Diving Malapascua

MARINE LIFE IN MALAPASCUA

Scuba diving in Malapascau is a true pelagic paradise experience. Almost every dive trip you have here will involve seeing some spectacular marine species including Hammerhead sharks, Thresher sharks, Manta rays, Requiem sharks and Devil rays. Aside from the larger species, all the smaller species are really thriving here in the extremely flourishing reef, with some remarkable lionfish, scorpionfish, frogfish, nudibranchs, sea snakes and schools of tropical fish. With the water being so clear there are some gorgeous underwater shots that can be taken here.

BEST DIVE SITES IN MALAPASCUA

MONAD SHOAL: This dive site is geared towards more advanced divers as it starts at 22m (72ft) and there is a first drop which drops down to 45m (147ft) with a second drop dropping down to a much deeper depth. This is one of the most well-known places to see the unique and adorable Thresher sharks. At certain times of the year giant Manta rays and Devils rays also make an appearance.

KIMUD SHOAL: If you are wanting to organize a dive trip to the Kimud Shoal then you will encounter a dive site which slopes off to a wall which drops down to the depths. The plateau starts at 10m (30ft) so it is accessible for all divers. This is a popular dive site for large species to visit throughout the year including Hammerhead sharks, Manta Rays and Requiem sharks.

GATO ISLAND: Scuba diving Gato Island means scuba diving in a marine protected area which means a thrive coral reef which inhabits sea sakes, frog fish, nudibranch and seahorses. You are also bound to see sleeping sharks around here, including white tip reef sharks who are often hidden away in the crevices. There is a tunnel which runs underneath the dive site which is a unique experience with an impressive overhead environment covered in corals and sponges. An absolute paradise for underwater photographers.

BEST TIME TO DIVE IN MALAPASCUA

SEASONS AND CONDITIONS: It is possible to dive all year round in Malapascau, but the absolute best time to go scuba diving in Malapascau is from October to March, with the dry season being April and May and the rainy season from July to August, but this does not have much of a negative effect on your diving experience. The visibility is on average excellent; 30 m (90 ft).

WATER TEMPERATURE: The temperature of the water also varies, but is always at a pleasant temperature. The temperature at its lowest is 23 C (73 F) and heats up to 30 C (86 F), all for which you only need a wetsuit, and in the dry season with the warmest water temperatures a shorty wetsuit will suffice, or even no wetsuit!

EXPERIENCE LEVEL FOR DIVING MALAPASCAU

Scuba Diving in Malapascau means seeing some of the best dive spots in the world, and it is possible for everyone of any level of diving. There are numerous dive sites in each dive area, an each with their own level of difficulty, some have quite strong currents or are extremely deep and so those are only for the more experienced divers. In general it is very beneficial for you if you have your Open Water Certification and for some dives including wreck dives a further certification is needed.

HOW DO I GET TO MALAPASCUA?

The main entrance port into the Philippines coming from international destinations is Cebu City, one of the largest cities in the Philippines and this is the most convenient port to arrive at to go diving in Malapascau. The international airport here is called Mactan-Cebu International Airport and receives flights from Manila, other south East Asian destinations and Dubai, there are also other international flights that arrive here but always through a transfer in a neighbouring country. If you have signed up for a Philippines liveaboard trip, then they will depart from the port of Cebu City. Cebu itself has an array of waterfalls and jungles for you to go and explore during your time there, for some on-land adventures!