The Easy Way – Private Transfer from Cebu
The simplest way to reach Malapascua is to let us arrange your private transfer. We pick you up at Cebu-Mactan airport, your Cebu City hotel, or Cebu port, and bring you door-to-door to Thresher Shark Divers by private car and private boat.
Transfers are done at our cost price, so we only arrange them for divers booked with us.
Private Transfer Pricing
Valid until 30 November 2026. Surcharges may apply if fuel prices are elevated.
| Number of People | Price Each Way (PHP) |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 6,500 |
| 3–5 people | 7,500 |
| 6 or more | 3,500 per person |
What’s Included at Maya Port
At Maya Port, the private transfer cost currently includes:
- Tourist office check-in and boat manifest
- Government Environmental Fee of PHP 140 per person
- Porter fees (PHP 20–50 per large bag)
Travel Time
Total travel time is approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic. From arrival at the airport, expect around 6 hours from landing to Malapascua.
Important: It gets dark around 5:30–6pm, and the coastguard stops boat crossings between 4:30 and 5:30pm depending on season and weather. If your flight lands after 12pm, please let us know as soon as possible and we will advise your options.
Once you arrive on Malapascua, we will talk you through your diving, help you arrange your dive schedule, and take you to your resort (which we can also book for you). We can also arrange transport to and from other locations in Cebu.
Coming by Yourself
Public transport is generally easy, though it takes longer. The information below is provided to the best of our ability and is current at the time of writing. Public transport offerings can change without our knowledge, so treat this as a guide.
Cebu City to Maya Harbor (north tip of Cebu)
| Option | Price (PHP) | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 4,000–7,000 | 3–4 hours | Standard airport taxi price is around 4,800 at time of writing. |
| Bus from Northern Bus Terminal | 300–350 | 4–6 hours | Yellow Ceres or Rough Riders. AC and non-AC buses. Non-AC buses run every 20–30 minutes; AC buses run every 1–2 hours. Cebu to Maya runs 1am to 6pm (no buses 6pm–1am). |
| Bus from SM City Mall | 400–600 | 5–7 hours | Take a “My Bus” from the airport to SM City Mall (PHP 50) or a metered taxi (PHP 100–200). Buses leave every 20 minutes, 7am–10pm, from T1 and T2 Arrivals. From SM City Terminal, take a public bus or van to Maya. Black taxi vans are nicer and air-conditioned; older white vans are cramped. Around PHP 350–400 to Maya, starting 5am. |
Maya Harbor to Malapascua Island
| Option | Price (PHP) | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Boat | 2,000+ | 30 minutes | Price depends on time of day. PHP 140 per person Environmental Fee payable at the tourist check-in office. Normally drops you at the main pier; ask if they can take you closer to Thresher Shark Divers or your resort. |
| Public Boat | 200 per person | 30 minutes | PHP 20–50 per bag plus PHP 140 per person Environmental Fee. No fixed schedule – departs when full. Maya to Malapascua: 6am–4:30 or 5:30pm (before dusk). Malapascua to Maya: 6am–3pm. Be in Maya before 5pm or you may have to stay overnight or take a private boat. If the last boat is not full, you may need to pay an extra charge. At low tide, a small boat takes you out to the main boat for a small extra fee. |
Other Transport Options
- Cebu to Bogo by AC bus or V-Hire (air-conditioned minivan). Leaves from SM or Ayala shopping malls.
- Bogo to Maya by jeepney, motorcycle taxi, or bus.
Finding Us on Malapascua
We are centrally located on Malapascua. If you come by public boat, they will usually take you to the main pier – we are a few minutes’ walk from there.
From the pier, turn right and walk straight until you get to the main beach, then turn left. You can ask anyone where we are. Blue Coral is the big blue resort on the cliffs to the right of the beach as you face the sea. We are about 100 metres down the beach, the first two-storey building you come to.
Even if you are not diving or staying with us, feel free to leave your bags with us while you find a room. We are always happy to help travellers with information about the island and show you around the various resorts.
Quick Tips if Coming by Yourself
In Maya
- Public boats may try to charge you the highest price they can. Boats have no fixed schedule and leave when they are full. If you are happy to wait, this should not be a problem. If you want to leave right away, expect to pay extra.
- Beware of scams in Maya. Do not pay more than PHP 2,500 for a boat crossing unless the weather is bad.
On Malapascua
- Avoid the “commissioners” that meet boats on Malapascua. They are paid to steer you to specific businesses and may not know about, or give information on, any others. Thresher Shark Divers does not pay commissioners.
We make every effort to keep this information up to date, but details can change at any time. Double-check if you have a flight to catch or another deadline.
Getting to Cebu City
Flights
Cebu-Mactan International Airport has international flights through Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Taipei, and Shanghai.
International airlines: Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines); Singapore (Cebu Pacific, Singapore Airlines); Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia); Tokyo (Philippine Airlines); Taiwan (Mandarin Airlines); the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways); Shanghai (China Eastern Airlines); Korea (Asiana, Philippine Airlines, Korean Air).
International via other airports: Other airlines arrive at Manila (for example, Lufthansa and Etihad). Getting a connecting domestic flight to Cebu is easy – there are many each day. Excess baggage costs may apply but are usually low.
Domestic airlines: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Connections can be made through Manila, Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa (Coron), Clark, Iloilo, Davao, Surigao, and other Philippine cities.
Ferries
Daily ferries run to and from Cebu and Manila, Tagbilaran (Alona Beach / Bohol), Negros (Dumaguete), and Leyte, among others. Ferry schedules change often – reconfirm departure times you find online. There is also a daily boat from Leyte to Maya (departure approx. 7am).
Money and Payment
There is an ATM on Malapascua, but it is not always reliable. There is also a service that can do cash advances on card. Only the bigger businesses accept credit cards.
Thresher Shark Divers accepts several payment methods:
- Cash – preferred currencies are Pesos, US$, EUR, GBP, but we accept all major currencies. Exchange rate may vary.
- Bank transfer
- Various online payment methods
The island’s exchange rate is not always favourable. It is best to get pesos in advance if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get to Malapascua from Cebu airport?
Approximately 4–5 hours by road and boat. From landing at Cebu-Mactan airport, allow around 6 hours total to reach Malapascua.
How much does a private transfer to Malapascua cost?
PHP 6,500 each way for 1–2 people, PHP 7,500 for 3–5 people, or PHP 3,500 per person for groups of 6 or more. Prices are valid until 30 November 2026.
Can I get to Malapascua by public transport?
Yes. Take a bus from Cebu (PHP 300–400 from Northern Bus Terminal or SM City Mall) to Maya Harbor, then a public boat (PHP 200 per person) across to Malapascua. Total cost is around PHP 600 per person.
What time does the last boat to Malapascua leave?
The coastguard stops crossings between 4:30 and 5:30pm depending on season and weather. Aim to be in Maya before 5pm, or you may have to stay overnight in Maya or take a private boat.
Is there an ATM on Malapascua?
Yes, but it is not always reliable. Get pesos in Cebu before travelling. Cash advances on card are available on the island, and bigger businesses accept credit cards.
Is Malapascua safe for solo travellers?
Yes. The main thing to watch for is overcharging at Maya Harbor (do not pay more than PHP 2,500 for a boat unless the weather is bad) and “commissioners” at Malapascua pier who are paid to steer you to specific businesses.
