Malapascua, a gem in the Philippines, is a diver's dream destination.
A Sunrise Encounter with Thresher Sharks
Our adventure began in the early hours of the morning, when the sky was still dark, and the island was just starting to wake up. We met our dive team at 5:30 AM at the Thresher Shark Divers. Despite the early hour, there was a buzz of excitement in the air as we prepared for our dive.
Equipped with our gear and a quick briefing from our knowledgeable dive guides, we boarded the boat. The journey to Kimud Shoal (and 2nd dive Monad Shoal), the famous dive site known for thresher shark sightings, took about 30 minutes. The top of the Kimud Shoal ”island” lies at 12-16m, and the steep sides drop off to 200m+. The boat ride itself was peaceful, with the gentle rocking of the waves and the anticipation of seeing these majestic creatures building among us.
Kimud Shoal - A sunken "island"
The Dive Briefing
Upon reaching Kimud Shoal, our dive master gave us a detailed briefing. We were reminded of the importance of maintaining a respectful distance from the sharks, proper buoyancy control, and the need to avoid using flash photography. These guidelines are crucial to ensure that we do not disturb the natural behavior of the sharks or harm the delicate marine ecosystem.
The Descent: Entering the Underwater World
As the first light of dawn began to break, we made our descent into the clear, blue waters. The visibility was excellent, and the water was calm, creating perfect diving conditions. As we reached the cleaning stations at about 20 meters deep, we found our spots and waited quietly.
The Encounter: Thresher Sharks in Their Natural Habitat
It wasn’t long before we caught sight of our first thresher shark. With its long, whip-like tail and sleek body, it moved gracefully through the water. The experience of seeing these sharks up close was exhilarating. They glided past us, seemingly unbothered by our presence, as they visited the cleaning stations where cleaner fish rid them of parasites.
The thresher sharks are known for their unique tail, which they use to stun prey. Watching them in their natural habitat, undisturbed and graceful, was a humbling experience. We spent about 45 minutes underwater, observing these magnificent creatures and the vibrant marine life around us.
Returning to the Surface: A Dive to Remember
After our dive, we slowly ascended to the surface, filled with awe and excitement from our incredible encounter. Back on the boat, we shared our experiences and marvelled at the beauty of the underwater world we had just witnessed. The ride back to Malapascua was serene, with the early morning sun now casting a golden glow over the water.
Reflecting on the Experience
Diving with thresher sharks was a highlight of our trip to Malapascua. The professionalism and dedication of the Thresher Shark Divers made our experience not only enjoyable but also educational. They emphasized the importance of responsible diving and marine conservation, ensuring that we left with a deeper appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Tips for Future Divers
Early Start: Be prepared for an early wake-up call. The best time to see thresher sharks is at dawn.
Follow Guidelines: Always listen to your dive master and follow the guidelines to protect the marine environment.
Respect Marine Life: Maintain a respectful distance from the sharks and avoid touching or disturbing any marine life.
Capture Memories Responsibly: Take photos without flash to prevent disturbing the sharks.
Conclusion
Our early morning dive to see thresher sharks in Malapascua was an experience of a lifetime. The tranquility of the early hours, the beauty of the underwater world, and the thrill of encountering thresher sharks up close made it an unforgettable adventure. If you’re a diving enthusiast, Malapascua should definitely be on your bucket list. Dive responsibly, respect the ocean, and cherish the incredible experiences it offers.
Responsible Scuba Diving in Malapascua, Philippines: What to Consider for Shark Tourism
Shark tourism
As shark tourism grows, it’s crucial for divers to practice responsible scuba diving to ensure the preservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitat. Here’s what you need to know about responsible diving in Malapascua and ethical shark tourism.
Understanding Thresher Sharks
Thresher sharks are known for their long, whip-like tails, which they use to stun prey. These elusive sharks are primarily found at Monad Shoal, an underwater plateau near Malapascua. This location is one of the few places in the world where divers can reliably see thresher sharks, often during early morning dives when the sharks come up from the deep to visit cleaning stations.
Principles of Responsible Scuba Diving
1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Dive Operator
Selecting a dive operator committed to sustainable practices is the first step in responsible diving. Look for operators that:
Follow local and international guidelines for marine conservation.
Limit the number of divers per trip to reduce environmental impact.
Educate divers on responsible diving practices.
2. Respect Marine Life
When diving with thresher sharks, it’s crucial to:
Maintain a respectful distance: Stay at least three meters away from the sharks.
Avoid touching or chasing the sharks: This can stress them and disrupt their natural behavior.
Do not use flash photography: Flash can disturb the sharks and other marine creatures.
3. Practice Good Buoyancy
Proper buoyancy control helps prevent accidental damage to the reef and its inhabitants. Ensure you:
Master buoyancy skills before attempting dives near sensitive areas.
Avoid kicking the reef or stirring up sediment, which can harm marine life.
4. Follow Dive Briefings
Listen carefully to dive briefings provided by your dive guide. They will cover important information on dive site conditions, marine life behavior, and safety protocols.
Ethical Considerations for Shark Tourism
1. Support Conservation Efforts
Engage with dive operators and local organizations that are involved in shark conservation projects. This support can be financial, through donations, or by participating in conservation activities.
2. Be Informed
Educate yourself about the local marine ecosystem and the threats it faces. Understanding the significance of thresher sharks and their role in the marine environment enhances the diving experience and fosters a greater appreciation for conservation efforts.
3. Minimize Environmental Footprint
Use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals from damaging coral reefs and marine life.
Avoid single-use plastics and dispose of waste responsibly.
Consider offsetting your carbon footprint from travel by supporting environmental projects.
4. Advocate for Sustainable Practices
Encourage responsible tourism by sharing your experiences and advocating for sustainable practices. Promote awareness about the importance of marine conservation and the need for responsible shark tourism.
The Future of Shark Tourism in Malapascua
Sustainable shark tourism in Malapascua relies on the collective efforts of divers, dive operators, and the local community. By practicing responsible scuba diving and supporting conservation initiatives, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the breathtaking beauty and unique experiences that Malapascua offers.
Remember, every dive is an opportunity to protect and preserve the marine environment. Dive responsibly, respect marine life, and contribute to the conservation of the thresher sharks and their habitat. Your actions today will make a difference for the future of our oceans.
Happy diving, and let’s keep Malapascua’s underwater world thriving!