A small town of Donsol on the island of Luzon in the Philippines has become one of the most popular locations for swimming with whale sharks all over the world.
These gentle giants are commonly referred to as *butanding* in the region, and they are found swimming through the waters of Donsol from November to June every year. This gives the divers and snorkelers a best-close encounter with the largest fish in the world.
They are filter feeders, and due to their huge mouths, they cannot hurt anyone or capture them when it opens. Yet, these animals could grow up to 12 meters long, and despite their huge size, they are calm and slow-moving. If there is one thing that is quite humbling, it is swimming with a whale shark because these giants go through the water and feed on plankton and small fish.
What makes it even more unique is that tourists in Donsol are protected by strict measures of what can be called responsible tourism, where people can swim with the whale sharks but in a very monitored and controlled manner, all aimed at ensuring the safety of the whales and the swimmers as well.
The whale sharks we encounter in Donsol are not lured to come close with bait and other underwater distractions common to such establishments in other Asian countries. Tourists use small boats that are guided by the locals, whose main task is to locate the whale sharks since they come close to the surface of the water.
Each time a whale shark appears, divers are accorded permission to swim near the whale, only making sure that they do not interfere with the creature. The use of boats and swimmers is well monitored to avoid overcrowding that can scare the whale sharks away.
As if the whale sharks are not enough, the following are the other marine attractions that one can enjoy in Donsol: Slightly closer to the island of Ticao, diving can be done with colourful coral gardens, caves and other marine attractions as well as other aquatic animals such as manta rays, sea turtles and tropical fish. For the laid-back individuals, beaches in Donsol together with the crystal clear waters offer the best snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing activities in the Philippines.
Donsol is also known for its firefly-watching tours along the Donsol River. As night falls, small boats take visitors on a peaceful journey along the river, where the trees lining the banks light up with thousands of glowing fireflies. The sight of these tiny creatures flickering in the darkness creates a magical atmosphere, adding to the overall sense of wonder that Donsol inspires.
For those looking to experience one of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures in a responsible and sustainable way, Donsol is a must-visit destination. The town’s commitment to preserving its marine environment, combined with the awe-inspiring experience of swimming with whale sharks, makes this a truly unforgettable adventure.
Mark