This was an absolutely incredible experience. To dive with the Thresher Sharks in Malapascua in the Philippines really felt like one of those once in a lifetime moments. And if you are thinking about going I cannot recommend it enough.
So let’s get straight into the details of how we get you to Malapascua Island, which dive centre I recommend, and some fun surprises you’re likely to see on the sea floor while you spend time with the sharks!
How to get to Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is a small island just off the coast of the very north end of Cebu Island in the central Philippines region. It has a fairly small, very local population. Nearly everyone I spoke to was born there!
If you are coming from Cebu city, you can take a bus from the north bus terminal on Sergio Osmeña Jr Boulevard. You have two options, the air-conditioned bus will cost you around 320PHP. The “open air” bus with no glass in half of its windows will run cheaper – I’m sorry I didn’t take the price but it will be less than the aircon.
The bus will take you to the port at the town of Maya. It will take around 4.5 hours. Once you reach the port you will pay your entrance fees for the marine protected area of Malapascua. This is 200PHP.
The boat ticket to get to Malapascua island will vary slightly dependent on the amount of passengers you are sharing the boat with. Expect to pay around 200-300PHP per person for a half an hour boat ride.
The boats in this part of the Philippines are long boats with large platforms stacked on top, and with big frames coming out the sides of them to support the boat in rough seas. They are bizarre looking and different to any boats I have seen in south east Asia, but they get you where you need to go. They can only get so close to the ports, so expect to walk a skinny plank to get onboard, or literally wade through the water and up one of the diving ladders. I recommend you to have strong arms for holding your belongings above your head OR a dry bag.
The boat from Maya to Malapascua island is boarded from a jetty across a plank so you will stay dry for this particular trip.
If you have a lot of luggage (like I did, as I was moving from Australia to Canada for the millionth time and didn’t plan myself well enough to store my luggage during my island hopping) then you can have the kindness and help of porters. You must pay them if they help you with your luggage, I gave 50-100PHP depending on if they helped me with one or two of my bags.
Accomodation on Malapascua Island
You have many options to choose from on Malapascua Island! From hostels to resorts, and everything in between. The island is big enough to have power all day (except for the odd outage) and running water. So you can have aircon and a regular shower.
I stayed in a humble Homestay style accommodation that had a great breakfast included, all of their food was great. It was called Guanna’s Place.
It was cheap, and I recommend it if you are looking for a basic private accommodation.
Check out options that suit your needs for accommodation on Malapascua at booking.com
Diving with the Thresher Sharks
So you came to Malapascua to dive with the Thresher Sharks! Well done, you are in the right place. You are pretty well guaranteed to see them here, they are that common.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the dive centre Devocean Divers Malapascua. The staff are incredible and so friendly, their equipment is in great working order, and their prices are good! Their boats leave very early for the Thresher Sharks dives, we were one of the first boats to arrive and therefore some of the first divers to enter the water.
Previously to see the Thresher Sharks from Malapascua you would need to have at least your advanced open water certification as the dives used to be to around 30m deep to see the sharks. Currently (February 2025) it is possible to see the Thresher Sharks at 12-18m so you can have only an open water diving certification and still get to see them!
If you don’t have any certifications yet, it is possible to complete them with Devocean. This will take several days, but if you have the time it is well worth it as diving is exciting, and rather addictive!
If you are already certified, just fill out your waiver forms and you’re good to go. I recommend contacting them ahead of time if you are on a tight schedule as the spots can fill up fast. There are sooo many dive centres on the beach too if you want to book when you arrive, I would still recommend Devocean as they have many years of experience and good quality gear with outstanding customer reviews.
I also recommend you to take divers insurance. I use DAN (Divers Alert Network) for my diving insurance. They are worldwide and an affordable diving insurance provider, that has a wealth of information on all things diving related. I paid $170.50AUD for a membership with DAN and insurance for one year. Worth every cent as in the event of an emergency dive accident that could leave you with serious health complications down the line, DAN will cover you for those diving accidents and injuries. Many regular travel insurance providers don’t cover diving so always check before you dive!
Alternatively, you can use SafetyWing insurance, just make sure to include their “adventure sports” add on to ensure you are covered for scuba diving. SafetyWing is my travel insurance provider I use for all of my travels around the globe. Their prices are extremely competitive, and they now even offer a “complete insurance” option for long term travellers. This includes things like routine medical check ups and wellness care, as well as the usual travel insurance inclusions.
The other marine creatures
As well as seeing the famous Thresher Sharks of Malapascua, you will also see an absolute abundance of other marine life. The colours of the coral are incredible upon submersion into the waters, and while the Threshers are circling above you, so many fish and crustaceans and octopus are all over the sea floor!
Our guide with Devocean divers was incredible at spotting the smallest creatures in the sand on our third dive. So while the Thresher Sharks are the stars of the show, there is endless magic all around not to be missed.
Weather in Malapascua
The Philippines has a general wet and dry season, the wet being from July to December and the dry from January to June.
Now it should be understood that this is the tropics and the rainfall here is high, so even the dry season can see heavy rains.
Expect to be warm with a chance of rain and you’ll be fine!
The Thresher Sharks are expecting you
You are almost guaranteed to see Thresher Sharks on a dive off Malapascua Island. This was such a special experience and one I hope you get to enjoy too. It’s unique as well in that this is a shark diving experience without human interference, the dive centres do not feed the sharks. Truly the best.
As always, thanks for reading! Share, pin, or comment your thoughts, and you can follow me on Instagram for more adventures around the world!
Much love,
Georgie 🩵
Georgie’s Wanderlust 
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