Freediving Malapascua
Malapascua Island is a small, idyllic island paradise in the Philippines, located in the Visayan Sea, about 8 kilometers northeast of the northern tip of Cebu Island. It is about 2.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, famous worldwide, especially among divers, for a unique wildlife encounter.
how to get there
The journey to Malapascua is multi-stage, but the most common and easiest route is via Cebu City (Mactan-Cebu International Airport – CEB):
Flight to Cebu: Fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), which is easily accessible from many international and domestic destinations.
Land Transfer to Maya Port: From Cebu City, take a taxi, public bus (air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned) or shared minivan to the New Maya Port on the northern tip of Cebu Island. The journey takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and the mode of transport chosen.
Boat to Malapascua: From Maya Port, take a public outrigger boat (Banca) to Malapascua. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
It is often recommended to organize the entire transfer from the airport to the island through your resort or a local dive center to ensure a smooth journey.
Special Features of Malapascua
Thresher Sharks (Alopias vulpinus) at Monad/Kimud Shoal: Malapascua is the only place in the world where Thresher Sharks can be seen regularly and reliably. They come to the Monad Shoal (currently more often Kimud Shoal) cleaning station early in the morning, around 6 a.m., to be cleaned by cleaner fish. This is the island’s main attraction, almost exclusively for scuba divers.
Gato Island: A protected marine sanctuary and a famous dive site near Malapascua, known for its underwater tunnel that divers can swim through, numerous white-tip reef sharks, and diverse macro life.
Mandarin Fish Mating Dance: The dive site “Lighthouse” is famous for its sunset dives, during which the rarely seen and spectacular mating dance of the colorful Mandarin Fish can be observed.
Relaxed Island Charm: The island is small, generally car-free (only a few motorcycles and tricycles), and has a relaxed atmosphere. The main beach, Bounty Beach, offers fine white sand, restaurants, and diving shops.
Snorkeling (for general marine life): Malapascua is an excellent place for traditional snorkeling. The areas around the main beaches and in the designated marine protected area Duck Duck Marine Protected Area (in the village) offer good opportunities to see corals, various reef fish, and sometimes even small reef sharks in the shallow water.
Wreck Snorkeling: The remains of a Japanese shipwreck from World War II (Japanese Shipwreck) lie in the bay and are shallow enough to be reached by snorkelers for a unique underwater experience.
Freediving: The island is a good location for freediving beginners and those looking for an atmosphere without the crowds of large resorts. The generally very clear water and stable surface conditions are ideal for practicing static and dynamic apnea and constant weight dives.
Important Note (Thresher Sharks): The main attraction, the Thresher Sharks at Monad/Kimud Shoal, is NOT accessible to snorkelers or freedivers. Due to the depth of the cleaning station (starting around 12 meters and deeper) and for the protection of the sharks, only scuba diving is currently allowed for this unique encounter.
recommended for freedivers in Malapascua:
offering PADI freediving courses.
What else …
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Malapascua is determined by the weather and the diving conditions for Thresher Sharks
December to May : This is the official dry season. Skies are clear, seas are calm, and visibility for diving.
Accommodations: Budget vs. Luxury
Malapascua is primarily a Budget and Mid-Range destination, especially around its main hub, Bounty Beach.
💰 Budget & Mid-Range (Dominant)
The vast majority of accommodations are geared toward divers and backpackers, offering a great balance of comfort and value.
Dive Resorts: Many resorts double as dive centers (e.g., Evolution Resort, Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort, Hippocampus Beach Resort). They are typically mid-range, offering clean, air-conditioned rooms and convenient access to dive boats right on Bounty Beach.
Hostels & Guesthouses: You can find simple, fan or air-conditioned rooms, and basic hostels (Georgia’s Neverland Hostel) for budget travelers, often tucked a short walk away from the beach.
💎 Luxury & Boutique
True 5-star luxury is rare, but the island has excellent boutique options offering a quieter, higher-end experience.
Boutique Resorts: Places like Tepanee Beach Resort often sit on their own private cove or beach, offering beautifully designed cottages, better privacy, and superior amenities, catering to couples or those looking for a quiet retreat.
Restaurants and Food Scene
The food scene is modest but very satisfying, centered around fresh seafood and international comfort food for the expat diving community.
Beachfront Dining (Bounty Beach): Most popular spots are directly on Bounty Beach, offering stunning sunset views and dining with your feet in the sand.
Ocean Vida: Excellent beachfront spot for food, drinks, and beanbags on the sand. Great for happy hour.
Angelina Beach Resort & Italian Restaurant: Highly-rated for authentic Italian cuisine and pizza—a popular option for Western comfort food.
International & Fusion: Many dive resorts have their own restaurants with international chefs, often offering a mix of Filipino, Western, and European dishes.
Oscar’s Restaurant: Known for high-quality food, fast service, and a diverse international menu (sometimes including a British Sunday Roast).
Local & Budget: Look for local eateries (carinderia) further inland near the village of Logon for cheaper, authentic Filipino food. Bebot’s is a popular spot for affordable breakfast.
Tip: Be sure to catch the sunset at Shipwreck Beach Sunset Bar for a spectacular view with a cocktail.
How to Get Around
Malapascua is small enough that getting around is simple and charmingly low-tech.
Walking (Primary Mode): The island is only about 2.5 km long and 1 km wide. You can walk from the main Bounty Beach in the south to the quiet northern beaches in about 45 minutes. The paths are mostly sandy or compacted dirt, as there are no large roads.
Motorbike Taxi (Habal-Habal): For longer distances, late-night returns, or carrying luggage, local motorcycle taxis are the main transport.
Tip: Negotiate the fare (usually ₱30–₱100 for a ride) before you get on.
No Cars: There are no cars, jeepneys, or large vehicles on the island, which is a key part of its peaceful atmosphere.
Boats: Boats (bancas) are the only way to reach the island (from New Maya Port, a 30-45 minute ride) and the only way to go diving or take an island hopping tour (e.g., to the stunning Kalanggaman Island).
For Whom is Malapascua Recommended?
Malapascua is a niche, specialized destination perfect for:
Scuba Divers (Must-See): This is the island’s primary appeal. Being able to see the elusive Thresher Sharks is a bucket-list item for divers globally.
Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Beyond the sharks, the dive sites like Gato Island are rich in unique macro life (sea snakes, frogfish, pygmy seahorses).
Quiet Beach Lovers: If you prefer a slow, rustic, and truly laid-back environment without the heavy commercialism or nightlife of places like Boracay or Siargao’s General Luna.
Travelers Seeking Seclusion: It requires a full-day journey from Cebu City (4–5 hours by bus/van, then a boat), which naturally filters out short-term tourists and keeps the atmosphere focused and relaxed.