Negros Oriental Philippines: Bais Dolphin and Whale Watching
Bais Dolphin & Whale Watching
Among the many adventures that Oriental Negros has to offer is the dolphin and whale watching in the city of Bais. Known as the “Sugar City” of Oriental Negros, Bais City is located some 44.7 kilometers from the province’s capital, Dumaguete City. Bais City is bounded in the north by the municipality of Mabinay, in the northeast by the town of Manjuyod and in the west by the City of Bayawan.
The dolphin and whale watching tours in Bais City have become popular among foreign and local tourists. The city’s proximity to the marine sanctuary in Tañon Strait, the natural habitat of several whale and dolphin species, makes it the ideal gateway to experience the sea creatures up close.
The journey to this adventure starts at the Capiñahan Wharf where motorized boats and well trained tour guides are available. Visitors then take a 45-minute boat cruise toward Tañon Strait through the Bais Bay. The Tañon Strait is a narrow channel between the islands of Negros and Cebu. It is right across Bais Bay.
Upon reaching the strait, tourists have to wait for the sea animals to appear. One can clap his hands, whistle and call for dolphins from time to time until they appear. If one is patient enough, these fascinating sea creatures will appear in no time. Among the kinds of dolphins and whales that have been spotted in the area are Pantropical spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, long-snouted spinner dolphins, Fraser’s dolphins and Risso’s dolphins, melon-headed whales, short-finned pilot whales, pygmy sperm whales, pygmy killer whales and dwarf sperm whales. Out of the 23 marine mammals that have been seen in Philippine waters, nine species have reportedly been spotted in Tañon Strait.
Tourists are, however, advised to observe proper behavior when going dolphin and whale watching. Tourists are prohibited to touch, feed and swim with the dolphins and the whales to avoid accidents and to preserve the natural instincts of the animals. Touching these sea creatures may irritate them and feeding them can attract sharks, poison the dolphins and encourage them to take fishing bait.
Sea wardens regularly patrol the area to make sure that the dolphins and whales are protected. The best time to go whale and dolphin watching is from March to October when the seas are smooth and there is an almost zero wind velocity. Cruising and spotting the sea animals is difficult throughout the rest of the year when it is windy and the seas are rough because of the Northeast monsoon.
Getting There to Bais City, Negros Oriental Philippines
Bais City is less than an hour away from Dumaguete City. When traveling in a group, it is best to rent a van to take you to the Capiñahan Wharf in South Bais Bay, which is the most convenient take off point to Tañon Strait. One can also take a jeepney plying the Dumaguete-Bais route and, once in Bais, take another jeepney ride to the wharf. Once in the wharf, there are boats for rent that costs between P2,500 to P3,000 depending on the number of people boarding.
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