Question 1

What is Libertad Whale Shark™?

Accepted Answer

Libertad Whale Shark™ is a responsible marine ecotourism destination where guests may observe and swim alongside wild whale sharks in their natural environment. Unlike aquariums or marine parks, the whale sharks found in Libertad are free-roaming wildlife. They are never confined, captured, trained, or forced to interact with people. Every encounter depends entirely on natural conditions, making each visit unique and authentic.

Our goal is to provide guests with an unforgettable experience while promoting marine conservation, supporting local communities, and encouraging sustainable tourism practices that protect one of the ocean's most magnificent creatures for future generations.

Question 2

Why visit Libertad Whale Shark™?

Accepted Answer

Libertad offers a more intimate whale shark encounter compared to larger destinations while remaining conveniently accessible from Boracay Island. Guests enjoy professionally managed operations, smaller tour groups, comfortable transportation, and a strong commitment to responsible wildlife interaction.

Whether you are an experienced traveler, a family on vacation, or someone experiencing marine wildlife for the first time, Libertad Whale Shark™ provides an exciting yet environmentally responsible adventure.

Question 3

What is a whale shark?

Accepted Answer

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish species in the world. Adult whale sharks typically measure between 8 and 12 meters (26–39 feet) in length, although exceptionally large individuals may approach 20 meters (65 feet). Despite their impressive size, whale sharks are peaceful, slow-moving animals that pose no threat to humans. Unlike whales, whale sharks are fish. They breathe through gills and spend their lives in tropical and warm-temperate oceans around the world.

Question 4

What do whale sharks eat?

Accepted Answer

Whale sharks are gentle filter feeders that primarily consume plankton, krill, fish eggs, tiny shrimp, and other microscopic marine organisms. Rather than hunting prey, they slowly swim through the water with their mouths open, filtering thousands of liters of seawater every hour to collect food. Because of their feeding habits, whale sharks have no interest in humans as prey and are considered one of the safest large marine animals to observe.

Question 5

Are whale sharks endangered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies the whale shark as an Endangered species due to population declines caused by unsustainable fishing, vessel strikes, marine pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change. By participating in responsibly managed marine ecotourism, guests help create economic incentives for conservation while supporting local communities that protect these incredible animals and their natural habitat.

Question 6

Are whale sharks dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Whale sharks are gentle, non-aggressive animals and are considered safe to observe when guests follow all safety instructions and maintain a respectful distance. As with any wild animal, guests should never attempt to touch, chase, ride, or obstruct the whale shark. Respecting wildlife ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Question 7

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

For your comfort and safety, we recommend arriving in comfortable, lightweight clothing with your swimwear already worn underneath. A long-sleeved rash guard is highly recommended as it provides excellent sun protection while helping minimize the need for sunscreen, which can affect the marine environment. Comfortable shorts or swim leggings, sandals or water shoes, and a hat or cap are also recommended before and after your swim. Please bring a towel and a dry change of clothes for use after the activity. Avoid wearing heavy clothing, bulky accessories, expensive jewelry, or anything that may interfere with your comfort while swimming or boarding the boat.

Question 8

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Guests should bring their booking confirmation, either printed or in digital format, together with a valid government-issued photo ID for verification during check-in. We also recommend bringing a towel, a dry change of clothes, a waterproof bag or dry bag for valuables, drinking water, and any personal medications that may be required during the trip. Whenever possible, leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary valuables, and large amounts of cash at your hotel.

Question 9

Can I wear sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

To help protect the fragile marine ecosystem, guests are requested not to apply sunscreen, lotions, oils, or other cosmetic products before entering the water. Instead, we strongly recommend wearing a long-sleeved rash guard or other protective swimwear to minimize sun exposure while helping preserve the natural environment.

Question 10

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests are welcome to bring and use their own snorkeling mask and snorkel, provided the equipment is clean, safe, and suitable for marine activities. Please note that swim fins are not permitted during the whale shark encounter unless specifically authorized by our guides or safety personnel.

Question 11

Are life jackets provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every guest is provided with a life jacket, snorkeling mask, and snorkel as part of the tour package. Life jackets must be worn whenever instructed by our crew or safety personnel and are mandatory for children and guests who require additional flotation assistance.

Question 12

Do I need to know how to swim?

