Thresher shark diving in Malapascua

Diving in Malapascua will always stay very close to my heart. I went there without knowing what to expect, just following a few friends that wanted to dive there. And it changed me forever! Not only did it give birth to a never-ending passion for scuba diving with sharks but also for the exploration of remote places.

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Where is Malapascua

Malapascua is a remote island on the northern tip of Cebu island in the Philippines which lies in the Visayan Sea.

The island is a relatively small island being 2.5 kilometers long by 1 kilometer wide. And is under the jurisdiction of the peninsular barangay of Logon, Daanbantayan, Cebu.

The remoteness is due to the 6.8 kilometers across the shallow strait from Cebu Island that you need to cross to get there.

How to get to Malapascua island

Getting to Malapascua can be an overwhelming experience, but trust me, it is totally worth it.

The best way to get to Malapascua is to fly into the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City just outside Cebu City which is a short 30 minutes drive.

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From Cebu City, you will have to head to Maya New Roro Port to take the boat to Malapascua island. It takes on average 4 hours (with stops) by car from Cebu City to Maya New Roro Port.

The first ferry from Maya New Roro Port to Malapascua island leaves at 6:30 AM. The last boat leaves at 4:30 PM with a boat leaving either every 30 minutes or when there are enough passengers. SO MAKE SURE TO LEAVE CEBU CITY EARLY. The crossing to Malapascua island takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

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The best itinerary in my opinion is:

  1. Fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport
  2. Get a ride from the airport to Cebu City
  3. 1 overnight stay in Cebu City
  4. Leave Cebu City for Maya New Roro Port just after breakfast
  5. Take the first available ferry to Malapascua from Maya New Roro Port



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Malapascua temperatures

Getting to know the temperatures for your dive journey is essential for planning your trip.

Malapascua water temperature

The average water temperature in Malapascua is between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Keep in mind that the deeper you dive and longer you stay underwater, the colder you will get. Make sure to wear a proper wetsuit as advised in my essential gear list.

Malapascua island temperature

The lowest temperature is at night and drops to 26 degrees Celsius and the highest temperature during the day tops to 32 degrees Celsius.

If you are used to that type of weather, keep well hydrated and wear protective sun gear.

Marine species is Malapascua best known for

Marine species of Malapascua
Malapascua diving is full of life

Malapascua is the only place on earth where you can dive with thresher sharks all year round. It also offers one of the best muck dives and macro life you can find. Most importantly Malapascua offers some of the most saught-after marine species, which includes:

Malapascua diving season

Malapascua is a unique dive destination as you can dive all year round and see thresher sharks!

Therefore, it is best to plan your visit to the island based on what else you want to see and do:

Water visibility

Scuba diving with bad visibility
Visibility can be bad but the feeling is there!

The water visibility is mainly affected by the presence of plankton in the water. The highest levels of accumulation are during mid/end November to the end of January.

You can expect a 15 to 30 meters visibility during the rest of the year with June to September being the best months.

Dry season

The dry season in Malapascua stretches between the months of December to April. In other words, those months offer the lowest chances of rainfall and typhoons.

Keep in mind that this also coincides with the summer season and Holy Week in the Philippines. And thus, you can expect a lot of local tourism during the months of March and April.

Best time to dive with thresher sharks

As mentioned above, you can see thresher sharks all year round. Even though, it is best to avoid the months between November to January as it will drastically impact your encounters with the sharks. Threshers do keep their distances, therefore you want to see them through clear water.

Best time to dive with hammerhead sharks

The best time to see hammerheads in Malapascua is during the months of December to the end of April. Though from what I have heard and read, hammerhead encounters are becoming very rare, even in April when chances are the highest.

If your main focus is hammerhead sharks, do not pick Malapascua as your first choice. Above all, encountering one when most unexpected makes it the most magical!

Best time to dive with manta rays

It is possible to spot manta rays throughout the year when diving in Malapascua. The best time would be from the beginning of December to the end of May.

However, it is important to note that you do ‘spot’ manta rays. You don’t actually go for specific dives to see them as you would in Komodo for example. Check out my YouTube video of Komodo.

