Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort: Cebu Hotel Guide

Overview of Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort

Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort is one of the most beloved beachfront properties on Malapascua Island, offering a perfect balance of relaxation, diving adventures, and island-style comfort. Located directly on Bounty Beach—the island’s most famous stretch of powdery sand—the resort provides easy access to restaurants, bars, dive shops, and boat pick-up points. Its laid-back atmosphere, excellent hospitality, and integration with Sea Explorers (its in-house dive center) make it a top choice for divers, couples, and travelers seeking an effortless island escape.

The resort is well-known for its beachfront rooms, sunset views, and lively but not overwhelming social atmosphere. Ocean Vida blends rustic island charm with modern comforts, making it ideal for guests who want both adventure and relaxation in one place.

Location and Accessibility

Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort is located on Bounty Beach at the southeast section of Malapascua Island. This area is the heart of the island’s tourism scene, lined with boutique resorts, cafés, and dive centers.

How to Get There

• From Cebu City:
  Travel 3–4 hours by bus or private car to Maya Port (Daanbantayan), then take a 30–40 minute boat to Malapascua.

• From Mactan–Cebu International Airport (MCIA):
  A private transfer to Maya typically takes 3–3.5 hours. Shared vans are also available at the airport.

• Boat Transfers:
  Public boats run regularly during the day; private charters are available for late arrivals.

Once on Malapascua, it’s a short walk along the beach to reach the resort.

Rooms and Accommodation

Ocean Vida offers a range of rooms designed to maximize comfort while preserving the island’s natural vibe. Interiors are cozy, bright, and decorated with tropical elements.

Room Types

Beachfront Deluxe Rooms

These are the resort’s flagship rooms, just steps from the sand. They feature:

• Private balcony or terrace with direct beach access

• Air-conditioning

• King or twin beds

• Mini-fridge

• Hot and cold shower

• Outdoor seating with sunset views

These rooms are perfect for couples, divers, and guests who want to wake up to the sound of the ocean.

Garden Rooms (Second Wing)

Located slightly behind the beachfront building, these rooms offer more privacy and a quieter atmosphere. They include:

• Air-conditioning

• Comfortable bedding

• Modern bathroom

• Spacious layout

Garden rooms are ideal for guests seeking a calmer stay or those traveling in groups.

Dining at Ocean Vida

The resort offers all-day dining with a focus on fresh ingredients, satisfying comfort food, and casual beachside meals.

Restaurant and Bar

The beachfront restaurant serves a mix of international cuisine, Filipino dishes, vegetarian options, and classic favorites like pasta, seafood platters, and grilled meats.

Highlights include:

• Breakfast with ocean views

• Romantic dinner setups on the sand

• Cocktail hours during sunset

• Fresh seafood catches

• Vegan and gluten-free options available upon request

Its bar, known for chill ambiance and well-mixed cocktails, becomes livelier after sunset—making it a great place to meet fellow travelers.

Diving and Marine Activities

Ocean Vida is deeply connected to its dive community. The in-house dive center, Sea Explorers, is one of the longest-running and most reputable operators on the island.

Diving with Sea Explorers

Sea Explorers offers:

• Daily thresher shark dives at Monad Shoal

• Fun dives around Malapascua’s reefs

• Night dives

• PADI dive courses for all levels

• Underwater photography support

• Small dive groups and professional guides

The thresher shark encounter is the main highlight, giving divers the chance to see these rare pelagic sharks up close.

Other Water Activities

• Snorkeling tours

• Island-hopping trips

• Paddleboarding

• Freediving sessions

These activities are easy to arrange through the resort or nearby vendors.

Facilities and Amenities

Ocean Vida combines essential comforts with island-style hospitality.

Key Amenities

• Free Wi-Fi (stronger near the restaurant and reception)

• Beach loungers and umbrellas reserved for resort guests

• In-house dive shop

• Massage services (by request)

• Airport and port transfers

• Laundry services

• Secure storage for dive gear

The beachfront seating area—complete with beanbags and sunbeds—is one of the best spots on Bounty Beach for relaxing.

Who Should Stay at Ocean Vida

This resort caters to a wide range of travelers, but it is especially recommended for:

1. Divers

The resort’s partnership with Sea Explorers makes it an easy choice for divers who want seamless access to thresher shark dives.

2. Couples

Sunset views, beachfront dining, and romantic ambience make it ideal for honeymooners and partners.

3. Solo Travelers

Its social bar scene and friendly staff help guests feel welcomed and connected.

4. Families

Spacious rooms and a safe beachfront area make it suitable for families with kids, though the social nightlife may be lively.

5. Travelers Who Want Convenience

From dining to diving to beach lounging, everything is within steps of your room.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Prime location directly on the best part of Bounty Beach

• Excellent dive center with professional guides

• Beautiful sunset views

• Comfortable beachfront rooms

• Social but relaxed atmosphere

• Good food and cocktails

Cons

• Rooms may be booked out months in advance

• Wi-Fi can be unstable during peak hours

• No swimming pool

• Nightlife nearby may cause minimal noise depending on the season

Tips for Your Stay

• Book early, especially during December–May.

