Philippines · SARDINE RUN TOURS

The 15 Best Sardine Run Tours in the Philippines

43 tours  ·  from $20

The wall of sardines off Panagsama is a short swim from the beach, which changes the price of seeing it. These 15 cover the shore snorkels, the Pescador boat trips and the dive versions, priced and timed.

Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling - The 2:00 AM pickup and the long road south
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Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

1.Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 343 reviews · 10 hours · from $106Our pick

Leave Cebu around 2:00 to 3:00 AM for Oslob’s whale-shark encounter, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run and turtle snorkeling. Breakfast, lunch, transport, fees, and gear are included. Expect a very long day, possible whale-shark waits, and helpful local guides such as Rudy, Noel, Joseph, or Rudeal.

“snorkeling at moal boal with guide or divers taking me ( i don't know swimming) guided me to experience watching sea turtles and sardine watch is my life time memory”

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Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles - The 2:40 a.m. start and the long road south
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Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles

2.Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 266 reviews · 10 - 14 hours · from $113

Start before dawn for Oslob’s whale shark encounter, then continue to Moalboal for turtles, coral reefs, and the famous sardine run. Your guide, such as Mae, Ken, or Norvina, handles the busy queues, gear, transfers, and photo help. Expect 10 to 14 hours, long drives, small groups, and plenty of time in the water.

“Ken was a great guide making the wait for seeing the whale sharks go quickly and with no hassle. The whale sharks were amazing to witness! We also enjoyed seeing turtles and the sardine run. Ken had lunch waiting for us at the perfect spot by the ocean. It was a wonderful day!”

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Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines - Starting before sunrise and reaching Oslob
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Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines

3.Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 223 reviews · from $164

This 16-hour Cebu day trip links Oslob whale sharks, Tumalog Falls, Sumilon Sandbar, Pescador Island, and Moalboal’s sardine run. Private hotel transport keeps the long route manageable, while local guides such as Lindy, Paula, Joy, and Ruby help with queues, boats, photos, and meals. Expect an early start, wet clothes, shared boats, and a packed schedule.

“We had an amazing experience and wonderful driver and guides. Well planned day trip, it’s a long day but so worth it!”

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Cebu: Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling - Oslob before breakfast: whale sharks and the early queue
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Cebu: Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling

4.Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 114 reviews · 8 hours · from $135

Start before dawn with a driver such as Raul, Jave, or Jepoy, then visit Oslob’s whale sharks, Kawasan Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run. Expect a long day, early queues, road time, and separate local guides at each stop. Snorkeling gear, transport, entrance fees, and hotel pickup are included.

“Overall, it was a wonderful and unique experience. The day started early, specifically at 0200, but it was worth it. Our driver wanted to ensure we got to the whale shark site early enough to get our tickets and begin early. Our driver, all the guides, were terrific, very kind, and experts in their craft when it came to driving us across Cebu, getting us to each locations on time, and connecting us with the next person to kindly help us get to the falls and the ocean to swim with the turtles and sardines. Highly recommend. Once in a lifetime opportunity to do all that in one day. Also,…”

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Oslob Whale Sharks and Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtles Tour - What the Oslob whale shark swim is really like
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Oslob Whale Sharks and Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtles Tour

5.Oslob Whale Sharks and Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $113

Start before dawn from Cebu City or Mactan, then travel south for Oslob whale sharks and Moalboal’s sardine school and sea turtles. Guides such as Mae, Norvina, Farrah, and Nino help manage the long day, equipment, transfers, and photos. Expect about 14 hours, public sites, crowds, and a commercial wildlife setting.

“Fantastic trip, it was absolutely breathtaking Bit of a long drive out but plenty of local atmosphere Our tour guide Mae was really friendly and welcoming, it was all planned out for us and she made sure we were looked after”

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Cebu: Kawasan Canyoneering & Sardines Run and Turtle Chase - Kawasan’s river route, step by step
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Cebu: Kawasan Canyoneering & Sardines Run and Turtle Chase

6.Kawasan Canyoneering & Sardines Run and Turtle Chase

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 80 reviews · 12 hours · from $90

Start with a one-hour snorkel among Moalboal’s sardines and possible sea turtles, then enjoy a Filipino lunch before a guided Kawasan Falls canyon trip. The 12-hour outing includes gear, fees, transport, and a small group of up to 11. Expect a long Cebu road day, late lunch, jumps, slides, and strong guide support.

