The Philippines, an archipelagic country facing the Pacific, never runs out of ways to surprise the curious and the wandering. My home island Cebu, for example, has piqued the interest of fellow Filipinos and foreign travelers alike for its incredible and jaw-dropping underwater ecosystem. On top of my list, regardless of how popular it is, is Moalboal Sardine Run. I’ve witnessed it countless times already, but it does not fail to fascinate me. In this guide, I swim you through, pun intended, the best time, the best months, and everything you need to know about the Sardine Run in Moalboal.

I picked the best accommodations in Moalboal in case you need one

Other experiences you might be interested aside from the Sardine Run

Experience Moalboal, Kawasan Falls, and canyoneering from Cebu City
Private transport from the airport or the city to Moalboal
Discover Scuba Diving in Moalboal with PADI 5 Star CDC (Highly recommended especially if you are considering getting a diving license in the future )

What the heck is Moalboal Sardine Run?

It should have been called Sardine Swim. Joke. Sardine Run is a sardine bait ball. A what-now? A bait ball is a large school of small fish that assembles in an area to avoid being eaten by predators. The globe of swimming fish is so big that it looks a tornado underwater.

The sardine run in Moalboal is the second largest in the world, and South Africa takes the first spot. But what Moalboal lacks in size, it makes up for in accessibility and experience.

Quick Moalboal Cebu Travel Links

Amazing Things to Do in Moalboal

Amazing 19 Beach Resorts in Moalboal

A Guide to the Best Beaches in South Cebu

How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal

Panagsama Beach: Everything You Need to Know

Is Moalboal Sardine Run Ethically Run?

I’m not done with my lousy jokes yet. Unlike Oslob’s whale sharks, the sardines are not fed at all and are in their natural habitat. The good thing about this area is that it is a Marine Protected Area, which means that the area is well taken care of, and the sardines are not in danger of being overfished. Sometimes you can see locals angling for a quick kinilaw or tinuwa or in-unan—the most basic recipes for fresh catch like sardines.

Locally sardines is called tamban and tuloy, depending which part of Cebu you grew up. I grew up in midwest, so we called it tuloy. Southern Cebu, where Moalboal is located, they call it tamban most likely.

I got a joke, a very Bisaya/Filipino joke about sardines.

Knock! Knock!

Who is there?

Tuloy po kayo!

Go, ask a Bisaya about it. It is a very wholesome joke, so no worries.

Where to See Moalboal Sardine Run Exactly?

The sardine run is located in front of Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, Cebu. If you check Google Maps, it is right in front of Savedra Dive Center. Depending on the tide and your swimming skills, it does not take much to swim where they are.

You can also spot them to the right of Marina’s kiosk. This part sometimes has turtles showing up.

What is the best time to see the Sardine Run?

You do not mind sharing the millions of sardines with other tourists? Or do you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy their company alone? I would recommend going on a weekday. The sardines are more active in the morning, but you can still see them at noon. If you want to see several lionfish in the house reef, I suggest going for a snorkel by 5 pm. There is a lot less traffic in the water.

Regardless, they are there, all year round, rain and shine. So you will not miss them at all. One more thing to consider is the visibility. If it is a sunny day with less current, you can see the school of sardines.

Huge problem, I dunno how to swim!

If you don’t know how to swim, that’s a bit of a problem since the sardines are best enjoyed with a bit of snorkeling or free diving skills. But you’re not a hopeless case. The best thing you can do is join a tour and kindly ask the guide to help you out. They are very obliging for some photo op moments. You can join a group tour to experience the island hopping in Moalboal and also experience Badian’s Kawasan canyoneering. Book your tour here.

But most likely you will look like a frog drowning in saltwater in most photos. 😛

The Top Beach Resorts in Panagsama Beach, Moalboal

Panagsama Beach is home to a number of beach resorts, which offer stunning views of the ocean and plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. I highly recommend this area especially if you wanna be near to all the best restaurants and actions. Here are some of the best beach resorts in Panagsama Beach, Moalboal

When is the best season to see Moalboal Sardine Run?

The sardines are there all year round, but the best months to witness them are during the dry season, which means fewer chances of maddeningly dangerous typhoons. The best months are from November til May. The water is at its calmest and clearest during these months because it’s dry season in the Philippines. Fun fact: Did you know that sardines are actually herring? Yeah, I didn’t either.

How much does it cost to see the sardine run in Moalboal?

The best thing about this natural wonder is that it is free! You only need to pay for your transportation and accommodation. Of course, if you’re planning on diving, you also need to pay for that.

But if you are not a good swimmer, it might be best that you take a boat tour. The guides will bring you to the best spots where you can see the sardines up close, and you can approach the countless dive shops dotting Panagsama Beach.

If you want someone to take your photos, I believe some guides do it for an additional fee.

Another way of experiencing the Moalboal Sardine Run is through scuba-diving. Of course it is not cheap, but if money is not an issue for you, you can ask about Discover Scuba Diving in the dive centers. You do not need to have a diving license to explore Panagsama’s house reef. You just need to have 2500php and guts.

What to Pack for Your Moalboal Adventure?

• Coral-friendly Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Rashguard or swimwear
• Snorkel and Mask
• Extra clothes if you’re going to dive
• Water and snacks
• GoPro or waterproof camera!
• Dry bag
• Quickdry towel
• Mosquito Repellent

What else is there to do in Moalboal?

If you’re not into swimming with the sardines, or if you’ve seen enough of them, don’t worry because there’s plenty more to do in Moalboal. You can go cliff jumping, canyoneering, visit waterfalls, beach hopping, or go hiking.

Are there any restaurants near Moalboal Sardine Run?

Definitely. Panagsama Beach is the most popular beach in Moalboal, so you can expect a lot of restaurants to choose from.

How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal?

The easiest and most popular way is by taking a bus at South Bus Terminal. You can choose between Ceres Liner or Sunshine Bus, and the trip takes about three hours and costs around PHP 150-200.

Ceres Liner has air-conditioned buses that leave every hour from 05:00 to 18:00. Sunshine Bus also leaves every hour but only from 06:00 to 17:00.

Check our detailed guide on how to get from Cebu City to Moalboal

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