How to get from Cebu to Malapascua

Why visit Malapascua?

Malapascua is a beautiful island just a few kilometres off Cebu’s northernmost tip. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and heavenly resorts, it is most famous for the consistent sighting of thresher sharks.

These protected species can be seen lurking around the island all year round. Swimming with them still needs some luck, though! We recommend diving between sunrise to 09:00 for the best chance of swimming with thresher sharks in Malapascua.

There are 3 ways to travel the 115 kilometre (71 miles) distance from Cebu to Malapascua. You can choose between the bus + boat, minivan + boat and taxi + boat. The journey takes 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi + boat. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + boat with tickets starting at 595 PHP ($9.90).

To get from Cebu to Malapascua at an affordable rate, you will first need to take the bus from the city to Maya Port. From here, you can take a boat to Malapascua.

Ceres Bus and White Stallion Express (formerly known as Cebu Rough Riders) are the main companies operating from Cebu to Malapascua via Maya.

Ceres buses run daily, starting as early as 01:30, with the last trip leaving at 21:00.

If you’re travelling on a weekday, White Stallion Express offers five departures between 05:20 and 15:20. But on weekends, they only run two trips, one at 15:30 and the other one at 16:30.

You can reach the port faster (about 4 hours) with a non-aircon bus because they travel almost non-stop from Cebu City to Maya. Aircon buses make a lot of stops and can take 5-6 hours to complete the journey.

Bus ticket prices range from 255 PHP ($4.20) – 320 PHP ($5.40) for non-aircon and aircon, respectively.

Departure and arrival stations

All buses bound for Maya depart from SM North Bus Terminal outside SM City Cebu.

Ceres Bus and White Stallion Express have different arrival points. We recommend taking a Ceres Bus since its last stop is the Maya New Ferry Port, where you can catch a boat bound for Malapascua.

White Stallion buses can only take you up to the Old Ferry Terminal in Maya. This terminal is still 2 km away from the New Port, so you will have to take an additional tricycle or motorbike taxi to get there.

At the New Ferry Port, head to the tourism office — a small yellow building over the water. You’ll have to register here before paying for your ticket and other fees.

Total fees cost 340 PHP ($5.70).

• • Boat ticket: 200 PHP ($3.30)
  • Environmental fee: 120 PHP ($2) for foreigners and 75 PHP ($1.30) for locals
  • Terminal fee: 20 PHP ($0.30)

Note: The latest prices are posted at the tourism office, so you can be assured that you are paying the right amount.

Public boats operate from 07:00 to 17:00. Don’t be easily swayed by touts who say that no ferries are operating if you arrive in the port between these hours.

There are no specific schedules of departures. Some boats depart every 30 minutes, while others wait until they have at least 15 passengers before setting off.

If you’re in a hurry or travelling in a group, you can also hire a private boat for around 2,000 PHP ($33.50).

The boats dock at Maya-Malapascua Boat Station on the island’s southwest coast. Note that when the tide is low, the boats do not make it all the way to the shore. You may need to hire a small rowing boat, which costs 20 PHP ($0.30) per person.

If you want to go fast and in an air-conditioned ride from Cebu to Malapascua, you can take a minivan via Maya. Combined minivan and boat costs start from 690 PHP ($11.50) and travel time is around 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes.

The advantage of taking a van is that they travel faster than air-conditioned buses. Minivans depart when they are full, and that usually doesn’t take too long. It’s worth noting that they might be a bit cramped for taller passengers and those carrying bulky luggage.

At the North Bus Terminal, take a van with a sign that says “Maya.” These minivans make a few stops along the way to drop off passengers. The last stop is at the New Maya Port, from where you can transfer to a boat bound for Malapascua.

A minivan ride costs around 350 PHP ($5.90). Keep this rate in mind because some drivers try to charge more for foreign tourists. You can reach Maya Port in about 4h - 4h 30m.

IMPORTANT: All vans going to Maya Port pass by Bogo City to drop off and pick up passengers. After that, it continues on its way to the northern tip of mainland Cebu. Make sure to pick a van with the end destination as Maya Port because there are also vans that operate only up to Bogo City.

Upon arrival at the New Maya Port, you’ll have to register, then walk towards the end of the port to buy a boat ticket. The total cost per person is 340 PHP ($5.70) — including the boat ticket, as well as the environmental and port fees.

If you’re in a group, you can also consider renting a private boat for 2,000 PHP ($33.50).

Check out the bus option for more details.

Travelling in a small group from Cebu to Malapascua? You can take a taxi to Maya Port and then transfer to a boat to Malapascua Island.

Drivers rarely use the taxi meter for long-distance trips like this. They offer a fixed price, and you can negotiate. For reference, taxi fares usually start at 3,500 PHP ($59) for the almost 4-hour journey.

When taking a taxi from Cebu to Maya, it’s best to ask for your hotel’s assistance in finding a trusted driver. Ask to be dropped off at the New Ferry Port in Maya.

Get a private transfer with 12GoAsia or Klook

There is also an option to book a private car via 12GoAsia or Klook. Rates start from 3,900 PHP ($65) for a one-way taxi ride that fits 3 people.

That’s a bit more expensive than taking a regular taxi, but this service is more convenient with accommodating drivers and comfortable cars.

From Maya Port, you can then take a ferry to Malapascua (the same 35-minute ferry described in the bus option).

The total cost per person is 340 PHP ($5.70) — including the boat ticket, as well as the environmental and port fees. Private boats are also available for 2,000 PHP ($33.50).