The Department of Tourism (DOT) is promoting Pamilacan Island in Bohol as the place to go for visitors who want to see dolphins and whales frolicking in their natural habitat.

Tourism Sec. Joseph “Ace” Durano said “Bohol is a haven to more than 11 species of dolphins and whales, including the bottle-nose dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, pan-tropical spotted dolphin, long-snouted dolphin, Fraser’s dolphin, melon-headed whale, short-finned pilot whale, Bryde and the sperm whales.”

Seldomly seen are the pygmy-sperm whale and the Blainville’s baked whale. Other non-marine mammals encountered in the area are manta rays and whale sharks.

The small island of Pamilacan is nestled in the heart of the Bohol Sea. Its name is derived from the word pilak, which is a large hook made and used by islanders to capture manta rays.

Durano said other attraction in Bohol include the historic centuries-old Spanish fort and the white sand beaches.

In Spanish times, the island was an outpost for spotting pirates and invaders, as evidenced by the fort on the northeast side of the island.

Pamilacan is a coral island, and fossilized seashells are preserved on the island’s rocky hill. Jaws and other bones of marine mammals and whale sharks adorn some homes in the village. The blue waters surrounding the island teem with lush and colorful marine life.

The marine realm of Pamilacan provides whales and dolphins with the ideal refuge. Although there is no guarantee that one could experience the thrill of seeing whales and dolphins during the trip, looking for these mammals has become easier.

Stressing the need for the preservation of the ecosystem and the promotion of ecotourism in the country, other tourist destinations are being developed and enhanced under the DOT and allied agencies’ various projects.

Aside from the DOT, the dolphin- and whale-watching tour in Pamilacan Island is also supported by the Inter-agency Task Force on Marine Mammal Conservation, Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Organization, WWB-Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and provincial government of Bohol.

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