Moalboal is a small municipality on Cebu’s southwest coast known for year-round sardine run, fast access to Pescador Island, and day trips to Kawasan Falls. Historically, Moalboal became a parish in 1852 under Spanish rule; two popular beach areas are Panagsama (Basdiot) and White Beach/Basdaku (Saavedra).
Moalboal sits on the Tañon Strait, the Philippines’ largest protected seascape (declared 1998), which helps keep its marine life spectacular.
Best time to visit: Diving & snorkeling are possible all year. For calmer seas and clearer water, Nov–May tends to be best. You can organize your own tour using the info below, or we would be happy to organize a luxurious live-aboard island hopping cruise for you through the many islands and dive sites in the Cebu area.
Getting There
From Cebu City (South Bus Terminal → Moalboal):
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Ceres bus via Barili: 3–4 hrs. Fare: ₱170 (non-AC) or ₱210 (AC), pay onboard. Ask for “Moalboal” and get a tricycle to Panagsama or White Beach.
Private transfer / taxi:
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Typical one-way rates run ₱2,500–₱4,000 per car depending on size/operator; you can also prebook on platforms like Klook (around US$69 for 1–3 pax). Travel time about 2.5–3 hrs.
Top Things To Do
1) Swim the Sardine Run at Panagsama
Millions of sardines school just meters off Panagsama Beach—you can literally kick off from shore and be in the action. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a snorkel; hire a spotter/guide if currents are unfamiliar.
2) Pescador Island Snorkel/Dive Trip
Ten minutes by boat, Pescador is a marine park with dramatic walls and “The Cathedral” cavern. Join a half-day Pescador + Sardines + Turtle tour—private boat day tour prices start around ₱7,000 for 1 person and ₱1,350–₱3,650 per person for 2–10 pax (includes boat, gear, fees).
3) Kawasan Falls Canyoneering (Badian, 40–60 mins away)
Government-regulated canyoneering runs about ₱2,000–₱2,100 per person including safety gear and guiding. Book with an accredited operator and wear proper footwear. The Froggy Adventures, Highland Adventures PH
Scuba Diving in Moalboal (with Prices & Links)
- Marine park note: most shops exclude Pescador marine park fee (≈₱100) from base dive prices. Cebu Seaview Dive Resort
- Savedra Dive Center (Panagsama) — Transparent, per-dive pricing: ₱1,400 shore, ₱1,600 boat, ₱1,600 night. Packages available (e.g., 10 boat dives ₱14,400). Website: Savedra
- Neptune Diving Adventure (Panagsama) — ₱1,600 shore, ₱1,800 boat, ₱2,000 night, ₱2,100 Nitrox; 6-dive package ₱8,300. Website (rates): Neptune Diving
- Cebu Fun Divers (at Cebu Seaview Dive Resort) — Lists day trips & surcharges (e.g., whale-shark day trip ₱9,500; fuel/park/night-dive surcharges; gear rental posted). Prices page and surcharges.
- Seaquest Dive Center (Moalboal) — Long-running operator with daily boats to local sites and Pescador; note sanctuary fees apply. Info.
- Why Moalboal for diving? Quick hop to Pescador Island, house-reef drop-offs, turtles galore, and that shore-accessible sardine baitball—plus the whole area lies inside the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape.
Where to Eat (with sample prices & links)
- Smooth Café (Panagsama) — all-day café with live music. Menu examples: Iced Americano ~₱140–₱160, cappuccino ~₱150–₱165, breakfast plates & mains on their posted menus.
- SHAKA Café (Panagsama) — smoothie bowls, wraps, plant-forward eats. Typical bowls ~₱200–₱350, wraps ~₱150–₱300 (local guide with current price ranges): Site: https://shakafood.com/
- Ven’z Kitchen (Panagsama) — Filipino + veggie-friendly classics; see menu & prices on RestaurantGuru. Example FB special: Seafood combo ₱320. Info | FB Restaurant GuruFacebook
- (Beachfront stalwart Little Corner Restaurant also posts menus/prices via RestaurantGuru)
Where to Sleep (with live rate examples & links)
Mid-range dive resorts (Panagsama)
- Quo Vadis Dive Resort — Garden View Room ₱3,615, Sea View Deluxe ₱5,215, Premier Suite ₱10,330, Ocean Suite ₱14,500 (VAT incl.). Book direct.
- Cebu Seaview Dive Resort — Onsite Cebu Fun Divers; rooms and dive packages posted with details (check site for current figures; lists ₱100 marine park fee note for dives). Cebu Seaview Dive Resort
Budget hostels (Panagsama)
- Pig Dive Hostel — recent listings show dorms from about US$37–$40 on selected dates.
- Maayong Hostel — dorm & private options.
- Tip: Stay in Panagsama if you want walkable access to dive shops/eateries; choose White Beach/Basdaku for sandier lounging and sunsets.
Sample Dive Prices at a Glance (PHP)
- Savedra: Boat dive ₱1,600; Night ₱1,600; 10-dive pack ₱14,400 (excl. park fees/gear). Savedra
- Neptune: Boat ₱1,800; Shore ₱1,600; Night ₱2,000; Nitrox ₱2,100; 6-dive ₱8,300. Neptune Diving
- Cebu Fun Divers: Whale-shark day trip ₱9,500; posted surcharges (fuel, ₱500 night surcharge, ₱100 park fee) and rental rates on site. Cebu Fun Divers
Quick Planner
- Day 1: Bus/transfer from Cebu City → Panagsama check-in → Sardine Run snorkel at sunset → dinner at Smooth Café.
- Day 2: 2–3 boat dives (Pescador + house reef) with your chosen operator → lazy afternoon on White Beach/Basdaku → pizza or local eats.
- Day 3: Kawasan canyoneering (half day) → late lunch in Badian → back to Moalboal for a night dive or chill. The Froggy Adventures
Responsible Travel & Safety
- You’re in a protected seascape—don’t touch corals, turtles, or sardines; avoid standing on the reef; use reef-safe sunscreen. Lawphil
- Check daily conditions; currents can be strong along drop-offs. Dive with pros and follow guide instructions.
Booking
You can use the links and info above to book yourself a local tour, or we can organize for you a luxury live-aboard cruise through the area to make this just one of your many, beautiful stops.
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FAQ
- How many days do I need in Moalboal?
2–4 nights is perfect: one day for Pescador/sardines diving, one for Kawasan canyoneering, and spare time for extra dives or beach days. - Is the sardine run always there?
They’re resident year-round off Panagsama Beach; visibility and conditions vary with weather. - Are there marine fees?
Yes. Expect ₱100 per diver for Pescador’s marine park (paid via your dive shop). Cebu Seaview Dive Resort
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