Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls

Exploring Cebu’s Underwater and Waterfall Treasures: A Review of the Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle, and Mantayupan Falls Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with vibrant marine life and stunning natural scenery, the Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle, and Mantayupan Falls tour offers a well-rounded experience that showcases some of Cebu’s best. This full-day adventure takes you from the lively coral reefs and swirling schools of sardines to the peaceful glide of sea turtles and the breathtaking cascade of Mantayupan Falls.

What we love most about this tour is its combination of marine encounters, scenic waterfalls, and expert guides who make the experience both safe and informative. The opportunity to snorkel with wild sea turtles and vibrant sardines is genuinely unforgettable. Plus, the visit to one of Cebu’s largest waterfalls offers a refreshing contrast that feels like a mini retreat.

That said, a potential consideration is the early start at 5:00 am—perfect for maximizing your day but might be a challenge for late risers or those with a slow morning routine. Overall, it’s a great fit for travelers who enjoy nature, underwater adventures, and scenic landscapes in a well-organized, small-group setting.

Good To Know

• Diverse Experience: Combines snorkeling with marine life and waterfall sightseeing in one day
• Expert Guides: Well-rated for knowledgeable, friendly guides like Farrah who make the trip engaging
• Early Start: 5:00 am pickup maximizes your day but requires an early wake-up call
• Size & Comfort: Small group of up to 10 travelers ensures personalized attention
• Value for Money: Includes all activity fees, insurance, and equipment rental for $90
• Weather Dependent: Activities are subject to weather, with options for rescheduling or refunds

An In-Depth Look: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Why Choose the Moalboal Sardine Run and Waterfalls Tour?

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Cebu’s natural beauty with a focus on marine life and waterfalls. It’s especially appealing if you’re keen to see the famous sardine schools and swim alongside turtles, then unwind at a scenic waterfall afterward. The combination means fewer separate bookings and more value for your time and money.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Mantayupan Falls
The day kicks off with a visit to Mantayupan Falls, arguably one of the largest waterfalls on Cebu with a dramatic 98-meter drop. Surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery, it offers a cool refuge even during hot days. The water plummets into a pool perfect for a quick dip, and the location’s relative remoteness makes it feel like discovering a hidden gem.

Review insight: One guest appreciated the cool environment created by the cliffs and lush trees, calling it “a summer retreat,” which suggests it’s an ideal spot to relax and recharge before more water-based activities. The admission fee is included, which simplifies your planning.

Stop 2: Snorkeling at Moalboal & Panagsama Beach
Post waterfalls, you’ll head to Moalboal’s famous snorkeling spot. Expect to float right from the beach into vibrant coral reefs bustling with life. The highlight, of course, is the huge schools of sardines that create mesmerizing whirlpools—a natural spectacle that’s tough to beat.

Sea turtles are also spotted here, often eating or resting peacefully, providing excellent photo opportunities and unforgettable encounters. The guide might help you spot these gentle creatures, thanks to their familiarity with the local marine environment.

Review insight: One guest, Mario, raved about how the guides were “super patient” and helped with gear, making the snorkeling experience smooth and enjoyable. He also mentioned the guide Farrah’s kindness, who even bought snacks for the early start—showing the tour’s personal touch.

What to Expect During Snorkeling

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a rental towel, ensuring comfort and safety throughout. The water is generally clear, and the marine life is lively, so bring a GoPro if you want to capture those moments—rental gear is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Keep in mind: Sea turtles and sardines are wild animals, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the guides’ expertise increases the chances. The experience is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness, as swimming in open water can be tiring for some.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• The tour begins very early, at 5:00 am, to make the most of daylight and marine activity.
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel simplify logistics, especially after a long day.
• The total duration is approximately 10 hours, giving ample time for each activity without feeling rushed.
• The group is limited to 10 travelers, promoting a more personalized experience and better guide interaction.

What’s Not Included and How to Maximize Your Day

Lunch is not included—giving you flexibility to choose your preferred meal at nearby restaurants, typically costing around 300-400 pesos. The guide will provide a break after snorkeling, so consider packing some snacks or choosing a restaurant that suits your taste.

Optional extras: Fin rentals are available for 150 PHP per person if you want a more secure or comfortable snorkeling experience.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Feedback highlights the expertise and friendliness of guides as a major plus, with Mario noting how guides were “so patient” and even bought snacks for the early start. Guests appreciated the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to see wild marine animals in their natural habitat.

The scenic views at Mantayupan Falls are also consistently praised—the cool, lush environment offering a peaceful contrast to the lively underwater scenes. Many guests felt this combination of land and sea made for a truly satisfying day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a taste of Cebu’s natural diversity. If you enjoy snorkeling or are curious about marine life, you’ll find this tour both fun and educational. The early start and small group size make it ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate, guided adventure.

However, if you’re not comfortable swimming or have mobility issues, the water activities might be more challenging. The tour is also weather-dependent, so be prepared for possible changes if conditions are poor.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers remarkable value for its modest price, combining marine wildlife, scenic waterfalls, and expert guidance into one memorable day. It’s best suited for energetic travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the included safety gear makes snorkeling accessible and safe.

The early start might be a stretch for some, but it pays off in avoiding crowds and catching the best marine activity. The diversity of activities means you’ll leave with a well-rounded impression of Cebu’s natural wonders.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, fun-filled day that showcases Cebu’s best, this tour is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour costs $90 per person and includes pickup, drop-off, all activity admission fees (Mantayupan Falls, snorkeling), bottled water, insurance, and snorkeling gear.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 years old are not allowed for safety reasons, and travelers should have moderate physical fitness to enjoy the activities comfortably.

What should I bring?
Bring your own snacks or plan for lunch afterward, as it’s not included. You might also want to bring a waterproof camera, sunscreen, and a towel.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup starts at 5:00 am, so plan to be ready a little before then to avoid missing the group.

Can I see sea turtles and sardines?
Wild animals may not always appear, but the guides are experienced in spotting marine life, increasing your chances of seeing turtles and the famous sardine schools.

Is the schedule flexible?
The schedule may change due to weather conditions, with guides making decisions on the day to ensure safety.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather cancels activities, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 10 hours, giving enough time for each activity with breaks in between.

Is insurance included?
Yes, the tour includes travel accident insurance, but you need to provide names and birth dates for verification.

This Moalboal adventure offers a fantastic balance of marine marvels and scenic beauty, perfect for travelers eager to explore Cebu’s natural side in a friendly, organized setting.