Last updated: March 2026
Donsol Bay in the Bicol region of the Philippines is home to what may be the largest seasonal congregation of whale sharks in the world. Unlike destinations that use feeding to attract sharks, Donsol’s encounters are completely wild and ethically run. The town has won international recognition for its responsible wildlife tourism. And at a fraction of the cost of comparable destinations like Ningaloo Reef or the Maldives, Donsol is the most accessible whale shark experience on the planet.
How Many Whale Sharks Will I See in Donsol?
During peak season (February to April), most visitors see between 5 and 10 whale sharks in a single day. Sightings of 15-20 are not unusual, and on exceptional days, up to 45 whale sharks have been recorded in one outing. In peak season, it is very rare not to see whale sharks at all. Donsol is as close to a guaranteed encounter as you can get with wild whale sharks anywhere in the world.
Do I Need to Be a Diver to Swim with Whale Sharks?
No. Whale shark interactions in Donsol Bay are snorkelling only (diving is not permitted in the bay to protect the sharks). You go out on a small boat with a trained local guide and a spotter. When they locate a whale shark, you ready yourself with mask, snorkel and fins. The boat positions itself ahead of the approaching shark, you slip into the water, and you swim alongside one of the largest animals on Earth.
This makes Donsol accessible to families, non-divers, children, and anyone who wants a shark encounter without scuba certification. You don’t even need to be a strong swimmer, though basic comfort in open water helps.
How Big Are the Whale Sharks in Donsol?
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean. In Donsol, typical individuals range from 4 to 12 metres in length. The largest whale shark ever recorded anywhere in the world measured 12.65 metres, though unconfirmed sightings suggest they can reach 18 metres. They weigh up to 40 tonnes.
Their mouths are up to 2 metres across, containing over 300 rows of tiny teeth that play no role in feeding. Whale sharks are filter feeders that suck in water and expel it through their gills, trapping plankton and krill. Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots and stripes, like a fingerprint. Over 2,000 individual whale sharks have been identified in a global database.
Is Donsol Whale Shark Tourism Ethical?
Yes. This is one of the most important distinctions about Donsol. Unlike Oslob in Cebu, where whale sharks are attracted by feeding them from boats, Donsol’s whale sharks arrive naturally each year to feed on dense concentrations of plankton. No feeding, baiting or chumming is used. The local government has retrained former fishermen as guides and spotters, and strict interaction rules are enforced (maintain distance, no flash photography, no touching).
Donsol has been recognised by the WWF and international conservation bodies for its community-based, responsible approach to whale shark tourism.
When Is Whale Shark Season in Donsol?
Whale shark season in Donsol generally runs from mid-November to mid-May. Peak sightings are from February to April, which is also the busiest period, so book well in advance. Whale sharks can occasionally appear as early as November and as late as June, but sightings outside the core season are less reliable.
Can I Scuba Dive with Whale Sharks Near Donsol?
Yes. While diving is not allowed in Donsol Bay itself, Manta Bowl near Ticao Island (about 45 minutes by boat) is a dive site where whale sharks frequently pass through underwater cleaning stations. You also have an excellent chance of encountering giant oceanic manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and thresher sharks at Manta Bowl.
We recommend combining at least one whale shark snorkel in Donsol Bay with scuba diving from Ticao Island. Our combination packages make this easy to arrange.
How Much Does Whale Shark Snorkelling in Donsol Cost?
Donsol is remarkably affordable. A standard 2-night package includes:
Accommodation at a quality resort with air-con, hot water and breakfast. Two full days of whale shark interactions. Boat, spotter, BIO guide, snorkelling equipment, water and snacks. All fees and airport transfers.
Prices start from around PHP 14,000 (approximately US$250) per person based on 2 sharing. This all-inclusive package costs less than a single morning’s whale shark tour at Ningaloo Reef in Australia.
Browse Donsol packages and book online
How Do I Get to Donsol?
Donsol is in the Bicol region of southern Luzon. Fly to Bicol Airport (DRP), which has short direct flights from Manila and Cebu via Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Airport transfers to your resort are included in all our packages. This also makes it easy to combine Donsol with a thresher shark trip to Malapascua by flying between Bicol and Cebu.
What Else Is There to Do in the Donsol Area?
The Bicol region has plenty beyond whale sharks. Firefly river tours at night on the Donsol River. Mount Mayon, one of the most perfectly shaped volcanoes in the world, with ATV adventures or full-day treks. Ticao Island for scuba diving at Manta Bowl and other world-class dive sites. River kayaking and local cultural experiences.
Our packages can include any combination of these activities. Contact us for a custom itinerary.