Malapascua Monad Shoal - Malapascua

Canto del Bajito is a pretty solid wall dive, and while the visibility can be a bit hit or miss, around 10 meters on average, it’s always worth a peek for those ‘cupons’. We're talking cup corals here, and they are surprisingly huge, some pushing over two meters tall. Our favourite part is cruising along the base of that wall, keeping an eye out for the big stuff; we’ve spotted some hefty cubera snapper and pufferfish lurking in the shadows. Up top, the reef gives way to a bustling community of smaller fish – slender parrotfish picking at algae, dusky damselfish darting between coral heads, and Caribbean spiny lobsters peeking out of crevices. If you move slowly, you'll catch glimpses of American crested pipefish or a camouflaged eyed flounder. We'd suggest going early in the morning, before the boat traffic picks up, as it can make a difference to what you’ll find. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate the intricacies of a coral wall and don’t mind a bit of a treasure hunt for those larger reef residents.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.330000, 124.120000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
20-35m

Marine Protected Area: Mabini, Higatangan Marine Sanctuary

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Malapascua

Nearest Dive Centres to Malapascua Monad Shoal

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Malapascua Monad Shoal

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Monad Shoal?
The typical diving depth at Monad Shoal ranges from 20 to 35 meters. This depth range allows divers to explore the reef and encounter the unique marine life that frequents this site. It's an ideal depth for experiencing the renowned thresher shark encounters.
What marine life can divers expect to see at Monad Shoal, especially given the thresher shark migration?
Divers visiting Monad Shoal can reliably expect to encounter thresher sharks, famous for their extraordinarily long tails, especially at dawn. Beyond these magnificent sharks, the area also offers sightings of manta rays and hammerheads. For those interested in smaller creatures, the surrounding seabed provides exceptional muck diving opportunities.
What is the difficulty level for diving Monad Shoal?
Diving at Monad Shoal is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This means divers should have some experience and comfort with deeper dives and potentially varying conditions. It's a rewarding site for those with the appropriate skill level.
When is the best time of year and day to dive Monad Shoal?
The best time of day to dive Monad Shoal for thresher shark encounters is at dawn. This is when these elegant sharks visit the shallow cleaning station daily. While the provided data doesn't specify a best time of year, dawn dives are crucial for experiencing the most reliable thresher shark sightings.
What dive certifications are needed to dive Monad Shoal?
While specific certifications are not explicitly stated in the provided data, given the intermediate difficulty and typical diving depths of 20-35 meters, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you are adequately trained for deeper dives and potential currents often associated with such sites. Always check with your local dive operator in Malapascua for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions at Monad Shoal?
The provided data does not specify the usual current and visibility conditions at Monad Shoal. However, as an intermediate-level dive site known for pelagic encounters, it is common for such locations to experience varying currents and good visibility. It's always best to consult with local dive operators in Malapascua for the most up-to-date conditions before your dive.