Whale shark season: usually November to early June · Peak planning: February to May · Sightings aren’t guaranteed

Check the season and plan

Your Donsol adventure begins here

Come to Donsol, where gentle giants glide and rivers glow.

Meet the butanding responsibly, cruise beneath firefly-lit trees, paddle peaceful waterways, and enjoy the warmth of Donsolano hospitality in Sorsogon.

Discover Donsol Build Your Itinerary

Trip Snapshot

  • Signature encounter Butanding
  • After-dark wonder Firefly River
  • Ideal stay 2–3 Days
  • Travel promise Nature & Community

Plan around the season

Coming for the butanding? Get the timing right.

The usual season runs from November to early June, with February to May generally the peak planning window. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, and tour operations depend on current conditions.

Usual season
November – early June
Peak planning
February – May
See season and visitor guidance

Explore Donsol

What will bring you to Donsol?

Start with the experience that excites you most, then shape the rest of your stay around Donsol’s wildlife encounters, glowing rivers, local flavors, welcoming stays, and community celebrations.

Municipality of Donsol official seal Municipality of Donsol Donsol Tourism logo Donsol Tourism
Department of Tourism Philippines logo Department of Tourism Love the Philippines tourism campaign logo Love the Philippines

Rooted in conservation, community livelihood, and the warm welcome of the Donsolano people.

Discover Donsol

More than a whale shark destination.

From open sea to quiet riverbanks, Donsol offers wildlife encounters, river adventures, local flavors, and community-led moments. Choose an experience above, then plan around current schedules, conditions, and official guidance.

Plan your visit with the Travel Guide

Donsol in photos and film

Picture yourself in Donsol.

Step into the moments that make Donsol unforgettable—from open-water encounters and glowing river nights to local food, community life, and peaceful adventures.

Photos and films are supplied by tourism partners and other third-party contributors. Rights remain with their respective owners. Media credits and usage information.

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Signature Wildlife

Whale Shark Interaction

A respectful wildlife encounter shaped by nature and sea conditions.

Open the whale shark guide

The promotional video presents Donsol destination and whale shark imagery. Essential planning and conservation guidance is available in the text-based whale shark guide.

Plan by time of day

Choose the right time for your Donsol experience.

These quick timing cues help shape your visit. Open each official activity guide for current operating details, preparation, and responsible-travel advice.

01
Signature Donsol Experience

Whale Shark Interaction

Usual season
November to early June
Peak planning window
Generally February to May
Best time of day
Morning; usually a half-day activity
Important
Sightings and operations depend on current conditions
Open the whale shark season guide
02
Night Nature Tour

Donsol River Firefly Watching

Best time
After sunset
Ideal for
Families, couples, seniors, and relaxed travelers
Duration
Short evening tour
Important
Routes and activity status can change
Open the firefly river guide
03
Soft Adventure

Kayaking and River Cruising Activity

Best time
Morning or late afternoon
Ideal for
Small groups, barkadas, families, active travelers, and relaxed sightseers
Duration
Flexible add-on activity
Important
Confirm routes and river conditions before setting out
Open the kayaking and river guide

Plan your stay

Planning a day or a long weekend?

Find flexible one-, two-, and three-day itineraries in the Travel Guide. Whale shark activity is seasonal and depends on current operations and conditions.

See one-, two-, and three-day itineraries

Official accommodation directory

Find your place to stay in Donsol.

Explore beachfront resorts, homestays, guest houses, inns, and other local stays. Use the filters to compare options, then contact each establishment directly to confirm rates, availability, amenities, and booking requirements.

Harong ni Lola Erna accommodation in Donsol Homestay

Harong ni Lola Erna

Location
Tupas, Donsol, Sorsogon
Email
Not yet provided
Website
Not yet provided
View Map Call
Villa Siville - Private Beach Resort accommodation in Donsol Beach Resort

Villa Siville - Private Beach Resort

Location
Purok 2, Mangingisda, Sta. Cruz, Donsol, Sorsogon
Phone
Not yet provided
Email
Not yet provided
Website
Not yet provided
Facebook Page View Map

Showing 3 of 23 accommodations.

Where to eat

Taste Donsol, one local stop at a time.

Refuel after every adventure with fresh seafood, comforting Bicolano flavors, casual family meals, merienda, and locally made treats to bring home.

Browse Pasalubong
Local seafood prepared in Donsol

Seafood Grills

Enjoy fresh coastal flavors, grilled favorites, and satisfying meals made for sharing.

Local Donsolano dishes served for sharing

Local Restaurants

Discover welcoming local dining spots for families, barkadas, and tour groups.

