The Sardine Run Moalboal is an insane, once in a lifetime experience. Here’s all the info for chucking on a snorkel and how to swim with a million sardines.
Where Is The Sardine Run In Moalboal
The Sardine Run is located just off the shore of Moalboal on Cebu Island.
The sardines usually gather around Panagsama Beach, just in front of Savedra Dive Centre, making it easily accessible to tourists.
They hover just 30 metres off the coast, so it’s a very easy swim. However, if you’re not a confident swimmer please wear a life jacket or book onto a tour so that you have a guide for support.
We would recommend booking Moalboal Swimming with Sardines & Dolphin Watching.
This tour takes you to swim alongside the thousands of sardines and perhaps spot some turtles or jumping dolphins along the way.
The best way to get around Moalboal and its surrounding areas is to rent scooters for around 400 Pesos per day and explore. Although to be honest the town is so small that you can easily walk around it.
If you book accommodation anywhere in the main town, it should be easy enough to just walk out into the ocean and snorkel with the sardines.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Sardine Run Moalboal Entrance Fee
Entrance: Free.
Rental of Snorkeling Gear: 200 Pesos for mask and fins.
You do not need a boat or private tour for this activity.
The sardines hover around 30 meters from the shore, so you can simply swim out from the beach.
Best Time To Visit + Tips
ALL YEAR ROUND! This has to be on your Philippines Itinerary!
The Sardine Run in Moalboal is available to see all year round.
It is a completely ethical and natural activity, meaning the sardines are not fed by humans and because of this, tourism in Moalboal is thriving.
The locals have adapted their lifestyles, welcoming the sardine run, and net fishing is now completely banned in the area!
If you’re a diver, then Moalboal is an absolute dream for you! We’d certainly recommend going down into the deep waters of the ocean, as Moalboal is known to be one of the best areas for marine life in the Philippines!
What To Pack
Underwater Camera: GoPro HERO7
Waterproof Phone Case
Sunscreen: Banana Boat Sunscreen SPF-50
Dry Bag: Earth Pak – Roll Top Waterproof Dry Bag
Microfibre Towel: Microfibre Quick Dry Towel
What To Expect At The Sardine Run Moalboal
To be blown away by the sheer amount of marine life! For us, this was definitely one of the best things to do in the Philippines.
If you like to get booked up in advance the Deep-Sea Diving at Moalboal and Pescador Island is highly recommended.
As soon as we jumped into the ocean and popped our heads underwater, we could see hundreds of thousands of little sardines.
It can be a little intimidating if you’re not comfortable in the ocean, but there is absolutely nothing to worry about.
The sardines are completely harmless and swim around in gigantic schools. You can swim in and out of the schools, and they will disperse and then gather back together again.
The sardine run, also known as a bait ball, is a large group of fish that stick together for protection against larger prey. They form an almost wall looking shape to stay safe in the ocean.
This particular run in Moalboal is believed to be the second largest run in the world, with South Africa holding the title. This is definitely a great opportunity to witness some of natures most insane species.
The water temperature floats at around 30°C, so it’s never too cold, however you may want to chuck on a wetsuit just in case any of the little jellyfish stingers happen to catch you.
Where To Stay In Moalboal
Luxury – Blue Orchid Dive Resort
The Blue Orchid Resort offers a peaceful and relaxing stay, about 8 km from Moalboal town.
It features an outdoor pool, several water sports activities and free WiFi access.
Opening out to sea views, rooms are breezy and feature private terraces. All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom with a mosquito net.
The Blue Orchid Resort is a 20-minute boat ride from the popular dive site of Pescador Island. It’s a great option for those that are passionate about diving.
Alternatively, guests can also explore the surrounding region on a scooter, or relax with a massage. Adventure activities such as kayaking can also be arranged.
Mid-Budget – Pescadores Seaview Suites
Offering an outdoor pool and sun terrace, Pescadores Seaview Suites is set directly in Moalboal.
Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The air-conditioned rooms come with a dry rack and a fan.
Certain rooms also feature views of the sea, pool or garden. Ensuite bathrooms come with shower facilities and free toiletries.
There is a mini-market on-site as well as a 24 hour front desk.
Guests can play table tennis, billiard, and board games at the resort and can also enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant.
Budget – Archery-Asia Nipa Huts & Camping
Archery-Asia Nipa Huts & Camping offers WiFi access, barbecues, campfire facilities and seating areas.
Free private parking is available on site. Bungalows come with a private entrance, a fan and a mosquito net. A mattress, bed linen, towels and a free bottle of water are also provided.
The communal bathroom comes with a toilet and a cold shower.
You can play 3D archery, darts or badminton at the property, and the area surrounding the accommodation is popular for hiking.
For more places to stay in Moalboal, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Philippines Blogs
Backpacking Philippines Itinerary + Islands Guide
Things To Do In Moalboal – Activities Not To Miss
Diving In Moalboal – When, Where & How Much?
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Pin It For Later!
Peter Avis
Thursday 16th of June 2022
Mind changing experience. Very well organised. Lots of friendly banter. Coaches were in control and gave our trip an amazing experience, one we will never forget. Thank you 👍
Charlie Pauly
Wednesday 22nd of June 2022
That's awesome to hear mate! So glad you enjoyed it.
Lys
Thursday 11th of February 2021
Do you need to book first the sardine tour package?or you can just rent a boat then take you to where the sardines are?
Charlie Pauly
Friday 12th of February 2021
You actually don't need a boat at all, you can just walk out from the beach and snorkel with the sardines.
Chris
Tuesday 12th of November 2019
Hello, I been dreaming of photographing the Sardines for the past 4 years... I only knew about the south Africa run... How clear is the water? Would snorkeling be ok with the sardines and get close to them? oh ya about how deep is the water? Thanks for the help.. Chris
Charlie Pauly
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
Hey Chris, ahh we had an awesome time at the Sardine run in Moalboal. We've actually been twice and both times were super clear. The photos in the blog were taken on a go pro. You can get super close, in fact you can practically swim through them until they disperse. Also the water is very deep. There were a few scuba divers down below the run so I'd say 20-30 metres.
Roxanne
Saturday 2nd of November 2019
Hi! Do you have to do this at a certain time of day? Early morning/late afternoon? Thank you!!
Charlie Pauly
Saturday 2nd of November 2019
Hey, I think you they run trips all day however the best time to go is early morning to avoid the crowds.
Oscar Torres
Monday 10th of June 2019
Thanks for the tip. Someone on YouTube mentioned this beach for the sardine run. Looking to check this out in 3 weeks.
Charlie Pauly
Tuesday 11th of June 2019
Niceee. Enjoy it, surreal experience!