Last Updated on January 2, 2026 by Sammie
You MUST do the Moalboal Sardine Run in the Philippines
You want to know my real thoughts on the MoalBoal Sardine Run that’s going on in the Philippines?
Do it. It’s magical. A tourist attraction that has not yet turned into a tourist trap.
My gorgeous guide, @airish.annn (later mentioned as @_divingnemo) captured by the remarkably talented photographer, @maddisonwoollard
What is the Sardine Run?
The Sardine Run in Moalboal is snorkeling/free diving just off the shoreline to witness millions of glistening schools of sardines swim around you. The smallest flick of the hand sends the silver clouds of fish in different directions. If you float perfectly still, they come closer, but the slightest motion and they take off, which is the best part. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Diving down to part the silver clouds is the best part and never gets old. Even my guide was getting giddy, and she’s done it hundreds of times.
Where is the Moalboal Sardine Run?
Panagsama Beach, or simply Google “Moalboal Sardine Run”. If you Google it, it might show you a pinpoint in the ocean. If you’re unsure, then Google “Chili Bar” and the entrance to the small beach is right there.
This location is known for where the sardines hang out, but they have been seen further up and down this beach.
If you don’t want to pay, then you are welcome to try to see them while snorkeling elsewhere nearby, but if you’re caught without a guide, you may get a fee, which can be 2500php.
Price of Moalboal Sardine Run:
Here’s the deal: Technically, it could be free, like I mentioned above. I was learning how to free dive at FreeDiving Planet the day before my sardine run adventure, and saw them and got super stoked about it. They were in small schools, but they still made me squeal with excited giggles while underwater. They are fish; they know no bounds of where tourists pay to see them vs where they don’t. You can try your hand at going in the ocean near Pescadores Suites and head north, and see if you see them at the drop off about a hundred meters from the shoreline. But if you’re like, “no Sam, I want to do this properly. I don’t need to go viral from my Sardine Run videos, but I would like to make sure I see them,” then see below.
Separate costs-
- 200 peso environmental fee
- 100 peso entrance fee
- 150-250 for snorkel gear
- 300 for fins
- 300-500 guide (NOTE: As of August 2025, you are required to have a guide to go out to see the sardines.)
- 500-600 Go Pro
All the fees can really add up…
The Influencer Package
2,000-3,500 pesos
It’s not officially called this but I think it gets the point across. I’m absolutely no influencer, but I’m still very happy with my decision to use @_divingnemo, who cost me 3,500 pesos in total, including all the costs (environmental fee, snorkel gear, GoPro and accessories for water, and buoy for when you’re tired of swimming).
What you get:
- Entrance fee
- GoPro camera
- Long fins & ask
- personal guide & photographer
- another safety guide
- life ring
- RAW videos & edited photos
- 1 edited video for reels
You might think I’m insane for spending that much on some fish vids, but hear me out. I, too, was skeptical. And can be annoyingly frugal, but I do think this was worth the price.
Funny not so funny story… I had ZERO idea that I was swimming up close and personal with one of the most venomous sea snakes in the world, the banded sea krait.
How did I find @_divingnemo?
I heard about the Moalboal Sardine Run from a friend of mine in the theatre. He had met a gal named Irish while in Moalboal who was a local certified free diver. She had told him it was a must-see attraction, and she had a GoPro if he was interested in getting some cool shots. She charged him 2,000 pesos. The shots were insane, so he recommended her to me. However, for me, she charged almost double at 3,500 pesos. I was VERY put off. As it turns out, she is based in Oslob, Philippines, but happened to be in Moalboal the day my friend met her. Therefore, here, transportation costs were not added.
I asked around to my friend, who owns a freediving place in Moalboal, and he mentioned he also had a guy who could take me out and would charge 2800. A bit cheaper, but he wouldn’t edit any photos, and the gal from Oslob would. I checked out her Instagram, and I was sold. Yeah, it’s a lot of cash for someone who posts to Instagram every other month, but honestly, the whole experience was amazing with her. She was careful not to touch the coral reefs, she never got too close to any turtles, and knew exactly where to go to avoid any other tourists. Irish was the real deal.
When is the Sardine Run in Moalboal?
Earlier is better to avoid the crowds.
However, 6:30 AM is suggested.
When I saw them off the coast of Freediving Planet it was almost 5:00 PM, so it’s not STRICTLY mandatory to see them in the morning. Though, if you want to avoid snorkeling with a crazy amount of people I suggest 2 things.
1. Wake up early
2. Go in off-season. When I went in early September, I was practically alone. There were maybe 10 tourists in total.
What time of year is the Sardine Run?
All year round.
Things to know about the Sardine Run in Moalboal before you go?
1. You don’t need to know how to freedive, but having the basics will make it far more enjoyable.
2. You don’t need your own GoPro or waterproof phone case if you go with a guide.
3. Don’t touch the sea life.
4. It’s a popular tourist attraction that’s worth the hype.
5. Bring cash
Curious about the Philippines? Then you need to read My Guide to Palawan.
The Sardine run was incredible—one of those experiences that leaves you in awe of nature. Try not to get overly bogged down by getting pictures and videos. You’ll have enough. Just enjoy it with your eyes so you can remember the feeling of being surrounded by millions of silver shimmering fish. Oh, and practice how long you can hold your breath before you go ;).
Enjoy.
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