Whichever the case, it does add to the whole pelagic experience.

Best time to dive with whitetip reef sharks

Diving with white tip shark at Gato Island
Malapascua was my first opportunity to dive with white tip sharks

Just like with thresher sharks, you can see whitetip reef sharks all year round.

Do not miss the whitetip shark dives when in Malapascua!

Best time to dive with eagle rays and devil rays

Similar to manta rays, eagle and devil rays can fly by at any time during your dives. Though chances of spotting eagle rays are throughout the year.

I didn’t get lucky during my one week of diving 2 to 3 times a day in Malapascua. However, I’ve heard many people saying that spotting eagle rays while waiting for thresher sharks is really icing on top of the cake!

Check out my YouTube video Diving with Eagle Rays in Mauritius.

Best time for macro photography

Malapascua is a macro photography paradise, in the same vein as it is for thresher shark lovers.

The best diving season for macro photography is from February to May, during the dry season and with calm seas.

Best time for banded sea snakes

Yes yes! Malapascua hides yet another joker in its hands. It is home to the marine sanctuary for banded sea snakes. You can see them year-round, and no, they are not aggressive.

Which diving qualifications do you need for diving in Malapascua

Diving in Malapascua offers a variety of possibilities for all types of divers at different depths (5m to 30m). Consequently, you can dive and enjoy the wide array of marine life while just being an open water diver.

That said, diving in Malapascua is best enjoyed being at least Advanced Certified and with Nitrox certified as a bonus.

For instance, an open water diver can probably do the Monad Shoal dive to dive with thresher sharks (if you beg your DM to stay with you at 18m). But even then you will miss the whole magic of the experience that happens below the 20m mark.

The same goes for Gato Island, you will only be able to dive at The Lighthouse missing a lot of what the other neighboring dive sites have to offer.

As an open water diver diving in Malapascua, though, you can still do plenty of dives that are closer to shore and not deeper than 18m. There is still plenty for you to see from the elusive mandarin fish to the cutest ever pygmy seahorse.

Diving in Malapascua during COVID-19

Malapascua and the Philippines overall are open to tourism despite the high Level of COVID-19 in the country. So international travelers should make sure they follow the right procedures, before, during, and after visiting the Philippines. Please note:

When it comes to diving, most of the dive centers are fully operating in Malapascua. Mandatory hygiene protocols have been put in place by the government to ensure your chances of contracting the coronavirus during your scuba dive trip are the lowest.

Make sure to check with your resident country whether you will be allowed back in your home country after visiting the Philippines.

Diving in Malapascua

Malapascua from above
Diving is the main focus on Malapascua island

Dive centers in Malapascua

There are many dive centers in Malapascua with more than 10 on the island. Most of the dive centers are found on the south side of the island (so find your accommodation in that area).

You will hear good and bad things from every single dive center there as in my opinion, competition is high. Take the time to email and talk to the ones that you choose beforehand to get a feeling for it. All the dive centers offer pretty much the same dive trips and experience.

Diving in Malapascua on a liveaboard

You can also book a liveaboard to dive in Malapascua. This is also a great option and could even be a better choice I think. I did my first liveaboard after having dived in Malapascua so didn’t consider it that time around. However, I am going on a liveaboard on my next visit.

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Booking a liveaboard will give you easy access to some amazing dive sites that are far (though still possible from dive centers on the island. Such spots include:

  • Gato Island (40mins from Malapascua): the island and its surroundings offer mutliple dive experiences with 5 different sites and plenty to see. Being on a liveaboard will extend the amounts of dives you can do there and properly explore.
  • Kimud Shoal (60mins from Malapascua): Kimud Shoal is a sunken island best known for its schooling hammerheads. Their numbers have been reported to fallen in the recent years, therefore an hour boat trip may not be worth it whereas it would make sense from a liveaboard.
  • Nunez Shoal (2 hours from Malapascua): known for its crystal clear waters, this shoal is on the edge of a deep drop off making it amazing for pelagic encounters. Expect anything from sharks to eagly rays gliding above giant sea fans.
  • Capitancillo (2 hours from Malapascua): a delight for macro-lovers. This coral island offers a great wall dive with breathtaking corals, seafans, and a vibrant marine life.


