Moalboal: Sardine Run Snorkeling & Kawasan Canyoneering

Travelers looking for a blend of marine life encounters and adrenaline-fueled canyon adventures often consider the Moalboal tour—offering a chance to swim with millions of sardines and explore stunning waterfalls. Our review draws from real experiences to help you decide if this action-packed day is right for you.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the impressive marine spectacle of the sardine run, which promises a mesmerizing underwater dance. Second, the thrill of Kawasan Falls canyoneering, with its slides, jumps, and turquoise pools. Third, the guides’ expertise, especially their efforts with photos and safety, adding value to your trip.

However, a potential drawback is the long travel time and rushed activities reported by some travelers, which might leave you feeling hurried or disappointed if you’re expecting a more leisurely experience.

This tour is best suited for those who crave adventure, love nature, and don’t mind a full day of active exploration. It’s ideal for small groups, couples, or families with children over 7 who want an authentic, adrenaline-packed day in Cebu’s beautiful surroundings.

Good To Know

• Stunning Marine Life: Swim with sardines and sea turtles in crystal-clear waters.
• Adventurous Canyoneering: Trek, slide, and jump through Kawasan’s scenic canyons.
• Expert Guides: Friendly guides capture photos and videos for keepsakes.
• Value for Money: Includes equipment, safety gear, lunch, and transfers.
• Weather Considerations: Activities are weather-dependent, so flexibility is helpful.
• Optional Activities: Zipline is available for extra thrill, at additional cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour offers an immersive day packed with two major highlights: snorkeling with sardines in Moalboal and exploring Kawasan’s waterfalls through canyoneering. Starting early from Cebu City or Mactan, it’s designed for those who want to maximize their day with minimal hassle, thanks to convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

The Journey Begins

Your day kicks off around 5:00 AM, with a comfortable drive to Moalboal. The early start ensures you beat some of the crowds and enjoy the cooler part of the day. As some reviewers note, the trip itself can be long—around 11.5 hours from pickup to drop-off—but the scenery along the way, including stops for coffee and viewpoints, makes it more pleasant.

Snorkeling with Sardines

Once in Moalboal, your guide will prepare you with snorkeling gear and safety equipment. The main attraction here is swimming among millions of sardines that gather just off the coast. The water is typically clear, giving excellent visibility, and you may also spot sea turtles gliding nearby, which adds to the excitement.

From reviews, it’s clear that the sardine run can be a mixed experience. One traveler described it as “impressive to see,” while another found it overcrowded and underwhelming, especially if you don’t opt for the extra PHP 700 GoPro video. The water can be busy, and some noted that unless you pay for the video, you might find yourself stranded without photos unless the guides are extra attentive.

Safety and Comfort

The tour provides snorkeling gear and life vests, and guides like Jerem and Romel are experienced at managing groups and taking memorable photos. You can relax knowing safety gear is included, and guides are attentive to your experience, especially for less confident swimmers.

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Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure

Next, the group transfers to Kawasan Falls for canyoneering, which is often seen as the highlight of the day. This involves trekking through rivers and jungle trails, then sliding down natural rock formations and jumping into turquoise pools. The setting is truly spectacular, with lush greenery and rushing waterfalls creating a stunning backdrop.

However, some reviews mention that the activity can feel rushed. One reviewer, who described it as “very fun but VERY rushed,” felt they didn’t get enough time to appreciate the views or relax. This is likely due to safety protocols and time constraints, but it’s worth knowing if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

Optional Zipline and Extra Thrills

For thrill-seekers, an optional zipline is available. It adds an extra element of excitement, but comes at additional cost. If you’re a fan of adrenaline, this is a good chance to get an extra rush, though some reviewers felt the return walk to the start point was quick enough to enjoy the surroundings without rushing.

Lunch and Photos

A local, hearty lunch at the Kawasan base camp provides a well-deserved break and energy boost. The meal is included in the price, usually featuring Filipino dishes with a beach view, making it a calming moment amid the activity.

Guides are proactive in capturing moments, especially if you rent a GoPro (at PHP 550), or if they’re willing to take photos with your device. This means you can focus on enjoying the day while leaving the photo documentation to the pros.

What to Expect: Logistics, Timing, and Practicalities

Starting at 5:00 AM, the tour covers a full day of adventure. The pickup process is smooth, with pickups from Cebu City, Mactan, or your hotel—sometimes with additional fees for more distant locations like Oslob or Dalaguete.

The snorkeling segment lasts approximately 1.5 hours, where you’ll be in the water swimming with sardines and maybe sea turtles. The canyoneering portion is longer, around 3.5 hours, involving trekking, sliding, and jumping through Kawasan’s scenic canyons. The actual water activities are safety-oriented, with gear provided, but participants should be comfortable in water and prepared for some physical exertion.

Post-activities, you’ll enjoy a local lunch before heading back. The return trip can take several hours, depending on traffic and activity pace, so patience is key. The tour give you a full experience but can feel rushed if you’re eager to linger or explore more.

Costs and Inclusions

At $91 per person, the tour offers good value considering the inclusions: transportation, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, entrance and environmental fees, and lunch. The guides’ efforts in taking photos and videos add sentimental value, especially since some reviews highlight how well these are managed.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Extras such as side trips or GoPro rentals come at extra fees, and there’s a PHP 500 surcharge for pickups outside standard locations. The optional zipline also costs additional, so budget accordingly.

Authentic Experiences and Real-Life Insights

The reviews provide helpful insights into what you might encounter. One reviewer appreciated the knowledge and friendliness of guides Jerem and Romel, who went above and beyond with photography. Another pointed out that the water activities can feel rushed, especially during busy days or bad weather, which might impact your experience.

On the less positive side, some found the sardine run overcrowded and felt the trip back takes too long, making the overall experience less relaxing. It’s also important to note that children under 7 aren’t allowed for canyoneering, so families with younger kids should plan accordingly.

Weather can be unpredictable, and activities are weather-dependent. Travelers should be flexible and prepared for possible rescheduling or cancellations due to rain or rough seas.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Moalboal adventure offers an exhilarating mix of marine life encounters and land-based thrill. If you value authentic snorkeling experiences and are excited by canyoneering, this trip packs a punch. The inclusion of safety gear, guides’ expertise, and photos makes it a solid choice for those wanting to maximize their time.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed or scenic experience, or you’re concerned about crowds and rushing, you might find parts of this tour a bit hurried. The overcrowded sardine run and lengthy return trip are points to consider.

The value for money is strong, especially with all activities, equipment, and meals included. The tour is best suited for adventure lovers, small groups, and families with children over 7 who enjoy active pursuits amid stunning natural scenery.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 years old are not allowed for canyoneering, but older kids may enjoy the snorkeling and canyon activities with proper supervision.

How long does the entire tour last?
From pickup early in the morning to return in the late afternoon, expect about 11.5 hours, depending on traffic and activity pace.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for valuables.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, activities may be rescheduled or canceled if weather conditions are unsafe, especially for water-based activities.

Can I rent a GoPro?
Yes, you can rent a GoPro for PHP 550, which includes a guide to take photos and videos during the activities.

What’s included in the tour?
Transport, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, entrance and environmental fees, and a local lunch are provided.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, the zipline is available at extra cost for added excitement, and additional side trips can be arranged for an extra fee.

This tour of Moalboal stands as a balanced mixture of marine wonder and land adventure, ideal for those craving an active day immersed in nature. Its value hinges on your love for water sports and thrill-seeking—packed with memorable moments, but best approached with flexibility and an adventurous spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby