Fear in Malapascua: My first Dive with Sharks

Andre Serrano
Sep 9, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Mar 21

Anxious diver — Fear, anxiety all mixed together

You never truly realise how much films like Jaws and other pop culture nightmares shape your fears until you find yourself jumping into the ocean to dive with sharks for the first time. 😨

You could be the most rational, self-aware, in-control person… but trust me, when you’re 30 meters deep, feeling completely vulnerable, and there are five sharks circling you from all sides—staying calm is nearly impossible. 🫣

And no, you cannot stop those dramatic Jaws scenes from playing on repeat in your head. 🎶 Dun dun... dun dun…

The dive lasts 55 minutes, but it feels like an eternity.

So… Why Do It? 🤔

I know, I know—it all sounds terrifying. So why would anyone willingly do this?

Because, my friend, this turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences of my life. And that’s often the case when you face your fears and live to tell the story. 🌊✨

Best Time of Year to see Sharks in Malapascua 🗓️

If you're going to stare fear in the face, might as well do it with good visibility, right? The best time to dive with sharks is between December and May when the waters are calmer and the visibility is at its peak.

That being said, murky waters? Adds to the thrill. 😏

How to Get There ✈️

🚀 Step 1: Fly into Manila.

🚀 Step 2: Catch a domestic flight to Cebu City.

🚗 Step 3: Take a bus ride to Maya Port (north of Cebu). Lots and lots of buses and vans depart from the Cebu City North Terminal and go straight to Maya Port.

Get ready for a LONG BUS RIDE. It will take you more or less 4 hours. And it can tale way longer if you decide to take the bus in mid rush hour in Cebu. So AVOID THE RUSH HOURS. (8 to 9 am - 5 to 7 pm)

🚤 Step 4: Catch a small boat from Maya Port to Malapascua. Again, dont worry about time here as there is one boat going every 30 min to 1 hour.

Here is the Cebu City North Terminal

Here is Maya Port

What Will You See There? 👀

Besides your own life flashing before your eyes? 😂

✨ Sharks, obviously. Big, powerful, and graceful. Watching them glide through the water is mesmerizing.

🐠 Thriving marine life. Schools of fish, vibrant coral, and if you're lucky, a manta ray or two.🚢 Shipwrecks. Because why stop at sharks when you can also explore history’s underwater tombstones?

🎥 Underwater Videography magic. If you can keep your hands steady while your heart races, you’ll capture some truly cinematic shots.

Here is me diving with Sharks in Malapascua: