Malapascua

Overview

Malapascua is a small island off the northern tip of Cebu, and its name is tied to one thing above all: the thresher sharks that gather at Monad Shoal at first light, drawing divers from around the world. Dive schools line the main beach, and beyond the signature dive there are reefs, a nearby island with its own sites, and easy snorkeling. The island is small and mostly car-free, with a handful of restaurants and guesthouses, so the days settle into a simple rhythm of diving, eating, and walking the shore.

Standout experiences

• 01 Monad Shoal thresher sharks

  Dawn dives to a cleaning station where thresher sharks appear, the island's signature experience.

• 02 Gato Island

  A nearby island with reef dives, a swim-through tunnel, and resident marine life.

• 03 Dive schools and house reefs

  Shops for every level, with easy shore and boat dives close to the beach.

• 04 Beach and island walks

  A small, walkable island of quiet beaches and viewpoints away from the dive boats.

Getting there

From Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), travelers drive or take a bus about three to four hours north to Maya Port in Daanbantayan, then a public outrigger boat for 30 to 45 minutes to Logon on Malapascua. Boats stop before dusk, so flights should land by midday to make the crossing the same day.

When to go

Thresher sharks appear at Kimud Shoal every morning year-round, with a sighting rate near 99 percent. March to May brings the calmest seas and best weather, while January and February are coolest, with water around 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. August and September can be rough and rainy, and October to December is wetter, though direct typhoon hits are rare.