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The places locals actually send visitors to.

White waterfront cottages lining a calm turquoise lagoon framed by tall coconut palms.

Golden Sands Destination

A 1.75km white-sand beach and lagoon up north, with kayaking and island tours.

Daanbantayan

attraction

Suba Beach

A golden-sand shoreline near Maya with calm waters, coconut trees, and sunset views.

Daanbantayan

attraction

Modern two-story white resort building reflected in a large pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Kandaya Resort

A luxury Daanbantayan beach resort with pool villas and an infinity pool.

Daanbantayan

attraction

Medellin Beach

A quiet Medellin coastline with tropical views, open sea, and scenic road-trip vibes.

Medellin

attraction

Aerial view of Malapascua Island's white sand beach with two distinct palm trees casting shadows toward clear turquoise ocean water.

A peaceful beach scene on Malapascua Island viewed from a grassy area, looking past palm tree trunks toward a calm blue ocean with small boats under a clear sky.

Kuya Jeff Travel and Tours

Malapascua Island

About Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island is a tropical destination at the northern tip of Cebu, known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and laid-back island atmosphere. Beyond relaxing by the sea, visitors can explore the island's snorkeling and diving spots, with Malapascua particularly famous for thresher shark encounters. Its scenic coastline, friendly local communities, and beautiful sunsets make it an ideal escape for travelers looking to experience a quieter side of Cebu.

What to expect

Malapascua is a small island off the northern tip of Cebu with white-sand beaches and a slow, walkable pace — but for most visitors the reason to come is the diving. It is the one place in the world where pelagic thresher sharks turn up at a cleaning station with near-daily regularity within recreational-diving depth, and the sighting rate on the dawn dives is very high. The sharks are there at first light and gone soon after, so the boats leave Bounty Beach in the dark, before 5am. Bounty Beach itself is the island's main strip — most of the dive shops, rooms and beachfront places to eat are along it, all within an easy walk. Beyond the sharks there is reef snorkelling, quiet sand, and some of the best sunsets in the north.

Editorial review

The island is so pleasantly small that you can walk around the entire thing in about an hour. It’s the ultimate spot to slow down, disconnect, and just enjoy the gorgeous coastline and pristine beaches.

getReallyCebu

Know before you go

The thresher dives need at least an Open Water certification (Open Water divers are guided closely; Advanced is recommended); non-divers can snorkel the reefs but not the shark site. Dive packages are booked through the island's shops. December to July is the best window — calmest seas for the hour-long boat ride and clearest water. Getting there is a drive or bus north to New Maya Port in Daanbantayan, then a passenger boat of about 30 to 45 minutes; the last reliable crossings are in the afternoon, so start early from the city.

Malapascua Island Cebu

Malapascua Island 118 km from Cebu City (straight-line)

Last checked September 9, 2026

⚠️ Travel & safety

Conditions, access, hours, and prices can change, and some places involve remote travel or activities with inherent risks. Verify important details locally and use your own judgment when visiting. See our Terms for important safety and liability information.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Malapascua Island?

🚗 Car / 🏍️ Motorcycle + 🚤 Boat — Recommended. Travel north from Cebu City toward New Maya Port in Daanbantayan, then take a passenger boat to Malapascua Island. The crossing typically takes around 30–45 minutes depending on sea conditions.

When is the best time to visit Malapascua Island?

December–May for generally drier weather and better beach conditions. Early morning is ideal for diving and exploring, while late afternoon is great for beach walks and sunsets.

Where is Malapascua Island located?

Malapascua Island is at Malapascua Island Cebu. That puts it in Northern Cebu. It is roughly 118 km from Cebu City.

Do you need to be a certified diver to see the thresher sharks at Malapascua?

Yes. The thresher dive needs at least an Open Water certification, and Advanced is recommended. Non-divers can snorkel the reefs but not the shark cleaning station.

Why do the Malapascua dive boats leave so early?

The thresher sharks visit the cleaning station at first light and are gone soon after, so the boats leave Bounty Beach in the dark, before 5am.

What else is there to see near Malapascua Island?

Golden Sands Destination, Suba Beach, and Kandaya Resort are the closest places on the Cebuzone map to Malapascua Island, and are all linked below.