Where should I go for my next dive holiday?

If you want big animals, macro life, walls and wrecks in one trip, year round and at a reasonable price, go to the Philippines, and start with Malapascua Island in northern Cebu. It has thresher sharks at Kimud Shoal on about 99% of dives, plus reef, wall, wreck and muck diving within a short boat ride.

Is the Philippines good for a dive holiday?

Yes. The Philippines sits in the Coral Triangle, which has more species of coral and reef fish than anywhere else on earth. It is also easy to travel around, English is widely spoken, and the diving is good value. With over 7,000 islands, the real question is which part to visit first.

Where is the best place to dive in the Philippines?

It depends on what you are after. For divers who want one destination that covers the most ground, with big sharks, walls, wrecks and macro life, Malapascua Island in northern Cebu is the place most experienced divers who have dived across the country point to.

What makes Malapascua different from other Philippine dive destinations?

Its variety. Everything sits within a short banca ride of the island: thresher sharks at Kimud Shoal on about 99% of dives, wall diving at Gato Island, wrecks, and muck diving rated alongside Anilao and Lembeh. Most single destinations in the Philippines specialise in one of those, not all of them.

Is Malapascua good for beginners as well as experienced divers?

Yes. Thresher Shark Divers has run PADI courses here since 2004, from Open Water through to instructor level and technical diving. The local sites range from easy, shallow reefs to deeper wrecks and current-affected dives for the more experienced, so beginners and experienced divers can share the same trip.

When is the best time to dive Malapascua?

Thresher sharks are seen at Kimud Shoal every month of the year, and we dive almost every day. March to May has the best weather, and January to June is usually great. In the rainy season it usually rains a little in the evening, with calm seas during the day.

How do I get to Malapascua from Cebu?

Fly into Cebu, travel by road to the northern tip of the island, then take a short banca (outrigger boat) crossing to Malapascua. Thresher Shark Divers can arrange the whole trip for you, from airport pickup to drop-off, including onward travel to other Philippine destinations if you want it.

How does the Philippines compare with the Red Sea or the Maldives?

The Philippines has more marine species than either, and much of its best diving is land-based and good value. The Red Sea is closer and cheaper for European divers, with cooler water in winter. The Maldives is excellent for mantas and sharks but costs far more and has less macro life.

How much does a Malapascua dive package cost?

A package with an air-conditioned room, breakfast and a full day’s diving starts from around $120 per person per day. We build packages for each person individually, and our most popular dive and resort packages can be booked online at thresher-shark-divers.com.

Where Shall I Go for My Next Dive Vacation?