17 DAYS
Donsol • Bohol • El Nido
Whale Sharks and Islands
Swim with whale sharks in the wild at Donsol, under the Mayon volcano, then Bohol's hills and El Nido's lagoons. Seventeen days of wildlife, volcanoes and islands.
Donsol, a fishing town at the southern tip of Luzon, is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks in the wild, and it does it the right way: small boats, licensed local spotters, strict rules and no feeding. We give you two mornings on the water to improve your chances, and an evening on the river among the fireflies. Nearby is the perfect cone of the Mayon volcano and the Cagsawa ruins.
After Donsol, the trip turns into a classic island journey: Bohol's countryside and turtles, then four days in El Nido. You finish with a day in Manila for food and history. Whale sharks are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed, but from February to April the odds are good.
What's included
- 16 nights' accommodation in your chosen tier, breakfast daily
- Domestic flights: Manila–Legazpi, Legazpi–Cebu, Cebu–El Nido, El Nido–Manila
- Fast ferry Cebu–Bohol–Cebu
- Airport, port and road transfers (shared in Essential, private from Boutique up)
- Two whale-shark mornings with licensed local spotters, a firefly river trip, Mayon and Cagsawa, Bohol countryside, Balicasag snorkelling, two El Nido boat days and a Manila food walk
- Pre-departure planning call and digital travel guide
- Tours with a Spanish- or English-speaking local guide, private or shared depending on the trip
- Lunch on boat and tour days
- Entrance fees for the visits in the itinerary
- Premium and Signature: dinner at a top-rated restaurant in every destination, plus a local food experience with a guide (market visit and tasting)
- Free rebooking by our team if weather or other events cancel a boat or flight
- International travel insurance, with cancellation cover up to €2,000
- 24/7 local support by WhatsApp throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Other meals not listed as included
- Environmental and terminal fees
- Drinks
- Tips for guides, drivers and boat crews
- Extra costs caused by weather or other events outside our control (new tickets, extra hotel nights). We handle the rebooking for you
The route
Flights, ferries and transfers
- FlightManila → Legazpi (Bicol) · 1h flight
- RoadLegazpi → Donsol · around 1h by road
- FlightLegazpi → Cebu · 1h 15m flight
- FerryCebu → Tagbilaran (Bohol) · around 2h fast ferry
- FerryTagbilaran (Bohol) → Cebu · around 2h fast ferry
- FlightCebu → El Nido · 1h 30m flight
- FlightEl Nido → Manila · 1h 20m flight
Day by day
Choose your trip length
Route: Donsol • Bohol • El Nido
The day-by-day plan and prices update for the length you choose. Every plan can still be adjusted with our team.
Day 1
Arrive in Manila
Airport pick-up and a night in Manila.
OvernightManila
Day 2
Fly to Legazpi, drive to Donsol
Short flight to Bicol, with views of Mayon, and an hour's drive to Donsol.
OvernightDonsol
Day 3–4
Whale sharks and fireflies
Two mornings on the water with licensed spotters looking for whale sharks, and an evening firefly trip on the river.
OvernightDonsol
Day 5
Mayon and Cagsawa
The Cagsawa ruins below Mayon volcano and a Bicol lunch with chilli and coconut. Night in Legazpi.
OvernightLegazpi
Day 6
Fly to Cebu, ferry to Bohol
Flight to Cebu and a fast ferry to Bohol.
OvernightPanglao, Bohol
Day 7–9
Bohol
Countryside day, Balicasag turtles and a free day.
OvernightPanglao, Bohol
Day 10
To El Nido
Fast ferry to Cebu and a direct flight to El Nido.
OvernightEl Nido
Day 11–14
El Nido
Two boat days around Bacuit Bay and two free days for Nacpan beach, kayaking or rest.
OvernightEl Nido
Day 15
Fly to Manila
Flight to Manila and an evening in the city.
OvernightManila
Day 16
Manila
Intramuros and a food walk in Binondo.
OvernightManila
Day 17
Fly out
Transfer to the international terminal.
Where you'll stay
We choose hotels for you from our shortlist in each destination, matched to your travel style. Examples will appear here as our hotel collection is published.
Experiences
- Donsol whale sharks
- Firefly river trip
- Cagsawa ruins
- Bohol countryside
- El Nido island-hopping
Possible upgrades
- Private boat in El Nido
- Add a Mayon ATV ride
- Add Coron for diving
Travel styles
Four ways to travel. All of them done properly.
I
Essential
The right places, smartly connected.
Well-located, characterful hotels, the experiences that matter and efficient routing. Never a compromise on where you are.
- Well-located 3★ hotels with character, double room with breakfast
- Shared airport and port transfers
- Group tours and shared boat days with a local guide
- Domestic flights and ferries with checked baggage
- Lunch on tour days, entrance fees and travel insurance
- 24/7 support by WhatsApp
II
Boutique
Small hotels with a point of view.
Design-led boutique hotels, upgraded rooms, private transfers where they make a difference and experiences curated for you.
- Everything in Essential, plus:
- Boutique 4★ hotels, superior rooms or better
- Private transfers by car throughout
- Private guided tours, and a private boat on one day per island
- Best available flight times
- Personal welcome at the airport on arrival
III
Premium
The best resorts, a slower pace.
High-end resorts and villas, private transfers throughout, exceptional experiences and service that anticipates.
- Everything in Boutique, plus:
- 5★ resorts and villas, sea-view rooms or better
- Private boats and private guides on every tour day
- Dinner at a top-rated restaurant in every destination
- A local food experience with a guide
- Meet-and-assist service at Manila airport
IV
Signature
The Philippines, privately.
Private-island resorts, villas and boats, charter flights where they save a day, and concierge-level care from arrival to departure.
- Everything in Premium, plus:
- Private-island resorts and villas with private pools
- Your own boat and crew on every island
- Charter flights or seaplanes where they save time
- Private dinners on the beach or a sandbar
- A dedicated concierge on WhatsApp before and during your trip
Price indication
Per person, based on two people sharing, excluding international flights. Final price depends on dates, hotels and room availability.
Best months
February to April for whale sharks; the Donsol season usually runs from December to May
Choose your trip length
Route: Donsol • Bohol • El Nido
The day-by-day plan and prices update for the length you choose. Every plan can still be adjusted with our team.
- Essential
- From €2,400
- per person
- Boutique
- From €3,600
- per person
- Premium
- From €6,000
- per person
Questions travellers ask
1. Are whale sharks guaranteed?
No. They are wild animals and some days there are none. That is why we plan two mornings. February to April gives the best chance.
2. Is it ethical?
Yes, in Donsol. Interactions follow strict rules: small groups, no touching, no flash, a minimum distance and no feeding. We do not include places where whale sharks are fed.
Ready to see the Philippines from the inside?
Tell us when you're coming. We'll help design the rest.