It was one of Matthieu's big dreams: to swim with whale sharks.
While preparing our trip to the Philippines, we quickly understood that there were several places to observe them... but not all of them very ethical. Between the artificial feeding, the overpopulation of tourists and the lack of respect for the animals, some places clearly turned us off. With a little digging, we came across a sanctuary in southern Leyte, renowned for its responsible practices and strict protection rules. That’s how we discovered Padre Burgos. And a significant bonus: no need to dive, snorkeling is enough.
On the other hand, it is worth it. Three hours by boat from Cebu, forty-five minutes by jeepney, then a bit on foot. On arrival, we weren't really sure about the accommodation. Reserved a bit by default... and ultimately, a huge surprise. A charming bungalow, a direct view of the sea, a small terrace perfect for chilling out. And above all, among the best meals of the trip. The hotel grew its own vegetables, the cuisine was simple, local, ultra fresh. Completely unexpected. Completely memorable.
The village itself is tiny, quite quiet, with few activities. But we didn't come for that.
The next morning, departure for the sanctuary, in the heart of Sogod Bay. Two hours by boat. Along the way, we pick up the spotters: four guys on small paddle boats, which we tow to the area. Their mission: to spot sharks on the surface. Engine off, total silence. We wait. And then an arm rising. Signal.
Everyone to the water.
And there... there they are. Three, maybe four that day. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, slowly gliding beneath the surface. There are a dozen of us on the boat, never more than a few in the water at the same time. For almost four hours, we swim with them, we observe them, we forget time. No artifice, no staging. Just them, in their environment.
It was unreal. Powerful. Moving.
Matthieu had his dream. And we both experienced it.
Honestly, that alone made the trip worth every minute.
The next day, we continued our momentum with two dives in the bay. It wasn't the most spectacular spot of the trip, but a very nice extra break... and above all the confirmation that we had rediscovered a feeling that we didn't want to let go.
We left without regrets.
Well... almost.
Just one: not having stayed longer.