Philippines · SEA TURTLE SNORKELING

The 15 Best Sea Turtle Snorkelling Trips in the Philippines

25 tours  ·  from $36

Green turtles graze the seagrass off Moalboal and Apo Island in water shallow enough to stand in. The 15 below are priced by trip length, with a note on which supply gear and which expect you to bring your own.

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

1.Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles

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

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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Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Turtles Tour - Oslob whale sharks: thrilling, organized, and weather dependent
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Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Turtles Tour

2.Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Turtles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 234 reviews · 10 hours · from $127

See three Cebu highlights in one small-group day: Oslob whale sharks, the Monkey Sanctuary, and Moalboal’s sardine run with sea turtles. Hotel pickup, transport, guides, gear, entrance fees, snacks, and a GoPro with an underwater photographer are included. Guides such as Eller, Paul, Rex, and Vince may lead different parts of the day.

“Eller is an excellent driver, first of all! Very professional and was able to explain everything we should expect ahead of time very clearly. The other focus guides were fantastic as well. Overall, an excellent experience for me and my Family which includes 2 toddlers. I recommend this tour for those who don’t wanna miss out on all the great stuff Cebu has to offer!”

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Port Barton: Island Hopping to Turtle Spot & Reef with Lunch - Starting at the wharf with gear and a local crew
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Port Barton: Island Hopping to Turtle Spot & Reef with Lunch

3.Port Barton: Island Hopping to Turtle Spot & Reef with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 206 reviews · 7 hours · from $36Best value

Spend seven hours island hopping from Port Barton with guides such as Prince, Pong, Jose, or Randy. Snorkel at Turtle Spot and Twin Reef, look for starfish and sea turtles, visit up to six stops, and eat a local BBQ lunch on a quiet beach. Boat transport, gear, life vests, entrance fees, and pickup within Port Barton proper are included.

“Randy was very kind guide and the food prepared was very nice.”

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Bohol: Boat Tour to Sandbar and Snorkeling with Turtles - Getting from Panglao to the open sea
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Bohol: Boat Tour to Sandbar and Snorkeling with Turtles

4.Boat Tour to Sandbar and Snorkeling with Turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 186 reviews · 6 hours · from $51

From Panglao, spend six hours at sea with Reel Fortune Boat Rental. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel Balicasag’s coral reef with a local island guide, see turtles, then relax on Virgin Island Sandbar. Mark, Anthony, and Daniel have been praised for attentive guiding. Lunch, drinks, gear, fees, and Panglao pickup are included.

“We were very satisfied with the organisation and with the activities that we have during the trip. The agency contact us several times before, to be sure about the meeting point and to give us all necessary tips. Our super hosting and friendly guide Mark was waiting for us in the morning . There is no loosing of the time :) the main boat has one more smaller boat for faster transport on crowded spots n where the water is shallow. The adventure starts with the dolphins watching (don’t expect to see them every time) but you can enjoy in different activities as cruising with the boat on the sea,…”

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Bohol: Dolphin Watching & Sea Turtle Swim Island Tour - Balicasag Island and the turtle swim
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Bohol: Dolphin Watching & Sea Turtle Swim Island Tour

5.Dolphin Watching & Sea Turtle Swim Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 159 reviews · 6 hours · from $49

Start before sunrise from Panglao or Dauis, then cruise the Panglao coast for wild dolphins before heading to Balicasag Island. Local guides such as Sarah, Paulen, and Alex coordinate the boat, snorkeling, and turtle areas. Gear, hotel pickup, and drop-off are included, but bring water shoes and ₱500 for the environmental fee.

“We had a lovely time and got to swim with large turtles. This was the first time I’ve experienced it. Seeing the turtles eat sea grass was beautiful. Afterwards we got to spend time relaxing on the island. Our tour guide Alex was charming, informative and an excellent communicator. He made our experience seamless. I’d definitely recommend this trip to anyone.”

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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

6.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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Bohol: Pamilacan Island Dolphin/Turtle Watching Tour & Lunch - The early start at Abraham Bohol
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Bohol: Pamilacan Island Dolphin/Turtle Watching Tour & Lunch

7.Pamilacan Island Dolphin/Turtle Watching Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 96 reviews · 8 hours · from $70

Leave Abraham Bohol early for a boat ride across the Bohol Sea, with dolphin watching along the way. On Pamilacan Island, you’ll snorkel with turtles and see coral, eat a homemade Filipino lunch, walk through the village, and relax on a quiet beach. Guides have included Ruby, Sarah, and Dan.

