Adventure ToursMalapascua is a small island north of Cebu in the Philippines and a rising star in the world of diving. Though tiny in size, it offers world-class underwater experiences — most famously, the rare opportunity to see thresher sharks up close. With a mix of pelagic action, macro critters, wrecks, and reef life, Malapascua is a must-dive destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
What Makes Malapascua Special
Malapascua is one of the only places on Earth where divers can reliably see thresher sharks year-round, particularly during early morning dives at Kimud Shoal. These sleek, long-tailed predators rise from the deep to visit cleaning stations — offering unforgettable encounters.
But that’s not all. The island’s surrounding waters also feature:
- Shark-filled tunnels and caves at Gato Island
- World-class macro life, from nudibranchs to pygmy seahorses
- Night dives with mating mandarin fish
- A sunken ferry wreck, the Dona Marilyn, covered in marine life
Malapascua may be quiet and laid-back above the surface, but below, it’s buzzing with life and surprises.
Thresher shark in kimud shoal cleaning station
Best Dive Sites in Malapascua
Kimud Shoal
The main attraction: daily encounters with thresher sharks at dawn. Pelagics such as eagle rays and devil rays are also possible. A deep dive with strong conservation value.
Gato Island
A protected marine reserve and sea snake sanctuary with underwater tunnels, white tip reef sharks, and dense schools of fish. A great mix of adventure and biodiversity.
Lighthouse Reef
Famous for sunset and night dives, especially for witnessing mandarin fish mating dances. Also ideal for critter hunters.
Lapus Lapus & Bantigue
Shallow reef dives with vibrant corals, colorful reef fish, and occasional frogfish — perfect for relaxed exploration or photography.
Dona Marilyn Wreck
A 100m long passenger ferry that sank during a typhoon in 1988. Now a habitat for lionfish, batfish, and macro species — a great deep dive site for wreck lovers.
Mandarin fish in light house reef
Best Time to Dive in Malapascua
You can dive in Malapascua year-round, but for optimal conditions:
- March to May: Best visibility, calm seas, warm temperatures.
- November to April: Dry season, excellent for spotting threshers daily.
- June to October: Rainy season — fewer tourists, occasional rough seas, but still good shark sightings.
Difficulty and Depth
Malapascua offers something for all levels:
- Beginner-friendly sites: Shallow reefs and calm macro spots.
- Advanced dives: Monad and Kimud Shoal, Gato Island, and wreck dives often require deeper profiles, early starts, and comfort in mild to moderate current.
Depths range from 5 to 35 meters, depending on the site.
Advanced Current Information in Malapascua
While Malapascua is not known for extreme currents, some dive sites can present dynamic conditions:
- Monad and Kimud Shoal: Early morning dives often feature mild to moderate currents. Proper descent technique and buoyancy control are key.
- Gato Island: Tunnels and channels can have variable flow depending on the tide.
- Tidal shifts: Affect visibility and pelagic sightings, especially around cleaning stations.
Beyond Diving: Exploring Malapascua
There’s more to Malapascua than diving:
- Relax on Bounty Beach, the island’s main stretch of white sand.
- Take island-hopping trips to nearby Kalanggaman Island with its postcard-perfect sandbar.
- Enjoy the island’s chilled-out diving village vibe, with friendly locals, beach bars, and amazing sunsets.
Dive with Diving Seasons!
If you dream of diving with thresher sharks and exploring the best of the Philippines, Diving Seasons can make it happen. We organize everything from accommodations and dive packages to custom itineraries, combining Malapascua with other world-class destinations like Moalboal or Dauin.
Don’t miss your chance to dive into one of the most unique marine encounters on the planet.
✅ Book your Malapascua diving adventure today!
