Moalboal, located in the southern part of Cebu Island, is a popular spot among Western backpackers.
It offers unique attractions you can only experience in Moalboal, such as snorkeling with the “Sardine Run,” where tens of thousands of sardines swim in a tornado-like formation just beneath the water’s surface, and the opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles, which are considered symbols of happiness.
On top of that, it’s easily accessible, taking just about three hours from Cebu City, making it possible to enjoy a day trip.
This time, we will fully introduce the charms of Moalboal, Cebu, through the local tour company CebuPre.
Moalboal: The Most Scenic Beach in Cebu Island
Moalboal is known for having the most beautiful and scenic beaches on Cebu Island. It’s particularly popular among Western backpackers and has long been cherished as a “hidden gem.” It’s also a favorite spot for divers.
Location of Moalboal
Moalboal is located on the western side of Cebu Island. It can be accessed from Cebu City by bus in about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, making it easy to visit on a half-day trip from the city.
The Charm of Moalboal
The main attraction of Moalboal is its stunning beach, often regarded as the most beautiful on Cebu Island, with its white sand and excellent diving spots. The most popular diving spot is “House Reef,” famous for the “Sardine Run,” where you can witness enormous schools of sardines swimming together, shimmering like a giant fish.
In addition to sardines, you can also see various marine creatures like jacks, coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles.
Shops and Souvenirs Around Moalboal
- 7-Eleven: The familiar 7-Eleven convenience store is also available in Moalboal. It’s very convenient for purchasing water, drinks, light snacks (hot dogs, fried chicken, nuggets, donuts), and snacks.
- Sari-Sari Stores: Sari-sari stores are small retail shops found throughout the Philippines. They are more local and down-to-earth than convenience stores, where local people shop for everyday items. Here, you can buy drinks, light snacks, and sweets. A unique feature is that packaged goods are sold individually, not just in bulk.
- Souvenir Shops: Near Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, you’ll find several souvenir shops. They sell a variety of goods such as T-shirts, hats, bags, and accessories made from shells and coral.
- Cottages for Long-Term Stays: For those staying longer, there are cottages by the beach. These cottages have grills available, so you can enjoy barbecuing. Rental fees for the cottages start at 500 pesos.
Restrooms, Showers, and Changing Rooms Information
The beach in Moalboal offers restrooms and showers for a fee (restroom: 5 pesos, shower: 20 pesos). A useful tip for snorkelers is that you can use the restrooms, showers, and changing rooms near the port for free.
Three Recommended Highlights of Moalboal!
Let’s dive into the appeal of Moalboal by highlighting three must-see points that make this destination so special.
Highlight 1: Two Beaches with Different Atmospheres and Experiences (Panagsama Beach & White Beach)
Moalboal offers two beaches, each with its own unique vibe and activities.
- Panagsama Beach
Panagsama Beach is a bustling area with accommodations, restaurants, and souvenir shops. While not a typical sandy beach, it’s perfect for a relaxing stroll along the coast. The stunning coastline and sunset views are classic resort experiences.
Snorkeling here offers an easy opportunity to see schools of sardines and sea turtles right off the shore. If you’re eager to spot these creatures, Panagsama Beach is more convenient than White Beach, where you’d need a boat to reach diving spots.
- White Beach
White Beach, located about 20 minutes from Panagsama Beach by tricycle (a three-wheeled taxi), is ideal for activities like snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the outdoor adventures that
Cebu Island is famous for.
There are over 10 diving spots nearby, each offering different marine life to explore. It’s a paradise for divers. Note that there is an entrance fee of 80 pesos.
Highlight 2: Prime Diving Spots
Moalboal is renowned for being a top diving destination due to the diverse marine life that inhabits its waters.
The most famous attraction is the Sardine Run, where enormous schools of sardines move in mesmerizing formations, completely filling your field of vision. It’s a breathtaking sight. Additionally, you can encounter large schools of jacks, sea turtles, rare gobies, and vibrant coral reefs.
