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● Dive SpotsTingloy – Western Maricaban Island
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Mapating

Dramatic current-swept pinnacle with a reef-shark cave at 7–8m. Pelagic and occasional hammerhead sightings. Advanced only — unpredictable down-currents.

Tingloy – Western Maricaban IslandAlso known as Mapating Cave · Mapating Rock · Pating / Mapating (Tagalog: 'shark/having sharks')
Advanced15 – 40 m depthWallCurrent: StrongNot recommendedLow traffic

About this spot

Deep dramatic site with a cave at ~7–8m where whitetip reef sharks rest. Current-swept reef forms a triangle rich in large fish, sea fans, and corals. Pelagic sightings include reef and hammerhead sharks. Accessible year-round but only for current-experienced divers due to unpredictable conditions.

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Marine life you'll see

Commonly sighted

Whitetip reef sharks

Sea fans

Reef sharks

Hammerhead sharks (rare)

Pelagics

Conditions

What to expect
Entry
Boat
Visibility
15–30m
Best months
Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
Difficulty
Advanced
advanced
Current
Strong
strong — down currents, upwellings, and strong surface currents
Spearfishing
Regulated

For freedivers

Apnea notes
Not recommendedNo permanent line

Advanced freedivers only due to strong and unpredictable currents. The cave with sleeping sharks at 7–8m is an extraordinary freedive for experienced divers.

Location & access notes

Submerged rock on the western tip of Maricaban Island, near Sepok Point. 'Mapating' (from Tagalog 'pating' = shark) was named for the resident whitetip reef sharks in its 7–8m cave. Only for experienced divers.

Where it is

Tingloy – Western Maricaban Island
Area
Tingloy – Western Maricaban Island
Coordinates
13.67585°, 120.81353°

Frequently asked questions

About Mapating

How deep is Mapating?

Mapating ranges from 15 to 40 metres deep, with its deepest point around 40 m.

Is Mapating good for beginners?

Mapating is rated advanced and is best suited to experienced, confident divers.

What will I see at Mapating?

Divers at Mapating commonly see Whitetip reef sharks, Sea fans, Reef sharks, Hammerhead sharks (rare), Pelagics.

Is Mapating good for freediving?

For freedivers, Mapating is rated 'Not recommended'. Advanced freedivers only due to strong and unpredictable currents. The cave with sleeping sharks at 7–8m is an extraordinary freedive for experienced divers.

Where is Mapating and how do you get there?

Mapating is located in Tingloy – Western Maricaban Island, reached by Boat entry.

When is the best time to dive Mapating?

The best months to dive Mapating are Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar and Apr.

Can you spearfish at Mapating?

Spearfishing at Mapating is Regulated. Always check current local regulations before spearfishing.

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Last verified May 2026