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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where is Donsol?
  2. How do I get to Donsol?
  3. Do you arrange transportation like buses and air flights?
  4. What is the best season to see whale sharks and manta rays?
  5. Am I guaranteed to see Whale Sharks and Manta Rays?
  6. Is it safe to swim/dive alongside the Whale Sharks and Manta Rays?
  7. Why is it so important that as Divers we are protected with DAN Membership & Dive Injury (Treatment) Insurance?
  8. What packages do you offer?
  9. I am not a diver, but I want to learn. What can you offer?
  10. I will be traveling alone, will you still help me with my booking?
  11. What are your rates like?
  12. What are my payment options?
  13. If I make a booking online, is my trip confirmed?
  14. Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?

Note: If we haven't answered your questions here, please contact us and we'll be happy to assist you.

 

  1. Where is Donsol?

    DONSOL is located in the Province of Sorsogon, in the Bicol Region, at the southern tip of Luzon Island, Philippines. From the capital of the Philippines, Manila, Donsol is approximately 600 km away and can be accessed by air or comfortable land transfer.

  2. How do I get to Donsol?

    From Manila, local airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have daily flights to Legaspi, the center of the Bicol region. The flight is around 45 minutes long. From Legaspi City, Donsol is approximately 50 kilometers away and is accessible by shuttle from the Legaspi airport.

    It is also possible to take a bus or coach from Manila to Legaspi city. This mode is more economical, but the travel time is around 10 hours.

  3. Do you arrange transportation like buses and air flights?

    Donsol Eco Tour can arrange a package for you to include your transportation requirements. Please contact us for further details.

  4. What is the best season to see whale sharks and manta rays?

    Whale Sharks and Manta Rays are most abundant from December to May. At this time of the year, the currents in the area are strongest and become an ideal feeding ground for the Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.

  5. Am I guaranteed to see Whale Sharks and Manta Rays?

    The Whale Sharks and Manta Rays are free, untamed creatures. Donsol Eco Tour cannot guarantee their presence daily. However, during the feeding season which normally falls from December to May, there is a 99% chance of citing Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. On good days, it will not be a surprise to see at least 20 Whale Sharks and 15 Manta Rays.

  6. Is it safe to swim/dive alongside the Whale Sharks and Manta Rays?

    Like all creatures of the wild, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays will not attack unless provoked. Generally speaking, the Whale Shark and Manta Ray are silent creatures which feed only on plankton. Hence, the chance of these creatures attacking is very low.

  7. Why is it so important that as divers we are protected with DAN Membership & Dive Injury (Treatment) Insurance?

    It’s all about being prepared for the unexpected, namely dive accidents and illnesses. It’s essential that divers have a reputable organisation to call that will be able to co-ordinate a rescue effort and get them to the most appropriate treatment for their injury or illness. And then there is the issue of cost. DAN protection ensures the diver will not be lumbered with the burden of a potentially hefty invoice in the event of an accident or illness.

    An Example:
    In 2007 DAN was involved in the evacuation of a paralysed diver from the Solomon Islands to Australia. The evacuation cost was around AUD$90,000 (as an aircraft had to be sourced from far away). In addition, the treatment costs were in excess of US$30,000, plus on-going expenses.

    The essence of DAN Membership & Dive Injury (Treatment) Insurance is about being prepared. DAN offers members peace-of-mind, which comes from knowing they have the experts in diver accident management to call in the event of a diving accident or illness.

    To learn more about DAN, or to become a member, visit www.danasiapacific.org

  8. What packages do you offer?

    Donsol Eco Tour can custom some packages for your needs. We also have standard packages which we have discussed in details in section page. For an ideal trip, Donsol Eco Tour suggests that you try at least one of the following activities:

    1. Whale Shark Interaction - this caters to both divers and none divers.
    2. Diving with the Manta Rays - a guaranteed thrill for dive enthusiasts.
    3. Firefly Watching - the perfect night cap. Adds to the beauty of the already magnificent night sky.
    4. River Kayaking - ideal for the adventurous and the athlete looking for a new thrill.

  9. I am not a diver, but I want to learn. What can you offer?

    Donsol Eco Tour, with the help of Fun Dive Asia Philippines, provides dive courses. For more information, click here.

  10. I will be traveling alone, will you still help me with my booking?

    Yes. Donsol Eco Tour arranges trips for both individual and group bookings. To avail of group rates, individual guests may request to be included with other groups.

  11. What are your rates like?

    Donsol Eco Tour has basic rates which are within the industry standard. We provide special rates depending on the number of activities booked with Donsol Eco Trour and on the tour group number. To get the specific price for your planned visit, please contact us for further details.

  12. What mode of my payment do you accept?

    Donsol Eco Tour currently accepts cash payments upon arrival and bank transfers. We'll be accepting PayPal, Western Union and credit cards online payment in the future.

  13. If I make a booking online, is my trip confirmed?

    Trips/packages will only be confirmed if a 50% down payment is received prior to the scheduled arrival date.

  14. Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?

    Donsol Eco Tour does not give a refund for cancelled trips. However, you will be allowed to reschedule your booking within one year from your original schedule date.