Moalboal, a charming town on the southwest coast of Cebu, Philippines, is famous for two main attractions: canyoning at Kawasan Falls and the Sardine Run. This natural phenomenon, where millions of sardines swim together in giant bait balls, is a must-do activity for divers and snorkelers alike.
In this blog, we’ll take you through our incredible Sardine Run dive, providing tips on costs, logistics, and what to expect.
Booking the Dive
We booked our dive with Amigo’s Dive Center, the same company where we completed our Open Water Certification. The process was seamless, and we prepped our gear the day before to maximize our time in the water the next morning.
Why Dive the Sardine Run?
- Year-Round Phenomenon – Unlike other migrations, the sardines stay in Moalboal all year.
- Easy Access – No boat needed! The dive site is just a short swim from the shore.
- Unreal Marine Life – Apart from sardines, divers often see starfish, pipefish, and even octopuses!
The Dive Experience
We started early to avoid the crowds, setting out on a shore dive just a minute’s walk from our dive shop.
“This was our first fun dive since becoming certified divers, and we couldn’t have picked a better location!”
Entering the Water
The rocky shore entry required some careful maneuvering, but once we were in, it was smooth sailing. Within minutes, we were surrounded by a shimmering mass of sardines!
Swimming Through a Giant Bait Ball
Diving through the massive school of sardines was breathtaking. The fish moved in synchronized patterns, shifting like a living, flowing curtain.
- Visibility: Clear waters made it easy to see the sheer scale of the bait ball.
- Predator Activity: Watching the sardines react to potential threats was incredible.
- Depth: We stayed between 10-18 meters, perfect for beginners and advanced divers alike.
After about 20 minutes, we moved towards a reef wall, where we encountered:
🐠 Colorful starfish
🐙 A rare octopus sighting
🐟 Pipefish and other small marine creatures
“Our guide mentioned that seeing an octopus here is pretty rare—so we felt extra lucky!”
Wrapping Up the Dive
As we ascended back to shallow waters, we spent one last moment with the sardines before surfacing. The total dive time was around 54 minutes, leaving us in awe of what we had just witnessed.
Post-Dive Reflections
After drying off, we grabbed a coffee at Moalboal Coffee Hub, which was not only affordable but also delicious. Highly recommended!
Snorkeling vs. Diving: Which Should You Choose?
While we opted for scuba diving, the Sardine Run is just as spectacular for snorkelers! You can simply rent gear by the beach and swim out to see the sardines right offshore.
Diving Benefits:
- Longer time underwater
- Close encounters with marine life
- Better visibility at deeper depths
Snorkeling Benefits:
- No certification needed
- More budget-friendly
- Perfect for casual adventurers
Cost & Travel Tips
✅ Best time to visit: Sardines are there year-round, but mornings offer better visibility.
✅ Dive cost: Prices vary, but expect to pay around 1,500-2,500 pesos ($30-50 USD).
✅ What to bring: Underwater camera, rash guard, and reef-safe sunscreen.
✅ Fitness level: Easy – great for both beginners and experienced divers.
✅ Payment tip: Some dive shops charge extra for card payments, so withdrawing cash can save you money.
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