Diving in Malapascua

Monad Shoal – This submerged sea mount is Malapascua’s most famous dive site and the best spot for thresher sharks sightings. Diving here is either a “swimming dive” or on a stationary line waiting for the sharks to approach. Close encounters with these incredible predators are not unusual. It’s a thrilling experience and a must-do if visiting the Philippines to dive. Gato Island – This marine reserve and sea snake sanctuary offers a huge diversity of marine life. You’ll find stunning corals, swim throughs and rock formations, abundant fish life and a plethora of critters. Look out for schooling fish and cruising reef sharks. It’s a beautiful dive and every dive here is different. Lapus Lapus – Offering arguably the best coral in Malapascua, this is a kaleidoscopic site which always impresses. You can find frogfish, mantis shrimp, scorpionfish, cuttlefish and octopus on the reef. Macro critters hide out in the shallow water soft coral garden and there is an excellent variety of reef fish. Butong Bato – This underwater pinnacle site is located close to Malapascua and is home to a large school of resident batfish. Corals here are healthy, vibrant and varied. Macro photographers will enjoy the nudibranch species and tiny crustaceans including zebra crabs and whip coral shrimps. Chocolate Island – An absolute must for macro photographers. Chocolate Island is a critter haven and regular sightings include flamboyant cuttlefish, Pegasus seamoths, nudibranch, flatworms, octopus, cowries and a host of shrimps and crustaceans.