Embark on an Extraordinary Diving Adventure

Explore the enchanting Malapascua Island, where the underwater world comes alive with unparalleled beauty and thrilling encounters. Known as a diver's paradise, Malapascua offers a gateway to a realm of vibrant coral gardens, diverse marine life, and exhilarating underwater landscapes. One of the crown jewels of our diving experiences is the renowned thresher shark dives at Kimud Shoal, where these graceful creatures navigate the crystal-clear waters with elegance.

As you dive deeper into the depths surrounding Malapascua, you'll discover a kaleidoscope of marine wonders that captivate the senses. Join us as we delve into the heart of this aquatic paradise, where every dive is an exploration of nature's breathtaking spectacle.

Gato Island

Located about 40 minutes by boat from our dive center, Gato Island offers depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, making it one of the most beloved dive sites for those visiting Malapascua. As a designated marine reserve, this island is a sanctuary for a wide array of marine life, particularly the numerous sea snakes that inhabit its waters. A typical dive trip to Gato Island includes two dives, each revealing unique underwater landscapes. Divers can explore the island’s impressive wall dives, swim-throughs, and a thrilling cave that cuts right through the island, offering an exciting experience as you traverse from one side to the other. Marine life at Gato Island is diverse, with frequent sightings of whitetip reef sharks resting in the caves, alongside vibrant nudibranchs, and the famous sea snakes. The site’s dramatic underwater topography and abundant wildlife make it a highlight for underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts. Due to the relatively deep dive profiles and the complexity of the swim-throughs and caves, Gato Island is recommended for advanced divers. However, for those with the necessary experience, it promises an unforgettable diving adventure in one of the most stunning marine environments around Malapascua.

Kimud Shoal

Located approximately 50 minutes by boat from our dive center, Kimud Shoal is a submerged island that ranges in depth from 15 to 40 meters. It is one of the most renowned dive sites in the Philippines, drawing divers from around the world for the rare opportunity to witness the majestic thresher sharks. These elusive creatures are frequently seen at the shoal's cleaning station, situated at a depth of about 16 meters. To experience this thrilling encounter, dives typically depart between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, just before sunrise. As the sun begins to illuminate the horizon, divers descend into the tranquil blue waters of Kimud Shoal and wait in eager anticipation. Soon, the distinctive silhouettes of the thresher sharks appear as they rise gracefully from the deeper waters to the cleaning station, offering an unforgettable sight. In addition to thresher sharks, Kimud Shoal is also home to a variety of pelagic species, including schools of tuna, barracudas, and jacks, which can often be spotted in the deeper areas of the dive. With its incredible marine life and unique opportunity for close shark encounters, Kimud Shoal is a must-visit destination for any serious diver exploring the waters around Malapascua Island.

Deep Slope

Deep Slope is one of Malapascua Island's popular dive sites, offering a unique underwater experience. Situated near the north end of the island, this dive spot is characterized by its gradual sloping topography that descends to deeper waters. The slope begins around 12 meters and drops down to about 25 meters, providing a range of depths ideal for both novice and experienced divers.

What makes Deep Slope remarkable is its diverse marine life. It's particularly known for sightings of rare and exotic creatures, such as frogfish, ghost pipefish, and seahorses, making it a favorite for macro photographers. Nudibranchs of various species are also commonly spotted, adding vibrant colors to the dive.

With good visibility and minimal current, Deep Slope is an accessible dive for those looking to explore the hidden underwater world around Malapascua Island, particularly for those interested in macro diving and rare species.

The Lighthouse Site

The Lighthouse dive site near Malapascua Island is one of the most iconic and unique locations for divers, particularly known for its rare and exciting night dives. This shallow dive site, located just off the northern coast of the island, has a maximum depth of around 5 to 10 meters, making it accessible to divers of all levels. What makes the Lighthouse special is the opportunity to witness the famous mandarin fish mating ritual, which happens just after sunset. These vibrantly colored, small, and elusive fish are often seen darting around coral rubble and rocks, making it a must-visit spot for photographers and marine life enthusiasts. The evening dive offers a rare chance to observe this fascinating behavior, as the mandarin fish emerge from the coral to perform their courtship dance. Besides mandarin fish, the Lighthouse is also home to a variety of other nocturnal marine species. Divers may encounter seahorses, pipefish, shrimp, and crabs as they explore the nooks and crannies of the site. The shallow depth and calm conditions make it an ideal spot for observing and photographing these small, intricate creatures up close. During the day, the Lighthouse is also a good spot for seeing juvenile fish species and small reef critters. While it may not boast the expansive coral formations of deeper sites, its unique offerings, especially the mandarin fish spectacle, make it a dive site not to be missed when visiting Malapascua Island.

Lapus Lapus

Lapus Lapus, located off the western coast of Malapascua Island, is a stunning dive site known for its dramatic underwater landscape and vibrant marine life. The name "Lapus Lapus" means "small passage" in Cebuano, reflecting the site's narrow channels and unique rock formations that create a maze-like underwater terrain. This dive site features a series of steep walls and rocky outcroppings covered in soft corals, sponges, and sea fans. The depth ranges from 5 to 18 meters, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The shallow areas are perfect for relaxed diving and enjoying the colorful coral gardens, while the deeper sections offer more opportunities to explore overhangs and small caverns. Lapus Lapus is especially favored for its rich marine biodiversity. Schools of fusiliers, damselfish, and anthias swarm around the corals, while larger species such as groupers, trevally, and barracudas can often be seen patrolling the deeper waters. Macro enthusiasts will appreciate the site’s array of nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimp hiding among the rocks and corals. The site’s calm waters and excellent visibility make it a great spot for underwater photography. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting, Lapus Lapus offers a picturesque and serene dive with plenty of marine life to discover.