10.3157° N · 123.8854° E — Cebu, Philippines
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Diving & Snorkeling Featured

Thresher Shark Diving

One of the world's only reliable locations to dive with pelagic thresher sharks at the famous Monad Shoal cleaning station.

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Category
Diving & Snorkeling
Town
Daanbantayan
Opening Hours
Thresher shark dives: 5:00 AM departure daily. Other dives throughout the day.
Duration
Half day (for thresher shark dive)
Difficulty
Moderate

The overview

About Thresher Shark Diving

Malapascua Island is world-renowned as one of the only places on Earth where divers can reliably encounter pelagic thresher sharks. These magnificent creatures, known for their extraordinarily long tail fins that can be as long as their body, visit a seamount called Monad Shoal every morning to be cleaned by smaller fish at cleaning stations. The dive to see thresher sharks typically begins before dawn, with boats departing around 5 AM to reach Monad Shoal for sunrise. Divers descend to approximately 20-25 meters and wait at the cleaning station where the sharks arrive. The experience of watching these elegant predators glide past in the early morning light is truly unforgettable and draws divers from around the world. Beyond thresher sharks, Malapascua offers diverse diving experiences including manta rays at Monad Shoal (seasonal), mandarin fish at Lighthouse Reef, and various macro subjects throughout the island's dive sites. The island has numerous professional dive centers offering courses from beginner to advanced, making it accessible for divers of all levels.

What makes it worth it

Highlights

  • Daily thresher shark sightings
  • Monad Shoal cleaning station
  • Predawn diving experience
  • Professional dive centers
  • Manta rays (seasonal)
  • Mandarin fish dives
Tips for visitors
  1. 1 Book with reputable dive shops - quality and safety vary. Advanced Open Water certification recommended for Monad Shoal. Early morning dives start at 5 AM - prepare the night before. Bring warm exposure suit as early morning can be cool. Best sightings are 6-7 AM.

Wayfinder route

How to get there

Stay on Malapascua Island and book through any of the dive centers. They provide transport to dive sites.

Before you go

Frequently asked

How much is the entrance fee at Thresher Shark Diving?
Expect to pay diving: PHP 2,500-4,000 per dive including equipment (rates vary by shop) at Thresher Shark Diving.
What are the opening hours at Thresher Shark Diving?
Thresher Shark Diving is open thresher shark dives: 5:00 AM departure daily. Other dives throughout the day.
When is the best time to visit Thresher Shark Diving?
The best time to visit Thresher Shark Diving is year-round thresher sharks. December to May for best visibility and conditions.
How long should you spend at Thresher Shark Diving?
Allow half a day (for thresher shark dive) for a visit to Thresher Shark Diving.

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Nearby on the chart

Where to stay & eat nearby

Amalia Transient Inn
Hotels & Resorts 9.61 ₱₱₱₱

Amalia Transient Inn

Daanbantayan

A bed and breakfast on Montenova Street in Daanbantayan, near the Malapascua ferry port.

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Chief’s Villa 1 (Less 20prcnt-1Wk, 40prcnt-1Mnth)
Vacation Rentals & Apartments 8.334 ₱₱₱₱

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.

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Chief's Villa 2 (Save up to50 prcnt for long term)
Vacation Rentals & Apartments 8.631 ₱₱₱₱

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.

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Chief's Villa Couple Room (New)
Hotels & Resorts 0.0 ₱₱₱₱

Chief's Villa Couple Room (New)

Daanbantayan

A new couple's villa room in Daanbantayan, northern Cebu, near the Malapascua gateway.

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Where to stay near Daanbantayan

Search live rates for hotels and rentals near Thresher Shark Diving on Agoda — filter by your dates, price, and guest score.

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Beaches

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Quick facts◆

Entrance Fee

Diving: PHP 2,500-4,000 per dive including equipment (rates vary by shop)

Opening Hours

Thresher shark dives: 5:00 AM departure daily. Other dives throughout the day.

Duration

Half day (for thresher shark dive)

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time to Visit

Year-round thresher sharks. December to May for best visibility and conditions.

On the map11.33° N

Monad Shoal, off Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu

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