Gato Island

Gato Island is another marine sanctuary that has some amazing dive sites. The island is about 45 – 60 minute boatride north of Malapascua. Photographers need to make their decision if they set up for Macro or Big stuff, as Gato Island is a paradise for both big pelagic and macro-life.

Spectacular colored soft corals carpeted this undulating dive spot where frogfishes find shelter. Sea snakes and sleeping sharks are almost guaranteed.

Experienced divers can dive the tunnel that runs through the Island. What makes this overhead environment of this dive site unique is, that the inside is covered with sponges and many daisy soft corals.

Here the different and exciting dive sites in Gato Island:

Whitetip Alley (~22m)

It is almost guaranteed to find t under rock sleeping whitetip sharks, and if you are lucky you will be seeing them circling. Seashores, crinoid cuttlefish and boxer shrimp can also be found at Whitetip Alley.

The Guardhouse (~26m)

Yellow and pink pygmy seashore in color-fans can be found upon dropping down to 26 meters. Painted frogfish are having their habitat at the guardhouse also. Many nudibranches and lionfish can be seen on the wall of this divesite.

Nudibranch City (~24m)

The name is program but there are also lots of hermit crabs, scorpion fish and other critters around.

The Cave (~12m)

"The Tunnel", for experienced divers, is an overhead adventure underneath Gato Island with colorful coral reefs when coming out on the other side.
This 32m tunnel houses lobsters and crabs and other typical crustaceans inside small cave. You can also find some large puffer fish. The excitement in this cave comes with the Whitetip Reef sharks…as you pass them hiding in a corner inches from their face and watch their silhouette as they circle near the exit area. If you are just very slow and don’t move, they will swim straight by your face. This dive site is simply unforgettable, even for experienced divers.

Cathedral (~20m)

Looking for amazing rock formations? Cathedral in Gato is the answer. This a perfect place to see circling whitetip sharks. Explore to some of the most amazing formations including the famous Cathedral rock. Find amazing corals and look out for blue-spotted sting-rays hiding in the sandy ground.

It is a great day out, to experience the wonderful dive sites around Malapascua’s Gato Island. You should do it at the beginning of your dive-vacation, as you most likely want to go back there a second time…

Malapascua Overview - Malapascua Dive Site Map