If you're heading to Cebu and planning to swim with sharks, you’ll likely end up choosing between two legendary spots: Malapascua or Oslob. One promises rare early-morning dives with deep-sea thresher sharks. The other guarantees up-close encounters with gentle whale sharks, with no scuba cert required!
But which shark experience is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences to help you decide based on your time, budget, skill level, and travel style. And whether you’re heading north to Malapascua or south to Oslob, Cebu Tourist Transfers can get you there comfortably.
Which Shark Encounter Is Right for You: Malapascua or Oslob?
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick side-by-side look at what makes Malapascua and Oslob so different, yet equally unforgettable.
Whether you’re chasing a rare diving milestone or just want to swim with giants, this table can help you narrow it down:
Malapascua (Thresher Sharks) | Oslob (Whale Sharks) | |
Type of Shark | Pelagic thresher sharks | Whale sharks (largest fish in the world) |
Cert Required? | Yes, Open Water or Advanced for most dive sites | No, snorkelers welcome |
Chance of Sighting | High (but not guaranteed); early morning dives | Very high – almost guaranteed due to feeding |
Ethical Debate | Considered eco-friendly, sharks not fed or baited | Controversial due to feeding practices affecting behavior |
Best Time to Go | Year-round, with best conditions November-May | Year-round, but seas are calmest between March-May |
Experience Type | Bucket-list scuba dive experience for certified divers | Snorkel-friendly, beginner-friendly close encounter |
Duration Needed | 2-3 nights minimum (longer travel + early dives) | Possible as a day trip from Cebu City |
Location | North Cebu - requires a boat from Maya Port to the island | South Cebu - directly accessible by land |
Malapascua vs Oslob: Which One’s Better for Shark Encounters?
Both places are famous because of sharks. But the kind of experience you’ll have with them will be totally different.
In Malapascua, thresher sharks are the main attraction. These deep-sea beauties are best seen by scuba divers around Monad Shoal, a sunken island known as a cleaning station. It’s one of the only places in the world where thresher sharks reliably show up every morning.
You’ll also need a dive certification (usually Advanced Open Water) and be ready for an early morning start. Most boats leave before sunrise.
In Oslob, the whale shark experience is available even to non-swimmers. You’ll board a small paddle boat, and once you're near the feeding area, you can hop into the water for a close-up view. It’s a snorkel-level experience, no dive certification required.
Just note that the Oslob whale shark interaction is a managed encounter, where the sharks are fed to keep them around, which raises ethical questions for some travelers.
📌 Bottom line: If you want something wild, deep, and earned, then Malapascua wins. If you're short on time or not into diving, Oslob is much more accessible.
A lone thresher shark in Malapascua, Cebu
Whale Shark Watching in Oslob, South Cebu
Malapascua vs Oslob: Which One Is Easier to Get To?
You’ll find both destinations on opposite ends of Cebu Island: Malapascua to the north, Oslob to the south. And while both offer unforgettable shark experiences, the travel logistics aren’t quite the same.
Getting to Malapascua
To reach Malapascua, you'll first need to head to Maya Port in Daanbantayan, which takes around 4–5 hours by car or van from Cebu City or Mactan Airport. From there, it’s a 30-minute boat ride to the island itself. There are no direct ferries from the city. You’ll need to coordinate both land and sea travel, and public transport can be spotty or delayed.
Getting to Oslob
Oslob is a straight land trip from Cebu City, taking around 3–4 hours, depending on traffic. No boats, no transfers. Just hop in a car and go. It’s also popular as a day trip, especially for tourists short on time.
That said, if you’re short on days and don’t want to deal with boats or long layovers, Oslob is the easier option. But if you’re craving that remote island vibe and don’t mind spending more time on the road (or sea), Malapascua makes the journey worth it.
📌 Tip: Book a private transfer to Maya Port or Oslob with us, and we’ll take care of all the logistics, such as timing, comfort stops, and the fastest routes.
Malapascua vs Oslob: Which One Costs More?
Planning a shark encounter means factoring in more than just the entrance fee. There’s the gear, the guides, the travel, and of course, where you’ll sleep. Here’s how the two destinations compare:
Malapascua Shark Diving Costs
Dive cost: ₱1,800-2,500 per dive
Gear rental: ₱500–₱800 if not included
Environmental fee: Around ₱150
Boat fees: Sometimes separate from dive shop costs
Travel cost: Private van + boat to the island
Accommodation: Budget-friendly hostels to dive resorts (₱800–₱3,000+ per night)
Since thresher dives require early departures, you’ll need to stay at least 2 nights on the island. That adds to your overall budget but gives you a full experience.
