Moalboal Sardine Run, Cebu: 2024 Snorkeling Guide

Overview: Moalboal Sardine Run Guide

• Location & Access - You can swim with the sardine run at Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, about 3 hours from Cebu City. The snorkeling point is just 20 meters from the beach and it is easy to find the sardines independently (more info below).
• Snorkeling tour - there is a newly launched turtle and sardine snorkeling day trip visiting many highlights in the area including white beach and Panagsama Beach in Moalboal. This is a convenient option if you are staying in Cebu City or Lapu-Lapu City.
• Depth - the schooling sardines swim at shallow depths of around 1 to 10 meters making it easy to swim down and through the schools.
• Snorkel vs. Dive - Snorkeling offers direct encounters with sardines in shallow waters while diving provides a unique perspective from below.
• Local fishing - Net fishing is banned to protect sardine schools, but locals are allowed to line-fish at sunset, maintaining a balance between tourism and local livelihood.
• Snorkeling equipment - you can rent snorkeling gear from any dive shop along Panagsama Beach. There is a fixed rate of 100 pesos at every shop.

What is the Moalboal Sardine Run?

Heard about the famous sardines but don't know what it's all about?

In short, it's an opportunity to swim through huge schools of sardines only 20 meters from the shore on Panagsama Beach, Moalboal. Unlike the sardine run in Africa, it's possible to swim with the sardines in Cebu 365 days a year, 7 days a week, and for free!

There are over 1 million sardines in each school. So, snorkeling and swimming with the sardines in Moalboal is an incredible experience, moving through the schools as they surround you and block out the light with their sheer numbers!

Tip: If you'd rather experience the sardine run with a snorkeling guide, I recommend booking this trip which also includes the Kawasan canyoneering and a trip to nearby Pescador Island.

Where to Swim With The Sardines in Moalboal

The first thing you need to do is get to Panagsama Beach on Moalboal. This is approximately three hours by road from the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City.

Once you get to Moalboal, finding the sardines is easy if you know where to swim.

The sardine schools are usually gathering just off the main Panagsama Beach in the Taňon Strait.

The schools like to swim around just near the reef-wall drop-off, about 20 meters from the shore. While the schools move around quite a bit, I've had the best luck finding them near the long yellow pier at the front of Marina Village Dive Resort on Panagsama Beach.

If you're struggling to find the sardines, I recommend heading to the location on the map below and entering the water from the beach. Then, swim out to the unmissable drop-off wall and begin searching there. In no time, you'll find the sardine run!

Update: The first time I visited Moalboal, I could sense that popularity and tourism were on the rise. Back then, there were still only a few cafes, restaurants, dive shops, bars, and nightclubs. It definitely didn't have an over-run feel. After visiting again recently, things have gotten more developed but it still feels like a laid-back diving town. I was also happy to see that the sardine run is still healthy with massive schools!

How to Get to Sardine Run from Cebu & Mactan

Getting to Moalboal to swim with the sardines from Cebu City or the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is easy and cost-effective. There are three options:

• Arrange private transport to take you to Panagsama Beach
• Take the cheap local bus to Moalboal and walk to the sardines
• Book a full-day tour to Moalboal and many other locations including White Beach.

Below you'll find more details about the best and most up-to-date options for getting to Panagsama Beach so that you can experience the epic Moalboal sardine run yourself.

Private Transfer to Moalboal

If you're in a larger group, or would prefer to use a private transfer from Cebu City to Moalboal, then I recommend that you book a driver using 12Go to find the latest price.

You can also have the option of booking a transfer back from Moalboal to Cebu City with this option.

Sardine Run Tour from Cebu City

Below is a newly added small-group trip that you can join from Cebu City or Lapu-Lapu City. It includes:

• Sardine Run with a snorkeling guide
• All snorkeling gear
• Transport to Moalboal and return to your hotel
• Sea turtle snorkeling
• White Sand Beach Bas Daku

The best place to stay is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are my 4 top picks for hostels, resorts, and hotels in Cebu for each budget.

1. Ancelle Cristo Re Moalboal

Top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.

2. Bai Hotel Mid-Range

Mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located close to the Cebu International Airport.

3. Chief Mau Hostel

A great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.

4. Sumilon Bluewater Island

Stay on a pristine private island with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.