Have you ever pictured yourself swimming alongside the gentle giants of the sea? The Philippines is one of the few magical places where you can turn that dream into reality! While Boracay is well-known for its stunning white sand beaches, just a short trip away lies an incredible opportunity – swimming with whale sharks, locally called “butanding.” In this guide, I will share everything you need to know to plan this unforgettable adventure.
Where to Find Whale Sharks Near Boracay
Here’s the scoop: you won’t find whale sharks right in Boracay itself. The best location to swim with these majestic creatures near Boracay is Donsol in Sorsogon. Yes, it requires some travel, but trust me, the experience is absolutely worth it! Donsol has earned the title “Whale Shark Capital of the World” for an excellent reason! The local community has worked hard to create a sustainable and responsible tourism program designed to protect these magnificent animals.
Getting to Donsol from Boracay
The journey to Donsol can be quite the adventure! Here’s how you can get there from Boracay:
- Flight from Caticlan (Boracay Airport) to Legazpi City: This is the quickest and most convenient option. Airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer flights, and the travel time is typically about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Expect to pay around PHP 2,000 – PHP 5,000 (USD 40-100) for a one-way ticket, depending on your booking and the airline.
- Land Travel from Legazpi Airport to Donsol: After you land at Legazpi Airport, you can hop on a bus or a van to Donsol. Vans offer a faster ride, costing between PHP 300 to PHP 500 (USD 6-10) per person and taking about 1 to 1.5 hours. Public buses are cheaper, around PHP 100 – PHP 200 (USD 2-4), but take a little longer to reach Donsol.
Alternatively, you can choose to take a ferry from Caticlan to Roxas City, Capiz, and then catch a bus or van to Donsol. While this option is a bit slower and may require an overnight stay in Roxas City, it often turns out to be more wallet-friendly.
Swimming with Whale Sharks: The Experience at Donsol
When you arrive in Donsol, be sure to register at the Donsol Tourism Center. You’ll receive a detailed briefing on the rules and regulations for interacting with whale sharks. This step is super important because it keeps both you and the amazing creatures safe. The staff will remind you that touching the whale sharks or getting too close is a big no-no.
Your adventure will be overseen by trained Boat Captains and Butanding Interaction Officers (BIOs). Each boat can hold about 6-7 people, and you’ll be assigned a BIO to guide you and ensure everyone follows all the rules. When you’re finally in the water, you’ll have about three hours to spot whale sharks. When a whale shark is spotted, you’ll don your snorkel gear and jump in the water to swim with these gentle giants! It’s an awe-inspiring experience to see these enormous creatures gliding gracefully underwater. Make sure to bring a snorkel mask that fits you well. Many people choose to rent or bring their own for better comfort and hygiene. While swimming with whale sharks is not too challenging, being a comfortable swimmer is important.
Important Notes:
- Sunscreen: Use only reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the ocean environment.
- Respect the Animals: Do not chase, touch, or crowd the whale sharks.
- Scuba Diving: No scuba diving allowed; only snorkeling is permitted.
- Life Vests: Life vests are given and must be worn by all.
Donsol Tourism Center: Registration Fees and Information
When you get to the Donsol Tourism Center, you will have to pay certain fees:
- Registration Fee: Approximately PHP 300 (USD 6) for each person.
- Boat Fee (shared cost): A boat usually costs around PHP 5,500 (USD 110). This fee is typically shared among everyone on the boat, so if you have a group of six, it’ll be about PHP 917 each.
- Snorkel Gear Rental: If you don’t have your own, you can rent snorkel gear for about PHP 300 (USD 6) per set.
The Donsol Tourism Center is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. It’s best to get there early, especially during busy season (March to May), to avoid long waits. Don’t forget to bring cash since credit card facilities are often limited.
Where to Stay in Donsol
Donsol has a variety of places to stay that fit different budgets. Here are some popular choices:
- Elysia Beach Resort: This resort offers comfy rooms right by the beach. Prices can vary from PHP 3,000 to PHP 8,000 (USD 60-160) per night, depending on the room type and season. Their restaurant also gets great reviews.
- Donsol Aguluz Guest House: A basic yet affordable choice with clean rooms starting around PHP 1,500 (USD 30) per night.
- Amor Farm Beach Resort: This spot offers a more tranquil experience, with prices beginning at PHP 4,000 (USD 80) per night.
It’s a smart move to book your accommodation ahead of time, particularly during the high season.