Accepted Answer

No. Swimming experience is not required. Guests who are not confident swimmers are welcome to participate while wearing a life jacket. Our trained guides and certified safety personnel remain nearby throughout the encounter and are available to assist whenever necessary.

Question 13

Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whale sharks are peaceful filter feeders that consume only tiny marine organisms. They are not aggressive toward humans. Every activity begins with a mandatory safety and environmental briefing to ensure that guests understand how to interact responsibly with marine wildlife. The safety of our guests, crew members, and whale sharks remains our highest priority at all times.

Question 14

How should guests behave during the encounter?

Accepted Answer

Guests are expected to follow all instructions provided by guides and boat crew, enter the water calmly, maintain respectful distances from wildlife, avoid sudden movements, and wear required safety equipment throughout the activity. Responsible guest behavior helps protect both marine wildlife and fellow participants while ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Question 15

What actions are strictly prohibited?

Accepted Answer

To protect the whale sharks and the marine ecosystem, guests must never touch, ride, feed, chase, block, or otherwise disturb the animals. Diving underneath a whale shark, surrounding it from multiple directions, or intentionally swimming directly in its path is also prohibited. Guests must not throw trash into the ocean, collect shells, corals, or marine life, jump from the boat unless instructed, or use flash photography underwater. Guests who fail to follow these conservation and safety rules may be immediately removed from the activity without refund and may be reported to the appropriate authorities when required by law.

Question 16

Are whale shark sightings guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. Whale sharks are wild marine animals, and sightings are not guaranteed. If the activity proceeds safely but no whale sharks are sighted despite reasonable search efforts, the tour shall be considered completed and no refund will be issued. If Libertad Whale Shark cancels the activity before commencement due to unsuitable whale shark conditions, weather, safety, or operational reasons, guests may choose a 100% refund of the whale shark ticket, a complimentary rebooking within seven (7) calendar days (subject to availability), or transfer the booking to another guest at no additional cost. If round-trip transportation has already been provided, only the whale shark ticket will be refunded, while transportation charges remain non-refundable.

Question 17

Why are there strict conservation rules?

Accepted Answer

Every guest plays an important role in protecting whale sharks and their habitat. Responsible ecotourism supports local livelihoods, encourages conservation, preserves the marine ecosystem, and helps ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the privilege of encountering these magnificent animals in the wild. By following our environmental guidelines and respecting marine wildlife, you become a valued partner in the conservation of one of the ocean's most extraordinary species.

Question 18

What tour packages are available?

Accepted Answer

Libertad Whale Shark™ offers three carefully designed packages: Package 1 – Whale Shark Encounter (Ticket Only): Ideal for guests who will travel directly to Libertad using their own transportation. The experience takes approx. 1 hour and includes entrance ticket, briefing, boat ride, use of life jacket/snorkel gear, and access to facilities.; Package 2 – Whale Shark Encounter with Round-Trip Transfers: Our most popular option for guests staying in Boracay or Caticlan. This 4–5 hour experience includes round-trip land and sea transportation, encounter ticket, equipment, and standard facilities.; Package 3 – Whale Shark Encounter + Napaan Adventure Park: A full-day adventure including everything from Package 2 plus admission to Napaan Adventure Park (unlimited access to participating attractions). Total duration is 6–7 hours.

Question 19

Where is the meeting point?

Accepted Answer

Guests who purchase Package 1 (Ticket Only) should proceed directly to the designated Libertad Whale Shark™ Ticketing and Registration Area in Libertad, Antique. Guests who purchase packages that include transportation from Boracay will receive their designated pickup location (Cagban Port or Caticlan Jetty Port) together with their booking confirmation.

Question 20

How do I travel from Boracay to Libertad?

Accepted Answer

For guests who purchase transportation packages, all transfers are professionally operated by Southwest Tours (Boracay), Inc. Your journey includes coordinated land and sea transportation designed to provide a comfortable, safe, and seamless travel experience between Boracay Island and the Libertad Whale Shark launching site.

Question 21

What pickup times are available?

Accepted Answer

Pickup schedules vary depending on the selected package, season, weather conditions, and operational requirements. Scheduled departures generally operate hourly between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Actual pickup schedules will always be indicated in your booking confirmation.

Question 22

What happens if I arrive late?

Accepted Answer

Guests should arrive at their designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before their scheduled pickup time. Because departures follow carefully coordinated schedules, vehicles and boats cannot be delayed. If you arrive late, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate you on the next available departure, subject to seat availability. If no seats remain, the reservation may be considered a No-Show.

