Diving in Donsol & Sorsogon

Explore 16 dive sites in Donsol & Sorsogon, Philippines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Donsol & Sorsogon

The warmest water temperatures in Donsol & Sorsogon occur in January, averaging 27.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • February: 27.1°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • March: 27.1°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • April: 27.1°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • May: 27.1°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • June: 27.1°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • July: 27.1°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • August: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • September: 27.1°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • October: 27.1°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • November: 27.1°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • December: 27.1°C (air: 26.3°C)

Marine Life in Donsol & Sorsogon

Home to 139 recorded species including 119 reef fish, 14 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 seagrass & algae, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 clams & mussels.

Dive Site Difficulty in Donsol & Sorsogon

Donsol & Sorsogon has 2 beginner, 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Donsol & Sorsogon

Based on average water temperature of 27.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Donsol & Sorsogon

  • Island of Alibijaban Wildeness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Panciscan Pt. in Bitos Bay up to Bano Sanlay, Panicijan River in Butuan Bay; Mangroves along the banks of Sta. Rosa River in San Jacinto town Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Biri Larosa Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Palsabangan River up to Mazintuto River, Bacong River to Sandoval Point Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Marine Protected Area Network within Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ticao Island marine Protected Area Network (TIMPAN) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marine Protected Area Development Action and Networking Goal for Accountability and Transformation (MPADANGAT) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Asid Gulf Marine Protected Area Network (AGMPAN) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Barugo Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cabugawan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Canawayon Island Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cinco Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Gabas Marine Sanctuary and AR Project - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Look Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Mabini, Higatangan Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Mahayag Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sambawan Island - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sampotan Islet Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • San Isidro Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Uson Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Bacon Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Badian Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Barcelona Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserved - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Castilla Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Magnesia Del Norte and Del Sur - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marilima & Batag, Virac Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Fishery Reserve and Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • San Andres, Agoho Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Malinao Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Takot Reef - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Malilipot-Rawis-Lagbak (MARILAG) Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Gata Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Namantao Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cataingan Bay Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ragnas Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sorsogon Bayfish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sto. Domingo, Albay Marine Protected Area (SDAMPA) - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Gurion Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Nipa-Nabangig Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Donsol & Sorsogon - Nearest Airports

  • Bicol International Airport (DRP), Legazpi - 23 km away, approx 40 min travel time
  • Kalibo International Airport (KLO), Kalibo - 205 km away, approx 238 min travel time
  • Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD), Bacolod City - 252 km away, approx 290 min travel time

Dive Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Donsol and Sorsogon for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The optimal time for diving in Donsol and Sorsogon is during the months when the water temperature consistently averages 27.08°C. While specific month names are not provided, this period offers ideal conditions for encountering the region's famous whale sharks and manta rays. For more general information on dive seasons, visit our When to Dive guide.
What kind of marine life can scuba divers expect to see in Donsol and Sorsogon, particularly beyond whale sharks?
Donsol and Sorsogon is world-famous as a whale shark interaction area, offering incredible opportunities to encounter these magnificent creatures. Beyond whale sharks, scuba divers can look forward to thrilling manta ray encounters, especially in the nearby Ticao Pass. For a broader look at marine species, explore our wildlife database.
Where are the top dive sites in the Donsol and Sorsogon region, and what makes them stand out?
The Donsol and Sorsogon region boasts 15 dive sites catering to various skill levels. For beginners, sites like R.A.C. Point (reef) and Bobby’s Wall (wall) offer accessible experiences. Intermediate divers can explore numerous wreck sites such as CHEN YOW NO.1, DONA LOURDES, and MV PRINCESS OF THE STARS, alongside vibrant reef dives like Bunga Reef and Tuna Alley.
What are the typical underwater conditions like in Donsol and Sorsogon, including visibility and currents?
During the best months for diving, the water temperature in Donsol and Sorsogon is consistently around 27.08°C, providing comfortable diving conditions. Specific details regarding typical visibility and currents across all dive sites are not provided in the current data. Divers should always consult local guides for up-to-date conditions.
What level of diving experience is required for the main dive sites in Donsol and Sorsogon, especially for Manta Bowl?
Dive sites in Donsol and Sorsogon range from Beginner-friendly spots like R.A.C. Point and Bobby’s Wall to numerous Intermediate-level reef and wreck dives, including CHEN YOW NO.1. While Ticao Pass is noted for manta ray encounters, specific information regarding a dive site named 'Manta Bowl' and its required experience level is not available in the provided data.
How do you get to Donsol and Sorsogon for a diving trip from major entry points like Manila?
Specific transportation details for reaching Donsol and Sorsogon from major entry points such as Manila are not provided in the current data. It is recommended to research local travel options, which typically involve flights to nearby airports followed by land transfers. Always plan your journey in advance for a smooth diving trip.
Is it possible to scuba dive with whale sharks directly in Donsol Bay, or are there specific regulations for whale shark encounters?
Donsol is renowned as a whale shark interaction area, offering unique opportunities to observe these gentle giants. However, the provided data does not explicitly state whether scuba diving with whale sharks is permitted directly in Donsol Bay or detail any specific regulations for these encounters. Interactions often involve snorkeling or surface viewing, and it's best to check with local authorities or dive operators for current guidelines on whale shark interactions.
Are there any specific seasonal considerations or weather patterns that impact diving in Donsol and Sorsogon?
The best months for diving in Donsol and Sorsogon are characterized by consistent water temperatures of 27.08°C, indicating optimal conditions during this period. Beyond this, specific seasonal considerations or broader weather patterns that might impact diving are not detailed in the provided information. For comprehensive seasonal advice, refer to our When to Dive section.