What Else to Do in Donsol
While swimming with whale sharks is the star of the show, Donsol has a variety of other activities to keep you entertained:
- Firefly Watching: Take an enchanting boat ride on the Donsol River at night and witness magical fireflies lighting up the trees. This activity usually costs around PHP 1,200 – PHP 1,500 (USD 24-30) per boat.
- Donsol Beach: Relax on the unique black sands of Donsol Beach and take in a stunning sunset.
- Subic Beach: Though it’s a bit farther away, Subic Beach in Matnog (Sorsogon) offers a perfect day trip. Rent a boat and explore the beautiful pink sands and hidden lagoons.
Best Time to Visit Donsol for Whale Shark Encounters
The best time for whale shark encounters in Donsol usually spans from November to June, with peak months being March to May. During these months, the population of whale sharks is at its highest, which means you’ll have a greater chance to see them. However, since whale sharks are wild animals, sightings aren’t guaranteed. Even outside these months, you still have a small chance of encountering them.
Sample Itinerary: Whale Shark Adventure from Boracay (2 Days/1 Night)
Here’s a sample plan for your whale shark adventure:
Day 1:
- Morning: Fly from Caticlan (Boracay) to Legazpi City.
- Afternoon: Travel from Legazpi Airport to Donsol (by van or bus).
- Check-in at your chosen place to stay.
- Afternoon: Relax, discover Donsol town, or enjoy the beach.
- Evening: Optional firefly watching tour.
Day 2:
- Morning: Early morning registration at the Donsol Tourism Center followed by whale shark interaction.
- Lunch: Treat yourself to a delicious meal at a local eatery.
- Afternoon: Travel from Donsol to Legazpi Airport.
- Evening: Fly back from Legazpi City to Caticlan (Boracay).
Budget Breakdown (Estimated)
Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you might spend on this trip (per person, excluding any souvenirs):
- Flights (Caticlan-Legazpi-Caticlan): PHP 4,000 – PHP 10,000 (USD 80-200)
- Transportation (Legazpi-Donsol-Legazpi): PHP 600 – PHP 1,000 (USD 12-20)
- Accommodation (1 night): PHP 1,500 – PHP 4,000 (USD 30-80)
- Whale Shark Interaction Fees (Registration + Shared Boat): Approximately PHP 1,217 (USD 24.34)
- Snorkel Gear Rental (optional): PHP 300 (USD 6)
- Food and Drinks: PHP 1,000 – PHP 2,000 (USD 20-40)
- Firefly Watching (Optional): PHP 200 – PHP 300
Total Estimated Cost: PHP 8,617 – PHP 17,517 (USD 172.34 – USD 350.34)
Note: These are rough estimates, and your actual expenses may vary based on your choices.
FAQ
What should I bring with me?
Pack light clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a waterproof camera (like a GoPro if you have one!), and cash. Also, don’t forget insect repellent for evening activities.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should be comfortable swimming in the ocean. A life vest is mandatory, but some swimming ability will help. Occasionally, the water can be a bit choppy, so being able to swim well is beneficial.
Are whale sharks dangerous?
Nope! Whale sharks are gentle and pose no threat to humans. Following the guidelines provided by the BIOs is crucial to ensure both your safety and the welfare of these incredible animals.
Is there a guarantee that I’ll see whale sharks?
Even though Donsol has a great track record for sightings during peak season, there’s no guarantee. Whale sharks are wild, and their movements can vary. The BIOs can spot them well, but patience is key.
Can children swim with whale sharks?
Absolutely! Kids can swim with whale sharks, as long as they are comfortable in the water and can follow the BIOs’ instructions. Life vests are required for everyone. Check with the Donsol Tourism Center before your trip for any specific age limits.
What happens if I don’t see any whale sharks?
Sometimes, sightings are not possible due to various reasons including environmental conditions or whale shark movements. While you won’t get a refund, you can inquire whether it’s possible to try again the next day (this is subject to availability and an additional fee).
Can I use my own flippers for swimming?
It’s generally not recommended to use flippers, since they can scare the whale sharks if you kick too hard. The Donsol Tourism Center might let you use your flippers, but only if you agree to be extra careful.
So, what are you waiting for? Jump in and plan your whale shark adventure today! The experience of swimming with these incredible creatures will create memories that last a lifetime. Start organizing your trip to Donsol, and make sure to check off all the details mentioned in this guide. Adventure awaits!
