Malapascua Exclusive: Ultimate Thresher Shark Dive Adventure

Day 1: Transfer to Malapascua Island

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel and begin the final leg to Malapascua Island. From Cebu, it takes about 3-4 hours to reach the ferry pier for the crossing by local boat to Malapascua Island.

Upon arrival, staff from Exotic Dive Resort will assist with luggage. Check into your room and at the dive center. We should be ready for 2 dives in the afternoon.

During your stay on Malapascua, you have 20 dives included (additional dives can be added if you wish, we strongly recommend that you participate in a couple of night dives, especially if you are interested in macro and critters).

Divers visiting Malapascua Island will also have the opportunity to experience the thresher shark, a species unique to the area. These majestic creatures can be observed at depths from 20 to 30 meters. Another attraction for divers is Gato Island, located just off Malapascua. Here you will find a stunning coral reef, caves, and a variety of rare marine species.

Day 2-8: Diving Malapascua Island and surroundings

If you are an avid diver and seeking new experiences, you may have already heard of Malapascua Island. This small archipelago in the Philippines is known as a world-class diving destination, especially for those who want to experience the rare and majestic thresher shark. But diving at Malapascua offers much more than just shark safaris. Malapascua is also a haven for soft corals, macro diving, underwater caves, and colorful fish. Malapascua Island is simply a destination for divers who want to experience something extraordinary.

Dive Sites and What You Can See

Malapascua Island is home to some of the rarest marine animals in the world, including thresher sharks that can be seen rising from the depths at sunrise. Malapascua has more than 15 dive sites, including Gato Island, Monad Shoal, and Kemod Shoal, which give divers the opportunity to explore a variety of underwater environments. Malapascua is a draw for divers from all over the world who come here to see Manta Rays, Barracudas, frogfish, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and much more.

• Monad Shoal: Undoubtedly the most famous dive site at Malapascua. This underwater plateau is known as the best place in the world to observe thresher sharks. Divers come here early in the morning to see these elegant sharks swimming in shallow waters.
• Gato Island: This marine reserve and sea snake sanctuary is another must-dive site near Malapascua. The island offers several dives, including an exciting tunnel dive that goes through the island itself. The rich marine life includes white-tipped reef sharks, sea snakes, moray eels, and an impressive array of corals and sponges.
• Kimud Shoal: A bit further from Malapascua, this shoal is known for its large schools of hammerhead sharks. The chance to swim among these impressive creatures attracts divers seeking an adrenaline-filled experience.
• Lapus Lapus: This site offers beautiful coral formations and a colorful array of marine life, making it ideal for both photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy calmer dives. Here, you can see everything from colorful small fish to various species of nudibranchs and other macro life.
• Calanggaman Island: Well known for its long sandbar and crystal-clear waters, Calanggaman is a popular spot for both diving and snorkeling. The dive sites around the island are known for their beautiful topography and the opportunity to observe a diversity of fish and other marine creatures.
• Chocolate Island: Located a short boat ride from Malapascua, is another dive site that attracts underwater enthusiasts with its unique charm and biological diversity. This lesser-known site is especially popular among macro divers due to its rich small animal life.

Each of these sites offers a unique underwater experience, making Malapascua one of the most sought-after diving destinations in the world. With strictly controlled diving conditions and dedicated conservation efforts, the natural beauty of these dive sites is preserved for future generations.

Day 9: Malapascua

Free day for off-gassing after 20 dives

Day 10: Return to Cebu

Breakfast. Depending on when the departure is from Cebu will determine when it is departure from Malapascua. The trip ends in downtown Cebu or at Cebu Airport.

Best time to dive this destination? Between December and April which generally offers the best conditions, with little rainfall and calmer seas, resulting in clearer water and better visibility underwater. This period also coincides with the dry season in the Philippines, making conditions ideal both above and below water. However, Malapascua can generally be dived all year round but the rainy season can create rougher conditions and with days where it is not possible to visit all dive sites.

What is Malapascua known for? Thresher shark (of course), manta rays, fantastic macro diving (seahorses, nudibranchs, various crabs), predatory fish, soft corals, wall dives, tunnels, reef shark and more, OK beaches and a friendly atmosphere on land

Not so good for? Wrecks

Water temperature: from 26-29ºC

Visibility: Depending on conditions on land but normally +/- 20m (but can drop to 5m in strong wind)

Current conditions: Weak, but some dive sites can have strong currents (such as Lapu Lapu)