Scuba diving in Malapascua is synonymous with one thing – thresher sharks. Boasted as one of the best places in the world for reliable thresher shark sightings, Malapascua should be at the top of every diver’s bucket list. But this tiny island (at only 2.5 km long and 1 km wide!) has so much more to offer than just threshers.
Aside from the sharks that have made it famous, Malapascua is also home to incredible macro marine life. Your non-diver friends will love it too – known for its chilled island vibes and laidback atmosphere, this island is a haven for backpackers and divers alike.
What species can I see scuba diving in Malapascua?
You already know this much – Malapascua is famed for its consistent thresher shark sightings. But this small island has so much more to see beneath the waves. If you happen to be in the area between December and April, you may be treated to large schools of hammerheads! The best time is typically March and April, but it can vary.
If you visit in winter and spring, you may also be lucky enough to encounter manta rays. While they can be spotted throughout the year, the high plankton concentrations during December and January tend to bring in more mantas. Year-round, you can be sure to spot plenty of smaller species, including pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopus, ornate ghost pipefish, sea moths, mandarin fish, frogfish, and tons of nudibranchs.
What are the best dive sites in Malapascua?
You really can’t go wrong diving off of Malapascua Island. However, here are the dive sites that stick out a bit above the rest:
Monad Shoal
Depth: 30 m/100 ft | Level: Advanced | Best time to dive: year-round
This dive site is the reason you came to Malapascua. Monad Shoal boasts the most reliable thresher shark sightings in the entire world. This site can be dived a few different ways. Some shops prefer to have divers kneel near the drop-off, waiting in a stationary position for the sharks to appear. Others will have divers swim around the site. Either way, you are almost guaranteed to see a thresher over two or three days of diving. Dives are conducted early in the morning, usually departing around 4 or 5 am. At this time, the threshers rise from the depths to be cleaned at the several cleaning stations around the site.
While this site got its claim to fame thanks to the threshers, it is also a great location for spotting other big marine creatures – particularly manta rays and devil rays. If you are visiting between December and April, you may also see hammerheads here.
If you are not currently advanced certified, you’ll need to complete the Deep Adventure Dive prior to visiting this site. Your dive shop on Malapascua will be able to set this up for you prior to the thresher trip. The Adventure Dive will count as credit toward your Advanced Open Water Diver course.
Gato Island
Depth: 10 – 25 m/33 – 82 ft | Level: all | Best time to dive: year-round
Gato Island is a large marine park about 45 minutes away from Malapascua by boat. This area is known for a wide variety of marine species, including white tip reef sharks, banded sea snakes, bamboo sharks, cuttlefish, scorpion fish, spanish dancers, and more. Since the area is protected, you can expect healthy reef and lots of fish life.
Lighthouse
Depth: 10 m/33 ft | Level: all | Best time to dive: year-round
Have you heard of the elusive and stunning Mandarin fish? This dive site is one of the best places to spot these colorful creatures. Here, there is a large colony living in the staghorn corals. Head to this dive site right before sunset to see the mating ritual dance of the Mandarin fish.
Kimud Shoal
Depth: Up to 40 m/133 ft | Level: Advanced | Best time to dive: March/April, but possible December – May
Time to get that adrenaline pumping. This dive site is famous for its hammerhead shark sightings – sometimes hosting schools with up to 200 individuals! A small plateau under the water, this site is dived out in the blue. Divers drop in away from the plateau in hopes that the schooling hammerheads are visiting. Since this dive can get quite deep, it is recommended for advanced divers.
When is the best time to go scuba diving Malapascua?
Scuba diving in Malapascua is popular all year round. However, many divers consider January through April to be the best time to visit. During November to January, the weather can be a bit rougher. During this time, the visibility can drop to 5 – 10 meters due to increases in plankton. However, this can lead to more manta ray sightings. Typically, the water temperature ranges from 27 to 30 degrees C. However, this can drop to 25 degrees C from December – February.
What are the best things to do in Malapascua besides diving?
If you are bringing along your non-diving friends, or need a little more time off gassing between dives, there’s plenty to keep you busy on Malapascua. Some of the best topside activities include:
- Take a bike ride around the island. With its small size, Malapascua is super easy to explore by bike. Rent one from a local shop or join in on a group biking tour.
- Enjoy some cheap beers by Bounty Beach. There is no shortage of laid back hangout spots on this island.
- Check out the bioluminescence. Take a dip in the ocean at night to see the water sparkle and shine.
- Go cliff jumping at Lapus Lapus. The lowest cliff sits at 5 meters, while the highest is around 15 meters. Just make sure you visit at high tide!
- Take a day trip to Kalanggaman Island. This spot is famous for its idyllic sandbar and crystal clear blue water.
How to get to Malapascua?
Malapascua is located north of the main city of Cebu. To get to this island paradise, you’ll first need to fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport. If you want to make your life easier, you can book private transfer directly to the island through your dive center or hotel. This will typically take 3 – 4 hours.
If you want to go the budget route, you’ll first need to take the bus from Cebu to the coastal city of Maya. From Cebu’s Northern Bus Terminal, you can take the Yellow Ceres or Rough Riders bus for a few dollars. From there, you’ll need to take a ferry to Malapascua, which should take about 30 minutes. This will also only cost a few dollars. Typically, ferries will wait until they are full before they depart.
Conclusion
Diving on Malapascua is definitely a bucket list worthy experience. From the big guys like threshers and hammerheads, to the macro life like Mandarin fish and pygmy seahorses, Malapascua has something for everyone.
Have you visited Malapascua before? Tell us about your dive experience in the comments!
