Diving in Donsol & Sorsogon
Why dive here
Donsol & Sorsogon offers some of Philippines's richest diving, with 135+ marine species recorded in the area - including napoleon wrasse and pufferfish. Water sits around 27°C.
Okay, Donsol. Most people hear the name and think ‘whale sharks’, and they’re not wrong. Swimming with those gentle giants at the surface is a pretty special experience, and it’s done respectfully here. But what we love, what truly sets Sorsogon diving apart, is a bit further out, at Ticao Pass. This isn’t gentle drift diving. Ticao Pass is where the ocean gets down to business, and that usually means currents that’ll keep you alert. We’ve found the best approach is to drop in, hold on, and let the ocean bring the show to you. Manta rays are the big draw here, and we’ve seen them swoop in over the cleaning stations, sometimes in numbers, their massive forms gliding effortlessly through the blue. It’s a truly exhilarating place to dive, not for the faint of heart, but incredibly rewarding. Beyond the mantas, the reefs here are robust, taking the brunt of the currents and thriving on it. We’ve spotted schools of yellowstriped cardinalfish hanging close to the coral, and the occasional black-back butterflyfish flitting by. Visibility can be a bit variable, especially after a good rain, but when it’s on, it’s worth every surge and flutter. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best chance with the mantas, before the boat traffic picks up.
Donsol & Sorsogon Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Donsol & Sorsogon
Donsol & Sorsogon Dive Sites
16 dive sites in Donsol & Sorsogon
Bicol
Look, Donsol is synonymous with whale sharks, and that's usually the main draw. But if you’re already making the trip down to Bicol, you’d be missing out not to explore what the wider region offers. Ticao Island, just a boat ride away, is where we go when we’re feeling lucky, specifically to spots like "Big Boys' Alley" for a shot at oceanic manta rays, thresher sharks, or even hammerheads from March to June. We’ve had some truly epic dives there, feeling pretty small in the grand scheme of things. And for those who prefer the smaller stuff, the reefs around San Miguel Island deliver with their impressive macro scene. We'd say Bicol is a good bet for divers who appreciate both the pelagic and the tiny, and don't mind a bit of boat travel.
Bobby’s Wall
Bobby’s Wall off Donsol is a straightforward wall dive, perfect if you’re looking for an easy descent after some whale shark encounters. We’ve found it’s a good spot to relax and just drift along the coral-encrusted face, which drops down to about 24 meters. You'll likely spot plenty of nudibranchs, small reef fish darting in and out of the crevices, and sometimes a turtle or two cruising by. It’s a solid pick for beginners or anyone wanting a gentle dive without strong currents.
Bunga Reef
Bunga Reef is a reef dive site in Donsol & Sorsogon, Philippines.
CAMFAIR
CAMFAIR isn't your average recreational dive. This isn't about deep penetration, it's about scale and history, lying flat on a sandy bed at a mere 11 metres. We love it because it’s a gentle giant, accessible to almost anyone. The sheer length of the vessel, over 100 metres, means you can spend your entire bottom time just finning along the deck, imagining its former life. Our favourite part is the engine room, surprisingly open and inviting, where schools of batfish now hold court amongst the machinery. Look closely, and you’ll spot crocodile fish resting perfectly still on the growth covered steel, masters of camouflage. The bow, twisted and draped in soft corals, makes for some moody photographs, especially when the sun filters through the shallow water. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate the story a wreck tells, and for photographers looking for a unique, less-frequented subject.
CHEN YOW NO.1
The Chen Yow No.1 is a wreck we always recommend for a relaxed afternoon dive, especially if you’ve spent the morning chasing whale sharks. This fishing vessel, which ran aground back in ’91, isn't a deep dive at all – in fact, it often breaks the surface, making it perfect for snorkelers too. What we love about it is how the light plays through the broken hull, silhouetting schools of jacks that swirl through the holds. You can peek into the engine room, or what’s left of it, and often spot a grouper or two lurking in the shadows. The structure itself is a haven for macro life, with nudibranchs inching across the encrusted metal and juvenile sweetlips darting in and out of crevices. It’s a great site for photographers, offering both wide-angle opportunities with the wreck structure and plenty of small, colourful critters to zoom in on. We'd suggest going at high tide for the best visibility, which can drop a bit if there's been heavy rain.
DONA LOURDES
We love the Dona Lourdes for its sheer presence. Dropping onto the bridge, often with a slight current nudging you along, the ship spreads out below. It’s a carrier vessel, 70 metres of history lying on its port side at 40 metres. Built in Nagasaki, sunk in '83, you can feel the story as you move along the deck. The superstructure is still largely intact, allowing for some decent penetration if you’re comfortable with overhead environments and good on your air. The cargo holds are particularly interesting, now home to schools of snapper and fusiliers that swirl around you, thick enough to dim the ambient light. Keep an eye out for resident groupers peering from shadowy corners. We’d suggest a nitrox blend if you want to make the most of the bottom time, as 40 metres comes fast. It’s a proper deep wreck dive, best suited for advanced divers with some experience in current. Our favourite detail? The sheer number of lionfish perched on every railing and intact surface, their spines fanning out like underwater fireworks. It’s a dive that sticks with you.
