Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer

Malapascua Island in the Philippines is a renowned destination for advanced open water divers seeking thrilling shark encounters. Situated off the northern tip of Cebu, this picturesque island offers daily sightings of majestic thresher sharks at the Monad and Kimud Shoals. Tailored dive packages provide the opportunity to experience these awe-inspiring creatures up close, led by expert PADI divemasters. With optional transfer services from Cebu City and Mactan, this adventure offers a seamless travel experience for those ready to explore the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

Key Points

• Malapascua Island offers daily thresher shark sightings during early morning dives at Monad Shoal (16-30 meters) and Kimud Shoal (12 meters).
• The shark dive activity is suitable only for Advanced Open Water Divers, with a check-dive or refresher recommended for limited experience.
• Pricing starts at $99.70 per person, with a "reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Along With thresher sharks, divers can expect to encounter large rays, frogfish, and other diverse marine life during the unforgettable diving experience.
• Pickup and drop-off services from Cebu City and Mactan are available, and divers must confirm their dive schedule and equipment the day prior at the dive shop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The article provides an overview of the shark dive activity at Malapascua Island, which is known as the only place to see thresher sharks on a daily basis.

The price for this dive experience starts at $99.70 per person. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, a "reserve now & pay later" option is available for those who want more flexibility with their travel plans.

The article covers all the essential details, from dive sites and depths to dive duration and marine life sightings.

Dive Details and Experience

Malapascua Island boasts two prominent dive sites for the thrilling shark dives – Monad Shoal and Kimud Shoal.

Monad Shoal offers depths of 16-30 meters, while Kimud Shoal is shallower at 12 meters. Early morning dives are the best for spotting thresher sharks and other marine life.

Monad Shoal offers depths of 16-30 meters, while Kimud Shoal is shallower at 12 meters. Early morning dives are best for spotting thresher sharks.

Divers can choose between double or three-shark-dive trips, all led by experienced PADI Divemasters. Sightings of thresher sharks, large rays, frogfish, and more are virtually guaranteed, with recent years seeing exceptional encounters.

The dives are suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers only, and a check-dive or refresher is recommended for those with limited recent experience.

Marine Life and Sightings

Thresher sharks, large rays, frogfish, and a diverse array of other marine life can be spotted during the thrilling shark dives at Malapascua.

Divers may encounter whitetip reef sharks, grey sharks, devil rays, blue-ringed octopus, ornate ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and shrimps.

Sightings have been exceptional, with the best in 20 years. Hammerhead sharks are occasionally spotted at Kimud Shoal, adding to the excitement.

The waters around Malapascua teem with an abundance of fascinating creatures, providing divers with an unforgettable experience.

Witnessing these magnificent sharks up close is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

Requirements and Recommendations

Although the shark dive at Malapascua is a thrilling experience, it’s only suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers. Certification is required, as the depths can reach 30 meters.

Those with limited recent diving experience should consider a check-dive or refresher before participating. The dive isn’t recommended for children under 15 either.

Tour groups are capped at 15 travelers to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. Divers must also stay on Malapascua Island the night before the early morning dives.

Following these requirements ensures a safe and unforgettable encounter with the magnificent thresher sharks.

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Equipment and Fees

Equipment rental for the shark dive at Malapascua typically costs 400 PHP per dive or 800 PHP for a 2-dive trip.

In addition, there’s a 450 PHP per day marine park fee and a 500 PHP per dive fuel surcharge.

Pickup and drop-off services are available from Cebu City and Mactan, but you must stay on Malapascua Island the night before for the early morning dives.

Be sure to confirm the dive schedule and equipment the day prior at the dive shop, as they’ll ensure everything is ready for your thrilling shark encounter.

Transportation and Accommodations

To reach Malapascua Island for the shark dive, travelers have a few transportation options. They can book a pickup and drop-off service from Cebu City or Mactan, which is recommended to ensure they arrive in time for the early morning dives.

Alternatively, travelers can make their own way to the island, but must stay overnight on Malapascua the night before the dive to be ready for the early start.

The dive shop confirms the dive schedule and equipment the day prior, so divers should check in with them upon arrival.

Accommodation options on the island include resorts and guesthouses.

Booking and Scheduling

How can travelers book the Malapascua shark dive experience? Booking the shark dive is straightforward. Travelers can reserve online or directly with the dive shop. A deposit may be required to secure the booking. Payment can be made in advance or upon arrival. The dive shop offers a reserve now, pay later option for flexible travel plans.

| Booking Process | Deposit | Payment Options |

|—————–|———|—————–|

| Online Booking | May be required | Pay in advance or on-site |

| Direct Booking | May be required | Pay in advance or on-site |

| Reserve Now, Pay Later | Not required | Pay on-site |

Confirming the dive schedule and equipment the day prior at the dive shop is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re some common questions travelers have about the Malapascua shark dive experience?

Divers often ask if sightings are guaranteed. While thresher shark encounters are likely, the operator can’t promise 100% sightings.

Travelers also inquire about the minimum certification level. This tour is suitable only for Advanced Open Water divers – those without certification or with limited experience should consider taking a refresher course first.

Another popular question is whether children can participate. The dive operator doesn’t allow divers under 15 years old.

Experienced divers can expect to see thresher sharks, large rays, and other fascinating marine life during these exceptional dives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Sharks Can Be Seen on the Dive?

The dive offers the opportunity to see a variety of shark species, including thresher sharks, whitetip reef sharks, grey sharks, and even the occasional hammerhead shark. Sightings of these impressive marine creatures are virtually guaranteed during the early morning dives.

Is It Possible to See Hammerhead Sharks on the Dive?

Hammerhead sharks are occasionally spotted at Kimud Shoal during the shark dives. While not guaranteed, the chance to see these impressive sharks adds to the excitement of the exceptional sightings of various shark species on these dives.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on the Shark Dive?

The best time to go on the shark dive is the early morning, as this is when the thresher sharks are most active and sightings are most likely. Peak season is typically from November to May when conditions are optimal.

Can I Bring My Own Dive Equipment or Is It Provided?

For the shark dive, divers can either bring their own equipment or rent it from the dive shop for 400 PHP per dive or 800 PHP for a 2-dive trip. The choice is up to the individual diver’s preference.

Is There a Minimum Number of Divers Required for the Trip?

The minimum number of divers required for the trip is not specified. However, the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers per trip, indicating there is no minimum number as long as the tour capacity is not exceeded.

The Sum Up

Malapascua Island offers an unparalleled shark diving experience for advanced divers. With early morning dives at Monad and Kimud Shoals, divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including the iconic thresher shark. The optional transfer services from Cebu City and Mactan make it a seamless and convenient choice for thrill-seekers seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: