Tropical Getaway: Malapascua's Dive and Beach Retreat
Malapascua Island, located in the Philippines, is a diver's paradise, renowned worldwide for its thresher shark encounters. This small island in the Visayas region offers a vibrant underwater experience with diverse species beyond just sharks.
Dive Sites for Thresher Shark Encounter
The best dive sites for thresher shark encounters are Kimud Shoal and Monad Shoal.
Kimud Shoal, about an hour boat ride from Malapascua, offers dives at around 14 meters depth, with cleaning stations for thresher sharks at about 28 meters. It is currently the prime spot for thresher shark sightings and requires at least Advanced Open Water certification due to the depth.
Monad Shoal, a larger underwater ridge at roughly 20 meters depth, was once the main thresher shark area but now is better known for occasional tiger shark sightings. Despite less thresher activity, it remains a popular dive site near Malapascua.
While Malapascua is famed for thresher sharks, encounters with hammerheads are less common and not prominently mentioned at these sites. However, the island offers chances for manta rays, white tip sharks, and tiger sharks.
Top Dive Centers in Malapascua
Top dive centers such as Evolution Diving and Sea Explorers Malapascua have excellent reputations for safety, environmental standards, and quality guiding, enhancing the chances of memorable marine life encounters. These centers offer a variety of dive sites and daily dives to see thresher sharks.
Accommodation and Amenities
The resort in Malapascua offers various accommodation options, including Super Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Standard Rooms, Gopro Lodges, Premier Room, Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Suite, and Ocean Suite. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as satellite cable TV, hot and cold shower, and a private balcony.
The resort also boasts an acclaimed international restaurant offering a wide range of dishes, a coffee corner serving the best coffee on the island, and a sea view bar and restaurant with a wide variety of alcoholic drinks. Happy Hour at the sea view bar and restaurant is from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, offering buy 1 and get 1 for free on selected cocktail drinks.
Getting to Malapascua
Malapascua Island is accessible via private road and water transfer from Mactan International Airport. The time zone in Malapascua is UTC+8, and electricity is 220V. Languages spoken include Filipino, Swedish, and English, and credit cards (Visa & MasterCard) are accepted.
History of Thresher Shark Diving in Malapascua
Exotics Dive Center was the first to carry out thresher shark encounters on Malapascua in 1997. Since then, the island has become a thresher shark diving hotspot, attracting divers from around the world.
In summary, Malapascua is a must-visit destination for any serious diver, offering a unique opportunity to encounter thresher sharks and a variety of other marine life. With its well-equipped dive centers, diverse range of accommodation options, and vibrant resort amenities, Malapascua promises an unforgettable diving experience.
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- For exceptional thresher shark encounters, divers should consider Kimud Shoal and Monad Shoal off Malapascua Island, renowned dive sites in the Philippines.
- Top dive centers like Evolution Diving and Sea Explorers Malapascua ensure safe diving experiences with high environmental standards, enhancing the likelihood of exciting marine life encounters.
- The resort in Malapascua offers a range of accommodation options, catering to different travelers with modern amenities and stunning views – making it a perfect home-and-garden away from home.
- A trip toMalapascua Island can be combined with various underwater activities such as diving, snorkeling, and traveling to explore the rich marine life, contributing to an enriching travel lifestyle.
- Local restaurants and bars at the resort offer an array of dishes, coffee, and alcoholic drinks to provide travelers with a satisfying taste of Malapascua along with their unparalleled underwater experiences.
