Malapascua Island
A world-famous diving paradise known for thresher shark encounters, featuring beautiful white sand beaches and laid-back island vibes.
The overview
About Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is a small paradise island located off the northern tip of Cebu, part of Daanbantayan municipality. This 2.5-kilometer long island has gained international fame as one of the few places in the world where divers can reliably see thresher sharks, making it a bucket-list destination for diving enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond its underwater attractions, Malapascua offers beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back island atmosphere. The main beach, Bounty Beach, features powdery white sand and a picturesque shoreline lined with beach resorts, restaurants, and dive shops. The island's small size makes it perfect for exploration on foot. Malapascua has developed into a well-rounded tourist destination while maintaining its charm as a quiet fishing community. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, island hopping to nearby islets, watching sunsets from the lighthouse on the northern tip, or simply relaxing on the beach. The island offers a range of accommodations from budget hostels to comfortable beach resorts.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- World-famous thresher shark diving
- Bounty Beach white sand
- Laid-back island atmosphere
- Excellent snorkeling
- Scenic lighthouse
- Range of accommodations
- 1 Book accommodations in advance during peak season (December-May). Bring cash as ATMs are limited. The island is small and walkable. Respect the marine environment - don't touch or chase marine life. Electricity may have scheduled outages.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a bus to Maya Port (4-5 hours). From Maya, take a boat to Malapascua Island (30-45 minutes, PHP 100-150 per person, or PHP 2000-2500 for private boat).
Before you go
Frequently asked
How much is the entrance fee at Malapascua Island?
What are the opening hours at Malapascua Island?
When is the best time to visit Malapascua Island?
How long should you spend at Malapascua Island?
Book tours & tickets for Malapascua Island
Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours with real-time prices and free cancellation on most options. Link opens in a new tab.
Book Island Hopping on KlookAffiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby on the chart
Where to stay & eat nearby
Amalia Transient Inn
Daanbantayan
A bed and breakfast on Montenova Street in Daanbantayan, near the Malapascua ferry port.
View & Book
Chief’s Villa 1 (Less 20prcnt-1Wk, 40prcnt-1Mnth)
Daanbantayan
5-star entire house rental in Daanbantayan with rates for weekly and monthly stays, rated 8.3/10.
View & Book
Chief's Villa 2 (Save up to50 prcnt for long term)
Daanbantayan
Entire-house rental in Logon, Daanbantayan, with discounted rates for long-term stays.
View & Book
Chief's Villa Couple Room (New)
Daanbantayan
A new couple's villa room in Daanbantayan, northern Cebu, near the Malapascua gateway.
View & BookWhere to stay near Daanbantayan
Search live rates for hotels and rentals near Malapascua Island on Agoda — filter by your dates, price, and guest score.
Keep exploring
You might also like
Badian Island
Badian
A private island paradise with white sand beaches, a marine sanctuary for snorkeling, and a wellness resort famous for its holistic spa treatments.
Botigues Island
Bantayan
A small, undeveloped fishing island in Bantayan's southwest islet chain, reached by boat for swimming and island-hopping.
Capitancillo Island
Bogo City
A pristine uninhabited island with a white sandbar, excellent marine sanctuary, and crystal-clear snorkeling waters off Bogo City's coast.
Thresher Shark Diving
Daanbantayan
One of the world's only reliable locations to dive with pelagic thresher sharks at the famous Monad Shoal cleaning station.
Entrance Fee
Environmental fee: PHP 100 per person
Opening Hours
Island accessible 24/7. Boat schedules typically 6 AM - 5 PM.
Duration
2-3 days recommended
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
November to May (dry season). December to April for best diving conditions.
Share this destination
- Haladaya Festival Daanbantayan (2026 Guide): Dates & Malapascua Pairing
- Laundry Services in Moalboal, Malapascua & Bantayan (2026)
- Malapascua 3-Day Itinerary (2026): Sharks, Sandbars & Sunsets
- Malapascua to Bantayan Island (2026): Direct Boat vs. Land Route
- South Cebu to North Cebu Transfer Guide (2026): Moalboal to Malapascua/Bantayan
- Best Hostels in Cebu (2026): Backpacker-Friendly Stays
- Cebu for Solo Travelers (2026): Complete Guide
- Cebu for Repeat Visitors: Beyond the Classics (2026)
- Best Island Resorts Near Cebu (2026): Mactan to Camotes
- Ferries from Cebu (2026): Complete Port & Route Guide
- Technical Diving in Cebu (2026): Tec & Deep Sites
- Cebu 10-Day Itinerary (2026): The Complete Trip
- Best Uninhabited & Deserted Islands Near Cebu (2026)
- Cebu Beaches with the Clearest Water (2026)
- Cebu for Backpackers (2026): Routes, Costs & Hostels
- 7-Day Cebu Itinerary: North, South & City (2026)
- Daanbantayan Beaches Guide, Cebu (2026)
- Kalanggaman Island (Palompon, Leyte) from Cebu (2026)
- Bantayan vs Malapascua (2026): Which Island Should You Choose?
- Cebu for Solo Female Travelers (2026): Safety & Tips
- Best Season for Thresher Sharks in Malapascua (2026)
- Malapascua Thresher Shark Diving: 2026 Guide
- Best Time to Dive in Cebu (2026): Season by Season
- Cebu vs Siargao (2026): Which Should You Pick?
- Where to Stay in Malapascua (2026 Area Guide)
- Flights from Japan to Cebu: Direct Routes & Tips (2026)
- Cebu Diving Itinerary (2026): Moalboal + Malapascua
- North Cebu 3-Day Itinerary (2026): Malapascua & Bantayan
- North Cebu vs South Cebu (2026): Which One Should You Visit?
- Daanbantayan Guide (2026): Malapascua & Kalanggaman Gateway
- Cebu North Bus Terminal Guide (2026): Routes, Fares & Location
- Cebu, Malapascua & Bantayan North Loop (2026): 5-Day Plan
- Best Islands in Cebu (2026): Top Island Escapes
- Cliff Jumping Spots in Cebu (2026): Best & Safest
- Renting a Private Van with Driver in Cebu (2026)
- 20 Best Places to Visit in Cebu (2026)
- Cebu vs Bohol (Panglao) Diving (2026 Comparison)
- Cebu to Malapascua via Maya Port (2026 Guide)
- Best Weekend Getaways from Cebu (2026)
- Gibitngil Island, Medellin (2026): North Cebu Island Guide
- Cebu 2-Week Itinerary (2026): See It All + Side Trips
- Best Dive Resorts in Cebu (2026): Top Dive Stays
- Best Romantic Resorts for Couples in Cebu (2026)
- North Cebu Travel Guide (2026): Malapascua, Bantayan & More
- Cebu for Divers (2026): Where & What to Dive
- Best Side Trips from Cebu (2026): Where to Go Next
- Cebu Solo Traveler Itinerary (2026): 5-Day Plan
- 8 Best Dive Spots in Cebu (2026): Sites Ranked by Level and Price
- Dive Insurance & Safety in Cebu (2026)
- Cebu City to Malapascua via Maya: Step-by-Step Route Guide (2026)
- Cebu Travel Guide for Japanese Travelers (2026)
- Best Season for Diving in Cebu (2026)
- Malapascua Island Beaches (2026): Bounty Beach & Beyond
- The 10 Best Islands to Visit Near Cebu (2026)
- Cebu Action-Packed Itinerary (2026): 5-Day Adrenaline Week
Planning your Cebu trip?
Our free guides cover what to do, how to get there, and where to stay across Cebu.
Explore travel guides →