Travel Stories
Telling Tails on Malapascua: The Thresher Sharks of Monad Shoal
It’s already warm. All thoughts of having woken at 04:30 are dispelled as the moon hangs in a sky of midnight blue. Somewhere along the horizon the sun begins to lift the night away and the dawn creeps in. The sea seems purple against the sunrise. You forget that it’s 05:00 as the day begins to show its colours, but your thoughts are someway beneath the waves already. You share a knowing grin with your buddy. The boat slows and you make your final preparations to begin the adventure. As you jump into the ocean the thrill of what is to come builds. You waste no time descending. Upon reaching the shallower part of the shoal you ignore the otherwise attention seeking anemonefish and follow your guide on down, skirting by the triggerfish and leaving the garden eels for dust and sand. With every glance into the deep blue you imagine a fin, a tail, that large eye.
As you kneel on the sandy slope just short of the cleaning station, your eyes adjust to the blue-grey water before you. The level of anticipation quickens your pulse. Your senses are primed to the sharpest degree. Sit. Watch. Wait. Imagine. Soon all you hear are your bubbles as your only thoughts are on seeing the famous denizens of Malapascua. Your eyes pick out a fleck of silver and a shadow moves in the blue. You inhale as your eyes widen and you strain to see more. The sleek, strong and elegant outline of a Thresher Shark emerges before you. Keep still. The slightest jerk will send these skittish creatures back into the blue yonder and down away from your sight. The shark comes closer and then you see a second and even a third or fourth join the group. They begin to circle over the cleaning station, allowing the cleaner wrasse to perform their morning ablutions. Their circles continue and they come ever closer. Now you can really see their sweeping, tapering, elongated tails that make these creatures so famous. Flick, flick, flick, swish, swish, swish. The sharks continue swimming, performing figures of eight. They swim around your head and over your shoulder with their large eyes fixed on you. The pointed face seems to be forever anxious and inquisitive. Squeals of delight peel from divers all around – but take care – the sharks can disappear as quickly as they emerged before you. It has been known for up to ten individuals to make an appearance simultaneously. Where would you look as this silver and blue fantasy played out before you?! Tempting as it is to focus on what is in front of you, take care to look over your shoulder as sometimes the sharks come barrelling in over the top of the shoal, down the sandy slope and right past unsuspecting divers looking in the other direction. Be prepared for a surprise! The sharks can appear at shallower levels too. Imagine jumping in, your bubbles clear, and as you descend to 15 metres, just below you is the zig and the zag of that beautiful body. At Monad Shoal you can have it all; sharks above you, sharks below you, sharks sweeping in over your shoulder and over your head!
Monad Shoal is accessible to all Advanced Open Water divers and dives here are offered daily. Thresher Shark Divers have a permanent buoy line at the southern end of the shoal, which makes for an easy descent to around 17 metres to reach the top of the plateau. Monad Shoal is a submerged island (roughly the same size as Malapascua itself) that rises from the Marakina Trench, a deep stretch of water running between Cebu and Leyte in the central Philippines. Thresher Sharks enjoy the darkness (one reason they have very large eyes!) and so are generally feeding too deep for recreational divers to be able to enjoy. However, we all like to get clean of a morning and so every dawn, once the sharks have enjoyed their fishy meals they come to get ‘washed’! Monad Shoal is a collection of ‘cleaning stations’. Cleaner Wrasse including the Moon Wrasse and the Blue-streaked Wrasse make their homes on various rocky outcroppings jutting off the plateau. A sandy slope leads from the plateau down to the various cleaning stations. Most of the action takes place at around 32 metres. Here divers can sit and witness the sharks circling as the wrasse do their work. Other stations exist at between 30 and 18 metres. It is not unusual for divers to only make it to the first cleaning station and no further, since the shark sightings here can be prolonged and scintillating experiences.
The sharks seen at Monad Shoal are Pelagic Thresher Sharks. These differ from the Common Thresher Shark and the Big-eye Thresher Shark as they have a greater gap between the pectoral and dorsal fins. Common Thresher Sharks have a more obvious white stomach and tend to be somewhat stockier. Those who dive with Thresher Shark Divers can take a unique PADI Distinctive Speciality course to learn all about the Thresher Sharks of Monad Shoal as well as the history of the shark encounters in this region. The course also takes in two dives to tour the cleaning stations, encouraging divers to observe the cleaner wrasse and the behaviour patterns of the sharks, as well as to determine the sex of the individuals.
Thresher Shark Divers also take divers to a second site where two cleaning stations attract Thresher Sharks and Manta Rays! Shark Point and Manta Point lie very close to one another and lucky divers can enjoy double helpings of these beautiful creatures in one dive!
To find out more, visit www.malapascua-diving.com
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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