Hippocampus Beach Resort

Overview

Hippocampus sits at the center of Bounty Beach, Malapascua’s main strip of white sand. The 18-room resort combines beachfront accommodation with an in-house dive center (Devocean Divers) and a kitesurfing school — making it one of the more activity-diverse properties on the island.

The resort is known for its social atmosphere: a beachfront bar with live music most evenings, bean bags on the sand for sunset happy hour, and a resident pack of rescue dogs that the owner maintains through an island shelter.

Accommodation & Facilities

Eighteen rooms across three categories, all refurbished in 2018. Every room has a private bathroom with hot shower, room safe, and terrace or balcony.

• Standard: 8 rooms — fan-cooled, basic but clean. Ground and upper floor options with big bed or twin configuration.
• Superior: 6 rooms — split-type AC, mini bar, electric kettle. Garden-facing with ground and upper floor layouts.
• Deluxe: Beachfront rooms directly on the sand. AC, split-type, ceiling fan, mini bar, electric kettle. The best views on the property.
• Dining: Beachfront restaurant and Magellan’s Bar. Beer garden with tables on the beach. Live band entertainment from 7 PM most nights.

WiFi is limited across the island — a local SIM card is recommended. The resort operates on cash only; credit cards are not accepted, but room charges can be tabbed.

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Dive Center & Operations

Devocean Divers operates from within the resort as a PADI and SSI certified center. Boats reach Monad Shoal in about 35 minutes and Gato Island in roughly 40 minutes.

• Training: PADI and SSI courses from beginner to professional levels. Full curriculum including Open Water, Advanced, and specialty courses.
• Key Sites: Monad Shoal (thresher sharks), Gato Island (swim-throughs, sea snakes, macro), local reefs and muck dives.
• Water Sports: Malapascua Kitesurfing school on-site. Snorkeling trips arranged through the resort.
• Services: Massage treatments. Island tours and excursions bookable at reception.

The resort’s dive boats depart from the beach directly in front of the property, keeping transit time between room and boat to a minimum.

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Daily Experience

Early risers head out for the 5 AM thresher shark dive. Breakfast follows back at the beachfront restaurant. Daytime dives cover Gato Island or local sites, with snorkeling and kite sessions filling the gaps. Late afternoon means bean bags on the sand with a cold beer during happy hour. Evenings feature live music at Magellan’s Bar until late.

The rescue dogs roam the grounds freely and have become part of the resort’s identity — dog lovers will feel right at home.

Who This Is Best For

Social travelers and groups who want nightlife and a lively beach scene right outside their door. The live music, central Bounty Beach location, and bar atmosphere make this Malapascua’s most social dive resort.

Also a strong pick for multi-activity travelers — diving and kitesurfing from the same property is rare on the island.

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