Whale Sharks recommendations

[raskous]

Hello Philippines!

Just wanted to know if any of you guys had any recommendation about where to go in Philippines for Whale shark sighting (diving, snorkeling, or both)

I'm sure there's a lot of possibilities so here are a few criterias to tighten the answers out:

- I'm looking for something as un-touristy as possible (wanna avoid being in a boat with 30 fat tourists all jumping in the water at the same time scaring those whales away)
- I guess any place that has the highest probability of sighting any whale goes to the top of the list.
- Some place with as good a viz as possible (planning on shooting some videos)

I guess that's it
Of course those criterias are just a bonus, as long as i can dive with those beautiful things, i'll be more than satisfied.


Oh yeah I forgot, i heard whale shark season is Nov to March, is that the same for any place in the Phils?

Thanks

 

[jigo]

best chance is donsol in march march to may where sightings are almost assured. to avoid the crowd, you can always pay for the entire boat so you can have it all to yourself.

 

[joebubbles]

As an alternative to Donsol, you can go to Sogod Bay in March or April. During this time, the viz is good, unlike Donsol. You won't have the same certainty of interaction as Donsol, but at least you can rest assured that you will have some of the best diving the Phils has to offer. The popular dive shops are Sogod Bay Scuba Resort and Peter's.
Sogod Bay Scuba Resort, Philippines Home
Peter's Dive Resort Philippines: Scuba Diving in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte

I was there last April and will be returning April 2011.

Majestic Whale Sharks & Sardine Run 2010 HD on Vimeo

 

[raskous]

Greattt
March April was exactly the time i wanted to go...
It looks like Sogod has more general diving opportunity than Donsol.. or am i wrong?
Any feedback on the non whaleshark diving in those two places?

Thanks again

 

[Centrals]

ticao-island-resort dot com
Peter's place will get my vote.

 

[DevonDiver]

+1 Donsol.

Due to measures in place to protect the whale sharks, scuba diving is forbidden there. It is snorkelling only. That said, it is one of the best locations in the world for guaranteed whale shark interactions. On a par wth Ningaloo Reef in Australia, but much cheaper.

From my experience with whale sharks, you must avoid idiot tourists at all costs. When people start splashing, shouting and touching the sharks...they disappear quickly. Be very choosy about which group/boat to join...and if you can afford it (it is pretty cheap), then just hire your own boat.

 

[joebubbles]

Greattt
March April was exactly the time i wanted to go...
It looks like Sogod has more general diving opportunity than Donsol.. or am i wrong?
Any feedback on the non whaleshark diving in those two places?

Thanks again

The top dive sites at Sogod Bay (Padre Burgos) are Napantaw and Limasawa. Video attached.
Diving Magical Sogod Bay, Philippines on Vimeo

 

[clgsamson]

The top dive sites at Sogod Bay (Padre Burgos) are Napantaw and Limasawa. Video attached.
Diving Magical Sogod Bay, Philippines on Vimeo

I would add the Padre Burgos Jetty (night dive) which you can dive only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Ghost Town is another. Both are Macro or critter dives.

 

[Pao]

Donsol. No lights (incl. strobes/flash) allowed. Vis not that good but sightings are almost assured. Good guides and the rules are strictly enforced. We had 10+ sightings in one half day.

 

[raskous]

Sounds like donsol is the place for whale sharks, but the fact that there's no scuba diving is a downer... I'm kinda leaning toward sogod bay for now, i intend to stay for about a week so i guess that would increase my chances if i get unlucky and i would still get some awesome diving.

I'm wondering if i could be able to do both places without wasting too much time travelling.
Any idea how long the trip would take? It looks pretty close on the map, but then everything kinda does...

Joe awesome videos btw, if i can see half of what's in those it would be worth the trip already...