Malapascua Island⚠ data unverified
Philippines · Asia · Visayan Sea
4.0
/ 5
★★★★☆
Wall-and-reef diving with a well-rounded site — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Level Advanced
Marine life
4.0
Visibility
4.0
Accessibility
3.8
Facilities
4.5
Pros
- Excellent visibility up to 20 m
- 3 standout marine species
- Best conditions in Nov–Jun
Cons
- Moderate currents can pick up
- Deep dives to 40 m
Best for
Not for
Plan your trip
$$🛏️
Suggested stay
2–3 days
💸
Cost level
Relative cost $$ · ≈ $71/day
Developed dive town, but options are limited and prices average.
🏨
Where to stay
Day-boat diving based at a dedicated dive resort or dive centre. A manageable dive base with a handful of operators.
🧭
Real daily cost in Philippines
Around $71/day per person · food $24 · hotel $46
Good to know
- Moderate current that makes for an easy, relaxed drift.
- Conditions can be demanding; dive with an operator who knows the site.
- Built for experienced divers — an Advanced Open Water cert is a good idea.
- Prime season is Nov–Jun.
📷 Matt Kieffer · CC BY-SA 4.0
Depth
10–40 m (33–131 ft)
Visibility
20 m (66 ft)
Water temp
27–29°C (81–84°F)
Current
Moderate
Best season
Nov–Jun
Certification
Advanced
Dive shops
10
Why go
Malapascua Island sits in the Visayan Sea off Philippines, a wall and reef system where dives drop from shallow tops into deeper water. Dives run to 40 m with around 20 m visibility, moderate currents and sea temperatures of 27–29°C. Marine highlights include thresher sharks, mantas and devil rays. Best season is Nov–Jun, typically reached by boat. Built for experienced divers. An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. With dives to 40 m, comfort at depth is recommended.
Site type
ReefWall
Access
Boat
Loved it. Getting there by boat was easy, and the water was a comfortable 27–29°C.
Reliable conditions and plenty of variety — I rate it highly for guiding.
Wasn't sure what to expect, and it completely won me over.