Skip to content

Keep a little mystery in your trip planning: flip this switch on and Explorer Picture Mode shows a stylized version of every place instead of the real photo, so you can go by the description and reviews first and picture it your own way -- turn it off again any time, or reveal the real photo for just one place at a time from its own page.

Create a free account to pick your own style (Vintage, Oil Painting, Illustration, and more) and have it remembered next time you visit.

Donsole Whale Sharks

Last updated on April 8, 2021
7 /10
Editorial rating
/10
traveler ratings

Overview

Changed

The butandings (Filipino name for whale sharks) regularly circulate in this area at the time of the year when plankton proliferates. They are nicknamed 'gentle giants' because, despite their immense size (average of 9-10 meters, can go up to 18 meters), they are the most gentle sharks in the world.

In Donsol, you can actually swim and do some snorkeling among the whale sharks. However, visual encounters can often be brief as they are timid animals. 

Donsol is a migratory passage for whale sharks. Feeding whale sharks to lure them to tourists is totally prohibited and all tourist operations are managed by a WWF-mandated team to ensure the animals are respected.

Whale shark sightings in the wild in their natural environment is never guaranteed. The best months to see them are March and April.

Quick Facts

    Visit Responsibly

    Changed

    Plan Your Visit

    Changed

    See traveler photos →

    Publishing will make these pending changes visible on the live page.