Thresher Sharks of Malapascua

No dive trip to the Philippines is complete without a visit to the small island of Malapascua located about seven kilometres north-east of Cebu. Surrounded by bright white sand beaches and broken up by small rocky outcrops, tourism is relatively new and there are only a handful of resorts and a couple of dive operators.

Exotic Island Resort is located within easy walking distance of the islands main, tourist beach, but far enough away to give it a secluded and relaxed island atmosphere. This friendly resort offers rooms and cottages, built in local style and from natural materials, catering for all pockets; from backpacker budget to deluxe air-conditioned accommodation, with hot water, minibar and satellite TV. All cottages feature a large verandah with views of the turquoise-blue, clear Visayan sea.

Malapascua is known as one of the best shark diving locations in the Philippines. Sharks seen here include White Tips, Black Tips, Bamboo, Nurse, Cat, Hammerheads, and the magnificent Thresher Shark. Malapascua's Monad Shoal is known as the only place in the world where Threshers can be closely observed on a daily basis. Other large pelagics seen on Monad include Manta, and Devil Rays, whilst an impressive array of Nudibranch, Pipefish and Frogfish will keep macro photographers happy.

The resort's own in-house PADI 5-Star Gold Palm dive centre operates a diving fleet of four comfortable dive Bangkas, with two or three tank boat dives each day and optional night diving. Also offered are three or four day dive safaris and snorkel tours. Experience exciting wall diving, admiring the beauty of sharks and other big pelagic species, explore shipwrecks and dive the famous Gato Island.