Malapascua Island: The Only Place on Earth to Dive with Thresher Sharks

Visit Duration

Entrance Fee

Island access free. Thresher shark dive (Kimud Shoal): approximately ₱2,500-3,500 for double dive. Open Water certification required for shark diving. Some operators offer "Thresher Shark Guarantee" - free third dive if no sharks seen

Best Time to Visit

Thresher sharks can be seen year-round, but the best visibility is from January to April during the dry season. The sharks visit cleaning stations daily between sunrise and 9:00 AM, so early morning dives are essential. Avoid typhoon season (June-October) when boat crossings can be canceled. The island is pleasantly quieter during shoulder seasons (November-December, May).

How to Get There

From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a bus to Maya Port (4-5 hours, approximately ₱200-250). From Maya Port, board a public boat to Malapascua Island (30-45 minutes, ₱100-150). Private boat charters are also available. Some dive resorts can arrange direct transfers from Mactan Airport.

What to Expect

Expect early morning wake-up calls (4-5 AM) for thresher shark dives, as the sharks visit cleaning stations at dawn. Thresher sharks are large (up to 5-6 meters) with distinctive long tails but are completely harmless. Since 2022, encounters have improved dramatically as sharks moved to shallower waters at Kimud Shoal. Beyond shark diving, explore Gato Island (sea snake sanctuary), coral gardens, wreck dives, and beautiful beaches. The island is small enough to walk around in 2 hours. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to dive resorts.