Monad Shoal

Monad Shoal: The Legendary Thresher Shark Cleaning Station

Prepare for an unforgettable experience at Monad Shoal, a world-renowned dive site located approximately 7.8 km east of Malapascua Island. This submerged seamount, rising from a 200 m drop-off, has long been celebrated as the only known location where pelagic thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus) reliably visit cleaning stations at recreational diving depths. It's a truly unique opportunity to witness these elusive deep-water dwellers.

Dive Site Overview

Monad Shoal is an advanced dive site, demanding an Advanced Open Water certification due to its depths and potential for moderate to sometimes strong currents. The top of the shoal forms a plateau, with cleaning stations typically found between 20 m and 30 m, and the dive often extends to a maximum depth of 40 m along the drop-off. Water temperatures generally range from 25°C to 29°C, though they can dip to 24°C during cooler months.

Encountering the Pelagics

The primary draw of Monad Shoal remains the majestic Pelagic Thresher Shark. These shy creatures ascend from the deep ocean at dawn to be cleaned by smaller reef fish, a fascinating natural spectacle. To maximize your chances of a sighting, we recommend early morning dives, often starting before sunrise.

While Monad Shoal was historically the most consistent spot, divers should be aware that thresher shark activity has gradually shifted, with neighboring Kimud Shoal now often considered more reliable for consistent encounters, partly due to the increased presence of tiger sharks at Monad. Dive operators in Malapascua often alternate between the two sites based on recent shark activity. Despite this shift, Monad Shoal still offers incredible opportunities to encounter other large pelagics, including graceful Reef Manta Rays and Spotted Eagle Rays. From January to April, divers may also be lucky enough to spot Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks.

Beyond the Big Fish

Beyond its famous shark encounters, Monad Shoal boasts a vibrant reef ecosystem. Divers will find a multitude of soft coral species flourishing along the current-rich walls, providing habitat for an array of smaller marine life. Keep an eye out for diverse macro subjects such as Pygmy Seahorses, various Nudibranchs, and Mantis Shrimps, making it a rewarding site for underwater photographers and critter enthusiasts alike.

Diving Conditions and Safety

Given the typical depths and potential for currents, we emphasize the importance of proper planning and buoyancy control. Divers must be mindful of the decompression obligation associated with deeper, longer dives. We highly recommend using Nitrox for extended bottom times, which can enhance your chances of prolonged pelagic encounters. To ensure the best possible experience for all and to avoid disturbing the shy thresher sharks, maintaining quiet and calm behavior underwater is crucial.