Dive site · access from Donsol & Ticao Pass

Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Area

Surface snorkel interaction in Donsol Bay.

Depth
0–3m
Current
Mild
Minimum level
Open water
Access
Boat
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The case for it

Why dive here

  • Snorkel-only interaction with wild whale sharks — no scuba permitted
  • Regulated by a Butanding Interaction Officer; max six snorkellers per animal
  • Non-provisioned — sharks are not fed or baited

Check before booking

What may rule it out

  • Conditions can change. Confirm depth, current and access with a local operator.

Access and timing

Plan this through Donsol & Ticao Pass

Best overall months: Feb, Mar, Apr. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.

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Wildlife

Seen around Donsol & Ticao Pass

rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed

These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Area.

Reef manta ray
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarypeak season
Februarypeak season
Marchpeak season
Aprilpeak season
Maypeak season
Junecommonly seen
Julydestination closed
Augustdestination closed
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novembercommonly seen
Decemberpeak season
Pelagic thresher shark
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januaryoccasional
Februaryoccasional
Marchoccasional
Apriloccasional
Mayoccasional
Juneoccasional
Julydestination closed
Augustdestination closed
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberoccasional
Decemberoccasional
Whale shark
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januaryoccasional
Februarypeak season
Marchpeak season
Aprilpeak season
Maypeak season
Juneoccasional
Julydestination closed
Augustdestination closed
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberoccasional
Decemberoccasional
Bigeye trevally
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januaryoccasional
Februaryoccasional
Marchoccasional
Apriloccasional
Mayoccasional
Juneoccasional
Julydestination closed
Augustdestination closed
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberoccasional
Decemberoccasional
Scalloped hammerhead shark
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januaryrare
Februaryrare
Marchrare
Aprilrare
Mayrare
Junerare
Julydestination closed
Augustdestination closed
Septemberdestination closed
Octoberdestination closed
Novemberrare
Decemberrare
See the destination wildlife guide

Nearby alternatives

Compare another site

San Miguel Island Reef5–25m · Moderate · Open waterLighthouse Cove5–18m · Mild · Open waterBobby's Wall5–30m · Moderate · Advanced open waterManta Bowl (Ticao Pass)18–30m · Strong · Advanced open water

Sources & last checked

Checked July 2026

Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.

View 1 source and checking notes

Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.