Malapascua MBI Dive Center

Located in Daanbantayan, Malapascua MBI Dive Center is a dedicated hub for divers aiming to experience one of the world's most famous underwater encounters. The centre is positioned to take advantage of the island's unique geography, specifically focusing on the predictable patterns of local pelagics.

Whether you are looking to complete your initial certifications or are an experienced diver seeking specific encounters, the centre provides a structured environment. The operation is built around the rhythm of the ocean, particularly the early morning departures required to reach the cleaning stations in time.

The team at MBI is composed of local experts who understand the specific nuances of the Malapascua currents and animal behaviours. They operate with a focus on small group sizes, maintaining a ratio of no more than four divers per guide to ensure close monitoring and personalised instruction.

All instruction and dive guiding is conducted in English. The centre provides a professional atmosphere that balances local hospitality with the technical requirements of PADI training standards.

MBI is a PADI affiliated centre offering a complete range of training programmes. For those beginning their journey, the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses provide the essential foundations.

The centre also caters to professional progression, offering the Rescue Diver and Divemaster courses. Emergency First Response (EFR) training is available to complement these certifications, ensuring a high standard of safety and skill for all students.

For divers travelling light, the centre offers full equipment hire, which is often included in specific training packages. The kit is regularly maintained to ensure reliability during your dives.

On-site facilities include a dedicated area for rinsing kit and preparing for your trips. For those staying at the Malapascua Budget Inn, the proximity between accommodation and the dive centre makes logistics straightforward. Wi-Fi is available at the centre for post-dive use.

The primary draw for this area is the presence of large pelagics. You can expect to encounter thresher sharks at Kimud Shoal during the early morning hours, while tiger sharks are frequently sighted around Monad Shoal. Reef sharks also patrol the local waters, adding to the dynamic nature of the ecosystem.

The reef itself is home to a variety of species that thrive in these waters. Divers will regularly see diverse reef fish and sharks moving through the columns, depending on the specific site and time of day.

Diving in this region is heavily dictated by the timing of the sun. To see the thresher sharks at Kimud Shoal, you must be prepared for very early morning departures. The centre operates multiple dive slots, including a 08:00, 10:00, and 14:30 schedule, with night diving also available.

Local guides are highly experienced in managing the specific conditions of the Malapascua waters, ensuring that even when visiting well-known sites, safety remains the priority.