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Diver exploring a vibrant underwater shipwreck in clear blue Arabian waters.
📷 Ayden Zaki · Pexels

Secret Wall

3.6 — based on 18 community signals
4.2 12 species 20 contributors

Secret Wall is a year-round dive site off Malapascua Island, Cebu, Philippines, with healthy coral and rich marine life.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
PhotoFriendlyMacroFocus

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Blacktip reef shark

Top operators here

See all operators ↓

Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Secret Wall location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
2.1 kn
Wave
0.12 m
Water
30°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WNW (45%)
Now: NNE (22°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.72m

Today: High 02:00 (+1.49m), Low 10:00 (+0.17m)

+1.5 m0 m-0.2 m
▲ 02:00 · +1.49m ▼ 10:00 · +0.17m ▲ 15:00 · +0.49m ▼ 19:00 · +0.29m Now +1.5m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV8.5 · very high Air PM2.514 · moderate 05:32 17:41
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 9.2 0.14 9 3mm
09-20 12.5 0.26 9 14mm
09-21 11 0.2 8 16mm
09-22 11.6 0.14 9 13mm
09-23 5.7 0.12 9 4mm
09-24 6 0.04 9 5mm
09-25 4.7 0.04 9 1mm

About this spot

Secret Wall sits near Malapascua Island off the coast of Cebu in the Philippines. The site draws divers seeking healthy coral ecosystems and consistent access throughout the year. Local observations document 12 distinct marine species at the location, giving divers a solid sense of what to expect underwater. The wall formation provides varied diving terrain, though exact depth ranges aren't formally recorded here. Community videos from three different visits show what conditions look like topside and below. Coral health surveys show no current bleaching stress, which means the reef structure is vibrant and thriving. This is a strong indicator that the site supports robust fish populations and healthy coral gardens. Access comes via Malapascua Island, which has established dive operations and infrastructure. The site's proximity to the lighthouse landmark on the island makes navigation and logistics straightforward. Because it sits outside marine protected areas, diving rules are more relaxed than at some Philippine sites, though local norms and safety practices should always guide your dive plan. The year-round diving window means you can plan a trip with confidence in consistent conditions. Water temperature and visibility vary seasonally like most Philippine sites, so checking current trip reports and video footage from recent dives will help you pick your ideal travel window.

📖 Guide: Diving in the Philippines: 119 Sites, Wrecks & Walls Worth the Flight

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Blacktip reef shark

Dive types

Wall

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B/C · 220V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 11242km · ~2586kg · €47

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 12h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 11h east · 8 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Secret Wall?

Secret Wall is diveable year-round, so timing comes down to your personal preferences on water temperature and visibility. Check recent trip reports and community videos to see conditions for your intended travel dates.

What depth and difficulty level should I expect?

Exact depth ranges aren't formally recorded for Secret Wall. Watch the community videos and contact local operators near Malapascua Island to get current intel on wall depth, current strength, and whether the site suits your certification level.

What marine life will I see at Secret Wall?

Observations document 12 marine species at the site. The healthy coral (showing no bleaching stress) supports a thriving reef ecosystem. Specific species lists vary by season, so local dive guides can tell you what's active during your visit.

How do I get to Secret Wall and do I need permits?

Secret Wall is accessed via Malapascua Island near Daanbantayan, Cebu. The site sits outside marine protected areas, so standard dive tourism rules apply. Arrange dives through local operators on or near the island—they handle logistics and any required notifications.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Evolution

Evolution

2.4 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am to 9pm
French Kiss Divers

French Kiss Divers

2.6 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Su 08:00-18:00

Avila's Horizon Dive Resort

0.7 km
3.8 (232 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified
Hours: Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

MBI Dive Center

2.3 km
4.9 (932 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified Booked 40+ times this month
Hours: Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Divelink Cebu

2.4 km
4.8 (115 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified Booked 44+ times this month
Hours: Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM

The Sharks Tail Dive Resort

2.4 km
4.0 (345 reviews) closed
Dive centre SSI
Verified SSI
Hours: Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Top 10 Dive Sites in the Philippines You NEED to Explore!

Scuba Diver Magazine
💬 3 top comments
  • thanks for featuring the Philippines! ❤

    @juwiil · 👍 3
  • Did my AOWD at Malapascua, what a great experience! Generally, we loved the Philippines! Beautiful beaches, great diving, friendly people!

    @Nowo78 · 👍 1
  • One of my top favourite diving destination from Bohol, Coron, El Nido and Anilao .... Back in December for a liveaboard

    @Nedhal-eq7go · 👍 1

Discover the underwater paradise hidden beyond the "Hole in the Wall" in Puerto Galera

Ocean Care Initiative
💬 3 top comments
  • Ang ganda naman, kahit wala ka sa ilalim..

    @raultumandao5232 · 👍 0
  • its more fun under water experience, love it. <3

    @erhaclydetayoto393 · 👍 0
  • wow

    @lkaharian · 👍 0

Anilao Diving (Secret Bay, Aphol's Point, Mainit Bubbles, Twin Rocks)- Diver Bliss

Diver Bliss
wind peaks Jan-Feb-Mar, calmest Oct-Aug-Jun, dry Feb-May.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: May (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (89/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

Nearby spots

Deep Slope Philippines Diving
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Deep Slope

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Jan·Feb·Mar+
Ka-Osting / Bantigue Philippines Diving
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Ka-Osting / Bantigue

Ka-Osting/Bantigue is a year-round Philippine dive site with 12 recorded species observations and active community video documentation.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Los Bamboos Philippines Diving
🇵🇭 Philippines

Los Bamboos

Los Bamboos is a year-round Philippine dive site near Liuliog Island with diverse marine life and active community documentation.

Jan·Feb·Mar+

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