
From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 130 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour worth booking?
From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour is a 14-hour experience in Cebu, Philippines, from $122 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 130 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (130)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $122 per person
Embark on the ultimate Cebu day trip! Swim alongside world-famous Oslob whale sharks, millions of Moalboal sardines, and wild sea turtles. Flexible pickup available from both Cebu City and Moalboal. Why Book This Tour? • Licensed Tour Guide: Unlike standard tours with only a driver-guide, we provide an exclusive, licensed guide (English/Japanese speaking) to ensure your safety and share Cebu’s rich history and culture. • FREE GoPro Rental: Includes an SD card and same-day data transfer straight to your smartphone so you can capture every magical underwater moment! • Stress-Free Experience: Our local team handles the Oslob registration queue for you so you can relax in our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on the ultimate Cebu day trip! Swim alongside world-famous Oslob whale sharks, millions of Moalboal sardines, and wild sea turtles. Flexible pickup available from both Cebu City and Moalboal. Why Book This Tour? • Licensed Tour Guide: Unlike standard tours with only a driver-guide, we provide an exclusive, licensed guide (English/Japanese speaking) to ensure your safety and share Cebu’s rich history and culture. • FREE GoPro Rental: Includes an SD card and same-day data transfer straight to your smartphone so you can capture every magical underwater moment! • Stress-Free Experience: Our local team handles the Oslob registration queue for you so you can relax in our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
What's included
Included
- Admission fee of all activities (Oslob, Moalboal)
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Bottled water
- GoPro rental (Please request upon booking)
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Oslob Paid Waiting Facility Fee (shower / bathroom)
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Towel rental
- Licensed Tour Guide (Both English and Japanese)
Not included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Optional: Underwater photography fee taken by boatmen (150PHP)
- Optional: Fin rentals (150PHP)
What you'll see and do
Mactan Island
We pick up from hotels in Cebu City and Mactan Island. Pick up starts 1:30 a.m.
Pass by without stopping
Cebu City
Departure from Cebu City at 3:30 a.m. There is about 3 hours drive and on the way, we stop to grab breakfast.
Pass by without stopping
Arrive in Oslob. After completing the registration procedures, you can wait comfortably in the dedicated waiting area (BCD'S PLACE) while waiting for your turn to snorkel in Oslob (waiting time is about 30 minutes to 1 hour).
60 minutes here · Admission included
Oslob
You can snorkel with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu Island. From the moment you put your face to the surface of the water, you can see the powerful whale sharks swimming gracefully. You will be soothed not only by their large, powerful bodies, but also by their mild-mannered, cute eyes.
60 minutes here
Enjoy the ocean view from the window while heading to the next destination.
Pass by without stopping
Moalboal
In Moalboal, you can enter the ocean from the beach as soon as you arrive and enjoy snorkeling!
Pass by without stopping
Panagsama Beach
Looking into the ocean, you will see a large school of sardines that sparkle and create a whirlpool. You can also enjoy various cute scenes of sea turtles swimming gracefully, eating seaweed, and resting peacefully.
60 minutes here
Cebu City
After leaving Moalboal, we drive about 3 hours to return to Cebu City. Arrival time is around 5:00 p.m. We drop you off at the pick up location.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 120 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Shared Tour - Cebu City Pickup
Pickup from Cebu City: Pick-up is offered only from hotels in Cebu City and Mactan Island. Pickup included
Shared Tour - Moalboal Pickup
Duration: 10 hours Pickup from Moalboal: If you are staying in Moalboal. We will pick you up from the hotel in Moaboal. Drop-off location: Veranda Kitchen & Bar Pickup included
Private Tour with Hotel Pickup
Duration: 14 hours Chartered Vehicle: Choose this option if you wish to make the tour private for just you and your group. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Fun Group Cebu
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- For safety reasons, children under 7 years old are not allowed on the tour.
- The schedule for the day may be subject to change due to weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, changes will be at the discretion of the guide on the day of the tour.