Many spots around White Beach are marine protected areas, including well-known diving sites like House Reef, where you can see schools of fish near the shoreline; Marine Sanctuary, home to clownfish; and Bogo Paraiso, where rare gobies can be found.
Nearby islands like Pescador Island, where you might see whale sharks, and Sunken Island, known for barracudas, are also popular diving spots.
Highlight 3: Easy Accessibility
Moalboal is conveniently accessible from Cebu City by bus, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Since it’s a popular destination for Western backpackers, buses run frequently from morning until night, making it an ideal spot not just for those planning extended diving or snorkeling trips, but also for travelers looking to enjoy a day trip. Its ease of access makes it a versatile destination for all kinds of travelers.
Accessing Moalboal on Your Own
For reference, here’s how you can reach Moalboal independently without joining a tour. While it’s possible to take a single bus from Cebu City to Moalboal, it’s worth noting that considering safety and the convenience of fully enjoying activities upon arrival, joining a tour is highly recommended.
A tour provides a more seamless and stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying what Moalboal has to offer.
How to Access Moalboal
1. Cebu City ⇒ South Bus Terminal (Taxi)
To catch a bus to Moalboal, you first take a taxi from Cebu City to the South Bus Terminal. The taxi fare is around 150 pesos. Alternatively, you can negotiate with a taxi driver to take you directly to Moalboal, though the fare depends on your agreement with the driver.
2. South Bus Terminal ⇒ Moalboal (Bus)
Buses to Moalboal depart every 30 minutes. There is one restroom break along the way, where you can also find small shops selling drinks and snacks.
3. Moalboal Bus Stop ⇒ Panagsama Beach (Tricycle)
From the Moalboal bus stop, it’s about a 20-minute ride by tricycle (three-wheeled taxi) to Panagsama Beach.
While the access is straightforward, traveling independently to Moalboal comes with a few challenges:
- Risk of pickpocketing or theft while enjoying activities in Moalboal.
- Limited access to restrooms and changing rooms, which may be hard to find on your own. You also need to manage your valuables during bathroom breaks or when changing.
- Lost time due to waiting for buses, reducing your time for sightseeing.
- Diving at White Beach can be more enjoyable with a knowledgeable guide as there are many diving spots.
To fully enjoy Moalboal, booking a tour is highly recommended.
Introducing Moalboal’s Best Value Private Tour Plan
So, which tour company should you choose to make the most of Moalboal? Cebu Island is a world-famous resort destination with numerous tour companies. Naturally, you’d want to choose a company that provides great service and ensures safety for the best possible trip.
Our company, CebuPre, offers private tours at the lowest prices in the industry, even including a local guide. We’re confident that you’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy everything Moalboal has to offer with us.
CebuPre’s Lowest-Priced Private Moalboal Tour Plans
Here are three tour plans that include Moalboal as part of the itinerary, designed to offer you an unforgettable experience.
1. Whale Shark & Sea Turtle Swim + Moalboal & White Beach Tour – From 4,500 PHP
This plan allows you to swim with whale sharks in Oslob, followed by snorkeling at three Moalboal diving spots: Pescador Island, the Sardine Run, and the Sea Turtle spot. This is perfect for sea lovers looking to fully immerse themselves in the marine environment.
[More details here]2. Snorkeling with Sea Turtles + Moalboal & White Beach Tour – From 3,000 PHP
Enjoy a full day of snorkeling in Moalboal, exploring its vibrant underwater life, including sea turtles, coral reefs, sardines, and tropical fish. With minimal travel time, this plan focuses on a single location, making it a relaxing yet exciting adventure.
[Learn more here]3. Snorkeling with Sea Turtles + Moalboal & Kawasan Falls Tour – From 3,300 PHP
This plan combines snorkeling in Moalboal with a visit to Kawasan Falls, the largest waterfall on Cebu Island. After enjoying the marine life in Moalboal, you can jump into the refreshing waters of Kawasan Falls or even try canyoneering with a local guide.
