Description
One of the most attractive places to go diving in Philippines.
They have IDC centers for professional diving, and even though its a small Island there are sites close for beginners and advanced.
There are possibilities to watch tresher sharks in Shoad Moal.
And some times during certain seasons the currents can get really strong.
Access to location
The island of cebu can be reached from hong kong, singapore, and manila through cabu pacific air. manila is served by many major carriers.dive shops hotels in malapsqua can arrange transportation to the island.
Best time to visit location
diving is available year around. high season is december to april. the rainiest months are may, june, and september, though´fewer than ten days are lost each year to poor visibility from storms
Information about the site
Gato Island is one of our most famous dive sites. TSD's famous saying is that "You come to Malapascua to see the thresher sharks, but you leave remembering Gato". Gato is a marine reserve and sea snake sanctuary. It has at least five dive sites with a huge diversity of marine life. We are constantly seeing new creatures. At all sites you can see such things as banded sea snakes, cuttlefish (often while mating), seahorses, nudibranchs, frogfish, scorpion fish, porcupine fish, and smashing mantis shrimp. Away from the reef you can see schools of squid and big-mouthed mackerel attracted by the baitballs. There are many whitetip sharks in residence at Gato, as well as bamboo and cat sharks. The coral is in good condition and the rocky island has many interesting underwater rock formations, overhangs, and swim-through's.
The conditions in 3 Gato Island divesites you can expect to be - average depth from 24m to 27m, water temperature 26℃ to 30℃, air temperature 27℃ to 34℃, expected current 1 to 3 knots.
These Gato Island dive sites are reef, cave, wall, drift, nightdive.
In these divesites you will be able to encounter and see Animals, Nudibranch, Starfish (sea star), Snake, Shark, Corals, Octopus, Molluscs, Lionfish, Fishes, Cuttlefish, Grass emperor (Sweetlip), Pufferfish, Shrimp, Crab, Pipefish, Seahorse, Squid.
Recommended diver experience level
Advanced DiverAdvanced Diver,Advanced diver with certificate up to rescue diver and at least 50 dives