Hippocampus Beach Resort
Malapascua, Cebu, PHL
About the Center
The Hippocampus Beach Resort, located in Malapascua, Philippines, offers a comprehensive diving experience through its in-house dive shop, Devocean Divers. As a 5-Star PADI facility, also affiliated with SSI and TDI, Devocean Divers is recognized for its professionalism and its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
The resort's facilities include accommodation, a dive shop, equipment rental, air fills (including nitrox), and an on-site restaurant and bar. All dive trips depart and return directly from the resort, with boats waiting right in front, providing easy access to both boat and shore diving. The dive center prides itself on a no-nonsense, easy, and friendly experience, making guests feel at home.
Divers can anticipate the iconic Thresher Shark at Monad Shoal each morning, a unique encounter only found on Malapascua Island. Beyond Thresher Sharks, the island teems with marine life, including white-tip reef sharks, rays, seahorses, frogfish, and an abundance of astonishing macro subjects. Diving is generally conducted in small groups of about four, with safety as a top priority, led by experienced local divemasters who know Malapascua's underwater world intimately.
Courses up to Divemaster level are available, including Advanced Open Water, Enriched Air Nitrox, Divemaster, and Instructor Development Course, certified by PADI, SSI, and TDI. Training can be provided in English, French, and German. The resort also offers dive and stay packages and airport transfer services.
Available Courses
2 cursosAdvanced Open Water Diver
Elevate your diving skills with the Advanced Open Water Diver course at Hippocampus Beach Resort in Malapascua. This program is meticulously designed to build upon your foundational Open Water Diver certification,…
Deep Adventure Course
Expand your diving horizons with the Deep Adventure Course at Devocean Divers, operating from Hippocampus Beach Resort in Malapascua. This specialty course is designed for certified Open Water Divers eager to safely…
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What people ask before booking
Fly into Cebu Mactan International Airport (CEB). Take a taxi to the North bus terminal, then a bus or B-Hire van to Maya Port (approx. 4 hours). From Maya Port, take a boat to Malapascua Island. The last boat crossing is at 5:30 PM. Private transfers can also be arranged.
Malapascua is enjoyable year-round. November to May is generally high season with more people. November to March can be windy due to the Amihan season. April and May are the hottest months. June to October is low season with fewer crowds and occasional rain, usually at night.
Yes, Thresher Sharks are a highlight at Monad Shoal. This dive site is at depths between 25M and 30M. To dive here, you generally need to be comfortable with diving and have some experience. Open Water certified divers can only dive to 18M maximum. Enrollment in an Advanced Open Water or Deep Adventure course is recommended to reach the required depth.
Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, swimming shorts, t-shirts, a hat, and a small flashlight. It is highly recommended to bring a reusable water bottle to refill at the bar. Towels are provided in the rooms and for beach use.
No, there is no ATM on Malapascua Island. It is advisable to withdraw cash in Cebu City or at the airport before arriving. Credit card payments are accepted at most places, usually with a surcharge (e.g., 5% at Hippocampus). Paypal is also accepted with a surcharge.
Wi-Fi is available but can be unreliable. Business lines typically have a daily data allowance, after which the connection slows significantly. For reliable internet, consider bringing your own portable Wi-Fi stick or purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan in Cebu.