Malapascua

How to Dive with Thresher Sharks on a Budget

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing thresher sharks up close, Malapascua Island should be at the top of your list. This tiny island off the northern tip of Cebu might be laid-back and remote, but it offers one of the most unique diving experiences in the world. Here’s everything you need to know to get there, dive on a budget, and make the most of your stay, even if you’re short on time (and pesos).

Why Go to Malapascua?

Thresher shark diving! Malapascua is one of the few places in the world where you can reliably see pelagic thresher sharks year-round. These deep-sea sharks normally live far offshore, but here they come up to a cleaning station every morning around sunrise. 

How to Get to Malapascua

Getting to Malapascua is surprisingly straightforward, though it does take a little effort. 

 

Step 1: Get to Cebu

Most travellers fly into Cebu City. If you’re coming from Manila, there are daily domestic flights. If you’re already somewhere else in Southeast Asia, you might also find direct flights to Cebu.

Step 2: Bus or Van to Maya Port

From Cebu City, head to the North Bus Terminal and hop on a bus or van to Maya Port.

  • Non-AC Bus (Ceres): ~4 hours, ~300 PHP, cheaper, faster, and still comfy.
  • AC Bus: ~5–6 hours, pricier and slightly slower.
  • Van: Faster but tighter seating.

 

Ceres Bus and Rough Riders have different arrival points. We recommend taking a Ceres Bus since its last stop is the Maya New Ferry Port, where you can catch a boat bound for Malapascua.

Step 3: Ferry to Malapascua

  • Ferry time: ~35 minutes
  • Cost: 200 PHP per person
  • Fees: 20 PHP terminal fee + 120 PHP environmental fee
  • Ferry hours: 07:00 to 17:00 daily. The boats leave when full, so you might wait a little. 

Budget Stay on Malapascua

We booked Elen Inn, a no-frills guesthouse that was perfect for our budget.

  • Price: $24 per night for 2 people

There are lots of options depending on your budget, but even the budget stays here are just a short walk to the beach.

Thresher Shark Diving (and More)

We went with Evolution Dive Resort and had a great experience. Friendly team, solid gear, and smooth logistics.

 

Thresher Shark Dive, Kimud Shoal:

  • Dive time: Very early (5:00 AM departure)
  • Cost: $36 per dive with rental gear
  • Why two dives? To double your chances of seeing a shark.

We got incredibly lucky, many threshers swam right above us. But sightings do vary. Some people only spot them from a distance, so it’s partly luck, partly persistence.

 

You can also do separate day and night dives ($44 per night dive, including $5 torch rental fee per dive), and a day trip to Gato Island ($100 with gear).

 

While the thresher sharks were the highlight, the diving around Malapascua offered more sightings. On our dives , we also spotted:

  • Lionfish
  • White tip reef sharks: usually sleeping under ledges
  • Seahorses

Getting Back to Cebu

Just reverse the route:

  • Morning ferry back to Maya (~35 min), they leave every 20-30 mins.
  • Walk 5–10 minutes to catch a van or bus (~4 hours) back to Cebu City, the terminal is called Public Bus Terminal on Google Maps. 

Tips for Malapascua

  • Only 2 ATMs on the island and they don’t always work + they are hard to find. Bring enough PHP for your entire stay.

  • The island is walkable, so no need for scooters or taxis.

Final Thoughts

Malapascua might take some effort to get to, but it’s worth every minute.  And the best part? You don’t need to blow your budget to enjoy it.

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