Moalboal: Sardine Run Snorkeling & Kawasan Canyoneering

Travelers looking for a mix of mesmerizing marine life and adrenaline-fueled canyon adventures often ask about the best ways to experience Moalboal’s natural wonders. This tour promises both a stunning sardine run and an exciting Kawasan canyoneering experience, all wrapped into one day.

What we love about this tour is its ability to combine two very different but equally captivating activities—swimming with thousands of sardines, spotting sea turtles, and trekking down scenic waterfalls. The inclusion of a local guide who takes photos ensures you won’t miss capturing the memories. Plus, it’s a great value at $91 per person, including transport, lunch, and gear.

One potential drawback is that some parts of the tour, like the sardine swim, can feel crowded or rushed depending on the day. Also, the sardine run may not meet everyone’s expectations, especially if you’re hoping for a more private or extended encounter. It’s best suited for those who enjoy both underwater marvels and adventurous outdoor activities.

This experience is perfect for adventurers, families, and small groups wanting a full day of authentic local scenery, vibrant marine life, and high-energy canyon exploration.

Good To Know

• Diverse Adventure: Combines snorkeling with sardines and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, offering varied experiences.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides are praised for their friendliness and for capturing photos and videos.
• Good Value: The $91 price includes gear, transport, lunch, and entrance fees, making it a cost-effective day trip.
• Timing & Pacing: Expect long travel times with some reviews noting the activities can feel rushed or crowded.
• Weather Sensitivity: Tours may be rescheduled or canceled due to weather, so flexibility is key.
• Additional Costs: Optional activities like ziplining and GoPro rentals come at extra charges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Early for a Full Day of Exploration

Departing from Cebu City or Mactan at 5:00 AM, the tour sets out early to maximize daylight and avoid the crowds. The journey itself is quite long, with travelers mentioning comfortable transport and scenic stops—like a coffee break or a viewpoint—that help break up the trip. This early start suits those eager to make the most of their day, though it does mean an early wake-up call.

Snorkeling with Sardines & Sea Turtles

Once in Moalboal, your guide will help you gear up for the highlight: swimming among millions of sardines. The water here is famously clear, allowing for good visibility as you glide past shimmering silver shoals. Many reviews mention that the sardine run is impressive to see, though some travelers found the experience crowded and “very rushed.”

One reviewer noted, “The run itself is just off the coast like 3 meters into the beach you get there by swimming,” which means you can expect a short but vibrant encounter. If you want better footage, an optional PHP 700 GoPro rental is available, with a guide to help take photos—an added expense but worth considering if you want memories beyond snapshots.

Sea turtles are also often spotted in the area, and the calm waters make for accessible snorkeling, even for beginners. However, some travelers, like one who got stung by a jellyfish, mention that water safety requires attentiveness.

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: Action and Scenic Beauty

After the snorkeling, the tour moves inland to Kawasan Falls for the canyoneering adventure. The guides, such as Joey and Marco, are praised for their friendliness and professionalism, helping everyone navigate the safety gear and ensuring a fun, secure experience.

Expect to trek through rivers and jungle trails, then slide down natural rock formations, and jump into turquoise lagoons. The scenery is breathtaking, with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls providing a natural playground. Some reviewers mention that the canyoneering is “very fun” and offers excellent photo ops.

However, the activity can feel rushed, especially if the group moves quickly for safety reasons. One reviewer described it as being “like on a conveyer,” with little time to enjoy the views fully. There’s also an optional zipline, which adds an extra dash of adrenaline—at an additional cost.

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Lunch and Relaxation

Midway through the day, the tour includes a local beachfront lunch, allowing travelers to refuel and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The guide typically takes care of photos during meals too, so you can focus on eating and relaxing.

Return Journey & Final Thoughts

After all the excitement, the group heads back around mid to late afternoon. Some reviews mention that the return journey can take longer, especially if the group opts for additional activities like ziplining or if traffic is heavy.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included are all the essentials—hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, safety equipment for canyoneering, entrance and environmental fees, and a hearty lunch. This setup ensures you won’t need to worry about extra costs for gear or entry.

Extras like GoPro rentals or side trips are optional and come at additional fees. For instance, the PHP 550 rental fee for a GoPro includes an operator, making it easier to get great photos without having to handle the camera yourself.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a change of clothes, especially for after water activities.
• Pack sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof bag for electronics.
• Children under 7 aren’t allowed for canyoneering, so check age restrictions beforehand.
• The tour is best suited for those in good health, as some activities involve jumping and sliding.
• Flexibility is key—weather or safety concerns can lead to rescheduling or cancellations.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendliness and dedication. Jack shared, “The guides went above and beyond with getting photos, which made the day extra special.” Conversely, some found the sardine run underwhelming, with one mentioning that unless you pay extra, you’ll be “stranded there and they do not really care.”

Several guests note the long travel times—up to five hours round-trip—which might be a consideration if you’re looking for a shorter outing. Others appreciated the scenic stops during transfer, making the journey part of the adventure.

The weather also influences the experience. Rainy or cloudy days can make water activities less enjoyable, as one traveler pointed out, describing their day as “pretty rainy and cold,” which impacted their overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This combined snorkeling and canyoneering tour offers a solid value for adventure lovers who want to experience the best of Moalboal in a single day. The inclusion of professional guides, photos, and a hearty lunch means you’re well taken care of from start to finish.

If you’re interested in seeing massive schools of sardines and exploring Kawasan Falls’ stunning waterfalls and rock formations, this tour delivers in both areas. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, unhurried atmosphere or are sensitive to crowded spots, you might find parts of this experience a little rushed or overcommercialized.

This experience is best for small groups, couples, and families who enjoy active outdoor pursuits and are comfortable with a full, sometimes busy, day out. Keep in mind the weather and the length of travel—be prepared for a long day but one filled with beautiful sights, fun activities, and memorable moments.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Mactan, and Moalboal.

What gear do I need to bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. A waterproof bag is also recommended for electronics.

Are there age restrictions for canyoneering?
Yes, children under 7 years old are not allowed to participate in canyoneering activities.

Can I rent a camera or GoPro during the tour?
Yes, a GoPro rental is available for PHP 550, which includes an operator to help take photos and videos.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours may be rescheduled or canceled due to weather conditions, so flexibility is advised.

How long is the total tour?
Expect approximately 11.5 hours for snorkeling and about 3.4 hours for canyoneering, with travel time included.

To sum it up, the Moalboal Sardine Run Snorkeling & Kawasan Canyoneering tour offers a chance to see some of the Philippines’ most iconic natural attractions in one action-packed day. It’s particularly suitable for adventurous travelers who want a guided, organized experience with great photos and hassle-free logistics. While it might feel a bit rushed or crowded for some, the stunning scenery and lively marine life make it a memorable outing worth considering.

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