Oslob Whale Shark Watching Costs
Snorkeling fee (non-local): ₱1,000
With scuba dive: ₱1,500–₱2,000
Gear rental: Usually included
Environmental fee: Often built in
Travel cost: Direct land trip from Cebu City
Accommodation: Available nearby, but many do it as a day trip
Bottom Line
Oslob is generally cheaper and quicker, especially if you only plan to snorkel and return the same day. Malapascua is more expensive overall, but you're paying for a unique, wild shark diving experience that few places in the world can offer.
📌 If you’re planning both on the same trip, check out our post on How Much Does a Cebu Trip Really Cost? for a full breakdown.
Diving with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu
Thresher Shark swimming away in Malapascua, Cebu
Malapascua vs Oslob: Which One Is Better for Beginners, Kids, or Non-Swimmers?
Let’s face it, not everyone is a certified diver or a confident swimmer. If you're traveling with kids, seniors, or you're just not super comfy in deep water, your choice between these two spots matters a lot.
Oslob for Beginners and Families
✅ No dive cert required
✅ Short orientation before snorkeling
✅ Life jackets provided
✅ Close-to-shore encounters
✅ Experience lasts only 30 minutes (great for short attention spans!)
Oslob is ideal if you want a simple, guided experience that’s over in an hour or two. Even if you can’t swim, you can still float beside a whale shark and snap a few unforgettable photos.
Malapascua for Certified Divers
🚫 Not for beginners
✅ Best for those with Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification
✅ Dive sites are deep (25–30 meters)
✅ Early morning call time (as early as 4:30 AM)
This one’s for serious divers or those looking to tick “thresher shark encounter” off their bucket list. It’s thrilling, but not suited for younger kids or non-divers.
Traveling with a group of mixed abilities?
You might want to split up your itinerary or choose the destination that offers more flexibility. We’ve had guests use our private transfer service to drop divers off at Malapascua while the rest of the group heads to nearby beaches or go island hopping elsewhere. Totally doable.
📌 Also check out our blog Why Visit Cebu For A Family Vacation? if you’re traveling with little ones in tow.Why Book a Private Transfer in Cebu For Your Family Vacation?
Services like Cebu Tourist Transfers offer rides that are designed with families in mind. Here’s what makes our service ideal:
- You’re picked up right at the airport or your hotel
- No need to wait in lines or haggle with local drivers
- The vehicles are spacious enough for luggage, strollers, and extra bags
- Child seats can be requested in advance
- The drivers are experienced, polite, and speak English
- You can take breaks if the kids get restless
Malapascua vs Oslob: Can You Visit Both on the Same Trip?
Short answer: Yes, but it takes planning.
Since Malapascua is at the northern tip of Cebu and Oslob is way down south, visiting both isn’t exactly a quick hop. You’ll need to cross the entire island, roughly 6–9 hours of travel, depending on your route and traffic.
If you’ve got a week or more:
You can definitely do both. A popular itinerary is:
Days 1–3: Arrive in Cebu → head to Malapascua → dive with thresher sharks
Day 4: Travel south via Cebu Tourist Transfers (yes, we’ve done this for guests!)
Days 5–6: Explore Oslob → swim with whale sharks → check out nearby waterfalls or Sumilon Island
Day 7: Return to Cebu City or head to the airport
If you’re short on time:
You’ll need to pick one. Probably Oslob, since it’s doable as a day trip. But if your heart is set on sharks and you’re a certified diver, Malapascua is worth the extra travel.
📌 Need help stitching it all together? Our Complete Tourist Transportation Guide explains the best ways to travel across Cebu. And if you're tight on time or want to avoid public buses, private transfers can help make it all work without the stress.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Malapascua or Oslob?
Still torn between thresher sharks and whale sharks? Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
Choose Malapascua if… You’re a certified diver looking for a rare, bucket-list encounter with thresher sharks. You have a few days to spare and want that quiet island vibe.
Choose Oslob if… You want a quick, beginner-friendly experience that doesn’t require scuba skills. You’re on a tighter schedule or traveling with kids, seniors, or non-swimmers.
Can’t choose? Visit both! It’s a long trip across the island, but absolutely doable, especially if you book a private transfer with us. No scrambling for buses or ferry schedules. Just you, your travel crew, and Cebu’s best shark encounters.
Still exploring your options? You might also enjoy:
Malapascua vs Bantayan: Which North Cebu Island Is Right For You?
Malapascua vs Moalboal: Sharks, Sardines, or Both?
Moalboal vs Oslob: Sardine Run or Whale Shark?
Torn Between Bantayan and Camotes Islands in North Cebu? Read This First.
