Moalboal stands out as a prime spot for scuba diving, thanks to its stunning underwater scenery, abundant marine life, and easy access to some of Cebu’s most famous dive sites. What makes it particularly appealing is the chance to see the iconic sardine run, swim alongside graceful sea turtles, and explore vibrant coral reefs—all in one trip. We’re especially fond of the Moalboal : Scuba Diving Sardine Run and Turtle Chasing experience because it combines multiple highlights into a single day, with the chance to witness the mesmerizing shoals of sardines and encounter turtles up close. Check out this experience here.
For those who want a broader taste of Moalboal’s underwater world—including both diving and snorkeling—another great option is the Cebu: Moalboal Scuba Diving, Sardines Run & Pescador Snorkel. It offers a comprehensive 8-hour day exploring Pescador Island’s reefs and the famous sardine run. Interested? See more details here.
Finally, if you prefer a balance of guided scuba and island hopping, the Moalboal: Scuba Diving and Pescador Island Hopping tour provides a relaxed, well-rounded day with a focus on top dive sites and a tasty meal to recharge. Find out more about this tour here.
1. Moalboal : Scuba Diving Sardine Run and Turtle Chasing
This top-rated tour offers an all-in-one adventure that combines scuba diving with the chance to see the famous sardine run and sea turtles in their natural habitat. For around $148 per person, you’ll enjoy a full day of underwater exploration led by experienced guides who ensure safety and share insights about the marine environment. The itinerary includes a pickup from five different locations, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying, whether it’s Mactan, Cebu City, or Moalboal itself.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on marine life viewing: you’ll start with a guided tour at Panagsama Beach, where the highlight is snorkeling and scuba diving among the sardines swirling in thick shoals, then chase playful turtles that are often seen in the area. The tour also includes a scenic break at Moalboal’s beach for photos, plus additional water transport for varied underwater sights. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides, like Noel, who’s called “very accommodating,” and Jason, whose company made the experience memorable.
Bottom line: If you want a combination of sardine run, turtle sightings, and professional guidance in a single day, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience for all skill levels.
2. Cebu: Moalboal Scuba Diving, Sardines Run & Pescador Snorkel
This 8-hour excursion provides a robust introduction to Moalboal’s underwater magic for about $139. It’s perfect if your goal is to see the famous sardine run and explore Pescador Island’s reefs in one well-organized trip. The tour includes scuba dives and snorkeling, with a total of three hours underwater, allowing ample time to enjoy the sights.
What’s special here is the opportunity to capture stunning underwater photos of the swirling sardines, large predators attracted to the shoal, and vibrant coral reefs surrounding Pescador Island. The tour departs from ten pickup points, including Cebu City and Mandaue, making it suitable for travelers coming from different parts of Cebu. Though some reviews mention guides speaking limited English, most agree the marine life and scenery more than compensate.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a full day of underwater exploration without rushing and are interested in both snorkeling and diving. Its value lies in inclusivity—covering several locations—and the chance to see one of the most stunning natural phenomena in moalboal.
Bottom line: For those wanting a comprehensive, reasonably priced day with lots of marine life viewing, this tour delivers a solid experience, especially if you’re keen on capturing photos of the sardine shoal or spotting larger fish.
3. Moalboal: Scuba Diving and Pescador Island Hopping
This tour, priced at $175, offers a more relaxed, guided day exploring Moalboal’s well-known dive sites and the gorgeous Pescador Island. It’s perfect for travelers looking for professional guidance and a balance between diving and relaxing. The trip includes two hours of scuba diving at Pescador Island, one of Cebu’s most popular dive spots, which is famed for its large schools of fish, sea turtles, and corals.
What sets this tour apart is the inclusion of roundtrip hotel transfers, simplifying logistics, and a tasty meal to keep your energy up. The guide’s expertise helps ensure you see the best underwater sights without feeling rushed. With positive reviews, many appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to explore some of Cebu’s most stunning reefs.
This option is ideal for divers who want a guided experience with some beach time and a focus on Pescador Island’s vibrant marine life. It’s a bit pricier, but the added comfort and small-group feel may be worth it for serious underwater enthusiasts.
Bottom line: If you value a guided, well-organized trip with a focus on quality diving and island exploration, this tour provides a comfortable and rewarding day.
$175 per person
How to Choose Your Moalboal Diving Experience
When selecting between these options, consider your budget, interests, and how much underwater time you want. For a full-day adventure combining marine life and snorkeling, the Sardine Run and Turtle Chasing tour offers a great all-around experience. If you want to see the famous sardines and coral reefs in detail, the Cebu: Moalboal Scuba Diving, Sardines Run & Pescador Snorkel is a solid choice. For those preferring a more relaxed, guided diving trip with island hopping, the Pescador Island Hopping tour suits serious divers and those wanting a bit of everything.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons (December to May), when tours fill quickly. Check availability and start times in advance to match your travel plans.
In summary, Moalboal offers a diverse array of scuba diving experiences suited to different interests and skill levels. Whether you’re chasing sardines, swimming with sea turtles, or exploring vibrant reefs, these tours provide authentic and memorable underwater adventures. For a well-rounded day, the Moalboal : Scuba Diving Sardine Run and Turtle Chasing ranks highly. For a more comprehensive exploration, the Cebu: Moalboal Scuba Diving, Sardines Run & Pescador Snorkel is excellent. And if guided comfort and island hopping are your priorities, check out the Pescador Island Hopping tour. Whichever you choose, early booking will help ensure you don’t miss out on Moalboal’s underwater treasures.