Private Tour
Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour w/ Transfers Option
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Visiting the breathtaking Sardine Run off Moalboal's shore of Cebu Island is a must-see for tourists. Many sardines gather around Panagsama Beach, just in front of Savedra Dive Centre, inviting you to witness their incredible schooling behavior and how they react to your presence--all occurring only 30 meters away from the coast! For those not completely confident with swimming, make sure to use a life jacket!
Our private tour includes insurance, so that you can feel safe while exploring this unique underwater phenomenon. Our experienced guide will take care of you and will make sure you get to enjoy this incredible natural spectacle.
You’ll also be provided with snorkeling masks and fins so you get to enjoy an up-close encounter with the sardines.
We highly recommend our Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour for anyone seeking a unique experience in Cebu.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Moalboal
Tucked away on the western coast of Cebu, a tiny town called Moalboal offers one of the most extraordinary snorkeling adventures in the Philippines – the famous Sardine Run. This natural phenomenon is a must-see for any snorkeling or diving enthusiast visiting the region. As you wade into the crystal-clear waters of Panagsama Beach, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing sight – millions of sardines swimming in synchronized, swirling patterns. These silvery fish move as one massive unit, creating an underwater tornado that seems to defy the laws of nature. The experience of snorkeling amidst this vast school of sardines is nothing short of breathtaking. As you glide through the water, you'll find yourself completely engulfed by the shimmering, pulsating mass of fish. The sardines gracefully part to make way for you, only to close ranks behind, leaving you in awe of their incredible coordination.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Fins
Local Guide
Gratuities
Go Pro / Action Camera - add this option
Anything that is not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions is on the guest's own account
Pickup & Drop Off excluded but can be arranged as an add-on
Options
Tour Only - No Hotel Transfer
Duration: 1 hour
with Round Trip Sedan Transfer
Sedan: Allow 2-3 hrs for 4-6 AM pickups. Outside these times, expect 3-4 hrs per direction due to peak traffic conditions.
with Round Trip Van Transfer
Minivan/van (4-12 pax only): Allow 2-3 hrs for 4-6 AM pickups. Outside these times, expect 3-4 hrs per direction due to peak traffic conditions.
Tour w/ Underwater Cam Only
Duration: 1 hour
GoPro/Underwater Cam Rental : Tour only w/ underwater cam rental. No round trip hotel transfers.
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Magical
emmao2026,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Upgraded to dive on the day because we felt so comfortable with the guides and it ended up being the most unexpectedly calm and magical experience.
Living ocean of silver
Drea Christy P,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The Moalboal sardine run is an absolutely incredible sight to swim through a living ocean of silver and something everyone should experience at least once. Seeing thousands of sardines moving as one just a few meters from shore is unreal. Just be prepared, the water can get very crowded, especially during peak times. It was hard to relax and fully enjoy the experience. But it's still worth the visit.
Super fun!
354alesham,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a cool experience and definitely worthwhile to go with a guide who can show you the perfect spots plus take cool pictures while you’re enjoying the experience!
Simply awesome
yaakovr25,,May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was simply an awesome experience. I took my wine and my 77yo mother, who both cannot swim. The guides were just brilliant! Jonathan organized to have us picked up from our BnB and the 2 boys who took us into the water were very professional.
Sardine and turtle watching in Moalboal
Pedro C,,Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was magnificent, and our guide Jonathan was an expert with the underwater photography and filling. The kind of experience you'll never forget.
Unforgettable Sardine Run Tour with Jonathan & Freediving Course with Carlos!
Paul M,,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Sardine Run tour with Jonathan was absolutely incredible! His expertise, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of the ocean made the entire experience unforgettable. He guided us to the best spots to witness the breathtaking spectacle while ensuring our safety and comfort throughout. Jonathan was so amazing that my wife ended up booking a separate freediving course through the same company, where she had the pleasure of learning from Carlos. Carlos was an excellent instructor—patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly skilled. She had an amazing experience and gained so much confidence in the water. If you’re looking for an exceptional ocean adventure, whether it’s the Sardine Run or a freediving course, we highly recommend this team. You won’t be disappointed!
Must do experience! 10/10
W8041LIcrystalj,,Mar 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a once in a life time experience, we even came back again! Tour guide Jonathan and his crew are amazing, super knowledgeable, experienced, friendly great with getting memorable photos and videos. The first day, we had not very confident swimmers the guides where supportive and helpful making their experiences smooth sailing. We seen millions of sardines and swam alongside some turtles. 10/10 would recommend, Jonathan best tour guide!
Spectacular Sardine Run and Sea Turtles Tour
tiffanyy443,,Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was so exciting! Our tour guide Jonathan and Jerald (GoPro pro) did a fantastic job getting great shots of us diving through a swarm of sardines and swimming along side sea turtles. Jonathan is responsive via text and was very patient with my kiddo and my elderly Dad too! Highly recommend and def rent a GoPro if you don’t have one.
10/10!
J5821XVkimg,,Feb 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Jonathan was the BEST!! My boyfriend and I had a such a great experience with the Sardines Run and Sea Turtles. Jonathan was informative, professional and super friendly. He made sure to get really cool videos of us and was extremely good at capturing amazing under water footage.
Moalboal sardine run
angelicamY4892GM,,Feb 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an amazing experience. Our guide Jonathan made the whole experience so much fun! He helped us capture so many videos of the sardines and sea turtles. Would love to do this again. Thank you Jonathan for being such a great guide!
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Operated by Blu Range Cebu Tours by CyHan Travel & Tours