- For insurance purposes, we will require the names and dates of birth of all participants in order to verify the age. Failure to provide this information will result in your ineligibility for insurance.
- Insurance cannot be provided for those who are 76 years and older; however, you may participate if you purchase own insurance.
- The whale shark interaction in Oslob involves wild animals in their natural habitat and is operated and managed solely by the Oslob local government authorities. All procedures, including feeding practices, are conducted under their policies and are beyond our company's control.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 130 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
130 verified traveler reviews for From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing day tour in Cebu...
Amazing day tour in Cebu with guide Diana and driver Jes! This was one of the highlights of my trip — swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob, then turtles and millions of sardines in Moalboal. Everything was perfectly organized. Diana was an awesome guide and super friendly. Jes was a great driver, pickup and drop-off was right on time and the drive was very comfortable.Highly recommend this tour and this team. 100% worth it!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable day in Cebu and enjoyed swimming with the whale sharks, turtles, and sardines. It’s wonderful to hear that everything was well organized and that Diana and Jes made your experience comfortable and enjoyable. We’ll be sure to share your lovely compliments with them. Thank you also for recommending the tour. We look forward to welcoming you again on another Fun Group tour!
via Viator
Excellent
It was amazing. The tour guide and driver was fantastic. There fun upbeat energy was great. Ill definitely book through them again. Thank you
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you had an amazing experience and enjoyed the positive energy of our guide and driver. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you again on another Fun Group tour!
via Viator
Excellent tour guides....
Excellent tour guides. Ms.Lisa and Mr.Gilbert very professional great people, they will accommodate you and tell you interesting facts about Cebu and the destinations you are traveling to plus more options on location or destinations to visit. Definitely recommend them. More or less for private tours, but they are great people.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Lisa and Gilbert made your experience enjoyable and shared interesting facts about Cebu and the destinations. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation, and we’ll be sure to share them with Liza and Gilbert! We hope to welcome you again on another Fun Group tour!
via Viator
A really long day with...
A really long day with lots of driving but an unreal experience. The guides make everything easy so you just need to wake up, show up, and embrace the sights. This was a highly unique experience and I would definitely recommend it! The reason it leaves so early is to get in line for the Oslob whale shark experience. Once you get in line, you’re assigned a number, and wait until the guide hears the number called. In off season (August/Sept), our group waited an hour. Note the bathrooms at each location are provincial bathrooms, not what you’d get in a mall. My only complaint would be that the organized lunch after the sardine run was genuinely bad (edible just zero flavor)
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the unique experience and that our guides made the long day easy and enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation. Thank you also for your honest feedback regarding the lunch. We sincerely appreciate your comments and will take them into consideration for future improvements. We hope to welcome you again on another Fun Group tour!
via Viator
Best day Ever!
Do the whale shark watching and sardine run, life experience that you will never forget! Both my guide and the driver were very professional and kind!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review! We are so happy to hear that you had a memorable day. We look forward to seeing you again in beautiful Cebu!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $122 to $188
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 46
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Fun Group Cebu, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.8.
See everything Fun Group Cebu runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cebu.
How much does From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour cost?
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Prices start at $122 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cebu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cebu is not rushed.
Is From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 130 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cebu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour?
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Around 46 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cebu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cebu and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cebu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cebu?
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On Outty we rank every Cebu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whale Watching in Sumilon Island with Ocean View Resort Tour, Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines, Cebu Walking Tour — History, Culture & Local Food Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cebu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cebu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour?
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Included: Admission fee of all activities (Oslob, Moalboal); Hotel pick up and drop off; Bottled water; GoPro rental (Please request upon booking); and Use of snorkeling equipment. Not included: Breakfast; Lunch; Gratuities; and Optional: Underwater photography fee taken by boatmen (150PHP). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 364 listed pickup locations in and around Cebu. Be ready about 120 minutes before the start time.
What languages is From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour?
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Across 130 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Shared Tour - Cebu City Pickup, Shared Tour - Moalboal Pickup, Private Tour with Hotel Pickup. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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