Whale Sharks
Before anything else, I think it’s just imperative to give a li’l background about these good guys of the waters!
Whale sharks or Rhincodon typus has a size relative to a bus that it has a size of 18 to 32.8 ft. and weighs 20.6 tons. Its average lifespan is 70 years, although sadly, it’s current population trend is already decreasing. Favorite food of these gentle giants is plankton. With their colossal gaping mouths, they also scoop other tiny plants and animals, plus small fish that are just around. For humongous fellas, their meals are far too “cute.” And that got me to thinking, with all that they eat, are those enough? What if they eat us humans? How scary it is especially that their mouths can get up to five feet long!
“Oh no! Is it even safe to interact with whale sharks?”
That was my initial reaction, too, but I’ve learned that the esophagus of a whale is just inches, and that even if one accidentally swallows anything foreign to their diet, the creature would feed that out immediately, so, YES! It is safe to be around whale sharks. We’re not part of their menu. With that said, I’m pretty much guessing you’re excited to go swimming with them in Donsol.
Donsol: Home of the Gentle Giants
In 1998, Donsol of Sorsogon became a popular spot for tourists upon the discovery of the whale sharks somewhere off coast. I think it’s cause, it is indeed fascinating getting in touch with the world; that includes these sea mammals and the rest of life under the sea.
Now let’s go there, but how?
- Legazpi to Donsol – Just ride a van at Legazpi Grand Terminal (in front of SM City Legazpi, near Ibalong Centrum for Recreation)
- Manila to Donsol – That seems farther! Well, it is. If you’re from Manila, it’s either you ride a bus that goes directly to Sorsogon City, and be dropped off at Donsol; you may prefer to book a Manila-Legazpi trip, then follow instructions in option A (above) right after.
What to Do when you Reach Donsol
Now that you’re in their kingdom, here’s what you should do:
- Go to Donsol Tourism Center.
- Fill-out necessary forms.
- Pay fees (inclusive of boat and gear rental).
- Attend a mini orientation.
- Watch a video presentation about proper whale shark interaction.
Swimming with Butanding
To be in-touch with the world, the marine world specifically, is something a lot dream about. Might’ve started with kids’ childhood fantasy when they first watched The Little Mermaid. Whale sharks aren’t any character in that Disney movie, but I think to be with them has been part of the bucket list of most of us as we grow up. Good thing we have them in the Philippines.
A lot of these friendly water-loving creatures are in Donsol, Sorsogon. Unlike in other locations in the country, tourists are allowed to swim with these gentle giants in Sorsogon— of course guided as to what the ethical approach in how it is when dealing with them. Also, what’s good about this is it is supported by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWFN).
This is the most exciting adventure I’ve had so far. You would definitely love it, too, so c’mon! Let’s take a dive into an ocean of thrill and happiness!
Interaction with these whale sharks is purely a snorkeling activity; tourists are not allowed to go scuba diving. Butanding Interaction Officers (BIO) will assist you there. They only allow just at max three from the boat into the water, and I consider that a good thing. As per these folks, it’s necessary that it would not be too crowded down there. This protocol is also to ensure everybody maximizes the moment, and that everyone is safe.
Not a swimmer? It’s okay. There would be floaters or buoys that would be provided you, and you could just stay at the surface while waiting for a whale shark to swim by. Then just completely submerge into the water once the safety officers spot some of ‘em.
Now that you know all these, check your calendar, and mark a date sometime within November to June; that’s when there are more sightings of Butanding in Sorsogon.
Hope to see you there!
If you like this article, you may be interested in the following:
More Kusina Recipes
It’s Fun in Caramoan Island
I know: it’s already September, and as per the usual Filipino notion, this is not the perfect to go beaching. But hey, we could all go summer lovin’ all year round, right? Got a place in mind to visit? I do! Where else is the fun? It’s in Caramoan. Found out about the...
A Pilgrim Tour around Bicol Churches
Faith and fascination— those are the two biggest factors that lead me to going treasures we call churches! Each time I visit a new vicinity, I make sure I look for a church or chapel, and stopover or stay even just for a couple of minutes if time does not permit me to...
The Ultimate Wakeboarding Experience in CWC
Do you love adventure? If the answer to that is a YES, then join me in my next trip to Camsur Watersports Complex in Camarines Sur! Read on to learn all you need to know about the world’s best wakepark! About CWC Camsur Watersports Complex made Camarines Sur the...
