Whale Sharks In Donsol

Donsol, in the northern Philippines, is one of the best kept secrets in diving. It is home to possibly the largest congregation of whale sharks in the world!!!!

At any given time, a large number of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, known locally as “Butanding” are seen off Donsol town, in Sorsogon province in the Philippines. These are the world's largest fish that can attain a length of 12-15 meters and weigh up to 20 tons. These gentle giants feed on tiny organisms such as plankton, krill and small fish.

Donsol is one of the very few places in the world where they are found regularly in waters close to shore, and can be easily seen by swimming and diving. This is thought to be the highest concentration of whale sharks anywhere in the world and unlike locations like Ningaloo Reef in Australia where whale sharks are spotted by expensive helicopters, is the only place where they can be spotted from a boat.

As this is a whale shark protected area, only snorkeling is allowed in Donsol Bay. However, the whale sharks often come right to the surface, and snorkelers can see as many as 20 on one trip. There is diving at nearby Manta Point where whale sharks and manta rays are often seen at a depth of 20 meters.

The best season is February to June, but the season changes from year to year and can start as early as November. Contact us for current sighting information.

Please contact us to get full details on current packages and prices. Please include number of nights and number of people. Prices decrease significantly with more people. We highly advise that you do at least one day's snorkeling as the sightings can be breathtaking, but please let us know if you prefer to dive as well.

You may also see packages and book online.

Flights from Cebu to Legaspi

Information is correct at time of writing, please check on Cebu Pacific website!

Tu/Th/Sa: Direct 1 hour flights from Cebu to Legaspi (1:15pm) and Legaspi to Cebu (2:40pm).
M/W/F/Su: Flights via Manila

See our shark diving website for more information.

New special trips! Whale shark and thresher shark safaris!

Standard packages

Trips can be customised but here are some of our standard packages. You can book these directly onilne. You can book instantly, but packages are subject to final confirmation within 72 hours.

Please note:

• We cannot make bookings less than 7 days in advance.
• We only arrange all-inclusive packages and do not offer anything under 2 night packages.

Light and Sights (Whale Shark snorkelling)

• Round Trip Airport Transfers
• 2 Days Whale Shark Interaction
  • Includes boat, spotter, BIO, snorkelling equipment, bottled water, snacks, taxes and fees
• 1 Night Firefly River Tour
• 2 Nights Accommodations at Elysia Beach Resort, Donsol
• Breakfast

Air and Sea (Whale shark snorkelling and Mount Mayon)

• Round Trip Airport Transfers
• 1 Whale Shark Interaction
  • Includes boat, spotter, BIO, snorkelling equipment, bottled water, snacks, taxes and fees
• Choose from eithe
  • Mount Mayon Volcano Trek, 1 day
    Transfers, guide, lunch, bottled water, refreshments, taxes and fees included
  • Mount Mayon Volcano ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) Adventure. 3-4 hours
    Transfers, ATV 350cc, guide, entrance fees included.
• 2 Nights Accommodation in Legazpi, Casa Simeon Boutique Hotel
• Breakfast

Three Day Spree (Whale shark snorkelling and diving)

• Round Trip Airport Transfers from Legazpi
• 1 Whale Shark Interaction
  • Includes boat, spotter, BIO, snorkelling equipment, bottled water, snacks, taxes and fees
• 1 Firefly River Tour
• 3 Dives Out from Donsol: 3 dives on 1 day
  • Boat, Divemaster services, free equipment, packed lunch, bottled water, taxes and fees
• 2 Nights Accommodations at Elysia Beach Resort, Donsol
• Breakfast

Giant Holiday (Whale shark snorkelling and diving)

• Round Trip Airport Transfers
• 1 Whale Shark Interaction
  • Includes boat, spotter, BIO, snorkelling equipment, bottled water, snacks, taxes and fees
• 6 Dives ( 2 from Donsol, 4 from Ticao Island)
  • Boat, Divemaster services, free equipment, packed lunch, bottled water, taxes and fees
• 2 Nights Accommodations at Ticao Island Resort
  • Full board at Ticao
  • Unlimited kayaking and horseback riding in Ticao
• 1 Night Accommodation in Legazpi, Casa Simeon Boutique Hotel
  • Breakfast

Ultimate Adventure (Whale Shark snorkelling, diving and Mount Mayon)

• Round Trip Airport Transfers
• Choose from either :
  • Mount Mayon Volcano Trek, 1 day
    Transfers, guide, lunch, bottled water, refreshments, taxes and fees included
  • Mount Mayon Volcano ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) Adventure. 3-4 hours
    Transfers, ATV 350cc, guide, entrance fees included.
• 1 Whale Shark Interaction
  • Includes boat, spotter, BIO, snorkelling equipment, bottled water, snacks, taxes and fees
• 6 Dives Out from Ticao Island (3 dives x 2 days)
  • Boat, Divemaster services, free equipment, packed lunch, bottled water, taxes and fees
• 3 Nights Accommodations at Ticao Island Resort
  • Full board at Ticao
  • Unlimited kayaking and horseback riding in Ticao
• 1 Night Accommodation in Legazpi, Casa Simeon Boutique Hotel
  • Breakfast