5D4n donsol whaleshark snorkeling, Philippines
UPCOMING DATES:
Wed 22 May - Sun 26 May 2024
LEAVE REQUIRED:
Vesak Day PH, 2 Days Leave
Listed by TIME Magazine as one of the best places for an Animal Encounter.
SOUTH EAST ASIA
LONG WEEKEND GETAWAYS
WWF INITIATED ECO-TOURISM:
Since 1998, WWF Philippines has worked with the town of Donsol to develop guidelines for a responsible and minimal impact, eco-tourism / whaleshark snorkeling program.
CHOOSE DONSOL OVER OSLOB:
By choosing Donsol over Oslob, be part of the movement toward improved animal welfare standards in tourism.
trip overview
A lesser known and marketed place to snorkel with Whalesharks, WWF Philippines has worked with the town of Donsol since 1998 to develop a responsible and minimal impact, eco-tourism / whaleshark snorkeling program.
This includes having participant and boat limits on the water, rules and regulations on whaleshark interaction, ie. no touching, no flash photography, etc.
The whale sharks feed on the plankton rich waters and in contrast to Oslob, are not lured to stay with food.
One of the detrimental effects of feeding wildlife is that they will stay, and in the case of the Whaleshark which is meant to migrate, they end up staying and continuously breeding in the same pool of Whalesharks, which is detrimental to their survival in the long term. Over time and with improper nutrition, the Whalesharks also tend to get smaller in size.
Feeding the Whalesharks also means they tend to approach boats, and often get injured by boat propellors. By choosing Donsol over Oslob, you can be part of the movement towards better animal welfare standards in tourism.
trip itinerary
* Subject to change and adjustments based on final trip participants.
Day 1 (Wed)
Flight from Singapore to Daraga (DRP) via Manila.
Transfer to Donsol Beachfront Resort.
Dinner & Relax after a long journey!
Day 2 (Thu)
Day Trip to Jovellar Cave, Underground River & Hidden Waterfalls - a favourite weekend destination amongst locals and a true, underrated hidden gem!
Day 3 (Fri)
Snorkel with Whalesharks in Donsol instead of Oslob. Eco tourism project established by WWF since 1998. Listed in TIMES Magazine as one of the best places for an Animal Encounter. End off a magical day with a Fireflies Boat Ride.
Day 4 (Sat)
Exhilarating ATV Ride to Mayon Volcano, ride through rough terrains and little streams to the world's most beautiful and symmetrical volcano. Optional afternoon sightseeing, history & culture tour of the Albay region's highlights.
Day 5 (Sun)
Check Out & Transfer to Airport
Return Flight to Singapore via Manila
trip cost: S$1,289*
Early bird: S$1,188*
Early Bird: Sign up by 30 Oct 2024
Deadline for Trip Registration: 30 Dec 2024
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare Estimation:
~ S$260 + S$200 via Philippines Airlines & Cebu Pacific including 20kg luggage *Last checked 16 Apr 2024
- D1 & D5 Meals
- Tips, Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Visa if applicable
INCLUSIONS
- 3 nights Donsol Beachfront Resort
- 1 night Legazpi Hotel
- All Land Transfers, All Boat Transfers
- All Meals within Land Tour
- All Activities as Listed: Tour of Albay region, Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Church, Sumlang Lake, Legazpi Boulevard, Town Center, Mayon Volcano ATV Ride, Joveliar Cave Visit, Bamboo Raft Ride, Waterfall Swimming, Mayanpayan Hills Sunset, Donsol Whaleshark Snorkeling, Firefly River Tour
accommodation
- Based on Twin Sharing by Gender. Depending on final participants, we may arrange by mix gender for those who are comfortable with it. Single supplement top up rate: S$300.
past trip gallery
our reviews
“It was my second trip with Nicole and it turned out to be one of my best beach vacations!
Nicole is the perfect travel host who takes care of end to end itinerary with no loose ends. She is such a kind and humble being that one connects to her instantly.
She goes an extra mile to make sure all are comfortable and enjoying themselves. I have gotten one step closer to her in this trip.
I only have great feedback for her!
Thank you Nicole for everything! Your encouragement has only made me more confident in my diving.
And needless to say how much fun we had 😉
I am looking forward to many more.....❤️ ”
priya raj
DHARANI PERERA
“It was another amazing experience visiting Gili T with Adventure Together.
The diving, crystal clear waters, turtles and more turtles, sunrise yoga, beautiful sunsets, wild late night parties and good food.
Gili T came with the most delightful surprise which were the three organisations on the Island that did amazing work to protect the environment and the animals.”