 hour, the guides were helpful and supportive. Once back on the shore we had a basic philippino breakfast with tea and coffee from one of the stalls. What impressed me about this event is that every staff member and person working there is part of the local community, this brings a sustainable income to the normally farming only area. If you ride here like we did look out for all the white vans parked up on the main road on what looks like just a farm house, the guys out the front will show you the way to ride in, and down to the information tents and boats. Cost 700 Peso Philippino,1500 peso foreigner, mask and Goggles, life vest and boat ride included. Ps A GoPro was useful, they rent them if you don't have one.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate your feedback, your kind words about our tour package mean a lot to us!
Written July 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Irone Louie A
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
It was an unforgettable experience as you come face to face with these majestic creatures in their natural setting. The tour is well-organized, with an ideal balance of adventure and education, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
Written June 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate your feedback, your kind words about our tour package mean a lot to us!
Written June 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.