• Choose a Beachfront Room if sunset views are your priority.

• Bring cash; ATMs on the island may run out of cash frequently.

• Join a thresher shark dive as early as 5:00 AM for the best chance to see sharks.

• Try the beachfront BBQ night or special dinner setups.

• If you prefer quiet nights, request a room in the Garden Wing.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Malapascua Island may be small, but it offers memorable adventures:

On the Island

• Bounty Beach exploration

• Lighthouse walk

• Cliff jumping at the north end

• Local village tours

Nearby Dive Spots

• Monad Shoal (thresher sharks)

• Gato Island (tunnel dive, marine sanctuary)

• Kalanggaman Island (day trip)

Overall Experience

Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort stands out as one of Malapascua’s best beachfront accommodations. Whether you are here to dive, unwind, or explore, the resort delivers a complete island escape with top-notch service and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Its ideal location and strong connection to the diving community make it a favorite among both new and returning visitors.

If you want a Malapascua stay that perfectly blends adventure and comfort, Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort is an excellent choice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort located?

Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort is located on Bounty Beach in Malapascua Island, off the northern tip of Cebu. The resort sits directly on the main stretch of white sand, surrounded by other small hotels, restaurants, and dive shops. Its central beachfront location makes it very convenient for joining boat tours, dive trips, and evening walks along the shore.

How do I get to Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort from Cebu City or the airport?

From Cebu City or Mactan–Cebu International Airport, you first travel by car, taxi, or bus to Maya Port in Daanbantayan, which takes about 3–4 hours. From Maya Port, you board a public or private boat to Malapascua Island, usually 30–40 minutes. Once you arrive on the island, it is a short walk along Bounty Beach to reach Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort.

What types of rooms are available at Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort?

The resort generally offers two main types of rooms: Beachfront Rooms and Garden Rooms or similar categories. Beachfront Rooms are directly facing the sea, with terraces or balconies overlooking Bounty Beach. Garden Rooms are set slightly behind, offering a quieter and more private atmosphere. All room types typically include air-conditioning, comfortable bedding, private bathrooms, and simple, island-inspired interiors.

Is Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort good for divers?

Yes, Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort is highly popular among divers. The resort is closely linked with an in-house dive center, often known as Sea Explorers, which organizes daily dive trips. Guests can easily join early-morning dives to see thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, fun dives around Malapascua’s reefs, and trips to nearby sites such as Gato Island. The convenient beachside location and on-site dive services make it ideal for diving holidays.

Can beginners learn to dive at Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort?

Beginners are welcome, and it is usually possible to start dive training at the resort’s partnered dive center. Many guests take PADI Open Water or Discover Scuba Diving programs during their stay. Instructors and dive masters guide new divers through the basics in a safe, controlled way before visiting more challenging sites. It is recommended to book dive courses in advance during high season, as slots can fill quickly.

Is the resort suitable for couples or honeymooners?

Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort is an excellent choice for couples and honeymooners. The beachfront setting, sunset views, and relaxed island atmosphere create a romantic environment. Couples can book beach-facing rooms, enjoy dinner on the sand, and take slow walks along Bounty Beach. While the bar area can be social in the evenings, the overall mood remains laid-back rather than party-focused, which many couples appreciate.

Is Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort family-friendly?

The resort can be suitable for families, especially those with older children who enjoy the beach and water activities. The shallow shoreline in front of the resort is good for supervised swimming and playing in the sand. Families should keep in mind that this is a dive-oriented resort with a social beach bar, so the environment may feel more adult-focused in the evenings. It is a good idea to request quieter rooms toward the garden side when traveling with kids.

What dining options are available at the resort?

Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort typically has a beachfront restaurant and bar offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy a mix of Filipino dishes, international comfort food, pasta, salads, and fresh seafood. Many guests choose to eat most meals on-site because of the convenience and sea view. The bar serves cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks, and sunset happy hours are popular. Dietary restrictions can often be accommodated with advance notice.

Does the resort have Wi-Fi and other modern amenities?

The resort usually provides free Wi-Fi in common areas and guest rooms, although speeds can vary due to the island location. Basic online tasks such as messaging and browsing are generally possible, but remote work requiring very stable high-speed internet may be challenging. Other amenities often include beach loungers, massage services by arrangement, gear storage for divers, and assistance with tours and transfers, giving guests a comfortable yet still “off-grid” island feel.

What should I pack for a stay at Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort?

Pack light, tropical-friendly clothing such as shorts, T-shirts, swimwear, and a light cover-up. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential for sun protection. Bring sandals or water shoes for walking on the beach and boat entries. If you plan to dive, you can rent equipment on-site, but you may prefer to bring your own mask or computer. It is also wise to carry enough cash, as ATMs on or near Malapascua can be limited or sometimes out of service.

When is the best time to stay at Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort?

The best time to stay is typically during the dry season, roughly from November to May, when seas are calmer and there is more sunshine. Thresher shark sightings at Monad Shoal are possible year-round, but good weather improves boat conditions and overall comfort. High season and holidays can be busy, so early booking is recommended if you want beachfront rooms or specific dive courses. Rainy months can still offer good diving but may have rougher seas and occasional trip delays.