How to Get to Malapascua Island (Cebu): Complete Transportation Guide

How to Get to Malapascua Island?

Malapascua Island is located at the northern tip of Cebu and is best known for thresher shark diving.While the island may seem remote at first, getting there is actually quite straightforward once you understand the route.

This guide explains all available transportation options from Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Malapascua Island, including private and public land transfers, as well as private boats and public ferries from Maya Port.

Route Overview

Getting to Malapascua Island involves three main segments:

1. ✈️ Cebu Airport → Maya Port (land transfer)

2. ⛵ Maya Port → Malapascua Island (boat transfer)

3. 🚶‍♂️ / 🛵 Malapascua Pier → The Shark’s Tail Dive Resort

   
   

1️⃣ Cebu Airport to Maya Port (Land Transfer)

All international and domestic flights arrive at Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB).

Maya Port is located at the northern tip of Cebu Island. The land journey usually takes approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

There are two main ways to travel from Cebu Airport to Maya Port.

🚐 Option A: Private Van Transfer (Recommended)

Private vans offer the most comfortable and reliable way to reach Maya Port, especially for first-time visitors or guests traveling with dive equipment.

Private Van Service

• Vehicle type: Modern air-conditioned van

• Travel time: Approximately 3–4 hours

• Capacity: 1–11 passengers

  
  

Resort-arranged rates

• PHP 4,000 for 1–3 passengers

• PHP 5,000 for 4–7 passengers

• PHP 6,000 for 8–11 passengers

  
  

Why choose a private van

• Door-to-door service from the airport

• Fixed departure time

• No vehicle changes

• More space for luggage and dive gear

Advanced booking is required for private van transfers.

🚌 Option B: Public Transportation (Budget Option)

Public transportation is available but involves more steps and less comfort.

Typical route

1. Taxi or Grab from Cebu Airport to SM North Bus Terminal

2. Public bus or shared van from North Bus Terminal to Maya

   
   

Important notes

• Fare is approximately PHP 350 per person

• Large luggage may incur an extra charge

• Vehicles can be crowded and may wait to fill before departure

• Travel time is less predictable

Public transport is best suited for budget travelers with light luggage and flexible schedules.

⏰ Important Arrival Time Notice

To reach Malapascua Island on the same day, guests should aim to exit Cebu Airport by 1:00 PM at the latest.

Arriving later may result in missing the last boat from Maya Port, requiring an overnight stay in Cebu or Maya.

2️⃣ Maya Port Information (Registration & Fees)

Maya Port is the main departure point for boats heading to Malapascua Island.All passengers must complete registration at the port.

Local fees payable at Maya Port

• Environmental / tourist fee: PHP 140 per person

• Terminal fee: PHP 5 per person

  
  

Luggage handling

• Due to narrow wooden ladders used for boarding, porters are often needed for large or heavy luggage

• Porter fee: PHP 50 per item (paid directly to the porter)

3️⃣ Maya Port to Malapascua Island (Boat Transfer)

The boat journey from Maya Port to Malapascua Island usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on sea conditions.

There are two boat options available.

⛵ Option A: Private Boat Transfer

Private boats can be arranged for a more predictable and flexible crossing.

Private Boat Service

• Vessel type: Traditional Philippine-style pump boat

• Capacity: 10+ passengers

  
  

Pricing

• PHP 3,000 for up to 10 passengers (charter rate)

• PHP 250 per additional passenger from the 11th passenger onward

  
  

Example

• 12 passengers = PHP 3,500 total

Local port fees (PHP 140 + PHP 5 per person) and porter fees are not included in the boat charter price.

⛴️ Option B: Public Ferry

Public ferries operate throughout the day between Maya Port and Malapascua Island.

Public ferry details

• Ticket price: PHP 200 per person

• Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Departure frequency: Approximately every 30 minutes

Staff may adjust pricing or departure timing if passenger numbers are low.

⛔ Last Boat Rule (Very Important)

🚨 The last boat from Maya Port to Malapascua Island departs at 5:00 PM.

This rule applies to both private boats and public ferries, without exception.

Please plan your land transfer accordingly.

4️⃣ Malapascua Pier to The Shark’s Tail Dive Resort

Upon arrival at Malapascua Public Pier, reaching the resort is simple.

• 🚶‍♂️ Walking: Approximately 10 minutes

• 🛵 Motorbike (habal-habal):

  • PHP 50 per person

  • PHP 50 per piece of luggage

Motorbikes are readily available at the pier.

Summary & Tips

• Private transfers are the most reliable option for first-time visitors

• Public transport is cheaper but less predictable

• Always plan to arrive at Maya Port before 5:00 PM

• Sea conditions may affect boat schedules, especially during windy season

For a smoother arrival, transportation can be arranged in advance through The Shark’s Tail Dive Resort.If you have any transportation questions, simply talk to our chatbot and we’ll be happy to assist you.