PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE

Prepare for your whale shark encounter

Everything you need to know about traveling to Botubarani Village, our strict ethical guidelines, and the best seasonal windows for sightings.

Last Updated: July 2026

By booking and participating in any activity at Botubarani, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions:

Booking & Payment

  • All bookings are subject to availability.

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking or on-site.

  • Cancellations due to weather or force majeure will be rescheduled (no refund) or fully refunded at our discretion.

  • No refund for no-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours before the activity.

Health & Fitness Requirements

  • Participants must be in good health and able to swim (for snorkeling/diving packages).

  • Pregnant women, people with serious medical conditions, or those under the influence of alcohol/drugs are not allowed to participate.

  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Safety Rules & Code of Conduct

  • Follow all instructions from your local guide at all times.

  • No touching, chasing, or harassing the whale sharks.

  • No flash photography or bright lights.

  • Do not feed the sharks yourself — only authorized guides may do so.

  • Stay within the designated area.

  • Life jackets must be worn during all water activities.

Liability & Risk Acknowledgment

Whale shark tourism involves inherent risks, including but not limited to marine life encounters, boat travel, and water activities.

You acknowledge that:

  • Participation is at your own risk.

  • Botubarani Tourism and local operators are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused by your own negligence or failure to follow instructions.

  • We are not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings.

Photography & Media

  • We may take photos/videos during the tour for promotional purposes. By participating, you grant us permission to use them.

  • You may take your own photos but must respect privacy and not use them for commercial purposes without permission.

Environmental Responsibility

  • Take only photos, leave only bubbles.

  • Do not litter. Help us keep Botubarani clean.

Contact: For questions, contact us via WhatsApp

Terms & Condition

Have custom travel questions?

Our local village guides are ready to assist with custom transport arrangements and homestay recommendations in Bone Bolango.