"Everyone has to experience the whale sharks at least once in their lifetime."

Albay's neighboring province to the south, Sorsogon, is host to one of the highest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world. These creatures have been frequenting the waters off Donsol, Sorsogon for generations and in 1998, the Philippine Department of Tourism declared this area an official sanctuary for the Whale Shark, thus protected this fascinating species.

Although Whale Sharks, or "Butanding" as they are locally known, are enormous in size and power, reaching lengths greater than 15 meters, they are remarkably gentle and docile enough that it is generally safe to swim among them. Swimming among the whale sharks is a captivating experience. If you are not comfortable swimming in the waters, then it is just as amazing to experience them from the boat. The Butanding swim along side the boat all the time.

Generally, the whale sharks at Donsol swim very close to the surface of the water. Some basic snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins and a water vest) are just about you'll need in the water to be able to experience swimming among them.

Getting there: Donsol, Sorsogon is approximately 1-hour drive away from Legazpi City. The roads all the way to Donsol are well-paved, scenic and very accessible. There are several Taxis available that make daily routes from Legazpi to Donsol, Sorsogon.

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What to bring: Although food is available at a number of locations in Donsol, you can bring your own if you want to enjoy a picnic there. If you plan to eat at Donsol, check with the Donsol Tourism Office for accredited eating establishments. Bring plenty of water.

You can bring along your snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and water vest) but if you don't have any, these are also available for rental at the Donsol Tourism Office. Bring your swimsuits, towels, camera, some sun screen, sunglasses, a change of clothes, slippers, as well as sealable plastic bags to keep valuables. You can bring your own Life  Vest, but these are also available on the boat.

Arriving at Donsol, Sorsogon: Once in Donsol, proceed to the Donsol Tourism Office. If you drove in your own vehicle, there is plenty of space to safely park your vehicle there. If you took a public vehicle, make arrangements for your return trip to Legazpi. At the Tourism Office, you will be required to register and attend a brief orientation session prior to heading out to see the Whale Sharks.  You will also be required to pay the fee for: Boat Rental and Crew, Registration, and snorkeling equipment rental (if needed). The maximum number of registrants per boat is 7 people.

After Registration: After a brief orientation period on the rules and guidelines, you are ready to head out to sea on a 12m (40ft) boat. Your group will be accompanied by a BIO (Butanding Interaction Officer) who will serve as your guide while you're out in the water, one Spotter, on the look-out for the Butanding, and two crew members to man the boat.

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Out in the Water: While there are no guarantees of being able to see the Whale Sharks, you can count on it that if you are there in the right time and season, it can literally take only a few minutes after leaving shore before you come across the first Butanding! Generally, you do not need to be out in deep waters in order to interact with the Whale Sharks. Your BIO will point them out and educate you on how to spot them, as well as provide additional information you need to know during the experience. The BIO's are quite knowledgeable and friendly, and are willing to answer your questions. When the BIO feels that the situation is ideal, he will instruct the crew on the boat's approach to the whale shark, and take the lead in getting you ready for the experience.

Seeing the Butanding for the first time is an extremely exciting experience. It is very important to keep the safety procedures in mind, and always follow the lead and instructions of your BIO. 

Click here for important Interaction Notes and Tips:

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Duration: The whole experience can last anywhere from 1-4 hours, depending on how long you want to be out in the sea.

Season and Timing:  Although Butanding are spotted year-round in the waters off Sorsogon, the season starts around November and goes on through May. The peak season is February through April. The best times to go are in the morning, as the waters are clearer and it easier to spot the Whale Sharks. According to the locals, the Whale Sharks are also more abundant before noon. On peak season, it is very common for each visitor to see more than a dozen different Butanding.

Contact Numbers:
Albay Provincial Tourism Office Albay Tourism Bldg., Albay Astrodome Complex, Capt. F. Aquende Drive, Legazpi City, 4500 Albay Republic of the Philippines Tel: (52) 481-0250  . Fax: (52) 481-0250 e-mail: albaytourism@gmail.com

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Fee Schedule & Travel Notes:  (last update: March 2006)

	Plane Schedule: Philippine Airlines has daily flights to Legazpi in the morning.  Manila-Legazpi   Departure Arrival   Manila-Legazpi 7:00H 7:55H Daily Legazpi-Manila 8:35H 9:25H Daily Fare for Manila to Legazpi (round trip) via Philippine Airlines is P5,800 (approx. US$105) Air Philippines now fly Manila-Legazpi  and Cebu-Legazpi    Departure Arrival   Manila-Legazpi 12:40H 13:35H Tue,Thu,Sat Legazpi-Manila 14:05H 15:00H Tue,Thu,Sat Cebu-Legazpi 09:55H 10:50h Tue,Thu,Sun Legazpi-Cebu 11:20H 12:10 Tue,Thu,Sun
	Local Transportation: Legazpi to Donsol:  Vans to Donsol may be picked-up at the Pacific Mall in Legazpi daily. Private Van: P1,440, driver included, seats up to 12, one-way Public Van: P60 (US$1) per seat. Donsol to Legazpi: Vans back to Legazpi may be picked-up at the Donsol Town center Last return trip to Legazpi is 3pm daily
	Boat Rental: P3,500 (approx. US$69) Includes crew, spotter and BIO/Tour Guide Maximum of 7 per boat
	Registration (per Person): P100 Local  P300 Visitor (approx. US$6)
	Equipment Rental per set: P300 per set (approx. US$6) includes mask, snorkel and fins
Click here for important Interaction Notes and Tips:

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