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Malapascua

Beside white palm-lined beaches, one of the main factors in the popularity of the island is its dive site Monad Shoal. The regular sightings of thresher sharks, a unique species of sharks known for its long dorsal tail and docility made this spot to a unique dive site in the whole world. For divers, the thresher sharks encounters are a rare and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Malapascua Island by the locals called Logon is situated in the northern tip of Cebu Island. It forms part of the municipality of Daanbantayan about 128 kilometers from Cebu City.

The name “Malapascua” is said to have been given by some Spaniards. Due to bad weather, their ship got stranded on the island on Eastern. Because of their misfortune of having to spend Eastern away from their comrades and family stuck in a desolate island, the Spaniards called the place “Mala Pascua,” which literally means “Bad Eastern.” From then on, the Spaniards and the non-locals would refer to the island as “Malapascua,” while the local residents insist that their island is called Logon.

You’ll Be Diving with Sea Explorers

A look inside our dive center and what’s waiting for you underwater.

Kimud Shoal and Monad Shoal Adventures – Exciting dive site known for thresher sharks, occasional hammerheads, and other pelagic encounters

Gato Island Trips – Dramatic underwater tunnels, white tip reef sharks, sea snakes, and vibrant reef life

Macro & Muck Diving – Sandy slopes and reef patches hiding frogfish, nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, seahorses, and rare critters for underwater photographers

Reef & Wall Diving – Colorful coral gardens, healthy reef systems, and diverse marine biodiversity suitable for all levels

Island Hopping to Kalanggaman Island – Famous for its stunning white sandbars, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque tropical scenery — perfect for snorkeling and relaxation

Island Trips to Capitancillo Islet – A beautiful marine sanctuary featuring vibrant coral reefs, excellent visibility, and diverse reef fish life

Flexible Dive Schedule – Single-tank or two-tank morning dives, plus afternoon dives depending on sea conditions

Night Dives Available – Experience Malapascua’s fascinating nocturnal marine life and unique macro encounters

Explore Malapascua’s Dive Sites

19+ dive sites including Monad Shoal, Kimud Shoal & Deep Rock

  • PADI beginner courses up to Divemaster
  • PADI IDCs – Open water instructor (Contact us for more details)

Special Courses:

  • Enriched Air Nitrox
  • Wreck Dive
  • Night Dive
  • Drift Dive
  • Deep Dive
  • Peak Performance Buoyancy
  • Dive Against Debris Instructor
  • AWARE Shark and Ray Conservation
  • Exotic Thresher Shark Diver
  • Emergency Oxygen Provider
  • Care for Children with AED
  • Emergency First Response
  • EFR –  Primary Care (CPR) and Sec Care (1st Aid)
  • PADI Aware
  • AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
  • PADI AWARE
  • Full rental equipment from size XXS to XXXL, as well as full sets for kids
  • 8-liter tanks for the special use of kids
  • 12-liter aluminum tanks with Yoke (INT) valves and DIN valves
  • Underwater torches
  • Dive computers

Check-In

The dive center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You may check in at any time during office hours. Upon arrival, our staff will welcome you, explain dive center procedures, and assist you in preparing your dive equipment. Required documents for registration:

  • Diver Certification
  • Logbook
  • Medical Certificate

Check-Out

After completing your dives, our office staff will prepare your bill for review. Accepted payment methods:

  • Cash: EUR, CHF, USD, PHP
  • Credit Card (USD only): Visa, Mastercard, American Express
  • PayPal

Sanctuary fees must be paid in cash. Note: The dive center bill is separate from the hotel bill.

Good to Know

  • Water temperature: 26–30°C
  • Air temperature: 25–33°C
  • Dives per day: Up to 4
  • Group size: Up to 4 divers per dive guide (up to 5 if one diver is a Divemaster or Instructor)
  • Maximum depth: Up to 40 meters
  • Nitrox: Up to 32% (surcharge applies)
Discover the characters

Meet The Critters

Get to know the fascinating creatures that call this place home — each with its own unique story and charm.

Thresher Shark

Sleek, elegant, and instantly memorable, the thresher shark is famous for its incredibly long tail used to herd and stun prey. Often gliding gracefully in open water, it’s a thrilling sight for divers lucky enough to encounter it. As a protected species, seeing one is a reminder of the importance of preserving our ocean giants.

Blue-Ringed Octopus

Small but striking, the blue-ringed octopus dazzles with bright blue rings that flash when it feels threatened. Despite its tiny size, it’s one of the ocean’s most powerful residents—highly venomous and best admired from a safe distance. Spotting one is a rare and unforgettable experience for careful divers.

Mandarin Fish

Vibrant, tiny, and impossibly colorful, the mandarin fish is a true reef jewel. Often spotted in pairs among reef crevices, its dazzling patterns make it a favorite for underwater photographers. Seeing one is a magical reminder of the reef’s hidden wonders.

Explore more images of the amazing critters waiting beneath the waves.

You’ll be staying with

Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort

Buena Vida Beach Resort & Spa

How to get there

Arrival in Cebu/Mactan International Airport

From Cebu Int’l Airport to Maya Pier: 3-4 hours by car

From Maya Pier to Malapascua Island: approx. 30-40 minutes by local banca boat

Diving Destinations

Explore the Philippines, one dive at a time.

Discover five unique dive spots across the Philippines — each offering its own underwater experience.

Sea Explorers is a professional dive operator with multiple dive centers across the Visayas—Cabilao, Dauin, Malapascua, and Sipalay. We offer fun diving, PADI courses, island-hopping, and dive safaris, all with our signature “Dive with a Smile” service.

We have five dive centers:
• Cabilao, Bohol
• Dauin, Negros Oriental
• Malapascua, Cebu
• Sipalay, Negros Occidental

All locations are excellent for beginners due to calm conditions and easy dive sites.

Malapascua is the only place in the world where you can reliably see thresher sharks year-round during sunrise dives. Recently, the sharks have been frequenting another nearby shoal—making sightings exciting and new.

Dauin is world-famous for muck diving and rare critters like frogfish, nudibranchs, and octopus species.

Yes. The ReActivate or Back-in-Water program helps divers regain confidence safely.

Yes. Daily dives, discounted packages, island-hopping combinations, and multi-destination dive safaris are available.

Yes. Courses range from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster and Instructor Development (IDC) programs.

PADI.com

Ready to Dive In?

Whether it’s your first dive or your next big adventure, we’re here to guide you beneath the surface. Let’s plan something unforgettable.