Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls in Cebu, Philippines
Cebu, Philippines

Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls

Outty Ranking 67 4.9 · 10 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $117
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls worth booking?

Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls is a 10-hour experience in Cebu, Philippines, from $117 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (10)
Duration
10 hours
From
$117 per person

This full-day trip starts from Cebu. You will arrive Moalboal, a premier snorkeling spot after a few hours drive. Enjoy swimming around beautiful coral reefs, adorable sea turtles, and large schools of powerful sardines in Moalboal. Experience the mysterious scene of adorable sea turtles swimming gracefully and small sardines migrating as one huge life form in a school. After snorkeling, visit the Mantayupan Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Cebu, boasts a 98-meter drop and is surrounded by cliffs and trees, making it relatively cool even during the daytime, and is famous as a summer resort. Heal in this hidden and unexplored part of Cebu Island that is not well known by tourists and loved by local people.

What you get

    About this experience

    This full-day trip starts from Cebu. You will arrive Moalboal, a premier snorkeling spot after a few hours drive. Enjoy swimming around beautiful coral reefs, adorable sea turtles, and large schools of powerful sardines in Moalboal. Experience the mysterious scene of adorable sea turtles swimming gracefully and small sardines migrating as one huge life form in a school. After snorkeling, visit the Mantayupan Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Cebu, boasts a 98-meter drop and is surrounded by cliffs and trees, making it relatively cool even during the daytime, and is famous as a summer resort. Heal in this hidden and unexplored part of Cebu Island that is not well known by tourists and loved by local people.

    What's included

    Included

    • Admission fee of all activities (Mantayupan Falls, Moalboal)
    • Hotel pick up and drop off
    • Bottled water
    • Life jacket
    • Rental towel
    • Snorkeling equipment
    • Travel accident insurance
    • GoPro rental (first-come-first-served basis, so please let us know at the time of booking)
    • Licensed Tour Guide

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Gratuity
    • Optional: Fin rentals (150PHP/person)
    • Breakfast

    What you'll see and do

    1. Mantayupan Falls

      Mantayupan Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Cebu with a drop of 98 meters, is surrounded by cliffs and trees, making it relatively cool even during the daytime, and is famous as a summer retreat.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Moalboal

      In Moalboal, you can enter the ocean from the beach as soon as you arrive and enjoy snorkeling!

      Pass by without stopping

    3. 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.

      90 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    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 10 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.
    • Sea turtles and sardines are wild animals and may not be seen during 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 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.

    Photos

    Access Mantayupan Waterfall via a vibrant, colorful bridge., Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls in CebuSpot graceful sea turtles in Moalboal, swimming, nibbling seaweed, and resting peacefully—adorable moments you won’t want to miss., Moalboal...In Moalboal, step into the ocean right from the beach and marvel at a shimmering school of sardines swirling like a sparkling whirlpool beneath...Gaze into the sea and witness a dazzling school of sardines swirling like a sparkling whirlpool!, Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan...Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls in Cebu, photo 6After your snorkeling adventure in Moalboal, dive into a delicious lunch right next door! Pick from tasty Filipino dishes, refreshing fruit...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Stanley_W · May 2026

    Swim with sea turtles and sardines!

    Great fun and safe too. ! Elvi. Our guide, is really friendly, helpful, and fun! Guides at the beach are attentive and will keep track of you when water gets crowded which can happen when sea turtles come on the scene. Early start to the day ensures seeing the sardines before they move to deeper water. I recommend this tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! It is great to hear that you enjoyed your day with our guide, Elvira. She is truly an amazing company, and we will make sure to pass along your message to her. Thanks again for choosing Fun Group. We look forward to seeing you again in Cebu!

    via Viator

    AtheneSyd · April 2026

    Waterfall & snorkeling day trip

    Tour booked online night before. Included nice driver & guide, entrance fees. 430am departure! Waterfall lovely and no one else there. Snorkeling to see the sardines was cool but a lot of tourists in life jackets who couldn’t swim. S

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining our tour! We truly hope you had a memorable day with us. Thank you again for your kind words towards our guide and driver. They are really what make our tour special. We look forward to seeing you again in Cebu!

    via Tripadvisor

    JinjjaDaebakk · March 2026

    Great experience

    Our driver and guide were punctual, they picked us up at 4:30am. From Cebu city, its around a 2 hour drive to the falls. Then another hour drive to Moalboal. The snorkelling experience was incredible! Saw thousands of sardines and several turtles. Overall, I felt well taken care of.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for choosing our tour and for leaving us a review! We’re delighted to hear about your lovely encounters while snorkeling. We hope to welcome you again for another fun tour in the near future!

    via Tripadvisor

    Lisa_N · February 2026

    You will love it.

    Amazing snorkeling with a giant tortoise and about a million sardines moving as one body. Friendly guide and driver.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We are so happy to hear that you had a memorable day snorkelling with turtles and sardines. We look forward to welcoming you again for another adventure in beautiful Cebu!

    via Viator

    erlonn904 · February 2026

    Sardine school, a great experience

    One of the reasons to visit Moalboal was to experience the famous sardines fish school. We loved it but maybe our expectations were too high. We definitely liked more the snorkeling areas in Coron than in Moalboal. Anyway, the visit to Moalboal was a great idea, there is a great vibe in the town and we recommend to stay at least for two or three days.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for leaving your feedback! We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the overall snorkelling experience. As conditions can vary each time, every trip is a little different. We hope to welcome you again in the near future for another great adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    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 runs

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)74
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)62
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cebu.

    How much does Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls cost?

    +

    Prices start at $117 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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls take?

    +

    Plan for about 10 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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 10 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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls?

    +

    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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls?

    +

    Around 4 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?

    +

    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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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, From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls?

    +

    Included: Admission fee of all activities (Mantayupan Falls, Moalboal); Hotel pick up and drop off; Bottled water; Life jacket; and Rental towel. Not included: Lunch; Gratuity; Optional: Fin rentals (150PHP/person); and Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 365 listed pickup locations in and around Cebu. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls offered in?

    +

    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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls?

    +

    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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Moalboal Sardine Run, Sea Turtle and Mantayupan Falls.

    Pick your date