Malapascua-Exotic Island Dive Resort

Malapascua-Exotic Island Dive Resort has been the cornerstone of the local diving community since it first opened its doors in 1998. Situated on the Bounty Beachfront in Sitio Pasil, it offers a seamless transition from your room to the dive boat. As the island's pioneer operator, the centre has spent decades refining its logistics to ensure divers reach the most significant sites efficiently.

The resort is accredited by the PCSSD and DOT, operating as a full-service destination that includes accommodation, dining, and professional dive services. Whether you are here to chase the famous thresher sharks at dawn or to explore the protected house reef at night, the facility is designed to support a structured and reliable diving itinerary.

The centre operates with a professional team dedicated to both recreational and advanced diving. While specific instructor counts are not listed, the resort's long-standing reputation is built on a history of high-quality service and local expertise.

Training is available for a variety of certification levels, ensuring that both novice divers and those looking to advance their skills are well-supported. The resort's commitment to the local environment is evidenced by its recognition, having received the Environmental Achievement Award from Project Aware for its work on the Exotic House Reef.

The training programme covers the fundamental progression of scuba diving. You can begin your journey with the Open Water Diver course, or progress through to the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

For divers looking to extend their bottom time and safety margins on deeper sites, the Nitrox course is also available on-site. The centre's long history in Malapascua ensures that instruction is delivered with a deep understanding of the local currents and site topography.

The centre is equipped to support divers with Nitrox available for use, which is essential for many of the deeper sites in the area. On-site facilities include accommodation, a restaurant, and a bar, allowing you to relax between dives without leaving the resort.

For those who prefer not to travel with a full rig, the centre offers equipment hire. This includes the essential kit required for local conditions, including wetsuits, regulators, and fins, as well as torches for those participating in night dives or twilight excursions.

The marine life here is defined by its diversity, ranging from large pelagics to intricate macro creatures. You will frequently encounter schools of fusiliers, anthias, and jacks (Carangidae) moving against the currents. On the deeper walls, look for groupers (Epinephelus), moray eels (Muraenidae), and various species of reef fish.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, particularly around the house reef and the shallower gardens. The area is home to a vast array of nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti). You can also find flamboyant cuttlefish, various species of shrimp (Caridea), and pipefish.

Fixed life provides a colourful backdrop to every dive, with gorgonian sea fans (Gorgoniidae) and soft coral (Alcyonacea) covering the pinnacles. Large sponges and various hard coral (Scleractinia) structures create complex habitats for crabs (Brachyura), octopuses (Octopus vulgaris), and many species of anemones (Actiniaria).

Divers should be prepared for varying current conditions depending on the site. Some locations, such as North Rock, North Point, and Dakit Dakit, are known for strong currents, while others like Pawikan Hole can experience a mix of gentle and strong flows.

Night diving is a regular part of the local dive programme, with specific sites like the Lighthouse being ideal for observing the nocturnal activity of the mandarinfish (Synchiropus) during their mating dances, particularly around the full moon.