Best Philippine’s Giant Secret Revealed: Swimming With Whalesharks, Donsol, Sorsogon

     Since its revelation in 1998 to the media, tourists have been continuously going to the quaint town of Donsol for the amazing experience of swimming with whale sharks. Thus, previously unknown to many, the secret of the existence of these gentle giants has been revealed for the world to enjoy.

     Swimming with whale sharks is just like walking with dinosaurs. This is because the whale shark (Rhicondon typus) is the world’s largest fish, which, according to Wikipedia, grows up to 12.65 m or 41.50 ft or more, and weighs 21.5 mt or 47,000 lb. These giants of the sea visit Philippine waters, specifically, Donsol, Sorsogon from November up to June. Nomads of the sea, these migratory fish not only visit Philippine waters, what is more fantastic is the report by the WWF that whale sharks also breed in Donsol waters. See video here : https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=180493475819. 

Whalesharks are gentle giants of the sea. 

(Picture courtesy of http://worldwildlife.org/species/whale-shark)

This only means that we may see a lot more of this fish if we take care of them.  Whale sharks have big mouths that feed on planktons that are abundant in Donsol. According to my husband, who is a native of Brgy. Dancalan, whale sharks have been sighted as far back as he could remember. Since its revelation in 1998 to the media, tourists have been continuously flocking to the quaint town of Donsol for the amazing experience of swimming with the gentle giants. Thus, previously unknown to many, the secret of the existence of these gentle giants has been revealed for the world to enjoy.

Listed as one of the endangered species, an interaction with the ‘butanding’, as locals call it, should be part of your bucket list. Whale sharks are seriously jeopardized by commercial and accidental fishermen who sell the fish for its meat, fins and oil. So why don’t you swim with whale sharks until the supply lasts?

 In Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon, guests are required to register at the Whaleshark Interaction Center before embarking on their adventures (island hopping, diving, interacting with whalesharks, fireflies, manta rays, flying fish, etc.). My daughter, Tisa and his son, Kiel (below), registered as local tourists and paid P100 each. Foreign tourists are required to pay P300 each as registration fee.

Tisa and Kiel  at the Tourism Center (background).

Our family stayed at the AGM Beachfront Resort, 1 km away from the Whaleshark Interaction Center (WIC). The gate of AGM cannot be missed, left side of the road from Donsol town proper going to the Tourism Center.

AGM Beachfront Resort, Dancalan, Sorsogon, Philippines.

The AGM Beachfront Resort (below) is one, if not the most awarded resort by Trip Advisor. Located in Brgy. Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon, it has been consistently recognized for its excellent service to customers (http://www.agmresort.com/). 

 

Inside the AGM Beachfront Resort.

From time-to-time, boats are seen a few yards from the property because whale shark interaction with tourists is ongoing. Specifically, one Christmas day, boats with tourists on board were seen in front of AGM Beachfront resort on their whale shark interaction adventure (below). One boat can accommodate 6 persons and may be rented for P3,500/ boat.

Whale shark interaction in front of AGM Resort.

 Tisa and family are shown below during their whale-shark-watching-experience (below).

The latest addition to AGM resort is this infinity pool with a dazzling view of the sunset (below).

The pool has a Jacuzzi where guests can relax and enjoy their vacation (below).

     My family and I are enjoying the fresh crabs, shrimps and barbecue served at the AGM restaurant (below). The restaurant offers native, Mediterranean and Western fares at very reasonable prices.

Visit Donsol, Sorsogon, swim with whalesharks and stay at AGM Beachfront Resort, one of the most awarded resorts by Trip Advisor. Its rooms are air-conditioned, with toilet and bath and cable/TV in each room. Wifi is available in the restaurant. The rates of the rooms at AGM Beachfront Resort are as follows:

Standard Room: queen bed good for a couple (2 persons), Php 2,200/N

•        Additional person in a roll out bed: Php 300/N

Twin Room: 2 single beds for 2 persons, Php 2,400/N, tax included

•        Additional person on a roll out bed: Php 300/N 

Premium Twin Room: queen bed and a single bed good for 3 persons, Php 2,600, tax included  

•        Additional person on a roll out bed: Php 300/N

Family Room: 2 queen beds good for 4 persons, Php 3,000/N, tax included       

•        Additional person on a roll out bed: Php 300/N

               How to go there:

              

By plane: From Manila Domestic Airport to Legazpi  Airport takes 1 hour. From Legazpi, an AGM van can be rented and pick you up and bring you straight to AGM Beachfront Resort for a little over an hour.

               By bus: Take the bus plying the Manila-Legazpi route. This may take 10-12 hours. From Legazpi terminal, ride a van going to Donsol (about 1 hour). From Donsol town proper, ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Dancalan, 5  minutes away.

               By private car: Manila to AGM Beachfront Resort, Brgy.Dancalan, Donsol takes about 12-13 hours.