Snack and merienda selection in Donsol

Cafes and Snacks

Slow down with coffee, merienda, dessert, and light bites between adventures.

Pasalubong & Local Souvenirs

Take a piece of Donsol home with you.

Browse whale shark-themed keepsakes, souvenir bags, and other take-home finds featured through the Donsol Pasalubong Center. Product selection and availability may change, so check current choices during your visit.

Donsol Pasalubong Center

Your Pasalubong Stop

Donsol Pasalubong Center

Add a souvenir stop to your Donsol itinerary and browse keepsakes inspired by the destination and its signature butanding experience.

Whale Shark Souvenirs Bags Other Finds

Photos show the souvenir collection supplied for this tourism directory. Specific items, designs, and stocks may vary.

Whale shark themed souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Whale Shark Selection 01
Souvenir bag selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Bags Selection 01
Souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Other Finds Selection 01
Whale shark themed souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Whale Shark Selection 02
Whale shark themed souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Whale Shark Selection 03
Whale shark themed souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Whale Shark Selection 04
Whale shark themed souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Whale Shark Selection 05
Whale shark themed souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Whale Shark Selection 06
Whale shark themed souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Whale Shark Selection 07
Whale shark themed souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Whale Shark Selection 08
Souvenir bag selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Bags Selection 02
Souvenir bag selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Bags Selection 03
Souvenir bag selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Bags Selection 04
Souvenir bag selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Bags Selection 05
Souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Other Finds Selection 02
Souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Other Finds Selection 03
Souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Other Finds Selection 04
Souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Other Finds Selection 05
Souvenir selection at the Donsol Pasalubong Center
Other Finds Selection 06

Showing 3 of 19 souvenir items.

Events and culture

Celebrate the stories and spirit of Donsol.

Time your visit with festivals, markets, conservation programs, and community celebrations that reveal another side of Donsol.

May Check Schedule
Festival

Butanding Festival

Join Donsol’s thanksgiving celebration through cultural presentations, community activities, and events inspired by the town’s connection with the butanding.

Check festival updates
Seasonal Tourism Month
Tourism

Eco-Tourism Activities

Take part in activities that celebrate conservation, coastal care, tourism learning, and the people working to protect Donsol’s natural heritage.

Ask about upcoming activities
Year-round Local Culture
Community

Food Fairs and Local Markets

Browse seasonal markets, food fairs, pasalubong showcases, and livelihood events that bring local makers and flavors together.

Browse Pasalubong

Visitor guide

Plan well and help keep Donsol beautiful.

Use this checklist before you travel. Activity status, schedules, fees, transport, weather, and local rules can change, so confirm time-sensitive details with the Donsol Tourism Office.

Website review: 28 September 2026 · Whale shark sightings are never guaranteed.

Open the Full Travel Guide Ask the Tourism Office

Start with official guidance

The usual whale shark season runs from November to early June, with the peak planning window generally from February to May. Sightings remain dependent on nature and sea conditions.

Confirm schedules and costs

Ask for current registration times, fees, inclusions, activity availability, weather advisories, and cancellation guidance before finalizing your itinerary.

Getting to Donsol

Donsol is reached by road from the Daraga–Legazpi area and other parts of Sorsogon. Confirm current bus, van, and local transport schedules before departure.

Access, health, and safety

Tell the Tourism Office in advance about mobility, health, dietary, or communication needs. Bring personal medicine and call 911 for emergencies.

Respect wildlife and rivers

Never touch, chase, feed, block, or crowd wildlife. Keep noise low on river tours, avoid flash when instructed, and follow all conservation rules.

Support Donsolano communities

Choose local guides and businesses, ask permission before photographing people, reduce waste, and bring reusable water containers whenever practical.

Butanding Visitors Center and Donsol Tourism Center building in Dancalan, Donsol Visit the Donsol Tourism Office Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon

Plan with local guidance

Planning your Donsol visit? We’re here to help.

Ask the Donsol Tourism Office about activities, accommodations, local recommendations, travel reminders, group visits, and other tourism concerns.

Office Donsol Tourism Office

Location Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines Get Directions

Office Hours Daily · 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Cellphone +63917 322 6109

Email tourism@donsol.gov.ph

Choose how to reach us

Contact the Tourism Office directly.

Use the channel that is most convenient for your travel question.

Recommended for quick questions

Messenger

Send the Tourism Office a message through the official Donsol Sorsogon Tourism Facebook account.

Message Us
Direct assistance

Call or Text

Reach the Tourism Office directly at +63917 322 6109.

Call Send a Text
Detailed or formal inquiries

Email

Useful for group visits, agencies, schools, partnerships, and detailed travel questions.

Send Email

Office hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.