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The small coastal town of Donsol in the northeast of the Philippines offers a rare opportunity to interact with whale sharks. Visitors head here to swim and snorkel with these harmless and gentle filter feeders in season.

The sheer size of the largest fish in the ocean will start your adrenalin pumping. These gentle giants of the sea – considered the largest fish in the world, measuring from 5 metres to as long as 15 metres in length, have been found to converge in the waters off Donsol starting sometime during November, and peaking in the months of February to May.

These harmless, gentle, friendly and playful filter feeders allow humans to swim, play and interact with them, as they ponderously glide along close to the surface of the ocean. Donsol, a small coastal town, is reached by a short 55 minute flight from Manila to Legaspi City and then a 45 to 60 minute road transfer.

Swimming with a whale shark - locally known as Butanding - is the epitome of wildlife encounters – an experience of a lifetime, an experience not to be missed!

We can tailor a diving trip to meet your needs, find out more about our whale shark suggested itinerary which offers the perfect opportunity to have unforgettable encounters.

View suggested itinerary

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: whale shark

Dive trips

This dive location is featured in the following itinerary:

Big Fish Tour

For those who like their marine life BIG! This exciting and comprehensive dive itinerary includes encounters with whale sharks, manta rays and thresher sharks in three locations across the Philippines. Find Out More about Big Fish Tour

  • Duration inc. flights: 14 days
  • Price inc. flights: From £2,845 pp
  • Trip type: Tailor-made trip idea
Suggested accommodation options are shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.
Our suggested liveaboard is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

MY Sea Gypsy

MY Sea Gypsy is an elegant Bond-style vessel that delivers modern, sleek luxury to liveaboard diving in the Philippines. It’s a boutique vessel with massage services and accommodates just eight divers. Find Out More about MY Sea Gypsy