If you’re looking for a beautiful and serene beach to relax on, Panagsama Beach is definitely not that kind, sorry not sorry I’m just being honest here, but this Moalboal beach is definitely worth checking out. With its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches (some parts of it, tehee), Panagsama is one of the most popular beaches in Cebu. In this blog post, I’ll provide an overview of Panagsama Beach including what to expect when you visit. I’ll also give you some tips on things to do in Moalboal, because singlehandedly, Moalboal especially the Panagsama strip was the place I visited the most in my home island Cebu. So you can make the most of your trip!

Quick Guide to Panagsama Beach

Rent a Private Car with a Driver
Moalboal Island Hopping and Canyoneering Tour
Kasai Village Dive Resort (Highly Recommended)
Tongo Hill Cottages (Highly Recommended)

Where is Panagsama Beach Moalboal?

Panagsama Beach is located in Moalboal, a municipality in south Cebu, Philippines. It is situated approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Cebu City. Panagsama Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Moalboal and is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, house reef, sardine run, and turtles. I know you must be fed up with all the adjectives. It kinda makes me puke, using the same adjectives all over again. Right in front of the beach are several coral reefs which are perfect for snorkeling and diving. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Many locals called it Basdiot, Bas (Sand) Diot (Small) So the other name of Panagsama is Basdiot.

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

The Best Stays in Panagsama Beach Moalboal

How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal

What to expect when you visit Panagsama Beach Moalboal

When you visit Panagsama Beach, you can expect to find a wide variety of activities to keep you busy. There are plenty of things to do in Moalboal, and Panagsama Beach is the ideal base for your Moalboal adventure. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go for a swim, snorkel or dive, there’s something for everyone at Panagsama Beach.

Panagsama Beach is one of the most popular beaches in south Cebu if not the entire Philippines. So if you are one of those travelers who do not like to see another traveler in sight, Panagsama Beach might not be the place for you.

Typhoon Odette ravaged south Cebu, and Moalboal was not spared. I highly advise you call your resort before booking anything and check if Pescador Island and Kawasan Falls in the neighboring town are open. As the cliche Filipino quote goes, Moalboal bounced back already.

How to go to from Cebu to Panagsama Beach?

The easiest way to get to Panagsama Beach from Cebu is to take a bus from the South Bus Terminal. Buses bound for Moalboal depart every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately two-three hours. Once you arrive in Moalboal, Panagsama Beach is just a short tricycle ride away.

How to go to from Cebu to Panagsama Beach, Moalboal by Van

You can also hire a private car or van to take you directly to Panagsama Beach, although this will be more expensive than taking the bus.

Check our comprehensive guide on how to get from Cebu City to Moalboal. It got all the things you need to know.

Cebu-Moalboal Day Trip

You can actually travel to Moalboal as a day trip from Cebu City, Mandaue, or Lapu-Lapu City. If you are traveling as a group and want to experience Moalboal with the needed comfort and convenience, you can do so. Tour packages are inclusive of your ride and boat.

Rates start at $150. Check the complete rates here.

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. Here are some of the best beach resorts in Panagsama Beach, Moalboal

Things to Do in Panagsama Beach Moalboal

There are plenty of things to do in Panagsama Beach, Moalboal. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go for a swim, snorkel or dive, there’s something for everyone at Panagsama Beach.

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving is one of the most popular activities in Panagsama Beach. The house reef is so rich and vibrant that it is a pain not to witness it longer than your breath.

SCUBA DIVING for certified divers  

shore dive-1,400PHP

boat dive-1,600PHP

night dive-1,600PHP

Rates slightly vary fron one dive shop to another. If you wanna support a local-run dive shop, check out Nelson’s Dive Shop. It is located next to Eve’s Kiosk, where the ATM is located. I dove with them twice. This is not an affiliate, but feel free to disclose you get the lead from someone who gave Nelson Julian Barnes’ A Sense of an Ending back in 2019.

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)

Moalboal is also one of the best spots to get your diving license, if that is your thing. Its rich marine ecosystem together with the warm water temperature (26-29 degrees centigrade) makes it an ideal place to start your diving adventures. The average depth of Panagsama’s house reef is around 15 meters which is perfect for beginner divers.

DSD-2500PHP

PADI Open Water License-13,500PHP

Snorkeling

If diving is not your cup of tea, then you can go snorkeling instead. Panagsama Beach has a house reef that is perfect for snorkeling, and you can even find some turtles swimming around if you’re lucky. Snorkeling gear can be rented from most of the dive shops in Panagsama Beach.

Snorkeling Rates:

-gear rental-200PHP/day

Island Hopping

Island hopping is another popular activity in Panagsama Beach. There are several islets nearby that can be visited on a day trip, including Pescador Island, Sardine Run, turtle spotting at Talisay Point, and more. Island hopping tours can be arranged through most of the dive shops in Panagsama Beach.

Island Hopping Rates:

-2500PHP/boat (good for up to 12 people)

If you are traveling alone or as a couple, dive shops will allow you to join other groups. So that should not be a problem.

Pescador Island

Pescador Island is Panagsama’s most popular island because of its clear water and healthy corals. It has a wide variety of fish species which makes it perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can see this islet in front of Panagsama Beach.

Sardine Run

The Sardine Run in Moalboal is visible all year round, but do not forget the Philippines is facing the Pacific, and sometimes experience the most notorious typhoons. During this time, millions of sardines migrate to Moalboal to mate. This is a popular event among tourists and locals alike because it is a spectacular sight to see. If you do not want to join a boat tour, you can also see the sardines from Panagsama Beach itself.

Talisay Point

Talisay Point is a small reef located near Panagsama Beach. It is known for its turtles, which can often be seen swimming around the reef. If you are lucky. 😛

Day Tours: Other Things to Do from Panagsama Beach

In addition to the activities mentioned above, there are also plenty of other things to do in Panagsama Beach. You can go on a hike to Osmeña Peak, visit Tumalog Falls, go canyoneering in Kawasan Falls, or explore Moalboal’s caves and cliffs. There are also several day tours that can be arranged through the dive shops in Panagsama Beach.

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