Location:
A tiny island off the northern tip of Cebu in the central Philippines, Malapascua sits on the edge of the deep Monad Shoal, where the open ocean meets rich tropical reefs.
 
Why it’s a top dive destination:
Malapascua is world-famous as the only place on Earth where divers can reliably encounter thresher sharks year-round. These sleek, deep-water predators rise from the depths at dawn to visit cleaning stations — creating one of diving’s most unforgettable experiences.
 
Highlights:
Thresher sharks at Monad Shoal
Gato Island’s tunnels, reef sharks, and macro life
Beautiful reefs and night dives around Lighthouse Reef
Calm tropical waters and small-island charm
 
Fun Fact:
The pelagic thresher shark uses its incredible whip-like tail, often as long as its body, to stun schools of fish before feeding, a unique hunting technique rarely witnessed up close anywhere else.