Shore
Donsol Bay
Luzon
Best Season: Nov – May
Difficulty
Beginner
Difficulty level
Depth
0 ft – 16 ft
Depth range
Visibility
10 ft – 33 ft
Typical visibility
Current
Mild
Good buoyancy control advised
Temperature
79°F – 86°F
Water temperature
About This Dive Site
The longest-running community-based whale-shark ecotourism site in Southeast Asia (since 1998), run under a strict BIO permit system: max 6 swimmers per boat, no flash photography, no touching, 3+ m distance, and SNORKEL ONLY — SCUBA with whale sharks is strictly prohibited. Whale sharks ("butanding") aggregate Nov–May on the plankton-rich outflow plume of the Donsol River; the same plankton that draws them limits visibility to 3–8 m. The deliberate ethical alternative to fed-shark Oslob.
Current Conditions
Typical current strength at this dive site
Mild
Light current that is easy to swim against. Comfortable for most certified divers.
Strength Scale
None
Mild
Moderate
Strong
Best Time to Visit
Monthly conditions and seasonal highlights — tap a month
JunGood
Shoulder season with generally good conditions. Some variability in weather and visibility.
BestGoodLess FavorablePeak
Marine Life
2 species recorded at this site
Hazards & Safety
Be aware of these potential hazards at this dive site
Boat traffic
HighMultiple banca with spotters and snorkellers around a single shark; BIO officer controls entry sequence but surface awareness essential
Dangerous marine life
MediumWhale sharks are gentle but 8–13 m — unintended tail-strike or sudden dive can injure a snorkeller. Required 3 m head / 4 m tail distance, no touching
360° Underwater View
Immersive panoramic view of this dive site
360° panorama coming soon
Immersive underwater views will be available when panoramic imagery is uploaded
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Depth Profile
Vertical range at this site
Minimum Depth
0 ft
Shallowest point
Average Depth
7 ft
Typical dive depth
Maximum Depth
16 ft
Deepest point
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