The Moalboal Sardine Run: A Complete Guide

Note: This was written by my freediving-athlete sister Nikki!

Ready to dive into the Moalboal Sardine Run? 

If you’re in Cebu and have a few days to explore, DO NOT MISS IT.

Let me say that again: DON’T MISS IT!

I mean, this specific sardine run literally changed my life. (But more on that story later.) 

For now: 

• How do you get to the sardine run?
• What to expect from the sardine run (hint: a LOT)
• What’s the best time to visit the sardine run?
• How much should you expect to spend? 
• Who should you contact to take you to see the sardines? 

I’ll answer these (and more) questions in this blog.

Let’s DIVE in! 🌊🌊🌊

The Majestic Moalboal Sardine Run: Why You Should ABSOLUTELY Try It 

I don’t usually use words like absolutely, but I’ve used it here because I’m adamant that if you’re in Cebu…

…you, well, ABSOLUTELY have to visit the Moalboal sardine run.

Why?

Well, for starters, it changed my life. 

I still remember visiting it years ago with two of my best friends.

Look at us, ready to explore the underwater world with our snorkel sets and life jackets. 

At first, we weren’t sure what to expect. 

Our guide Eric pulled us further and further from the shore, and I felt a thrill of excitement as the turquoise water gave way to deep, opaque blue.

Suddenly, we reached the cliff where the coral-strewn shallows dropped into the abyss.

I heard sounds, tiny flutterings like wing beats. 

And then they were right in front of us.

A huge ball of silver sardines, swirling and glittering like a massive swarm of bees. 

This isn’t me (unfortunately), but it gives you an idea of how beautiful and eerie these creatures are. 

Ok, the how it changed my life part.

After that day, I set my heart on becoming a freediver.

I took an intro class, passed several certification courses, and less than a year later, became a freediving athlete. 

So, what about you?

How will the Moalboal Sardine Run change your life?

You won’t know until you go there.

So here’s the next thing you need to know. 

How to Get to Moalboal from Cebu City

So, I’m assuming you’re already in Cebu City.

To get to Moalboal, the cheapest way is by bus.

Make your way to the Cebu South Bus station by taxi (or by ebus, if you know your way around the city already). 

Once you arrive at the station, head inside and buy a ticket for Moalboal. Several buses ply this route, but by far the best one is the Ceres Liner bus.

The buses heading to Moalboal have a “Bato via Barili” signage. When on the bus, tell the conductor to drop you off at Jollibee Moalboal (try not to fall asleep on the bus so you don’t miss your stop!).

Once you arrive, you’ll be flocked with a ton of drivers, asking you where you want to go.

To get to the sardine run, simply tell them to take you to Panagsama. Or tell them you’re there to see the sardines. It’s a famous attraction, and no one will be surprised. 😉

From Panagsama Beach, all you have to do is swim out about 30 meters from the shore, and you’ll find the reef wall where the sardines hang out. It shouldn’t be too long before you spot them!

Note: Don’t take a bus to Bato via Oslob or any other destination. These buses go to the OTHER side of Cebu, and you’d find yourself miles away from Moalboal and completely lost (although probably slightly happy, if you’re the adventures type). 

Another (slightly more expensive) way to get to Moalboal from Cebu City is by taxi. 

Locate a taxi driver and have fun haggling. 

While a bus costs around PHP209, ($4), a taxi would be around PHP3,000-5,000 ($60 – $100 or more). 

Note: if you’re coming from Bohol or Siquijor, you can read my complete route guides on how to get to Moalboal from Bohol and Siquijor.

What to Expect from the Moalboal Sardine Run (And Who It’s For) 

Aside from your life changing forever (like mine), I’d say limitless beauty. 

The coral gardens that hug the slanting shelf of rock that leads into the deep blue sea are thrumming with life and color. 

Tiny fish glide gently in the soundless space where time seems to stop.

If you’re lucky, you’ll see a turtle nibbling on some algae or seagrass. 

Swim further out from the shelf, and you’ll find yourself staring into a limitless blue abyss.

If you’ve never swum beyond your depth, I admit it can be a little scary. 

But it’s worth it (trust me).

And don’t worry. If you’re not a swimmer or aren’t confident in your water skills, you can always go with a guide and life vest. (I give a list of people to contact later. Or skip there right now to book a tour.) 

Anyway, back to the sardine run. 

Within the limitless blue abyss, you’ll see the gigantic ball of sardines.

This sight is creepy, thrilling, breathtaking. 

It’s not something you’ll ever forget.

Also: who is the Moalboal sardie run for? 

Answer: EVERYONE.