“This was such an amazing day! There are a lot of similar tours like this one but for a much higher price, go for this one!!! It’s an early start but finishes after lunch which I like as I find the full day can be a bit long sometimes. The long boat ride is worth it as we saw SO many dolphins and then swam with turtles which was amazing. The diver guides were so good to us pointing the turtles out and allowing us to get close. The area of the island we were on was so secluded and intimate and the food was lovely. Recommend 100%!!!!”

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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

8.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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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

9.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

10.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

11.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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BOHOL: Dolphin Watching, Turtle Swim and Party Boat - Meeting at Alona Beach
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BOHOL: Dolphin Watching, Turtle Swim and Party Boat

12.Dolphin Watching, Turtle Swim and Party Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 27 reviews · 5 hours · from $69

Meet near Alona Beach for a five-hour shared boat trip to dolphin waters near Pamilacan Island and Balicasag’s turtle sanctuary. Your English-speaking guide provides snorkeling gear, safety help, underwater photos and videos, lunch, and drinks. Expect strong currents at times, a social boat atmosphere, and a party stop that may vary by day.

“Schöne Tour zum Turtle-Point und zu einem Korallenriff vor Balicasag. Ziemlich viel los dort, beim Schnorcheln aufpassen, dass man nicht mit einem Boot kollidiert :D Abgesehen von den Schildkröten war auch eine Muräne sowie viele andere Fische am Start. Man hat wirklich einen One-on-one Guide, der Fotos macht und sich um einen kümmert. Top! Für Schnorchel-Anfänger ggf nicht geeignet oder bisschen tough (Strömungsschnorcheln, ziemlich hohe Wellen), aber tolle Sicht auf die Schildkröten. Delfine leider keine, aber da kann keiner was für. Sehr gutes Mittagessen, Cola, Bier, Wasser - alles am Start. Würde ich wieder buchen! Kleine Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten: Für gute Schnorchler wären Leih-Floss...”

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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

13.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: Moalboal Sardines & Turtle Snorkeling and Canyoneering - Panagsama Beach and the sardine run
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Cebu: Moalboal Sardines & Turtle Snorkeling and Canyoneering

14.Moalboal Sardines & Turtle Snorkeling and Canyoneering

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 17 reviews · 13 - 14 hours · from $150

You’ll snorkel near Panagsama Beach with huge sardine schools and wild sea turtles, then head to Badian for a guided Kawasan Falls route of river swims, scrambles, rappels, and optional jumps up to 30 feet. McRich Travel provides gear, lunch, transfers, and English-speaking guides. Expect a long, active day.

“It was so much fun! Everything was very organized from start to finish- McRich travel is a top notch Tour agency! The guides were all very professional and went above and beyond to show us everything there was to see. The canyoneering is definitely challenging- wear very good shoes with a hard bottom-your feet and ankles will thank you! On our private tour, we had 7 guides for 7 people- we felt very safe!”

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Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle & Mantayupan Falls - What the Moalboal stop is really like
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Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle & Mantayupan Falls

15.Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle & Mantayupan Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 15 reviews · 10 hours · from $89

Start before sunrise from Cebu or Mactan, visit 98-meter Mantayupan Falls, then snorkel near Moalboal with sea turtles and huge sardine schools. The small-group tour includes transport, equipment, towels, water, insurance, and GoPro rental. Guides such as Elvira, Farrah, and Danny have been praised for warm service and local knowledge.

“It was just amazing, apparently my boyfriend and me were the only ones who booked this tour on that day so it felt like a private tour which was great. We decided to spend less time at the waterfalls so we could have a bit more time in Moalboal, and it was just perfect. Our diver was so nice, he took charge of our GoPro and he was taking videos the whole time so we could enjoy the snorkelling without worrying about pictures and videos. The videos he took are so good. Our guide Elvira was so nice as well and so very well prepared, she had GoPro ready for…”

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New in Sea Turtle Snorkeling

★ 5.0Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan FallsFrom $995 reviews
★ 4.5Cebu Moalboal Beach, Sardine Run, Sea Turtle Viewing + Canyoneering TourFrom $1136 reviews
★ 4.2Moalboal Sardines and Turtles Snorkeling TourFrom $875 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary & Turtle Snorkeling TourFrom $1233 reviews

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