Gorontalo is a province located in the northern part of Sulawesi Island, now increasingly known as an amazing marine tourism destination. One of the main attractions that makes Gorontalo so special is the presence of friendly whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the waters of Tomini Bay. Of course, this makes whale shark tourism: an Indonesian tourism destination that must be visited while in Gorontalo.
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| (Picture: Adiwinata Solihin in geopark.gorontaloprov.go.id) |
With its main attraction being whale shark tourism, visitors can interact directly with this friendly giant marine animal. This experience is not only amazing, but it also provides an opportunity to learn more about marine conservation.
Destination Vacation Gorontalo "Amazing Whale Shark"
One of the most popular locations to see whale sharks in Gorontalo is Botubarani Village, Kabila Bone which is located in Bone Bolango Regency.
In this village, tourists can rent a fishing boat to sail into the middle of the sea and interact with whale sharks.
In addition to Botubarani, several other locations in Gorontalo, such as Olele Village and Torosiaje Village, offer similar experiences.
Why Gorontalo?
Gorontalo is one of the best destinations to see whale sharks for several reasons:
- Stable Whale Shark Population: The waters of Gorontalo, particularly in Botubarani Village, are home to a fairly stable population of whale sharks. This increases the chances of visitors seeing these animals in their natural habitat.
- Easy Access: The whale shark watching location in Botubarani is relatively close to the beach, making it easily accessible to tourists.
- Responsible Interaction: Tourism managers in Gorontalo are very concerned about the sustainability and welfare of whale sharks. They implement strict rules to ensure safe and responsible interactions.
The Uniqueness of the Gorontalo Whale Shark
Whale sharks that inhabit the waters of Gorontalo have their own uniqueness. They are known to be very docile and often approach fishing boats, even swimming around tourists.
The presence of whale sharks in Gorontalo is inseparable from the existence of charts, which are floating structures used by fishermen to catch fish. Whale sharks often congregate around the charts for food, especially small fish caught in fishermen's nets.
This phenomenon has been used by the local community to develop educational tourism and whale shark conservation. Tourists can witness the beauty and majesty of whale sharks up close, and even swim with them. This experience is certainly an unforgettable moment for anyone who experiences it.
Gorontalo Whale Shark Conservation
Whale shark tourism in Gorontalo is not only about entertainment but also about conservation. Tourism managers and local communities work together to protect whale sharks and their habitats. These conservation efforts include:
- Surveillance and Research: Conduct surveillance and research to understand whale shark behavior and populations.
- Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness of the importance of whale shark conservation.
- Tourism Arrangements: Implement strict rules to ensure safe and sustainable interactions between tourists and whale sharks.
Interesting Tourist Activities
In addition to interacting with whale sharks, tourists can also enjoy various other interesting activities in Gorontalo, including:
- Snorkeling and diving: Gorontalo waters have stunning underwater beauty, with pristine coral reefs and a stunning array of marine life.
- Food tourism: Gorontalo is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood. Tourists can taste various Gorontalo specialties, such as binte biluhuta (corn soup) and ilabulo (grilled sago).
- Cultural tourism: Gorontalo has a unique cultural richness, with various traditions and customs that are still preserved. Tourists can visit traditional villages to get to know Gorontalo culture more closely.
- Visit beautiful islands: Gorontalo also has some very beautiful small islands, such as Saronde Island and Bogisa Island. These islands offer stunning natural scenery and a serene atmosphere.
Gorontalo Whale Shark Tourism Tips
The best time to visit Gorontalo and see whale sharks is between May and June. During this period, the weather tends to be sunny and the sea is calmer, so visibility underwater is better. However, whale sharks can be seen all year round in Gorontalo.
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| (Picture: geopark.gorontaloprov.go.id) |
For tourists who want to visit Gorontalo to see whale sharks, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- The best time to see whale sharks is in the morning, around 07.00 to 11.00 WITA.
- Obey the rules and guidelines provided by the tour guide to keep yourself and the whale shark safe.
- Use sunscreen and comfortable clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring a waterproof camera to capture beautiful moments with whale sharks.
- It is not allowed to touch whale sharks.
- Always maintain the cleanliness of the environment.
- Make sure you choose a tour operator that is reputable and committed to marine conservation.
Accommodation and Facilities
Gorontalo can be reached by air and sea. Jalaluddin Gorontalo Airport serves flights from various cities in Indonesia. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rental vehicle to get to Botubarani.
Gorontalo offers a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to simple homestays. The tourist facilities in Botubarani are also quite adequate, with sightseeing boats, snorkeling and diving equipment, and experienced tour guides.
Gorontalo Whale Shark Tour Rates
The price of Gorontalo whale shark tourism depends on the tourist activity chosen by visitors. The following are the Gorontalo whale shark tourism rates, based on information from the Jadesta of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.
- Botubarani Beach whale shark boat tour, starting from Rp 80,000 per person.
- Snorkeling with whale sharks at Botubarani Beach, starting from IDR 105,000 per person
- Diving with whale sharks at Botubarani Beach, starting from IDR 140,000 per person
- Freediving with whale sharks at Botubarani Beach, starting from IDR 105,000 per person.
For the record, the price of the Gorontalo whale shark tour may change at any time depending on the manager's policy.
Whale shark tour package prices in Botubarani Gorontalo
If you want to try the sensation of swimming or seeing whale sharks in Botubarani, Gorontalo, here are the tour package prices as of Saturday (31/8/2024) via Base IV (Kompas.com):
- Boat tour package maximum 3 people (including feed): IDR 100,000
- To the snorkeling location: IDR 35,000 per person (not including snorkeling equipment)
- To the dive location: IDR 60,000 per person (not including diving equipment)
- Snorkeling equipment: IDR 50,000 (snorkel goggles and frog shoes)
- Swimsuit or wetsuit: IDR 50,000 per person
- Whale shark feed: IDR 20,000 per bag
- Underwater camera rental: IDR 250,000
- Drone flight: IDR 250,000 per boat
- Towel rental: IDR 25,000
- Drone and glass boat flight package: IDR 450,000
- Drone and paddle boat flight package: IDR 350,000
Botubarani Whale Shark Tourism Opening Hours
If you want to visit the Botubarani whale shark tour in Gorontalo, then the following are the opening hours:
1. Every day except Friday:
- Open: 06.00-11.30 WITA
- Break: 11.30-12.30 WITA
- Open again: 12.30-17.00 WITA
2. Friday:
- Open 06.00-10.00 WITA
- Break: 10.00-13.00 WITA
- Open again: 13.00-17.00 WITA.
Conclusion
Gorontalo whale shark tour is an unforgettable experience for nature and adventure lovers. With a stable population of whale sharks, easy access, and strong conservation efforts, Gorontalo offers a rare opportunity to interact with these giant marine animals responsibly.
The experience of interacting directly with friendly whale sharks, stunning underwater beauty, and unique cultural richness make Gorontalo an unforgettable tourist destination. Hopefully information about "whale shark tourism: Indonesian tourism destinations that must be visited while in Gorontalo" can be additional information for those of you who want to visit Gorontalo.
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