Daanbantayan

Daanbantayan is a scenic municipality at the northernmost tip of Cebu Island, serving as the main jump-off point for Malapascua Island, one of the Philippines' premier dive destinations and the world's only reliable site to spot thresher sharks year-round. This coastal municipality has transformed from a quiet fishing community into a hub for marine tourism, attracting divers, backpackers, and island-hoppers from across the globe who use it to access Malapascua's legendary shark encounters, pristine coral reefs, and charming beach atmosphere. Daanbantayan itself has a rugged, unpretentious coastal beauty with picturesque fishing villages, swaying coconut palms, and views across the Visayan Sea toward the Visayas island chain. The town's relaxed pace, fresh seafood, and authentic provincial character make it a rewarding stopover even before reaching Malapascua. Several dive resorts, guesthouses, and seafood restaurants have sprung up around the Malapascua ferry pier area in Maya Port, providing comfortable amenities for the growing influx of diving tourists. For anyone dreaming of diving with thresher sharks at Monad Shoal or simply escaping to a quiet northern Cebu coastal village, Daanbantayan is the essential gateway.