It’s for the 100m world record holder. 

It’s for people who don’t know how to swim and need a life vest to stay afloat. 

It’s for everyone who wants to experience the magic of the underwater world. 

So make sure not to miss it on your Cebu trip!

Note: Planning to freedive with the sardines? Read my complete Moalboal Freediving Guide!

Best Time to Visit the Moalboal Sardine Run

There is only one time to visit the Moalboal sardine run. 

In the morning.

As early as you can. 

Two reasons why: 

• Sardines like it when the water is cold. They tend to stay closer to the shore in the earlier hours of the morning. If you’re not a freediver or good swimmer and prefer to stay near the shore, going early will allow you to enjoy the sardines without venturing into the deep.
• The crowds. During summertime or weekends, Moalboal can be flocked. Think hoards of tourists in bright orange life jackets, kicking and pawing to get space in the water. The earlier you go, the less you’ll be kicked and slapped in the face (by accident of course). 

That said, you can visit the sardine run any time. 

Go at noon, when most people are having their lunch. (Especially if you’re a good swimmer or freediver, and are comfortable with leaving the safety of the shelf.) 

Go at sunset, when the water is turning dark and eerie. 

Go any time you want. But just remember. If you want to experience the sardines close to the shore with less tourists, go as early as 5 – 7am. 

How Much You’ll Spend at the Moalboal Sardine Run

Quick answer: it depends.

If you’re an experienced freediver, all you need to pay is the PHP100 ($2) entrance fee.

You’ll find a small booth at the entrance to Panagsama Beach. Pay your fee to the attendant there.

Note: The attendant isn’t always there. If this is the case when you visit, lucky you! You get to experience the sardines for free.

If you’re not an experienced diver, hire a guide. 

Guides charge around PHP300-500 ($6-10) to take you around and make sure you’re safe. This fee includes a life jacket, mask, and snorkel.

You can add PHP150 ($3) to rent some fins and PHP500 ($10) for photos and videos (taken with a cheap underwater camera, so expect memories, not professionally-edited content). 

And that’s it!

Unless you’re in for snacks and drinks at the end of the dive, of course. 

Here’s a rundown of expenses in table view.

Who to Contact to Experience the Moalboal Sardine Run

Like I mentioned, you can always visit the sardine run on your own.

Just make sure you have a trusted dive buddy with you.

That said, it’s always more fun to go with a guide, school, or photographer.

You’ll be led to the best underwater spots you might miss if you go by yourself.

You’ll get bits and pieces of colorful Moalboal life, history, and culture.

If you go in a group, you’ll get to meet other ocean lovers and make lifetime friends. 

You’ll get stunning photos and videos to remember you trip by forever.

All right!

So you’ve decided to contact someone in Moalboal for your sardine run experience.

Here’s goes!

Eric Bajao (Cebu South Guide Tour) 

Eric is a wonderful person.

Friendly, outgoing, always ready to chat.

And show you the beauties of the underwater world, while he blows bubble rings at you from down below. 

In fact, Eric was our guide during the Moalboal sardine run tour that changed my life forever.

He can be yours too!

Eric offers affordable tours that include the Sardine Run and Turtle Cove. (Think PHP 300-500 for a half-day tour. This includes a mask, snorkel, and life vest. Add PHP 500 to rent a GoPro for photos and video). 

Contact Eric here.

John Cuyos (Jao) 

If I’m guessing correctly, you’ll only visit Moalboal once. 

I hope not, but if you’re from halfway across the world and have 999 other places to see, you’ll have to face that sad reality.

So don’t waste it.

Invest in beautiful photographs you can print and hang in your living room. 

Or your social media account. 

I know just the person to contact who can take you on a tour + capture remarkable, professional underwater photos and videos of you.

His name is John Cuyos, but he goes by Badjaw. (Contact him here.) 

He’s an experienced professional who doesn’t take his work lightly. Notice all the stunning photos in this post? Yep! He took them. 

Contact him! You won’t regret it when you’re sifting through your memories and have photos that make you look like a lost mermaid at sea. 

 Nicco 

Nicco owns a hostel he calls the home of freedivers.

You can book a freediving tour with him, where you’ll join other ocean lovers in exploring the beauty of the sardine run. 

Book here.

So, Ready for the Moalboal Sardine Run? 

Great!

Just one thing left.

Make sure to take along your adventurous spirit. Your primal belief that you belong to the sea. Your love of color and weightless, underwater life.

If these are the only things you bring with you to the Moalboal sardine run, you already have enough.

Enjoy! 

Note: Visiting Moalboal soon? Check out my FULL Moalboal travel guide here!