LAGOS HURON (POSSIBLY)
Lagos Huron is one of those sites that grabs you, even if she’s just rumour. We’re talking about a motor vessel, built in Canada in 1945, and then lost somewhere near Port Tabaco in 1961. The current thinking is this 12-metre-deep wreck off Donsol is our girl. Diving here feels like a history lesson brought to life, an intimate look at a ship that played its part. The wreck itself is reasonably intact, a dark silhouette against the sandy bottom. You can peer into open hatches, imagine the crew moving through her passages. We love how the metal has softened over time, draped in sponges and soft corals, creating new homes. Large schools of snapper often hang motionless above the deck, their scales glinting, and we've spotted juvenile barracuda patrolling the darker corners. It's a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys the quiet contemplation of a wreck. The lack of strong currents makes it an ideal spot to really absorb the atmosphere.
MV PRINCESS OF THE STARS
The MV Princess of the Stars isn't just another wreck dive; it's a sobering visit to a significant piece of modern history. This roll-on roll-off ferry, tragically sunk in 2008, lies upright in just 12 metres of water. We love that it’s so accessible, making it a powerful experience even for newer wreck divers, though the story behind it certainly gives you pause. Descending onto the superstructure, you’ll find parts of the bridge and passenger decks still discernible. Corals have started to bloom across the metal, and schools of fusiliers often swirl around the upper sections. Look closely and you might spot lionfish nestled in shadowy corners, or a grumpy stonefish camouflaged on a horizontal surface. It's a sombre site, but the marine life reclaiming it offers a strange beauty. We'd suggest going on a calm day; while the depth is shallow, strong currents can occasionally make the swim-throughs trickier. It’s a dive that stays with you, more for its story and atmosphere than just the sheer volume of fish.
NORTHERN SAMAR
Forget the whale sharks for a day, because we’ve found a compelling piece of history, and a good dive, in Northern Samar. This isn't a picture-perfect reef; it's a 49-meter ferry, the ex-Sakurajima Maru No. 6, resting upright since 2006. Dropping down, you feel the sheer scale of it immediately. We love how the wheelhouse offers a swim-through, just wide enough, and the cargo holds are open, inviting you inside. It’s dark in there, so bring a good torch; you’ll see schooling batfish hovering in the gloom, and lionfish often lurk in the shadowed corners. The wreck sits at 38 meters, so it’s one for advanced divers, no question. Current can pick up, especially around the bow, so we always plan for a slack tide dive here. The hull is now encrusted with sponges and soft corals, a genuine artificial reef attracting sweetlips and grouper. It feels like a real exploration, a quiet dive with a sense of purpose. For wreck enthusiasts, it's a solid day out.
Parola/Lighthouse
Parola, or Lighthouse as some call it, is a solid intermediate dive just off the coast of Donsol. The reef here drops to a consistent 22 meters, making it a good spot for those who are comfortable with that depth. We've seen a surprising amount of smaller stuff tucked into the corals - nudibranchs are often plentiful if you take your time, and we frequently spot robust ghost pipefish blending in with the crinoids. It's a relaxed dive, good for an afternoon exploration after a morning of whale shark encounters, offering a different pace and perspective.
R.A.C. Point
R.A.C. Point is a solid pick for divers getting their fins wet in Donsol. We’re talking about a gentle slope down to 20 metres, making it an easy drift for beginners. The corals here aren't the showstoppers you'll find elsewhere, but look closely and you’ll spot a decent collection of juvenile reef fish darting between the rocks. It’s a good spot to build confidence, practice buoyancy, and get comfortable with the local conditions. Just don't expect the big stuff; it's more about the small, quiet moments here.
Red Buoy
The Red Buoy site in Donsol offers a straightforward dive, often with a gentle drift. You'll typically find schooling fusiliers here, along with the occasional reef shark patrolling the deeper sections. It’s a good spot for newer divers looking for a relaxed experience, or those hoping to log a second dive after searching for whale sharks.
Donsol & Sorsogon Dive Centres
Ocean Wildlife in Donsol & Sorsogon
135 species recorded in Donsol & Sorsogon
Donsol & Sorsogon Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Donsol & Sorsogon, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:34
Sunset
18:02
Daylight
12h 28m
Golden Hour
17:34
First light (dawn) at 05:13 · Last light (dusk) at 18:24
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:11 | 17:38 | 11h 26m |
| Feb | 06:09 | 17:52 | 11h 43m |
| Mar | 05:54 | 17:56 | 12h 3m |
| Apr | 05:33 | 17:58 | 12h 25m |
| May | 05:21 | 18:04 | 12h 43m |
| JunLongest | 05:20 | 18:13 | 12h 53m |
| Jul | 05:27 | 18:16 | 12h 49m |
| AugNow | 05:34 | 18:07 | 12h 34m |
| Sep | 05:35 | 17:48 | 12h 13m |
| Oct | 05:36 | 17:27 | 11h 52m |
| Nov | 05:44 | 17:16 | 11h 32m |
| DecShortest | 06:00 | 17:22 | 11h 22m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Donsol & Sorsogon.
Where to Stay near Donsol & Sorsogon
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Marine Protected Areas near Donsol & Sorsogon
48 protected areas near Donsol & Sorsogon - please respect local regulations when diving
Asid Gulf Marine Protected Area Network (AGMPAN)
Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape
Marine Protected Area Development Action and Networking Goal for Accountability and Transformation (MPADANGAT)
Marine Protected Area Network within Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape
Ticao Island marine Protected Area Network (TIMPAN)
Biri Larosa Protected Landscape & Seascape
Cataingan Bay Marine Protected Area
San Isidro Marine Reserve Area
Island of Alibijaban Wildeness Area
Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve
Malinao Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve
Marine Reserve
Showing 12 largest of 48
Getting to Donsol & Sorsogon
Legazpi
Kalibo
Bacolod City
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