[2] Davao Gulf cuts into the island of Mindanao from the Philippine Sea.

[5] The Bagobo and the Kaagan / Kalagan, who are the indigenous Lumad tribes endemic to Davao, are known inhabitants of the said gulf.

[6] The gulf water is regarded as one of the most diverse cetacean habitats in the nation, being home to at least 10 species of toothed whales and dolphins such as sperm whales and beaked whales.

[7] Also, whale sharks and sea cows are seen frequently.

[8][9] Furthermore, several ecological phenomena have been observed in Davao Gulf such as a previously unknown predator of the crown-of-thorns starfish, new species records, and new species discoveries underlining the uniqueness of the marine resources in Davao Gulf.