Donsol (whale sharks) & Ticao – Philippines

Donsol, on the southern tip of Luzon in Sorsogon, is known for seasonal whale shark (butanding) encounters. The activity is snorkel / swim only: scuba diving is not allowed in Donsol itself, and the interaction is regulated by the local tourism office with a visitor-center registration, a limit of six swimmers per boat and a trained Butanding Interaction Officer. Across the strait, Ticao Island in Masbate has the Manta Bowl sea mount and San Miguel macro sites, which are reached by boat and are scuba dives.

Facts

• Best season: Whale sharks November to June, peak February to May (official season starts October/November). Manta rays at Ticao reported year-round by the resort.
• Water temperature: Not stated in the sources.
• Visibility: Limited by plankton at Donsol; clearest and calmest in Feb-May.
• Currents: Strong, converging currents at the Manta Bowl; whale shark snorkelling is on the surface.
• Getting there: Fly Manila to Legazpi (about 1 hour), then van to Donsol. Ticao is reached by flight to Masbate area / boat across the San Bernardino Strait.
• Permit & fees: Registration at the Donsol Visitor Center (Brgy. Dancalan) with registration and boat fees is required; verify current fees with the Donsol Tourism Office.
• Training level: Whale shark swim: swimming/snorkelling only. Ticao: beginner to intermediate divers (resort), but the Manta Bowl has strong currents.
• Hazards: Strong currents at the Manta Bowl; do not touch or chase whale sharks; no sunblock, no flash.

Season

• Best months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May
• Acceptable: Nov, Dec, Jan, Jun
• Poor: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
• Water temperature: 27–30 °C

Whale sharks roughly November to June, peak February to May. The water temperature range is an estimate, not sourced.

Dive sites (3)

Ticao Island (Masbate)

• Bobby's Wall (San Miguel, Ticao) – 3–30 m, intermediate
• Manta Bowl (Ticao) – 0–30 m, intermediate

Donsol Bay (snorkel only)

• Donsol whale shark interaction (butanding) – SNORKEL ONLY, no scuba – 0–10 m, beginner

Operators (1)

• Ticao Island Resort & Dive Camp – dive_resort, San Jacinto, Ticao Island, Masbate

Donsol whale shark encounters are snorkel / swim only: scuba diving is not allowed. Positions are approximate (whale sharks move; no source lists coordinates). Fees and contacts come from travel blogs and must be confirmed with the Donsol Tourism Office.