Malapascua.ph

Getting there

Cebu to Malapascua, step by step

Fly to Cebu, ride north to Maya port, then take the public boat. Budget most of a day, and be at the port before 3pm.

Boat timetable Read the full guide

  1. Fly into Cebu

    Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is the gateway. There are no flights to the island itself. Morning arrivals give you the best chance of making the same-day boat.

  2. Cebu to Maya port

    Maya is the small port at the northern tip of Cebu, in Daanbantayan. Three ways to get there:

    Ceres bus~₱3503 to 5 hours. From the North Bus Terminal (officially Cebu South Bus Terminal, in Mandaue). Air-conditioned, frequent. Ask for "Maya", not "Malapascua".
    Van hire~₱6,0003 to 4 hours. Door to door, per vehicle, seats 6 to 10. Good value for groups.
    Private transfer₱5,000 to 6,000Arranged through your resort or a tour operator. Often includes the boat crossing.

  3. Maya to Malapascua by boat

    Public outrigger boats (bangka) run from about 07:30 until around 16:00, leaving when full. The crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs ₱240 per person. Expect a small luggage fee and a ₱100 environmental fee, sometimes collected at the port. Private charters are available if you miss the last boat or want to leave immediately.

  4. Arrival

    Boats land on Bounty Beach or at the Logon pier depending on the tide. The island is about 2.5 km long, so most resorts are a short walk or a quick habal-habal ride away. Bring cash: the island ATMs are unreliable.

Going home

Leaving Malapascua

Take an early boat

The first public boat leaves around 07:30. Combined with the 3 to 5 hour bus ride, that is the safe choice for an afternoon or evening flight.

Do not fly the same day you dive

Leave a surface interval before flying, as your training agency advises. Plan your last dive accordingly.

Check the weather

During typhoon season (June to November) crossings can be suspended. Watch the island status page the day before.

Questions people ask

How long does it take from Cebu City to Malapascua?

Allow 4 to 6 hours door to door: 3 to 5 hours by bus or 3 to 4 by van to Maya port, then a 30 to 45 minute boat crossing plus waiting time.

How much is the boat from Maya to Malapascua?

The public boat costs ₱240 per person, plus a small luggage fee and a ₱100 environmental fee.

What time is the last boat to Malapascua?

Public boats stop around 4pm. Be at Maya port by 3pm to be safe. After that you will need a private charter or a night on the mainland.

Is there an airport on Malapascua?

No. The nearest airport is Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). Everyone comes by road to Maya and then by boat.