“Best tour in Philippines I've had (travelled for 4 weeks). Only annoying part was having to take a 3 hour bus from and back to Cebu.”

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Cebu: Moalboal Sardines Run Snorkel & Kawasan Canyoneering - The early ride to Moalboal
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Cebu: Moalboal Sardines Run Snorkel & Kawasan Canyoneering

7.Moalboal Sardines Run Snorkel & Kawasan Canyoneering

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 73 reviews · 1 day · from $142

Travel from your Cebu hotel to Moalboal for a guided sardine snorkel and a chance to see sea turtles, then continue to Kawasan Falls for jumps, slides, pools, and waterfalls. English-speaking guides such as Jerome, Benji, Roy, and Victor handle safety and photos, while lunch, gear, entry fees, and hotel transfers are included.

“Highly recommend!!! We could not have been happier with our experience. Our guides helped all of our family of 5 the whole way through. They were so courteous, fun, made sure we were safe and had the best day!!! Lunch at the end was very good!”

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Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle - Oslob’s whale sharks: thrilling, crowded, and not fully wild
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Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle

8.Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 65 reviews · from $150

Start around 3:30 a.m. for Oslob whale sharks, Tumalog Falls, Pescador Island, Moalboal’s sardine run and turtle area. A private car, boat, breakfast, lunch, gear, and local guides are included. Drivers such as Abam, Pao, Arnold, and Angel have earned praise for safe, friendly service, but the day can stretch to 18 hours.

“Worthwhile to get up early and see the whale sharks. You are guaranteed to see whale sharks, good chance to see a sea turtle and if you give your go pro to the workers they take great photos for you underwater. Just remember to tip.”

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Pescador Island with Sardines & Turtle and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls - Pescador Island and Talisay Point before the crowds build
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Pescador Island with Sardines & Turtle and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls

9.Pescador Island with Sardines & Turtle and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · from $150

Start at 5 a.m. with private pickup from Cebu City or Mactan. Snorkel around Pescador Island, Talisay Point, and a marine sanctuary, then tackle four hours of Badian canyoneering with local guides before reaching Kawasan Falls. Lunch, equipment, boat, and transfers are included.

“Sardine run and canyoneering were amazing. We weren’t able to do the other snorkel site due to weather which was disappointing. There was a very long day with driving times, due to the crazy traffic on the way back through. So if you’re not someone that enjoys being in a car for long periods or get motion sick, that is worth considering.”

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Whale Shark, Canyoneering, Sardines Run and Turtles with Transpo - Four hours in the Kawasan canyon
Canyoneering Tours, Canyoneering Tours in Moalboal, Moalboal Tours, Sardine Run Tours, Sardine Run Tours in Moalboal, Sea Turtle Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Turtle Snorkeling Tours in Moalboal, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Shark Tours in Moalboal

Whale Shark, Canyoneering, Sardines Run and Turtles with Transpo

10.Whale Shark, Canyoneering, Sardines Run and Turtles with Transpo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · from $180

Start at 3:00 am from SM City Cebu for whale sharks in Oslob, four hours of Kawasan canyoneering, and sardines and turtles at Panagsama Beach. Private air-conditioned transport, lunch, equipment, and guides are included. Expect a demanding but action-packed 10 to 12 hours.

“I don't normally do reviews, but this was so good I had too. This company did an excellent job, picked up on time, friendly driver and patient. Then the handoff to each of the respective excursions went great. It was nice watching the walk up pRead more”

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Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour - What happens during the one-hour outing
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Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour

11.Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 24 reviews · 1 hour · from $25

Swim from Panagsama Beach to Moalboal’s famous sardine shoal, only about 30 meters offshore. This one-hour private tour includes a local English-speaking guide, mask, fins, and safety briefing. Life jackets are available, and a GoPro or action camera can be added. Guide Jonathan has been praised for thoughtful filming and close attention to solo swimmers.

“We booked for 7am, but no one showed up before 7:10. Besides that it was amazing! Best guide taking the best videos and pictures! He was sooo good! And so nice views of turdles and sardines”

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Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour w/ Transfers Option - Watching Millions of Sardines Move as One
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Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour w/ Transfers Option

12.Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour w/ Transfers Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $20Best value

Meet your private guide at Panagsama Beach and swim about 30 meters from shore to Moalboal’s famous sardine school. Jonathan and other local guides can help first-time swimmers feel at ease, while masks, fins, insurance, and a guide are included. GoPro footage and pickup are available as add-ons.

