STOP! Not ethical at all!!! If you’re in Sulawesi, you’re probably a nature lover, this activity is entirely at odds! First, the whale sharks are being fed to stay in the area, and some say there are even nets to keep them close (not verified though). Further, this activity is devastating for the marine eco system: for some reason, only males stay around the costs and no females, males normally go looking for females once a year to reproduce in the deep seas. Since the activity feed them here, males don’t leave the harbor anymore and the reproduction is stopped. This activity puts whale sharks directly at risk of extinction. Also, no whale sharks are to be observed anywhere else since they’re being fed in gorontalo, although they were present all around Sulawesi before. Please think before giving money to such a...
Read moreUnforgettable Whale Shark Experience! This whale shark trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! From start to finish, everything was well-organized and professional. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trip. Swimming alongside these gentle giants was absolutely magical. They were massive but incredibly graceful, and being in the water with them was both humbling and exhilarating. The crew also took great care to respect the animals and followed ethical guidelines, which I really appreciated.
We also had a chance to enjoy some beautiful scenery, clear waters, and even spotted a few dolphins on the way back! Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a unique marine adventure—you...
Read moreI had a disappointing and disturbing experience at the Whale Shark Botubarani. The way they treat these magnificent creatures is nothing short of animal cruelty. They lure the whale sharks with food to keep them in the area, which is incredibly harmful to their natural behavior.
Moreover, the constant influx of boats and tourists creates a chaotic environment. It’s shocking to see people touching and harassing the whale sharks in shallow waters, all for the sake of a photo opportunity. This operation prioritizes profit over the well-being of these animals, and it’s disheartening to witness. I cannot recommend this place if you care about marine life.
They even swam with the boat on top of the whale...
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