Malapascua top dive sites

The dive sites around Malapascua range from 5 minutes to an hour boat ride. The wide variety of sites, therefore, offers an amazing variety of dive possibilities with so much to see. Here are 5 ‘must see’ dive sites (because there are way too many!)

Monad shoal

  • Travel time: 20 minutes
  • Depth: 26m+
  • Dive level: Experienced
  • Highlights: thresher sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, devil rays

Monad shoal is the dive site of Malapascua. It is the place to dive for thresher sharks and you are almost guaranteed to see them. It is the only place in the world where you can see thresher sharks every day!

Gato Island

Gato Island is another must when diving in Malapascua. Your main worry will be which lens to choose, wide or macro? Therefore I recommend photographers and videographers plan much more than 2 dives in that area.

The island offers a variety of unique dive experiences with 5 different sites:

Whitetip Alley

  • Travel time: 40 minutes
  • Depth: 24m
  • Dive level: Novice
  • Highlights: whitetip reef sharks, frog fish, spider crabs

Whitetip Alley is an amazing experience with a nearly 100% chance of seeing the sharks. On top of that, they are far from small. Some of them can reach a good 2 meters; nice!

The Cave

Scuba diving at Gato island
The Cave is full of surprises
  • Travel time: 40 minutes
  • Depth: 24m
  • Dive level: Experienced
  • Highlights: bamboo and cat sharks, lobsters, cardinal fish

You are in for the ride of a lifetime! 30 meters of an underwater tunnel that runs beneath the island!

Being in a cave with whitetip sharks appearing and disappearing from every dark corner is just mind-blowing! I have to admit that it may have been the best dive of the whole trip for me.

The Guardhouse

  • Travel time: 40 minutes
  • Depth: 24m
  • Dive level: Novice
  • Highlights: pink, and yellow pygmy seahorses

Seeing a beautiful pink pygmy seahorse just puts a huge smile on your face (and consequently floods your mask). It is impressive how divemasters can spot them, they are worth the 40 minutes boat ride on their own.

Nudibranch City

  • Travel time: 40 minutes
  • Depth: 22m
  • Dive level: Experienced
  • Highlights: nudis

As the name suggests, it is nudibranch-fest!

The Cathedral

  • Travel time: 40 minutes
  • Depth: 22m
  • Dive level: Experienced
  • Highlights: underwater seascape, sharks, blue-spotted rays

A real delight to experience due to the amazing rock formations. Stick to the bottom and just stare at sharks circling above your head.

The Lighthouse

  • Travel time: 5 minutes
  • Depth: 10-30m
  • Dive level: Experienced
  • Highlights: everything macro, seahorses, mandarin fish

The Lighthouse is where your chances of seeing mandarin fish are the greatest. The best time for that is at dusk where can hopefully find some mating action; mandarin style!

The place also offers a great experience for macro lovers during both day and night dives.

Chocolate Island

  • Travel time: 20 minutes
  • Depth: 16m
  • Dive level: Novice
  • Highlights: cuttlefish, seamoths, moray eels, snakes, macro

Chocolate Island offers are great shallow dive with rich marine life. The abundance of soft corals makes the dive site very vibrant and teeming with life on every corner.

Lapus Lapus

  • Travel time: 5 minutes
  • Depth: 18m
  • Dive level: Novice
  • Highlights: frogfish, mantis shrimps, nudis, macro

This is one hell of a beautiful dive site in Malapascua with some of the most beautiful coral life. The coral scape in itself makes the dive totally worth it. It is then a question of finding all beautiful life in there.

Wreck diving in Malapascua

Malapascua offers some amazing wreck diving opportunities despite not being the main attraction of the area. Wrecks create some of the most amazing artificial reefs and wreck diving in Malapascua provides a great opportunity to find your favorite fish species on those jaw-dropping underwater monuments.

