Donsol - Whale Shark Capital of the World

Are you familiar with the animal that scares people when swimming in the sea when in fact it only eats planktons and seaweeds?

The answer is whale shark; it is not scary as it may sound. They just feed on microorganisms like planktons, algae, protozoan and seaweed, considered as a gentle creature of the sea.

One good news about them is that the smallest living whale shark was found in the Philippines, particularly in Donsol (a first class municipality of Sorsogon). It was recorded in Donsol Municipal Tourism Office. A size of 15 feet, this whale shark is considered as the smallest of its kind. On the record, the largest whale shark ever recorded was in Baba Island, Pakistan measuring 12.56 meters and weighing 21.5 tons.

WWF-Philippines Vice President Jose Maria Lorenzo said that the team freed the shark from the rope that was tied around its tail, documented, measured, and transferred it to a big plastic bag to allow it to swim freely. Less than three hours later it was released to the sea.

(In 2004, Time Magazine declared swimming with whale sharks in Donsol as the “Best Animal Encounter in Asia” and today Donsol is the “Whale Shark Capital of the World” and a world class tourist destination). Source: Enriched Magazine.

Malapascua Island

Although Malapascua is probably most famous for thresher sharks, which are the general attraction to the island, upon arriving most divers are amazed at the variety of other things that can be seen in the surrounding reefs.  Divers leave promising to come back to capture the pygmy sea horse or witness another mandarin fish mating. The waters are full of surprises some expected, some not.

Malapascua is known for some of the best shark diving in the Philippines, famous for the thresher sharks, which can be seen at any time of year at Monad Shoal. This is reputedly the only place in the world where these sharks can be seen within recreational diver limits on a regular basis. The owners Dik and Cora de Boer and staff of Exotic carried out the first encounters with the thresher sharks in 1997. Later,  film crews and dive magazines from all over the world came to visit our resort just to see this phenomenon.


At other times of the year it is also possible to encounter schooling hammerheads and giant manta rays that also frequent the cleaning stations at Monad Shoal. If you would like to learn more about cleaning stations and thresher sharks check out our distinctive thresher shark specialty course. Gato Island is another famous shark site where it is practically guaranteed that you will see white tip sharks sleeping within the caves and crevasses and if you have a good eye, bamboo sharks nestling in the cracks. source: malapascua.net

Panglao Island

Escape to a slice of paradise and experience Bohol’s celebrated sights and sounds in the island’s most luxurious beach resort. 

Invigorate your senses amidst lush tropical landscapes embraced by clear, turquoise waters and dazzling white-sand beaches. Indulge yourself and relax in world-class amenities while we pamper you with warmth that is classic Boholano.

From sun-kissed hills to underwater wonders to exotic wildlife, Bohol is a tropical sanctuary of natural beauty. Feel its festive charm pulsating through Panglao Island Nature Resort. Here you can experience all the beauty that Bohol has to offer. We’ll make your stay in Bohol the perfect island getaway.

Moalboal

One of Cebu’s treasured jewels is Moalboal—made famous by its magnificent white sand beaches, diving spots, and other adventures. A peninsula—almost entirely engulfed with water—Moalboal is an ideal outdoor destination since it is endowed by the gifts of nature. The beaches are world class and diving spots are certainly one of the best in Asia, if not, the world. The people of Moalboal get their means of livelihood from fishing and farming since the place is also gifted with mountain sites. So whether one loves the beach or looks for adventure in the high mountains, Moalboal is the place. Moreover, the place has been a tourism industry since the 1970s and over the years the place has continued to attract both local and foreign tourists.


Meanwhile, diving is considered as one of the main activities in Moalboal and ever since this sport has become popular, many diving enthusiasts flank Moalboal from time to time. A number of people love the diving spots in Moalboal and its rich marine sanctuaries. To cater the needs of the tourists, a number of diving resorts are now fully operational. Also some of the native Cebuano delicacies are proudly offered in the restaurants or stores in Moalboal. Meanwhile, to make the tourists’ stay in the place convenient and comfortable, a number of services are conceptualized. These services aim to cater the needs of the tourists and some of these services include boat and diving equipment rentals, tours, etc. Source: Moalboal-travel-guide.com

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea in the western Philippines, these magnificent atolls encompass an astonishing diversity of marine life.The park is an underwater sanctuary where nature thrives. 


Tubbataha is the Philippines' first national marine park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of global importance being preserved for future generations of humankind.Tubbataha supports an unparalleled variety of marine creatures. Colorful reef fish crowd corals growing in the shallows while sharks and pelagics haunt the steep drop offs to the open sea. Source: tubbatahareef.org

Puerto Galera

Water is certainly the main attraction of the island. Crystal clear and shimmering especially during the hot summer months, the sea framing Puerto Galera is ideal for swimming, sailing, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact one doesn't have to go by boat to get to a dive site. Within a kilometer from the coast, schools of Moorish idols, trumpet fish, frog fish, lion fish and leaf fish weave in and out of thriving corals and sea anemones while species of starfish - from the speckled red-and-white to the neon-blue Pacific-rest on the sandy floor. source: puertogalera.org

Anilao

Anilao is known as the birthplace of diving in the Philippines and is the forefront of the Philippine diving industry. Anilao is a diver's paradise in the Philippines. Anilao is very popular because of its very beautiful and enchanted diving sites. This diving site is good for amateur or novice diver as well as experienced diver. Anilao dive sites are excellent for photography because of the good visibility. 

Anilao, Batangas is a very popular spot for diving and snorkeling. Anilao is one of the world-class diving spot in the Philippines. It is the closest weekend paradise for divers based in the city of Manila. The waters are teeming with marine life, plenty of corals and amazing diversity of fishes. It is hard to imagine that this beautiful place is just about 3 to 4 hours from Manila. The northwest shore of the Calumpang Peninsula, from Anilao to Bagalangit, is lined with plenty of good resorts that cater primarily to divers. From any of the resorts, you can rent a boat for island hopping or arrange for a dive tour and visit the superb diving spots, coves, and islands like the Sombrero and Maricaban islands. source: etravelpilipinas.com

Apo Island

Apo Island, a small and pristine island that offers fantastic snorkelling and some of the best diving in the Philippines. This Island has some lovely and scenic view with a magnificent and good assorment of dive sites.

Stunning and outstanding hard and soft corals are all around and enormous table corals, stag horns, brain corals and fire corals can be seen. You will also encounter lovely beaches and a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere, as no automobiles are allowed on the island.

Source: aposhore.com