Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Situated in the northern part of Cebu Island Province in the Philippines, the Malapascua Marine Protected Area (MPA) encompasses the waters surrounding Malapascua Island and nearby islets. The protected area was established to safeguard its vibrant coral reefs, seagrass beds, and the diverse marine species that inhabit them, including several endangered and endemic species. Its tropical waters teem with fish, sea turtles, and spectacular invertebrates, making it a premiere destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Malapascua is globally famous for the Monad Shoal dive site, where divers can reliably see thresher sharks at cleaning stations at dawn—one of the few places in the world to do so consistently. Other notable dive sites within the MPA include Gato Island, known for cavern and cave diving, and Guimbitayan Reef, rich in coral and macro-life. Beyond diving, the area offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and beachcombing on pristine white sand beaches. The MPA is also vital for local fisheries management, helping sustain the livelihoods of nearby communities while protecting biodiversity. Visitor appeal lies in its combination of world-class underwater experiences, laid-back island atmosphere, and vibrant local culture found in the fishing villages and resorts on Malapascua Island. Conservationists and eco-tourists alike are drawn to the MPA for its role in marine protection amid growing challenges to coral reef ecosystems worldwide.
