Donsol, a former fishing town in Sorsogon province on southern Luzon, is one of the world's premier places to snorkel with wild, un-fed whale sharks — known locally as butanding. From roughly November through May–June, plankton blooms at the mouth of the Donsol River draw the giants into the bay, and in the February–May peak boats regularly encounter several a day, with dozens sighted on the best outings. A spotter boat carries a trained Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) who finds a shark near the surface; snorkelers then slip quietly into the water — scuba is banned in the bay and all viewing is done from the surface. As of 2026 Donsol remains the WWF-Philippines-backed, community-run ethical alternative to the feeding operation at Oslob, running under the same strict interaction rules.
Wild, non-fed whale sharks (butanding) — the WWF-backed ethical counterpoint to Oslob's feeding
Spotter-boat system: a Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) scans the surface and positions the group
Snorkel-only, surface encounters — no diving skills needed; maximum six people in the water per boat
Plankton-rich Donsol Bay and river mouth (within the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape) is why they gather
Peak February–May with roughly 90% sighting odds; 5–10 m animals, and dozens seen on exceptional days
Nearby Manta Bowl off Ticao (~45 min) is a separate scuba trip for mantas, thresher and hammerhead sharks
Good to know
SafetyAlthough this is a surface activity, it happens in an open bay where currents can push you out to sea. Don't go alone — stay close to your boat and BIO, and use a life vest or float if you're not a confident swimmer. Watch for exhaustion, mask fogging and panic, which are what cause drownings.
SafetySeveral spotter boats (bancas) work the same water at once. Keep checking for boats at the surface and only enter or surface where the crew directs you.
SafetyWhale sharks are gentle but huge (5–10 m). Never block a shark's path — keep to its side and give it room, and stay far enough back to avoid a powerful tail sweep.
RulesRegister at the Donsol Visitor Center and go out with a BIO. It is snorkel-only — scuba is banned in the bay — with a maximum of six people in the water per boat. No flash photography and no chemical sunscreen (it washes off and harms sharks and coral); always follow the BIO's instructions.
MannersStay about 3 m from the shark's body and 4 m from its tail, and never touch, ride or chase it. Don't try to feed the animals, take turns with other snorkelers, and don't crowd or surround a single shark.
SeasonThe season runs November to May/June, peaking February–May. Sightings are wild and not guaranteed (about 90% odds at peak), and heavy plankton can cut visibility. Sun exposure is strong, so come prepared.
CautionBook only through the official Donsol Visitor Center (BIO system) and avoid unlicensed boats or inflated 'package' prices. Fees and operating hours change often, so confirm the current details before you go.
Practical info
Most visitors fly into Legazpi or Bicol International Airport (Daraga), then drive about an hour to Donsol, register at the Donsol Visitor Center (BIO), and hire a spotter boat. The season runs November to May/June, peaking February–May, and it is snorkel-only. Interaction fees, boat rates and operating hours change, so confirm the latest prices and rules with the official visitor center before you go.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