Tapilon Wreck

  • Travel time: 30 minutes
  • Depth: 28m
  • Dive level: Advanced
  • Highlights: coral kindgom, frogfish, mantis shrimps, nudis, macro

This wreck lays on the bottom in several pieces. It was a World War 2 Japanese cargo that was torpedoed to its grave where it lays now. Just that is an amazing reason for you to dive on that wreck!

Lighthouse Wreck

  • Travel time: 5 minutes
  • Depth: 5m
  • Dive level: Novice
  • Highlights: octopus, moray eels, banded sea snakes, schooling barracudas

Another Japanese World War 2 ship that is worth a visit while diving in Malapascua. Wreck diving on this site is very easy as it sits at 5 meters depth. Dive centers use this wreck as part of their wreck diving course.

Dona Marilyn

  • Travel time: 90 minutes
  • Depth: 32m
  • Dive level: Advanced
  • Highlights: inside remains, white tip sharks, eagle rays, giant moray eels

This wreck is still in one piece which makes it amazing for penetration for those with proper qualifications. The sinking of the Dona Marilyn was a great tragedy. It was a passenger ship carrying more than 500 people on board and capsized due to a storm on October 23, 1988.

Diving with thresher sharks

Thresher sharks are the stars of the show in Malapascua! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about diving with those beautiful creatures in Malapascua.

Which qualifications do I need for diving with Thresher sharks

You will need to be Advanced Open Water Diver for diving Monad Shoal but having a Deep Diver qualification is in my opinion where you will make the most of the dives for thresher sharks.

Being Nitrox certified will also give you a much better experience, not only pushing your time at depth but also making multiple dives more enjoyable.

Is diving with Thresher sharks hard

Diving with thresher sharks at Monad Shoal is a fairly straightforward dive. There isn’t much current and swimming around as most of the dive is about waiting for the thresher sharks to show up (which they will).

Out of the 6+ dives that I did on Monad Shoal, I would say that only 1 of them was slightly tricky, and that was due to very low visibility at 20-25 meters depth. Once we moved away from that low visibility patch, everything was again nice and easy.

Are Thresher sharks dangerous

Thresher sharks are very shy creatures that are considered harmless. As a diver, it is the thresher shark that decides when you will see him. Its shy nature is mixed with great curiosity as the shark glides out of the dark and circles the divers, sometimes getting quite close, to then just disappear again out of sight.

The common truth in the ocean also applies to the thresher shark; thresher sharks are no threat to humans, but humans are a threat to thresher sharks.

What is a typical thresher shark dive like

Diving with Thresher sharks at Monad Shoal
Local dive boats anchored at Monad Shoal

The best time to dive with thresher sharks is before sunrise therefore most boats leave Malapascua by 5am.

The boat ride is roughly 30-45 minutes and the boat is anchored right next to the dive site. Your anchor point is a great guide for your descent and ascent.

Most thresher sharks dive revolves around kneeling at a rope and waiting for the curious thresher sharks to come by. This is in fact a well-known tactic that works with sharks as not to spook them (especially when it comes to divers who love to chase). In general, you always stay at a lower level than the shark in the water column.

Always keep your eyes open while waiting for the thresher sharks so that you can spot the different types of rays that swim by.

Pro tip: ask your hotel staff to prepare your breakfast as a takeaway/sandwich and pick it up before getting to your dive center. Don’t worry they are well aware of those 5am thresher shark dives.

Where to stay when diving in Malapascua

Despite being a small island, Malapascua offers a variety of accommodation possibilities all being 3 stars and below. Do not threat though, some of the 3 stars accommodations will definitely meet your expectations on that type of holiday.

Most importantly, the dive centers are pretty much all located on the south coast of the island. That is where you should also get your accommodation. It will definitely be worth it for your 5am walk to the dive center during your stay.

The southwest coast offers some of the best sunsets you will ever see; priceless!



