Diving in Malapascua

Explore 70 dive sites in Malapascua, Philippines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Malapascua

The warmest water temperatures in Malapascua occur in June, averaging 29.9°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.6°C
  • April: 28.3°C
  • May: 29.6°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.8°C
  • October: 29.6°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Marine Life in Malapascua

Home to 88 recorded species including 72 reef fish, 5 crabs & lobsters, 5 sharks & rays, 2 other, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Malapascua

Malapascua has 6 beginner, 2 intermediate, 3 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Malapascua

Based on average water temperature of 28.9°C, currents 15 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Malapascua

  • Taklong Island National Marine Reserve - Resource Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Sagay Marine Reserve - Resource Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Island of Banaon, Basaan, Saac, Tambu, Bambanon Wilderness Area - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Panciscan Pt. in Bitos Bay up to Bano Sanlay, Panicijan River in Butuan Bay; Mangroves along the banks of Sta. Rosa River in San Jacinto town Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Natural Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Tañon Strait Protected Seascape - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Biri Larosa Protected Landscape & Seascape - Protected Landscape and Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Island of Budlanan, Bugatusan, Panga, Silo, Cabgan, Canconstino, tabaon, Maagpit, and Islet of Basihan, Bugatusan, Hayaan, Inanoran , and Poom Point East of Basihan Islet (Getafe Group of Island) (Clarin Group of Island) Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA) - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Island of Catiil, Colangaman, Lomislis, Tagangdio, Tintinan, and islet of Pamasuan Wilderness Area - Wilderness Area (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Island of Pamusuan, Handayan, Majanay,,, Islets of Bonoon, Lapinig, Pinahon and Lapinig Chico, Mangrove areas east of Soom River Pangpang Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve - Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape - Protected Seascape (IUCN Category V)
  • Marine Protected Area Network within Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ticao Island marine Protected Area Network (TIMPAN) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Asid Gulf Marine Protected Area Network (AGMPAN) - Marine Protected Area Network (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Bago, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Hinigaran, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Nueva Estrella Norte Marine Reserve - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Pontevedra, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • San Enrique, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Valladolid, Negros Occidental - Local Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Apale-Tolingon Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Balirahay Reef Marine Sanctuary and Fishery Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Benolho Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Buntay Marine Protected Area/ Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cabugawan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Calangawan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Canawayon Island Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cancandoy Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Caroyocan Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cinco Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cogon Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Dumana Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Gabas Marine Sanctuary and AR Project - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Guinob-an Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Himokilan Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ingan Fish Sanctuary and Fishery Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Kantawi Reef Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Kawayan Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Lewing Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Look Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Mabini, Higatangan Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Macabug Marine Reserve Area with Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Madong-badong Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Mahayag Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Naval Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Palo Fish Sanctuary and Fishery Reserve (Binangalan Reef) - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Pangasugan Sanctuary and AR Project - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Panunubulon Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Plaridel Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Poblacion I Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sakay Point - Sitio Calipata-an Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sambawan Island - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sampotan Islet Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • San Isidro Marine Reserve Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • San Miguel Fish Sanctuary and Fishery Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Sta. Cruz Marine Sanctuary and AR Project - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tagbak Marine Park - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tagbibi Marine Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tinag-an Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Tomakeen Daco Reef Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Uson Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • VSU Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Bacon Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Castilla Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Fishery Reserve and Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Malilipot-Rawis-Lagbak (MARILAG) Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Namantao Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Cataingan Bay Marine Protected Area - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Ragnas Fish Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Gurion Marine Sanctuary - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Nipa-Nabangig Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve - Locally-managed Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Malapascua - Nearest Airports

  • Ormoc Airport (OMC), Ormoc City - 74 km away, approx 96 min travel time
  • Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu City/Lapu-Lapu City - 122 km away, approx 148 min travel time
  • Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD), Bacolod City - 127 km away, approx 153 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What marine life can I expect to see when diving in Malapascua, especially beyond the thresher sharks?
While Malapascua is world-renowned as the only place to see thresher sharks almost daily at a cleaning station, the provided data does not detail other specific marine life you can expect to encounter. Divers primarily visit for the legendary dawn dives at Monad Shoal to witness these magnificent creatures.
What are the best dive sites in Malapascua for different types of diving, such as macro photography, wrecks, or pelagic encounters?
For wreck diving enthusiasts, Japanese Ship Wreck, Dona Marilyn Wreck, and ANNA MARZ offer exciting explorations. Pelagic encounters are legendary at Monad Shoal, where thresher sharks are seen almost daily, and other pinnacles like Kimud Shoal also provide opportunities. The provided data does not specify sites best suited for macro photography.
What are the typical water conditions in Malapascua, including visibility, currents, and water temperature?
Divers in Malapascua can expect consistently warm water temperatures, with the best months seeing averages around 29.87°C in June, 29.79°C in September, and 29.65°C in July. The provided data does not detail typical visibility or current conditions for the area.
What is the best time of year to dive in Malapascua, considering seasonal weather variations and marine life sightings?
Considering water temperatures, the best months to dive in Malapascua are June (29.87°C), September (29.79°C), and July (29.65°C), offering very comfortable conditions. Thresher sharks are seen almost daily at Monad Shoal, suggesting consistent sightings throughout the year, though specific seasonal variations for other marine life or weather are not detailed in the provided data. For more general information, check our When to Dive guide.
What dive certification level is required or recommended for diving in Malapascua, particularly for the thresher shark dives?
For the legendary thresher shark dives at Monad Shoal, an intermediate certification level is typically recommended. While many sites like Blue Coral Malapascua are suitable for beginners, advanced divers can explore challenging sites such as Deep Rock.
How do I get to Malapascua Island from Mactan-Cebu International Airport?
The provided data for Malapascua does not include specific travel instructions from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. We recommend checking local travel guides or contacting one of the 30 dive centres in the area for the most up-to-date transportation details.
Are there any specific challenges or strong currents divers should be aware of at Malapascua's dive sites?
The provided data for Malapascua does not specify any particular challenges or strong currents that divers should be aware of at its dive sites. However, as with any dive destination, it is always wise to consult with local dive operators for current conditions and site-specific briefings.
Besides thresher sharks, what other unique or rare marine creatures are highlights for divers in Malapascua?
While Malapascua is globally celebrated for its almost daily sightings of thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, the provided data does not detail other unique or rare marine creatures that are specific highlights for divers. The region's primary draw remains the unparalleled opportunity to encounter these magnificent pelagic sharks.