Botubarani

Whale sharks began appearing at Botubarani in 2016, and the reason is specific: a shrimp paste factory nearby discharged processing waste into the shallows, and the sharks came in to feed on it, some staying for months. A village tourism operation grew up within weeks, taking visitors out on small boats a few dozen metres from the beach to swim with animals that are ordinarily seen only offshore. That origin is also the problem - the sharks are here because of a food source that is artificial, feeding by boats has been part of the practice, and conservation researchers have raised the usual concerns about provisioning changing behaviour, boat strikes and contact. Rules have been introduced limiting numbers, distance and touching. Sightings dropped when the discharge changed.

Highlights

• Whale sharks metres from shore - drawn in by shrimp-processing waste since 2016.
• Small boats from the beach - the village operation taking visitors out.
• An artificial food source - the reason the animals are there at all.
• Managed rules - limits on numbers, distance and contact, introduced later.

When to go

November to April, when sightings are most frequent. Half a day.

Good to know

Sightings depend on the food source and have varied year to year - there is no guarantee. Do not touch or block the animals; the rules exist for their sake. The provisioning is ethically contested.

Nearby

Gorontalo city is west; Olele marine park is further along the coast.

Key facts