Information about Monad Shoal

Monad Shoal

Monad Shoal is located off the southeastern side of Malapascua Island in Cebu. It is a sunken plateau that is one of the most famous diving spots in the province and the country, thanks to the thresher sharks that can be seen here all year round. It is the only place in the world where you are guaranteed to see a thresher shark daily. The best part is, these sharks don’t have to be lured to the area. Monad Shoal is full of wrasse, small electric blue fish that clean several sea creatures, ridding them of dead tissue and parasites. Thresher sharks and other marine animals swim here daily so they can get cleaned by the wrasse.

Apart from thresher sharks, divers also have a good chance of seeing manta rays, mantis shrimps, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs.

However, tourists need to note that diving in Monad Shoal is recommended only for divers with Advanced Open Water certification, as the currents here can sometimes be strong.

Best time to visit

You can spot thresher sharks any day of the year, but you need to wake up early in order to see them during their cleaning session with the wrasse. Divers are usually at the shoal very early in the morning, from 4 AM to 6 AM.