How to get fromCebu 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 kilometers (71 miles) from Cebu to Malapascua. You can choose between the bus + boat, minivan + boat and taxi + boat. The journey takes 4 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 45 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 460 PHP ($8).

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 Rough Riders are the main companies operating from Cebu to Malapascua via Maya. Their buses, both non-aircon and airconditioned, are available 24 hours a day.

You can reach the port faster (about 4 hours) with a non-aircon bus because they travel 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 start from 260 PHP ($4.50) – 360 PHP ($6.30) for non-aircon and aircon, respectively.

Departure and arrival station

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

Ceres Bus and Rough Riders 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.

Rough Rider 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, walk towards the end to find the ticket booth. A ticket costs about 200 PHP ($3.50) for foreigners, and a bit less for locals. The latest prices are posted in the ticket booth.

There are no specific schedules for departures. Boats leave when they are full or have about 15 passengers.

Public boats operate from 06:30 to 16:30. Don’t be easily swayed by touts who say that there are no ferries operating if you arrived in the port between these hours.

Some operators also offer private boat rides for 1,500 PHP ($26).

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 get from Cebu to Malapascua fast, you can take a minivan via Maya. Combined minivan and boat costs start from 550 PHP ($9.60) and travel time is around 4 hours 45 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 easily transfer to a boat bound for Malapascua.

A minivan ride costs around 350 PHP ($6.10). Keep this rate in mind because some drivers try to charge more for foreign tourists. You can reach Maya Port in about 4 hours.

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.

Walk towards the end of the New Maya Port to buy a boat ticket that costs around 200 PHP ($3.50). If you’re in a group, you can also consider renting a private boat for 1,500 PHP ($26).

Check out the bus option for more details.

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

Drivers rarely use the taxi metre for long-distance trips like this. They offer a fixed price and you can negotiate. Fares start at 3,500 PHP ($61) 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 Klook

There is also an option to book your taxi via Klook. Rates start from 4,400 PHP ($77) for a one-way taxi ride that fits 3 people.

That’s more expensive than taking a regular taxi, but this Klook service gets really good reviews for its accommodating drivers and comfortable cars.

From Maya Port, you can then take a ferry to Malapascua (the same 45-minute ferry described in the first option).

A ferry ticket costs 200 PHP ($3.50) for a public boat. Private boats are also available for 1,500 PHP ($26).