Your Budget Guide: Cebu Airport to Malapascua
Getting to Malapascua from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is a straightforward journey if you know exactly where to go. While private transfers are available, the most authentic and budget-friendly way to travel is by local transport.
This guide breaks down the exact route, updated for 2026, so you can spend less on transit and more on your dives.
Step 1: Airport to the Bus Terminal
Your first goal is getting from the airport to the Cebu North Bus Terminal, which is now located at SM City Cebu.
The Route: Walk out of the arrivals area and head straight to the official taxi stand.
What to Ride: Grab a standard White Taxi.
Destination: Tell the driver you are heading to the "North Bus Terminal at SM City Cebu."
Pro Tip: Always make sure the driver turns the meter on. The ride usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on Cebu City traffic.
Step 2: Cebu City to Maya New Port
Once you arrive at the SM City Cebu terminal, you need to head to the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.
What to Ride: Look for a Van (V-hire) heading to "Maya New Port."
The Cost: 350 PHP per person.
The Journey: This trip takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the time of day and traffic along the northern highway. The vans are air-conditioned and generally get you there faster than the larger yellow buses, making them the best value option.
Step 3: Maya Port to Malapascua Island
You've made it to the edge of Cebu! Now, it's a short ocean crossing to the island.
What to Ride: Look for the public Bangka (traditional outrigger boat) at Maya New Port.
The Cost: 250 PHP per person.
The Schedule: Boats start running at 7:00 AM and leave roughly every 30 minutes.
The Journey: The boat ride takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending entirely on wind and weather conditions.
Crucial Timing: The last public boat leaves at 5:00 PM. If your flight lands in Cebu after 1:00 PM, you run the risk of missing the final boat. If you miss it, you will need to negotiate a more expensive private boat or stay overnight in a guesthouse near Maya Port.
Step 4: Finding MBI Dive Center
Once your boat docks at Malapascua Port, your journey is complete. Finding us is incredibly easy.
When you step off the boat, simply look to the left side of the Malapascua port area. We are the only PADI 5-Star Dive Center located directly in the port zone.
Arriving for Your Dives
Hours: Our dive shop is open daily from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM.
Equipment Fitting: We require all divers to fit their equipment the day before diving so we can perfectly organize our boat schedules for the next morning.
Welcome Home: Feel free to drop your bags and come straight to the shop upon arrival. We always have free coffee and cold water waiting for you.
Safe travels, and we will see you on the island!