September 2027
Malapascua, Philippines
Dates
September 2027
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Dives
24 dives
Type
Scuba
Base
Land-based
Required Level
Advanced Open Water
The Place
Wake before sunrise, board a private dive boat to Kimud Shoal, one of the few places on Earth where thresher sharks can be seen year-round. Over nine days at Evolution Dive Resort, we complete 24 dives including 8 to 10 with thresher sharks. Filming, editing, and storytelling coaching by Matthew and Audrey is available throughout the expedition. We also explore Gato Island's shark tunnel and macro life, dive the dramatic walls and pristine sandbar at Kalanggaman, look out for tiger sharks at Monad Shoal, and slip under the surface at dusk for the mandarin fish mating dance.
Water temperatures in Malapascua average 27 to 29°C in September, with a 3mm wetsuit sufficient for most divers across the week. Visibility varies by site, typically 10 to 20 meters at the shoals and higher on the walls at Kalanggaman. The thresher dives at Kimud Shoal sit at around 25 to 30 meters and start before sunrise, so comfort with early starts and deeper profiles matters most. Advanced Open Water certification is required, and divers who want to upgrade ahead of the trip can complete the course at Evolution's on-site dive centre. All dives are guided, and the schedule leaves room to rest. Skipping a dive or a day to recharge is always encouraged when your body asks for it.
Highlights
- •8 to 10 thresher shark dives at Kimud Shoal
- •Gato Island shark tunnel and marine sanctuary
- •Kalanggaman Island walls and sandbar
- •Tiger sharks at Monad Shoal
- •Mandarin fish dusk dive
- •Night dives and macro critters (nudibranchs, frogfish, shrimp)
Pricing & Logistics
Wildlife you may encounter
Trip Program
Day 1, Arrival
Two arranged transfers from Cebu airport at approximately 10:00am and 12:00pm. Once at Evolution Dive Resort, link up with the expedition team, get settled into your room, and enjoy a welcome dinner and expedition briefing. Explore the island, set up camera gear, or rest up for the week ahead.
Days 2 to 8, Exploring the best of Malapascua
On each of our 7 diving days, we make 3 or 4 dives and explore the best sites Malapascua has to offer.
Kimud Shoal
The crown jewel of Malapascua diving and the best place in the world to dive with thresher sharks. Each morning at dawn, threshers rise from the depths by the dozen to visit this cleaning station at 10 meters. We do 8 to 10 dives here to maximize time with these remarkable sharks.
Gato Island
A marine sanctuary combining dramatic topography with rich marine life. We explore a tunnel cutting through the island, home to resting whitetip reef sharks, sea snakes, and schooling fish. The walls and slopes reveal soft corals, nudibranchs, and macro highlights.
Kalanggaman Island
Famous for its white sandbar and crystal-clear water. Diving offers sheer walls draped in corals and sponges, with turtles, barracuda, and schools of reef fish in excellent visibility.
Monad Shoal
Wide plateaus and drop-offs offering the possibility of tiger sharks. Not guaranteed, but worth the visit.
Day 9, Departure
Transfer to the airport from the resort at approximately 8:00am.
Accommodation
We stay at Evolution Dive Resort on Malapascua Island. Comfortable twin and double rooms, a pool, and a dive operation steps from the boats.
Expedition Leaders
Matthew David Kaplan
Founder & Expedition Leader
Matthew David Kaplan is an ocean filmmaker, dive expedition leader, and conservationist dedicated to sharing the underwater world with a global audience. A contributor for Discovery, Scubapro Global Dive Team member, and SurfEars Ambassador, based between New York and Indonesia.
Instagram: @matthewunderwater
Audrey Cox
Owner & Expedition Leader
Audrey Cox is a conservation photographer, PADI dive instructor, and environmental economist documenting the ocean's beauty and fragility through her lens. Former NOAA researcher, Nature Conservancy photo contest finalist, and founder of a California marine-conservation dive club, based in California.
Instagram: @earth2audge
Frequently Asked Questions
If this trip is calling you, reach out.
We review every inquiry personally and travel in small groups. Spots are limited.
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