Thresher Sharks can be found all over the world, but Malapascua in the Philippines is one of the most popular places to offer sightings of this majestic shark species daily. The prime location for an awe-inspiring experience with Threshers in Malapascua is Monad Shoal.
Malapascuais a hot spot for scuba divers and beach lovers, nestled in the centre of the Philippines archipelago Monad Shoal, also known as shark point, is where all the action happens. This dive spot is a big sunken Island rising from the ocean floor, with spectacular overhangs and walls, disappearing into the endless deep blue ocean. Big schools of tuna, jacks, barracudas, and wrasse can be seen here hence why Thresher Sharks are common in this area.
Getting to Know Thresher Sharks
Thresher Sharks are nocturnal predators which by nature means they hunt when it is dark. When you encounter a Thresher Shark from the front, it looks just like any other shark. Their most distinguishing feature is the beautiful and extended length of their tail serving as a deadly object in hunting for pray and completely unique to these shark species.
There are three types of Thresher Sharks including Pelagic Thresher, Big Eye Thresher, and the Common Thresher.
Thresher Sharks use speed and momentum to turn the tail into a deadly weapon. When hunting, Threshers swim towards the school of pray at a high speed and when it nears its pray it suddenly brakes using the pectoral fins, pushing its snout forward and downward while unleashing its long tail at the fish..
Diving with Thresher Sharks
Thresher Sharks are not dangerous to humans as they do not recognise us as prey, they are startled by our presence and in most instances, they will swim away when they detect divers. They are easily frightened by bubbles coming from our scuba diving gear, or from any sudden movement. Recommendations are that when encountering a Thresher Shark to remain still to maximize your experience.
Monad Shoal has a fairly deep, square profile, we recommend that you use NITROX and hold your advanced qualification. If you are Open Water certified, you will be required to go with an instructor and depending on your previous experience you may be required to do a checkout dive. For more details, please feel free to contact a member of our team who will happily take you through all the necessary requirements.
Our Thresher Shark diving holidays are at the Exotic Dive & Beach Resort a charming hotel with a variety of rooms, a magnificent beachfront location, out of this world thresher shark diving experiences and a unique man-made house reef.
