THE PHILIPPINES
Thresher Shark Workshop in Malapascua
JUNE 6 TO 15, 2026 – Starting at €2,150 (excluding flights)
In June 2026, I am launching the first edition of a participatory science workshop dedicated to the thresher shark, in a legendary location: Malapascua, in the Philippines.
It is the only place in the world where you can observe the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) in such conditions: throughout the day, between 0 and 30 meters deep. These slender silhouettes appear on the plateau and enjoy a thorough cleaning by wrasses, sometimes leaping to the surface of the water. It is a rare and moving sight.
For several days, you will dive to encounter this fascinating species while contributing to the collection of scientific data: photo-identification, behavior observation, laser photogrammetry, and participation in the creation of a unique registry of individuals observed in Malapascua.
This trip is much more than an underwater adventure: it is a total immersion in the world of marine biology, a way to support local communities whose livelihoods depend on sustainable tourism linked to this iconic shark, and an unforgettable human experience where every dive takes on real meaning.
Starting at €2,150 per person.
7 nights at the Ocean Vida Beach Resort Hotel in a shared double room
with breakfast included
18 dives
10 days
7 nights
Program
- Day 1: Flights to the Philippines
- Day 2: Arrival at Cebu Airport. Pickup and transfer to Malapascua Island
- Day 3: 3 shark dives at Kimud Shoal – Lectures and photo-identification workshops
- Day 4: 3 shark dives at Kimud Shoal – Photo-identification workshops
- Day 5: 3 shark dives at Kimud Shoal – Photo-identification workshops
- Day 6: 3 shark dives at Kimud Shoal – Photo-identification workshops
- Day 7: Day at sea at Gato Island or Capitancillo or Kalanggaman with BBQ lunch on board and 3 dives planned
- Day 8: 3 shark dives at Kimud Shoal – Photo-identification workshops
- Day 9: Check-out, transfer to Cebu airport and return flights to Europe
- Day 10: Arrival in France/Europe
Bangka (traditional Philippine boat) chartered for the group.
Up to 12 divers.
Water temperature: 27°C-31°C
Air temperature: 27°C-30°C
5 mm full wetsuit
Dark colors
CMAS / FFESSM Level II
Advanced Open Water Diver
with a minimum of 50 dives
What’s included
- Pickup and return transfers from Cebu/Malapascua airport
- Accommodation in a double room at the Ocean Vida Beach Resort hotel, including breakfast (8 days/7 nights)
- 18 dives (3 dives per day)
- 12L AIR aluminum tanks.
- Weights and belts
- 1 day at Gato Island or Capitancillo or Kalanggaman with 3 dives planned
- 1 BBQ for lunch on board for the day at Gato Island, Capitancillo, or Kalanggaman
- Snacks, coffee, and tea on board
- Local guides
- 2 naturalist guides
- Conferences on thresher sharks, citizen science, photo identification, laser photogrammetry
- Shark identification workshops
- 1 professional videographer to capture this experience
What’s not included
- International flights (Emirates, Eva Air, Turkish Airlines) must be booked by credit card to be insured.
- Possible increases in aviation taxes
- Cancellation insurance and assistance (recommended)
- Diving insurance (mandatory)
- Meals not mentioned
- Diving equipment rental
- Single room
- Tips for guides and skippers (approx. €30 per person for the week)
- Other personal expenses
Expeditions Gallery
No photos yet, but already lots of excitement: the gallery is eagerly awaiting its first thresher sharks… and you, to be part of it!