World Wildlife Fund

Snorkeling the Philippines' Bacuit Bay

$7,795 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement: $1,200.

Trip Overview

Untouched beaches lined with soaring marble cliffs make up many of the islands throughout Bacuit Bay in the Philippines. But what lies just offshore makes a visit more than just a scenic week at the beach.

The Bacuit Bay Marine Reserve at the northern tip of Palawan Island is speckled with islets, sparkling-blue water and a variety of marine life. In addition to coral reefs and the fish they attract, the protected bay is home to manta rays, sharks and sea turtles. On the newest snorkeling adventure from WWF, head out on daily excursions with a knowledgeable guide who specializes in coral reefs. Scheduled excursions include swimming at shallow, grassy beds to see dugong populations and an exhilarating night snorkel in search of sharks and octopuses.

But first things first: Before you arrive at Palawan Island, you’ll go to a different spot for a rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks. The Bay of Donsol is often considered the whale shark capital of the world, and early March is an ideal time to see them there.

Trip Itinerary

Saturday – Monday, February 26 – 28: US / Manila, Philippines
Depart the United States on the recommended group flight. You’ll cross the International Date Line and “lose a day,” arriving in Manila on Monday afternoon. Spend time exploring Manila and gather for a welcome dinner. Sofitel Philippine Plaza (D)

Tuesday, March 1: Manila / Donsol
A morning flight takes you to Luzon Island. Drive a short distance to the coastal fishing village of Donsol, where we’ll launch a search for whale sharks. The waters off Donsol have the largest numbers of recorded sightings of whale sharks on the planet, with the highest concentrations occurring in the spring. WWF researchers conduct studies and conservation on the whale shark, which locally is known as butanding.

Aboard bancas – Filipino outrigger canoes – head in the bay in search of whale sharks. Your guide will brief you on the rules in place that ensure the whale sharks’ safety, and all travelers will have an opportunity to be in the water with harmless whale sharks.

Later, snorkel at a nearby reef teeming with tropical fish and learn more about the biology and behavior of whale sharks. Enjoy beach barbecue dinner. Elysia Beach Resort (B,L,D)

Wednesday, March 2: Donsol / Legaspi
Morning is prime time to encounter whale sharks, as they cruise the bay, mouths wide open, filter-feeding on plankton. Rise early for another whale shark snorkeling opportunity.

In the late afternoon, visit two locales that offer stunning views of one of the world’s most perfect strato-volcanoes, Mt. Mayon. Stop at the ruins of Cagsawa, a town buried by a violent eruption nearly two centuries ago. Then go to the summit of Lignon Hill for panoramic views. Hotel Venezia (B,L,D)

Thursday, March 3: Palawan / Miniloc Island
In the morning, fly to Manila, where you’ll connect with a short flight to Palawan and a transfer to Miniloc Island. In the afternoon, snorkel at the main reef of El Nido Marine Reserve, where enormous schools of snapper and giant trevallies are often seen; groupers, sergeant majors, damsels and fusiliers are among other tropical fish here. With luck, you could see green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles, too. Your home for the next two nights is a coastal village-style resort set in a cove and against a backdrop of sheer limestone cliffs. Miniloc Island Resort (B,L,D)

Friday, March 4 Matinloc & Tapiutan Islands
Travel by boat to Tapuitan, an outer island on Bacuit Bay. Encounter colorful reefs surrounded by white sand beaches and towering marble cliffs. In the afternoon, visit Tapuitan Straight and several unique environments, including a marine lake with its own “secret” beach and an underwater current-swept coral outcropping where thousands of reef fish gather. Miniloc Island Resort (B,L,D)

Saturday & Sunday, March 5 & 6: Miniloc Island
Miniloc Island offers a wonderful variety of snorkeling sites, including hidden lagoons and shallow marine lakes. More than 400 species of coral and 800 species of fish inhabit its reefs. Spend two days exploring during kayaking and snorkeling outings at such locales as Big, Small and Cadlao lagoons and Helicopter Island. At Simizu Island, snorkel among a variety of habitats, including steep drop-offs, shallow reef flats with coral “micro-atolls” and shallow sand channels with large reef fish communities. Look for butterflyfish, parrotfish, wrasse, triggerfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, damselfish and rabbitfish. This reef also boasts Bacuit Bay’s largest table corals. Lagen Island Resort (B,L,D daily)

Monday, March 7: Pinasil and Cudugnon Caves / Snake and Pangulasian Islands
After an early breakfast, kayak and snorkel in the cathedral-like Pinasil Cave. Then head by boat to Cudugnon Cave, which archaeologists believe was a burial site during Neolithic times. In the afternoon, visit Vigan Island (“Snake Island”), with a long, meandering sand bar that “snakes” off its shores and remains exposed even during high tide. Finish the day by snorkeling the shallow reefs off Pangulasian Island. Lagen Island Resort (B,L,D)

Tuesday, March 8: Lagen Island / Manila
The morning is flexible, for your choice of options. Go snorkeling at the reef just offshore from the resort. Or hike along the nearby Lagen Trail to look for a high diversity of birds, including species endemic to Palawan. Later, fly to Manila. Sofitel Philippine Plaza (B,L,D)

Wednesday, March 9: Busuanga / Dimakya Island
A short flight takes you to Busuanga, then to Dimakya. Thanks to strict fishing regulations, huge populations of fish, healthy coral, sea sponges and giant clams thrive here. Spend the afternoon snorkeling at the reefs right off shore from the resort.

Then prepare for another tour highlight – a nighttime snorkel. Your guide will brief you about night snorkeling and some of the creatures that you may encounter, including octopuses and two-foot-long cat sharks. Enter the water just after sunset. Club Paradise Resort (B,L,D)

Thursday, March 10: Dimakya Island
The dugong population at Dimakya is one of the largest and most protected in Southeast Asia. The seabed provides vast grasses that are ideal feeding areas for the vulnerable sea cow. Researchers based here work with WWF scientists on dugong studies and conservation efforts. After a short discussion on the biology of dugongs, head out for an all-day trip to view and swim with these amazing mammals.

Following dinner, learn more about the Coral Triangle, the world’s most biologically diverse marine region and a WWF priority place for protection. At sunset, watch as thousands of fruit bats roosting in trees take flight to feed offshore for the evening. Club Paradise Resort (B,L,D)

Friday, March 11: Dimakya Island
After breakfast, snorkel at West House Reef and its deep surge channels. Later, take in the breathtaking views from the highest point on the island, Eagle Point, and at the inner lagoon, which is a good birding spot. Gather for a farewell dinner. Club Paradise Resort (B,L,D)

Saturday, March 12: Dimakya Island / Manila
Take an optional last snorkel before returning to Manila. Explore the city, with dinner on your own. Sofitel Philippine Plaza (B,L)

Sunday, March 13: Depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. Re-cross the International Date Line, arriving in the United States the same day. (B)