Like any relationship, tourism in the Philippines has its versions of red and green flags. If you plan to swim with the majestic whale sharks this summer, in Donsol, you won’t need to think twice. Here’s why:
BEACON OF SUSTAINABLE ETHICAL TOURISM
Donsol has long been dubbed as the “Whale Shark Capital of the Philippines” since 2006. They did not get their reputation efficiently; they earned it. This is through Donsol’s dedication to their ethical practices that solidifies their reputation.
With other places in the Philippines like Oslob, Leyte Province, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has consistently recognized Donsol as the “best place” in the Philippines for whale shark interactions. This is due to their adherence to strict guidelines.
These include: limited interaction, wherein only one boat interacts with a whale shark at a time to avoid stress on the animal; strictly no feeding; no touching of whale sharks; and safe distances for swimmers–4 meters from the tail.
To kick off your adventure, Butanding Information Officers (BIOs) educate guests on safety and whale shark conservation guidelines.
Though swimming with the gentle giants is the main attraction, remember, they are wild animals, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. The BIOs will also mention this during the short briefing. Anticipating this, Donsol prepared a variety of alternative activities.
Guests can enjoy scenic island-hopping and scuba diving on some diving locations like the Manta Bowl or San Miguel Island. Not only that, you can experience magical fireflies illuminating the Donsol river at night during their Firefly Watching activity.
WHALE SHARK SEASON
If you want to witness and swim with the gentle giants, peak season typically falls between April and May. This can stretch from November to June, depending on natural conditions as these magnificent creatures roam freely in the wild.
With the abundance of plankton and algae, these whale sharks will naturally cruise in the waters of Donsol. All the more, we need to maintain the ecological balance as this is crucial for their continued presence.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you travel by air, Manila-Legazpi (Bicol International Airport) will take 45 minutes. From Legazpi, take a comfortable land transportation to Donsol like van, it will take approximately 1 hour.
If you’re from Manila, and you decide to take a bus, Manila-Donsol will take approximately 10 hours.
PROTECT, CONSERVE, EDUCATE
To protect nature, we must know and respect the limits of our intervention. Whale sharks are wild animals, and we must protect them from tourism exploitation. Feeding them unnaturally, as seen in some places, disrupts their natural habits. It makes them weak, vulnerable to accidents, and alters their behaviors in their environment.
While whale sharks display gentle nature, still; they’re wild creatures, and we need to respect their space. Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines’ (LAMAVE) research shows hand-feeding might cause these gentle giants to behave as humans dictate.
We must avoid red-flag places that treat these animals like attractions, just for the ‘noble’ pursuit of profit. We need to keep them safe and free, not trapped or fed. That’s why it’s important to support places that truly care for them, like in Donsol.