A pre‑booked private transfer from MCIA straight to Maya Port is the easiest.
Your driver meets you in arrivals and drives 4–5 hours to Maya; from there you can ride a
private boat (anytime, weather permitting) or the public passenger boat
(typically daytime). For groups or travelers with dive gear, this removes all transfers and queues.

Budget route: Airport → North Bus Terminal → Ceres bus to Maya → Public boat to Malapascua.
Expect around ₱400–₱700 total per person and 6–7 hours travel time.
It’s the lowest cost but involves two transfers and more waiting.

Typical total time is 5–7 hours: 4–5 hours by road from MCIA to Maya Port and
30–45 minutes by boat to Malapascua. Add buffer for traffic, fuel stops, boat loading, and
weather checks—especially in the wet season when seas can slow departures.

• Private car/van MCIA → Maya: ₱4,000–₱5,500 per vehicle (size/season dependent)
• Taxi/Grab MCIA → Maya: ₱3,500–₱4,500 (surge possible)
• Ceres bus Cebu City → Maya: ₱250–₱400 (non‑AC vs AC)
• Shared van Cebu City → Maya: ₱800–₱1,200 per person (airport pickup may add fees)
• Public boat Maya → Malapascua: ₱200–₱250 per person
• Private boat: ₱1,500–₱2,500 per trip (handy for late arrivals or big groups)

Maya Port sits at the northern tip of mainland Cebu in the municipality of Daanbantayan.
It has a small passenger area, ticket desks for the public boats, and space to load luggage.
Boat crews are used to handling dive equipment—just communicate early and keep fragile items protected.

Public boats typically run from around 6:00 AM to ~4:30 PM and depart when there are enough
passengers (often every 20–40 minutes in the daytime). Schedules can shift with weather or sea conditions.
If you arrive after the last public boat, arrange a private boat or stay overnight near Maya.

Yes if you’re arriving late, traveling as a group, or carrying lots of gear.
It leaves on your schedule and cuts waiting time. Cost typically ₱1,500–₱2,500 per trip
(weather/sea permitting). Always confirm safety gear and agree on the price before boarding.

Yes. Many travelers do this for flexibility. Expect ₱3,500–₱4,500 and 4–5 hours
on the road. Because it’s a long ride, some drivers prefer a fixed price—agree on fare, fuel, and waiting time
(if any) before departure. Grab fares are subject to surge pricing.

1. From MCIA, ride a taxi/Grab to the North Bus Terminal (30–60 minutes).
2. Board a Ceres Liner to Maya (Daanbantayan)—look for signs like “Maya via Bagay.”
3. Ride to the terminal stop in Maya Port; walk to the public boat area and buy a ticket to Malapascua.

If seats fill up, the next bus usually comes within 30–40 minutes. Keep your valuables in a daypack on your lap.

Shared vans depart near SM City Cebu or Ayala Center Cebu; some operators offer direct
airport pickups for a fee. They’re faster than buses but may wait to fill seats. Budget
₱800–₱1,200 per person to Maya, then add the public boat fare to Malapascua.

If you’re comfortable with provincial highways, yes. Rentals are typically ₱2,500–₱3,500/day.
Confirm secure parking near Maya Port for the duration of your island stay. Drive time is
4–5 hours. Download offline maps and avoid risky overtakes near town centers and narrow bridges.

Boat departures can be delayed or canceled for safety. In wet season or during storms, build in flexibility:
aim to reach Maya earlier in the day, consider a private boat if seas are acceptable, or stay overnight and cross
the next morning. Waterproof your bags and carry a light jacket for wind and spray.

Bring sufficient cash in Philippine pesos (small bills ₱20–₱100) for tickets, porters, tricycles,
snacks, and environmental fees. ATMs are limited around Maya and Malapascua. Many private transfers accept
online card payment only if booked in advance—confirm before you go.

Use hard cases for regs and cameras, and dry bags for soft gear.
Alert crew about heavy items before loading; keep the most valuable/fragile pieces with you in the cabin.
If seas are choppy, wrap electronics with extra padding and plastic liners. Load last, unload first.

The road to Maya is fine at night, but public boats stop by late afternoon. If landing late,
pre‑arrange a private boat or plan to sleep near Maya. At the airport and in Cebu City,
wait in well‑lit areas, share your driver/vehicle details with a contact, and keep bags zipped and close.

Buy a tourist SIM (Globe or Smart) or use an eSIM with local data. Coverage on the highway is generally good but
can dip in pockets; download offline maps. On Malapascua, data speeds vary by location—confirm with your hotel if
you need reliable Wi‑Fi for work calls.

Choose a private transfer to reduce steps and transfers. At Maya, boarding is via gangplank or
small pier—ask crew for assistance and request a life jacket before departure. Some beachfront
landings at Malapascua can be sandy; confirm with your hotel if a support boat or resort pickup
can be arranged closer to your accommodation.

Take motion‑sickness medication 30–60 minutes before the crossing, sit mid‑boat, keep eyes on the horizon, and
avoid heavy, oily food before boarding. Bring water and ginger candies. If seas are rough, consider waiting for a
calmer window or booking a larger, more stable private boat.

For international flights, plan to be back on the mainland at least 6–7 hours
before departure; for domestic flights, allow 5–6 hours. This includes boat,
road travel, and buffer for traffic or weather. When in doubt, return to Cebu City the day before your flight and
stay near the airport.

Malapascua is year‑round, with dry months (Nov–May) offering calmer seas and more predictable
crossings. Thresher sharks at Monad Shoal are seen year‑round at dawn; weather affects boat rides more than
sightings. Peak holidays increase crowds and prices—book transfers and boats early.

It’s possible if you arrive before noon and seas cooperate, but most divers wait until the
next morning for dawn dives at Monad Shoal. If you reach mid‑afternoon, settle in, do a check dive,
or enjoy a shore/snorkel session and save early dives for the following day.

Some municipalities collect small environmental or terminal fees (amounts change over time).
Keep small bills handy and follow crew instructions to speed boarding. Pack out your trash and avoid single‑use
plastics—Malapascua’s reefs are sensitive and sustainability matters.

Several private lots near the port offer paid parking for multi‑day stays; rates vary.
Choose well‑lit lots with attendants and don’t leave valuables in sight. Your transfer provider can often
recommend a trusted area if you’re self‑driving.

Wait for the next departure (often 20–40 minutes), or ask about sharing a private boat with other
passengers to split costs. During peak times, arriving earlier in the day reduces waiting.

• Confirm transfer and boat plans 24 hours ahead (time, plate/boat name, contacts).
• Carry enough cash in small bills; ATMs are limited.
• Pack dry bags, a light jacket, and phone power bank.
• Download offline maps and save hotel/boat operator pins.
• Respect boat safety briefings; wear a life jacket when advised.