[More details here]Common Inclusions for All Three Plans:
- Activity fees
- Private transport (hotel ⇔ attractions)
- Dedicated male or female guide
- Life jacket, helmet, mask, snorkel, and fins
- Changing room and shower fees
Each plan also includes photo support from local guides and secure luggage storage, ensuring a worry-free experience, especially for first-time visitors to Cebu or those new to international travel.
Comparison with Other Moalboal Tours
“Moalboal Snorkeling + Kawasan Falls Tour” – 5,700 PHP
This tour offers snorkeling with sea turtles and coral in Moalboal, followed by trekking at Kawasan Falls.
Inclusions:
- Guide
- Moalboal and Kawasan Falls entry fees
- Boat and snorkeling in Moalboal
“Moalboal Diving Tour” – 6,500 PHP
Enjoy a day of diving with sea turtles (or snorkeling) in Moalboal.
Inclusions:
- Breakfast and lunch
- Round-trip transport from your hotel
- Diving or snorkeling fees (including instructor sessions)
There are few Moalboal tour options that cost less than 4,000 PHP. With CebuPre, the affordable pricing is clear when comparing rates, but what sets it apart even more is that it’s a private plan rather than a group tour. You can fully enjoy Moalboal freely, just like on a personal trip, without having to worry about other tour members or adjusting your schedule.
Why Choose CebuPre?
Moalboal tours that cost under 4,000 PHP are rare, and CebuPre stands out for offering the lowest prices. On top of that, our tours are private, not group-based, meaning you can enjoy Moalboal freely, just like on a personal trip. You won’t need to worry about coordinating with other tour members or adjusting your schedule—you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Recommended Points of Cebu Pre’s Moalboal Tour
Here are the top reasons why you should choose CebuPre for your Moalboal adventure.
Point 1: Private Tours for Each Group
One of the standout features of CebuPre is its exclusive private tours. From your hotel to the attractions, you’ll travel in a private vehicle with your own driver. You can request bathroom breaks or make stops at any interesting spots along the way, making the experience flexible and personal.
Additionally, you don’t have to worry about other tour guests or bus schedules, giving you the freedom to enjoy your trip at your own pace.
Point 2: No Need to Watch Your Belongings
In Cebu, where safety can be a concern, it’s not uncommon for thefts to occur if you take your eyes off your belongings.
However, with CebuPre, your local guide (including female guides for added peace of mind) will take care of your belongings while you enjoy activities, use restrooms, or change clothes. This ensures a worry-free experience.
Point 3: Enjoy Activities During Restaurant Wait Times
A common downside to Cebu’s restaurants is the long wait times—usually 30 to 60 minutes for your order. Instead of wasting precious vacation time waiting for food, CebuPre’s staff will wait for your meal, allowing you to make the most of your day by enjoying snorkeling, diving, or other activities while your food is being prepared.
Reviews of CebuPre’s Moalboal Tour
Here are some reviews from our satisfied customers:
- Customer A:
“Thank you for organizing this tour! The guide, driver, and boat staff were all very kind, and we had a wonderful time. I can’t swim, but they brought me out to sea with a flotation device, and I was able to see the sardines and sea turtles. The boat staff even dove down to take photos for us, and when we looked at the pictures, we felt like we were exploring the ocean ourselves. Please extend our thanks to everyone!” - Customer B:
“Thank you so much! Both Rebecca and the driver were wonderful, and my partner and I were very satisfied with the tour! We returned to Japan this morning, and my partner kept talking about how amazing the whale shark experience was! We actually started dating after visiting Osaka’s famous aquarium, so this was an unforgettable experience for us. We couldn’t fit island hopping into this trip, but we’d love to try it next time! Thanks again for such a fun time!” - Customer C:
“Thank you for everything! We had so much fun, especially the sardines at Moalboal—so exciting! And thank you for all the photos! We didn’t expect so many, haha.”
Summary
In this guide, we introduced the charms of Moalboal, a popular spot among Western backpackers. Did you get a feel for the appeal of snorkeling or diving with sea turtles, sardines, and rare gobies?
Moalboal is a great destination for both long-term stays and day trips, thanks to its accessibility. If you’re interested, feel free to contact CebuPre for our affordable, private, one-group-only tours.