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What else is there to do aside diving in Malapascua

The island is mainly focused on its dive activities and so will you. Though some time off to breathe off your cylinder for some fresh air is always a good idea. Malapascua island is no party destination but if you are looking for some relaxing time, you are in the right place:

  1. Have a walk around the island and gently immerse into the Malapascuan rythm of life;
  2. Check the lighthouse on the north west of the island and its beach which is has a nice chill eco-bar;
  3. Watch the sunset from Logon beach;
  4. Go snorkeling. The island offers some of the best shallow spots you’ll ever snorkel in:
    • Lighthouse Wreck: you will find a Japanese World War 2 sunken shipwreck at 3-5m depth,
    • Coral Gardens: snorkeling on the west coast of the island will leave you speachless. You start off with some shallow seagrass offering the chance to see schools of juvenile fish, small octopuses and puffer fish. If you continue out more than 100m it starts getting slightly deeper (3-5m) where you can find soft and hard corals and a lush marine life.
    • Dakit-Dakit Island: getting to the spot takes a short 5 minutes boat ride. The water around the island is deeper (up to 15m deep) therefore more suited for experienced swimmers and snorkelers. The marine life is abundant and if you are in for a freedive, try to find the nudibranchs and seahorses.
  5. Visit Kalanggaman Island: Kalanggaman Island is a beautiful 753m long island with a stunning stretch of sand bar on its western tip. I promise, you’ll grab your best holiday shots there!

Essential travel gear

I made a list of some essential items you should pack for your other activities:

Sun and other protection

Coral safe travel pack

Protect yourself from the sun and bugs while protecting our beloved ocean with this adventurer bundle from Coral Safe.

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Travel rash vest

The BARE exowear shirt is an excellent multipurpose rash vest. It is a must-have when going snorkeling to stay safe from the sun and windchills. You should also always bring it along dives just in case you are feeling tired or the water is too cold for an extra layer.

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Mosquito repellent

Mosquitos, enough said! Lack of sleep, rashes; hell. Make sure to enjoy your trip with Greenerways organic travel size insect repellent.

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Water protection

Sting Away

One of the most common yet annoying things while on a scuba diving trip is jellyfish stings. Make sure to get this easy treatment and relief not to ruin your holiday.

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Booties for walking in the water

I remember that the worst part of the scuba diving trip for me was walking to the boat every morning at low tide. I hate walking barefoot in shallow water, and flip-flops always get stuck and break. Stay safe from stonefish, razor clams, etc with BARE tropical booties.

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Dry backpack

A dry bag will be essential on every single part of your trip, whether to bring a towel to use after a dive, keep your stuff safe, or going for a fun boat tour. The K3 Protech drybag comes in the form of a backpack that is easily foldable flat but still allows you to bring your essential stuff when needed.

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Electronics

Travel adaptor

As essential as it gets, this Universal Travel Power adaptor will allow you to get the plug into the wall anywhere and use your USB cables (incl. USB type C).

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Kindle

This one really saved my life while in Malapascua! A Kindle is a must when you are staying on the island. There isn’t that much to do but relax and read a book or two.

Make sure to read my post on the 10 books that changed my life for some inspiration!

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Waterproof phone casing

Essential for any minimalist! The Dri-Dock is a 100% waterproof pouch for your phone and compared to other similar brands, it is waterproof up to 10 meters; super safe.

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Get yourself fully covered before going diving in Malapascua

Whether you like it or not accidents do happen, whether it is losing your luggage to walking on a stonefish. Making sure that you have the right insurance, especially when you are diving in Malapascua is a must.

There are several insurances you should look into before taking your trip. I recommend having travel insurance that will cover the general travel issues but also scuba diving and other ‘adventure’ sports and scuba diving insurance without which you won’t be able to dive with any decent dive center anyway.

Essential scuba gear for diving in Malapascua

Having the right scuba diving gear for your diving trip to Malapascua, as for any scuba diving holiday, is very important.

I made a list of the must-have scuba diving gear you need to bring along to make sure you are properly geared for the trip:

Essential safety gear for scuba diving in Malapascua

Mares Quad

The Mares Quad is the only dive computer I swear by. It is robust and will survive damages where over computers will falter. I’ve used it on all my international diving trips along with diving at home.

I also always recommend it as it is easy to read and understand with all the important pieces of information are shown on the main screen. The Mares Quad remains my number one choice for scuba diving trips.

If you are looking at something more technologically advanced and that can be used for further technical diving experiences (tech + rebreather) I highly recommend the Shearwater Perdix.

