Malapascua Thresher Sharks – Monad Shoal Diving, Philippines
Malapascua is a small island off the northern tip of Cebu, in the Philippines. It is one of the very few places in the world where you can see thresher sharks on most days. They rise from deep water at dawn to be cleaned on Monad Shoal, a sunken island close by. The reefs around Malapascua also have good macro and a few wrecks.
Who Malapascua Works For
Shark Fans
Early Risers
Dawn dives
Macro Lovers
Small Groups
Up to 6 guests
Advanced Open Water
Monad Shoal
You Can See
Threshers and More
Thresher Sharks
Seen at dawn on most days.
Macro Life
Seahorses, frogfish and nudibranchs at Gato Island.
Wrecks
Old ships covered in coral near the island.
Reefs
Coral gardens for relaxed second dives.
Ready for the thresher sharks?
Where You’ll Dive
Malapascua Dive Sites
Monad Shoal
A sunken island where thresher sharks come to be cleaned at dawn. You wait quietly on the edge of the plateau.
Kimud Shoal
A second shoal nearby with threshers and other sharks on some days.
Gato Island
A marine reserve with a swim-through tunnel, whitetip sharks, seahorses and frogfish.
Dona Marilyn Wreck
A passenger ferry that sank in 1988, now covered in soft coral.
Most trips include the dawn dive at Monad Shoal several times.
Small-Group Pick
The Liveaboard We Recommend for Malapascua
Philippines Explorer II
Built in 2008, for only 6 guests. Weekly 7-night “Sharks & Shoals” and “Mantas & Sharks” trips all year. Also available for full charter.
View boat →Sharks & Shoals or Mantas & Sharks?
Sharks & Shoals
Focused on the thresher sharks at Monad and Kimud Shoal, plus the reefs around Malapascua.
Mantas & Sharks
The thresher sharks plus extra sites where mantas are sometimes seen. We confirm the plan for your week.
Want a special offer for Malapascua?
Message us directly — the boat takes only 6 guests, so tell us your dates early.
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Before You Book Your Malapascua Trip
Going Solo on a Liveaboard
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Certification for a Liveaboard
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What to Pack for a Liveaboard
Read more →Why BookDiveBoat for Malapascua?
With only 6 guests on board, Malapascua weeks fill quickly. We work directly with the boat and can also arrange a full charter for your group.
FAQ
Malapascua Thresher Shark Questions
When can I see thresher sharks at Malapascua?
Why are the dives so early?
What experience do I need?
How many guests are on the boat?
What else can I see?
How do I get to Malapascua?
Book Your Malapascua Liveaboard
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