Mapating Cave

This dive is for very experienced and technical divers only. It involves depths beyond recreational limits, extended overhead environments, planned decompression, and blue-water ascents/descents. Proper training, gear, and experience are mandatory.

Mapating Cave is one of the most popular cave dives in the Philippines. It is located on the far side of Maricaban Island, often requiring a long boat ride and an experienced captain to locate the reef.

Background
The name *Mapating* means “a lot of sharks” in the local dialect. Early divers often found sleeping whitetip sharks inside the entrance. Over time, the sharks disappeared due to overfishing.

Dive Route
– Descend in open water toward Mapating Reef (18 m).
– Continue swimming until reaching the drop-off.
– At 45 m, you will see the entrance: a massive black hole in the cliff wall.

Non–cave divers may enjoy the entrance area, which is home to huge marble rays. When rays are absent, their eggs can sometimes be seen attached to the rocks.

Inside the Cave
– Entrance is ~10 m across, extending another 10 m before splitting into two tunnels.
– Tunnels continue an additional ~20 m.
– A popular activity: turn off all lights at 50 m inside the cave to witness bioluminescent eyelight fish.

These fish display eerie bluish blinking lights from organs under their eyes. They turn them off by sliding a dark lid over the light organ.

Exploration History
Mapating Cave was discovered by Danny Sarmiento & Milton Pedrigal.
First serious exploration was by Alex Santos, pioneer of technical diving in the Philippines.
A deeper chamber exists beyond 60 m, accessible only through a narrow crack—only recommended for overhead tech trained divers, it has claimed lives.

Additional Notes
– Dive only during slack tide—currents can be extremely strong.
– Fighting current on descent/ascent can lead to dangerous gas consumption and emergency situations.
– This is one of the most rewarding deep cave dives in the country for those qualified.