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Surface marker buoy

People do get left behind at sea; it’s a fact. Therefore, in order not to be the subject of a new movie, get yourself your own surface marker buoy and know how to use it. Having your own SMB brings confidence and is essential. The Scubapro Surface Dive Signal Marker Float Buoy meets all the scuba diving requirements and will not falter when needed. Get it!

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Apeks reel

Along with your SMB, a good reel is a must. I’ve tried many reels since I started diving, from the cheap AliExpress ones to the plastic dive center ones. The Apeks Lifeline is the best and the one you should get. The reel, line, and holes are of the perfect size for both wearing gloves or bare hands. It also comes with its own high-quality bolt snap. Get the 30m line for a variety of use.

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Scuba diving first aid kit

Whether it is catching a cold on your plane or a bad scratch snorkeling, there are many things that can stop you from enjoying your diving trip.

As mentioned in the practical information below, there are no pharmacies on the island. Therefore, bring with you the Trident Dive Master First-Aid Kit for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Swimming Injuries.

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Essential scuba gear for diving in Malapascua

Travel scuba diving BCD

Having my own BCD and regulator is one of the greatest confidence boost for me in the water. Compared to regular bulky BCDs you will get at the dive center, this Hollis Light Travel System (LTS) BCD offers great trim and is specifically designed for diving trips in tropical waters.

This full travel pack includes your regulator, octopus, and pressure gauge. Everything you need for a safe dive. Forget about just hygiene, having your own gear not only is not only great value for money in the long term but is also a must for safety as you know how well maintained your gear is.

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Cressi F1 Black

Having a good diving mask to best view what Malapascua underwater has to offer is a must. Check out my guide on how to choose the best scuba diving mask for you.

Don’t forget to also get a snorkel along with your mask so you can get snorkeling during your trip. I use the Cressi dual package for both diving and snorkeling and have been loving it since day one.

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Mares avanti quattro

Bringing your own fins is optional due to the size and weight. However, I always dive with my Mares Avanti Quattro wherever I am in the world. Those fins are robust, comfortable, and pack a huge punch when it comes to the power it provides underwater.

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Warm water wetsuit

When it comes to wetsuits, the choice is yours. I personally always scuba dive, free dive, snorkel, etc with my surfing wetsuit. I wear an extra layer inside when I need it to be warmer.

The sea temperature when diving in Malapascua remains around 28 degrees celsius which is warm enough for a shorty however I wouldn’t suggest that as the warmer the better and your wetsuit also protects you from thermoclines, jellyfish, and scrapping with rocks and corals.

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The right luggage for your scuba diving trip to Malapascua

Tusa Large Roller Bag with Telescoping Handle and Compression Straps for Scuba Diving Travel

When it comes to planning the perfect scuba diving trip, your travel bag will be what makes moving around either paradise or hell. 2 good options when it comes to scuba diving travel bags are the Tusa Large Roller Bag or the Mares Cruise Buddy Roller Bag. Both bags allow easy packing and travel from home to the dive center going through the airport with ease. The Mares Roller bag is slightly more compact but as I only use 1 travel luggage, I prefer more space as with the Tusa Roller bag.

I also highly suggest that you get a protective bag for your regulator and dive computer. Both can easily get damaged or dirty with sand, dust, etc. The Mares Cruise Scuba Diving Regulator Travel Protective Bag Carry-on is excellent for that as you can store both your regulator and dive computer together.

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Mares mesh scuba diving bag

You’ll be moving around from your hotel to the dive center onto the boat. Consequently, the Mares Cruise Mesh Duffel Scuba Bag will become your best friend. It has a large capacity for holding all of the above essential gear and folds back into a small flat pizza-shaped bag.

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Always dive and test your material a few times before doing advanced dives with your new BCD. If you are using your gear for the first time on your scuba diving trip, plan an easy shallow dive with your dive center. Getting used to BCD and diving computer is a must!