Question 23

Can I book as a walk-in guest?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Walk-in bookings are accepted subject to daily capacity and whale shark activity. However, advance online reservations are highly recommended to secure your slot, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Question 24

Are there any health restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Guest safety is our highest priority. Participation involves swimming, snorkeling, and boat travel. Guests with heart disease, severe asthma, respiratory illnesses, epilepsy, recent surgery, serious mobility limitations, or other medical conditions should consult their physician before participating. Pregnant guests are also encouraged to seek medical advice before joining.

Question 25

Can families participate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Families are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by a responsible parent or legal guardian. Every participant, regardless of age, must be included in the reservation.

Question 26

Is there an age restriction?

Accepted Answer

For safety reasons, children below seven (7) years of age may enjoy the experience from the boat but are not permitted to enter the water.

Question 27

Do I need to be physically fit?

Accepted Answer

Basic physical fitness is recommended. Guests should be comfortable boarding and disembarking boats and entering the water with assistance.

Question 28

How long do we stay in the water?

Accepted Answer

The in-water whale shark encounter typically lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes, varying depending on whale shark movement, sea conditions, and safety.

Question 29

How many guests are allowed per boat?

Accepted Answer

For safety and comfort, boats generally accommodate 6 to 8 guests per trip.

Question 30

Can I stay on the boat instead of swimming?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests who prefer not to enter the water are welcome to remain safely on board and observe the whale shark encounter from the boat.

Question 31

Can I bring my own camera?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests are welcome to bring waterproof cameras or action cameras (like GoPros). For the protection of marine wildlife, flash photography is strictly prohibited.

Question 32

Do you offer underwater photographers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Professional underwater photography services are available as an optional add-on.

Question 33

Can I rent a GoPro?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GoPro camera rental is available as an optional add-on, subject to availability.

Question 34

Are drones allowed?

Accepted Answer

Guests may bring their own drone; however, drone operations are subject to applicable CAAP and LGU regulations, and must not disturb the wildlife or other guests. We reserve the right to restrict drone operations for safety.

Question 35

Are showers and changing rooms available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Complimentary shower facilities, changing rooms, and comfort rooms are available for all guests. We encourage guests to bring their own towels.

Question 36

Are lockers available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Secure lockers are available for guest use during the activity.

Question 37

Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parking is available for guests arriving in their own vehicles, subject to availability.

Question 38

Is there a place to buy food and drinks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A variety of restaurants and food concessionaires are available within or near the activity area. Meals are not included in standard tour packages unless specifically stated.

Question 39

How do I confirm my booking?

Accepted Answer

Your reservation is confirmed once full payment has been successfully received and an official booking confirmation has been issued.

Question 40

What should I bring during check-in?

Accepted Answer

Please present your booking confirmation (printed or digital), a valid government-issued photo ID, and any supporting documents for special discounts.

Question 41

Can I transfer my booking to another person?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tickets are fully transferable at no additional cost if requested before your scheduled activity.

Question 42

Can I change my travel date?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests may change their activity date free of charge within 7 calendar days from the original date, provided the request is made before the scheduled activity and subject to availability.

Question 43

Can I cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests who cancel at least 24 hours before their scheduled activity are entitled to a 100% refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the activity are non-refundable.

Question 44

What happens if I do not arrive for my scheduled activity?

Accepted Answer

Guests who fail to arrive without prior notice are considered No-Show, which is non-refundable. We will try to accommodate late arrivals on later departures if seats are available, but this is not guaranteed.

Question 45

What happens if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our priority. Activities may be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather or rough seas. If Libertad Whale Shark cancels before commencement due to weather, safety, or operational reasons, guests may choose a 100% refund of the whale shark ticket, a complimentary rebooking within seven (7) calendar days (subject to availability), or transfer the booking to another guest at no additional cost. If round-trip transportation has already been provided, only the whale shark ticket will be refunded, while transportation charges remain non-refundable.

Question 46

Do tours continue during light rain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases. Light rain alone does not necessarily result in cancellation if sea conditions and visibility remain safe.

Question 47

What if I become seasick or decide not to swim?

Accepted Answer

If a guest voluntarily decides not to enter the water after the activity has commenced, the booking is considered fully consumed and is non-refundable.