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Donsol, Ticao, Whale Sharks and Mantas!

Many packages are available to book online immediately.
There is lots more information on our dedicated Donsol website!

Donsol, in the northern Philippines, is thought to be the largest congregation of whale sharks in the world. Swimming with whale sharks is an experience not to be missed!
 

As the whale sharks in Donsol are protected, only snorkelling is allowed in Donsol Bay, but it is possible to dive with them in nearby areas. However,  the best and most reliable interactions are in Donsol Bay, where the whale sharks come right up to the surface. 

During your whale shark interactions, you will go out on a small boat with a guide and a spotter. The local fishermen have been retrained and will find you whale sharks – no problem! As soon as they see a whale shark, you ready yourself with mask, snorkel and fins, while the boat positions itself so you have time to jump in the water before the shark reaches you. And then you swim alongside these gentle giants….  

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Unlike Oslob where whale sharks are fed to keep them in one spot, Donsol offers genuinely wild whale shark encounters. The whale sharks here are free-swimming and come to Donsol Bay naturally to feed on plankton. Interactions are managed by the local government with strict rules: no scuba, no touching, and a limited number of boats per day. It is one of the most ethical whale shark experiences in the world.

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The season runs from November to June, with February to April being peak months when sightings are almost guaranteed. Outside peak season, encounters are still possible but less predictable. Water visibility varies but is typically 5 to 15 metres, and the whale sharks often surface within arm's reach.

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Nearby Ticao Island adds a second major draw: manta rays. The cleaning stations around Ticao attract large oceanic mantas from around November through to May. Diving with mantas at Ticao is a genuine bucket-list experience and pairs naturally with the whale shark snorkelling in Donsol Bay.

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Donsol also offers firefly river tours in the evening, paddling through mangrove-lined rivers lit up by thousands of fireflies. It is a unique experience that rounds out a destination already packed with wildlife encounters.

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Getting there: Donsol is in Sorsogon province, Bicol region. The nearest airport is Legazpi, about 1.5 hours by road. We arrange all transfers from Legazpi airport to your resort in Donsol, and can combine Donsol with other Philippine dive destinations as part of a multi-stop itinerary.

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Whale Shark Snorkelling

In Donsol Bay

Get up close and personal to these gentle giants.

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Dive with giant mantas and whale sharks

Go from Donsol or Ticao

Packages are available from Donsol, or from the private resort on Ticao Island.

Other activites

In and around Legazpi

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Mount Mayon

An active volcano!

Trek for one or more days, or hire an ATV (all-terrain vehicle).

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Firefly watching

From the river

Take a boat trip up the river to see the amazing displays of the fireflies in the trees.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Malapascua Island

When is the best time to see thresher sharks in Malapascua?

Thresher sharks are present year-round at Kimud Shoal, with a sighting rate of about 99%. Daily thresher dives are at Kimud Shoal. From 2022 the dives moved from Monad Shoal, where threshers are no longer seen. Boats leave between 5am and 8am; the ride is longer than the old run to Monad. The weather varies from year to year: March to May has the best weather, January to June is usually great as well, August and September can have bad weather, and October to December tends to be a little worse.

What certification do I need to dive with thresher sharks?

The minimum is PADI Open Water (or equivalent). Open Water divers dive with an Instructor, and Advanced Open Water divers and above can go with a Divemaster. At Kimud Shoal the plateau is at 12 metres and the cleaning station runs from 12 to 22 metres, then it drops into the deep.

How do I get to Malapascua Island?

Fly to Cebu, then take a 3-4 hour drive north to Maya port, followed by a 30-minute boat crossing. PDT arranges all transfers as part of your package.

What other marine life can I see at Malapascua?

Beyond thresher sharks, Malapascua offers mandarin fish at sunset, pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and beautiful coral gardens. The Lighthouse dive site is one of the best muck dives in the Visayas.

Frequently Asked Questions: Moalboal & Pescador

Is the sardine run in Moalboal seasonal?

No. The sardine school at Panagsama Beach is resident year-round. You can snorkel or dive with millions of sardines any day of the year, right from the shore.

Can I snorkel in Moalboal without a dive certification?

Yes. The sardine run, sea turtles, and house reef are all accessible by snorkelling. No certification needed. Pescador Island boat trips also include snorkelling options.

What is the Cathedral Cave at Pescador Island?

The Cathedral is an underwater cave formation inside Pescador Island with a chimney that lets light filter down from above. It is one of the most photographed dive sites in the Visayas and accessible to Advanced Open Water divers.

Frequently Asked Questions: Whale Sharks Oslob

Do I need to know how to dive to swim with whale sharks in Oslob?

No. The whale shark interaction in Oslob is done by snorkelling in shallow water. No diving certification is required. Non-swimmers can also watch from the boat.

How long does the whale shark encounter last?

Each session is approximately 30 minutes in the water. The whole visit including briefing and boat transfer takes about 1-2 hours. Early morning visits (6-7am) are recommended for fewer crowds.

Are whale sharks in Oslob available year-round?

Yes. Unlike Donsol where whale sharks are seasonal, the Oslob whale sharks are present every day of the year. The interaction site operates daily from around 6am to midday.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dauin & Apo Island

What makes Dauin muck diving special?

Dauin's volcanic black sand creates a unique habitat for rare critters found nowhere else in the region. Expect blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, painted frogfish, and dozens of nudibranch species. It is considered one of the top muck diving destinations in the world.

Can I see turtles at Apo Island?

Yes. Apo Island's marine sanctuary is home to a large population of green sea turtles. Sightings are virtually guaranteed on every dive, and snorkellers can also see them in the shallow reef areas.

Frequently Asked Questions: Donsol

What is the difference between Donsol and Oslob for whale sharks?

Donsol offers wild, free-swimming whale shark encounters with no feeding involved. Oslob whale sharks are fed to keep them in one place. Donsol is seasonal (November to June) while Oslob operates year-round. Donsol is snorkel-only with stricter environmental guidelines.

When is manta ray season at Ticao Island near Donsol?

Manta rays are typically present at Ticao Island cleaning stations from November through May, with peak sightings from January to April. Ticao is a short boat ride from Donsol and can be combined with whale shark snorkelling.

How many days should I spend in Donsol?

We recommend 3-4 days minimum. This gives you two mornings for whale shark encounters, a day trip to Ticao Island for manta rays, and an evening firefly river tour. Longer stays allow for repeat encounters and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions: General Packages

What is included in a Philippines dive package?

Our packages typically include airport transfers, accommodation, daily diving (boat and shore dives), equipment rental, and meals. Specific inclusions vary by package level. We offer budget, standard, and premium options for each destination.

When is the best time to dive in the Philippines?

The Philippines offers year-round diving. The dry season (November to May) generally has the best visibility and calmest seas. Whale sharks in Donsol peak from February to April. Thresher sharks at Malapascua are year-round. Each destination has its own peak season.

Do I need to be an experienced diver?

Not at all. We cater to all levels from complete beginners to technical divers. Non-divers can learn to dive with PADI courses at any of our destinations. Many of our best experiences, including whale sharks and sardine runs, are accessible by snorkelling.

Can I visit multiple dive destinations in one trip?

Yes. Our multi-destination packages are our most popular option. Common combinations include Malapascua plus Moalboal, or Malapascua plus Donsol. We handle all inter-island transfers so you just enjoy the diving.