Essential photography and videography gear for diving in Malapascua

Whether it is for the sake of memories or just grabbing the best shots you ever can, diving in Malapascua is heaven for all sorts of photographers and videographers. I have prepared an essential guide for you to meet your target

Scuba diving action camera pack – GoPro Hero 9/10

Gopro Hero 9 bundle

The GoPro Hero 9 is a great action camera for catching your best moments underwater. I personally don’t think that the GoPro Hero 10 is needed but if it is within your budget, definitely go for it.

I shot my underwater scuba diving videos with the GoPro Hero 8 Black, so the 9 will be as good as it gets for the underwater action. Check out my YouTube video of Tubbataha Reefs shot on the GoPro 8 Black with a similar setup as recommended here.

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GoPro 10 scuba diving case

A good scuba diving case for your GoPro 9/10 is essential as the depth rating of the GoPro on its own is only 10m (33ft) T-Housing Action Cam Underwater Video Housing will allow you to safely bring your GoPro down to 250m!

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GoPro scuba diving bundle

This scuba diving GoPro bundle is everything you need for your diving trip. It will allow you to shoot at any depth with its different filters and lights. Furthermore, it gives you the versatility to shoot both macro (pygmy seahorse) and wide (thresher sharks) with the lens switch system.

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GoPro 10 lanyard

Keep your hands free when you need it with this UW lanyard for cameras. It provides a great system to have it either close (when not using) or at arm’s length (when shooting). Do not dive without a way to secure your camera.

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Underwater compact camera package – Olympus TG-6 with Ikelite housing

Olympus TG-6 Ikelite bundle

The Olympus TG-6 is the best all-around compact camera for underwater photography and videography. It packs a good 4K 30fps and the best macro shooting ability right of the box. Above all, it is the easiest to shoot and easiest to learn underwater point-and-shoot cameras.

This kit includes everything you need to shoot any scene (camera included), from circular fisheye to super macro. This set comes with the Olympus TG-6 camera, Ikelite underwater housing, 2 Ikelite strobes, tray and arm system, and Olympus FCON-T02 Fisheye Converter Lens.

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Stainless steel lanyard

When it comes to full photography/videography setups, do not rely on the usual Amazon or other quality products. A solid and reliable lanyard with stainless steel clips and a reinforced coil is a must.

You don’t want to watch your expensive camera gear sink to the bottom of the ocean while on your safety stop!

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Underwater DSLR package – GH5 with Nauticam housing

GH5 with Nauticam housing bundle

This GH5 offers the best of both worlds when it comes to underwater photography and videography. Used by many underwater shooters and cinematographers, it will open your world to something unexpected. The perfect tool for diving in Malapascua!

This full underwater Nauticam housing package comes with the GH5 included and is the setup used by professional photographer and videographer BugDreamer.

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Stainless steel lanyard

When it comes to full photography/videography setups, do not rely on the usual Amazon or other quality products. A solid and reliable lanyard with stainless steel clips and a reinforced coil is a must.

You don’t want to watch your expensive camera gear sink to the bottom of the ocean while on your safety stop!

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Camera gear Travel case

Keep your underwater camera gear safe during your travel. Nanuk offers A solid and safe hard travel case that is a must to keep all your gear safe.

You don’t want to arrive at the airport with a cracked dome!

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Practical informations

It is essential to be well prepared for any trip, especially when going diving in Malapascua. Here is some other information that may be useful to you on your trip.

  • Internet: the internet connection on the island is really bad. Yes, that is not what you came here for but keeping in touch with friends and family still holds. Most hotel provide a decent quality wifi in their main area like at the reception.
  • ATMs: I personally didn’t look for any ATMs while I was on the island but it seems there are 3 on the island, one of which is in front of the Malapascua Budget Inn. Best is to cash out what you need before leaving for Malapascua!
  • Pharmacy: There are no pharmacies on the island. I arrived there with a flu, which you really don’t when going diving in Malapascua. I ended up relying on ginger, lemon tea, and rest after the dives througout my stay! Therefore, get everything you need (see above essential list) before arriving on the island.
  • Eating: there are a few good restaurants on the island but if you like your snacks (and not the local type), you better stock up before getting on the island.

I hope this guide will help you find your way to diving in Malapascua a breeze! Please feel free to check out other useful tips and travel options below:

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