Monad Shoel - Malapascua

Malapascua’s Monad Shoal. This is where you go for thresher sharks. We’re usually up before dawn, bouncing over the waves to arrive as the sun cracks the horizon. It’s a cleaning station, so you settle onto the sand and wait. We’ve had mornings where they glide past within touching distance, those long tails trailing behind them. Other days, it’s a more distant show, but they’re almost always there. Keep an eye out for amberfish darting around, and you’ll often spot Savigny's brittle stars tucked into the reef. It’s an early start, but seeing these sharks in their natural environment makes the alarm clock worth it.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.308907, 124.188250
Type
pinnacle

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 Monad Shoel

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 Monad Shoel

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