Fun & Sun Malapascua

Fun & Sun Dive & Travel has been an integral part of the Malapascua diving community since 1985. Based on the island, the centre has built a reputation for reliable operations and a deep commitment to marine protection, working alongside organisations such as Cousteau Divers, Ocean Quest, Green Fins, and Shark Education.

The centre operates primarily from Malapascua, but its reach extends across the Visayas through personalised dive safaris. These trips cover the Camotes Islands, southern Leyte, Cabilao, Bohol, Siquijor, Apo Island, and Dauin, offering a way to explore the region's diverse underwater topography.

The team is led by Filipino-Swiss management, ensuring a professional standard of service with the ability to communicate in both English and French. This international perspective helps facilitate a smooth experience for divers coming from various backgrounds.

Beyond standard recreational diving, the staff is deeply involved in environmental studies and conservation projects. This expertise is passed on to divers through an educational approach to every dive, particularly when encountering the area's iconic pelagic species.

As a PADI affiliated centre, the training programme covers the full spectrum of certifications. You can begin with the Open Water Diver course or progress through more advanced levels to reach Divemaster.

The centre also offers Discovery Scuba Diving for those looking to experience the underwater world for the first time before committing to a full certification course.

The centre utilises traditional banca boats, constructed from wood and bamboo with outriggers for stability. These vessels can accommodate up to 30 people, making them suitable for both small groups and larger island-hopping excursions.

On full-day trips, the bancas are equipped for comfort with cushions on board. The crew prepares a fresh BBQ lunch using local market ingredients, and drinks such as water, beer, and wine are provided during the journey.

The centre provides on-site accommodation at the Malapascua dive centre, allowing for easy access to the boats. For those looking to dive without carrying their own heavy kit, snorkeling sets are available for hire.

While full scuba kit hire details are managed through their various packages, the centre is well-equipped to support divers transitioning from Mactan to the island via their shuttle services.

The waters around Malapascua are famous for their pelagic presence. You can regularly encounter Thresher sharks, whitetip sharks, and Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier). Schools of Sardina pilchardus, various Jacks (Carangidae), and Tuna (Thunnus) are also common, providing a dynamic backdrop to the dives.

The reef architecture is supported by a rich array of fixed life, including various Hard coral (Scleractinia), Soft coral (Alcyonacea), and gorgonian sea fans. You will see these alongside giant sponges and diverse sea anemones (Actiniaria) that provide habitat for the local fish populations.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is exceptionally productive. Divers can find Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti). The crevices and reef flats are home to many more delicate creatures including Mandarinfish (Synchiropus), Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and various species of shrimp and crabs.

Seasonality plays a role in the local sightings, with Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) encounters possible between October and April.

The sea is generally most serene from February to June, which is also a period of lower rainfall. The months of October and November also offer very good conditions for diving.

Water temperatures typically range between 26°C and 31°C, though you should consult the seasonal charts for specific monthly variations.