Donsol
Philippines · Bicol Region · 5 m
Description
Donsol is a fishing town on the southern tip of Luzon in Sorsogon province, ranked among the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. Known locally as “butanding”, the gentle giants gather in Donsol Bay each year to feed on plankton blooms, and licensed guides lead snorkelers out to interact with them under strict rules that prohibit diving or touching. After dark, boats glide up the mangrove-lined Ogod River on firefly watching cruises, the branches overhead flickering with thousands of synchronized lights. Nearby Ticao Pass offers diving with manta rays and steep coral walls, making Donsol a compact base for marine wildlife travel in the Bicol region.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: February – May
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Donsol Whale Shark Interaction (February - May)
- Firefly & Mangrove Cruise on the Ogod River
- Manta Bowl Diving, Ticao Pass(Day trip)
- San Miguel Island Diving, Ticao Pass(Day trip)
- Catandayagan Falls(Day trip)
- Donsol Tourism Center & Whale Shark Briefing
- Donsol River Mangrove Tour
- Donsol Beaches
- Ticao Pass Manta Ray Season (December - May)(Day trip)