Little Mermaid Dive Resort

Little Mermaid Dive Resort is situated directly facing Bounty Beach on Malapascua Island, at the northern tip of Cebu in the Philippines. The island itself maintains a relaxed, car-free atmosphere, making it a focused destination for those coming specifically for the diving.

Malapascua is globally recognised for one specific reason: the daily presence of thresher sharks. This is one of the few places on earth where you can reliably plan your trip around these animals. Beyond the sharks, the region offers a deep variety of marine life, from large pelagics like manta rays to an incredibly dense population of macro organisms.

The centre operates in English, ensuring clear communication during briefings and training sessions. While the specific number of staff is not listed, the resort is integrated with on-site accommodation and a restaurant, providing a seamless transition from the boat to the shore.

The team manages dive operations that range from relaxed reef explorations to more technical wreck and wall dives. They maintain strict diving rules at sensitive sites like Monad Shoal to minimise diver impact and maximise the chances of shark encounters.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time on multi-dive days. The centre provides various services to support your trip, including the ability to hire kit and access on-site accommodation.

For those arriving from outside the island, the centre can organise private transfers involving a vehicle and a private boat to ensure a direct connection to the resort.

The large pelagics are the main draw for many, with thresher sharks being a daily occurrence. You can also encounter manta rays, eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks, and blacktip reef sharks. During the months of January to May, hammerhead sharks are also seen at Kimud Shoal.

The reef walls and pinnacles are teeming with life, including yellowfin tuna, unicornfish, and various species of grouper. Schools of fusiliers, anthias, and snapper often congregate near the drop-offs, while moray eels and large mackerel can be found patrolling the structures.

For macro enthusiasts, the biodiversity is immense. You will find a wide array of nudibranchs, seahorses, and various species of octopus, including the blue-ringed octopus. The site also hosts flamboyant cuttlefish, pygmy seahorses, harlequin shrimps, and various types of frogfish and scorpionfish.

The seabed and coral structures are home to many smaller creatures, such as bobtail squids, dwarf cuttlefish, and pipefish. Looking closely at the sponges and corals, you can find anemones, sea cucumbers, and various crustaceans including lobsters, crabs, and cleaner shrimp.

Currents can be a significant factor at several sites, notably Dakit-Dakit, Quiliano, and the wreck of Dona Marilyn. Divers should be prepared for potentially strong water movement in these areas.

Some sites, such as the tunnel at Gato Island or the deep walls at Kimud Shoal, require careful buoyancy control and experience to navigate safely in the varying flow.