“The whole experience was amazing, it was seemless and easy. If you don't want to spend the whole day out this is the perfect activity. I would recommend going early since we may catch some turtles.”

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Cebu: WhaleShark , Tumalog Falls, & Sardine Run Snorkeling - Breakfast after the whale sharks
Oslob Tours, Sardine Run Tours, Sardine Run Tours in Oslob, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Oslob, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Oslob, Whale Shark Tours

Cebu: WhaleShark , Tumalog Falls, & Sardine Run Snorkeling

13.WhaleShark , Tumalog Falls, & Sardine Run Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · 1 day · from $124

Start with hotel pickup, then see Oslob whale sharks, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run and sea turtles. The tour includes transfers, entrance fees, a local English-speaking guide, and snorkeling. Drivers such as Jerome and Gabriel have been praised for helpful service, but the whale shark boat is shared under local rules.

“Our trip was perfect for us and would do it again. He was able to take some great photos of us and answered all our questions”

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Moalboal: Sardine Run, Turtles and Pescador Island Hopping - Turtle Point Requires Patience and Good Manners
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Moalboal: Sardine Run, Turtles and Pescador Island Hopping

14.Sardine Run, Turtles and Pescador Island Hopping

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 19 reviews · 1 day · from $95

Spend a full day snorkeling around Pescador Island, Panagsama Beach, and Turtle Point. You get hotel pickup, a local boat guide, mask, life vest, marine fees, and one bottled water. Driver Wengweng has earned praise for smooth transfers and quick tour registration. Bring fins, lunch money, reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof bag.

“From start to end, this activity was seamless. Wengweng was a very good driver and well air conditioned. Wengweng made sure to fast track our tour registration and took us to some amazing spots to snorkel. Saw thousands of sardines and about 5 sea turtles swimming about. Would highly recommend this service”

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Cebu Whale Shark Encounter, Moalboal Sardines & Tumalog Falls - The 4:00 a.m. pickup and southern Cebu road
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Cebu Whale Shark Encounter, Moalboal Sardines & Tumalog Falls

15.Cebu Whale Shark Encounter, Moalboal Sardines & Tumalog Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · from $135

This early-starting Cebu day tour combines Oslob whale shark watching, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardines and turtles. You get hotel pickup, a private Toyota Hiace Grand, snorkeling gear, snacks, and a free GoPro rental with underwater photography help. Guide Eller is praised for friendly service, though the long drive and busy whale shark setting require patience.

“Fed the monkeys, swam with whale sharks (awesome), swam with turtles and a lot of sardines and fish. Great day.”

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New in Sardine Run Tours

★ 4.5Group Tour of Moalboal Sardines Run & Kawasan CanyoneeringFrom $1599 reviews
★ 5.0Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan FallsFrom $995 reviews
★ 5.0Moalboal Sardines, Turtle Snorkeling & Kawasan CanyoneeringFrom $1398 reviews
★ 4.5Cebu Moalboal Beach, Sardine Run, Sea Turtle Viewing + Canyoneering TourFrom $1136 reviews
★ 4.7Snorkeling at NapalingReef with Sardines ExperienceFrom $3914 reviews
★ 5.0Panglao Bohol: Try Scuba Diving at Napaling and SardinesFrom $1054 reviews
★ 4.6Sumilon Sand Bar, Whale Sharks & Sardines SnorkelingFrom $12615 reviews
★ 4.6Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle & Mantayupan FallsFrom $8915 reviews
★ 4.5Sardine Run Snorkeling & Kawasan CanyoneeringFrom $896 reviews
★ 3.5Moalboal Scuba Diving, Sardines Run & Pescador SnorkelFrom $1338 reviews
★ 4.5Pescador Island Hopping Adventure and Sardine RunFrom $1266 reviews
★ 4.8Whale Shark, Waterfall, and Sardine Run Group Tour+MealFrom $1074 reviews
★ 3.6Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine SnorkelingFrom $1063 reviews
★ 3.8Whale Shark Swim, Kawasan Falls & Sardine RunFrom $1355 reviews
★ 4.8Whale Shark Swim, Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine RunFrom $1229 reviews

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