Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles

Quick intro

If you’re dreaming of swimming alongside majestic whale sharks, vibrant sardines, and graceful sea turtles, then this Cebu tour might just be your perfect adventure. It’s a well-rounded day trip with the chance to witness some of the ocean’s most iconic creatures in their natural environments.

We particularly love how well-organized the trip is, the knowledgeable guides, and the overall value—especially considering the number of activities packed into one day. One thing to consider is the long travel times—expect several hours on the road, but many say it’s worth every minute. This tour suits anyone eager for an authentic marine encounter without needing advanced diving skills, mainly families, solo travelers, or groups of friends craving an adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Highly rated experience with a 4.6/5 from 177 reviews
• Snorkel with whale sharks at Oslob, with a 99% sighting rate
• Visit Moalboal’s coral reefs, sardine run, and sea turtles for a diverse underwater show
• Professional guides and good facilities make the day smooth and comfortable
• Travel involves long hours, but most find the experience worth it
• Tour price of $115 offers excellent value, covering all main activities and equipment

An overview of the adventure

This combined tour offers a thoughtfully curated peek into Cebu’s vibrant marine life—covering two of the island’s most celebrated snorkeling spots. It’s designed to give you a full day of aquatic wonder, blending the thrill of encountering whale sharks, the mesmerizing sardine run, and the gentle sea turtles all in one trip.

The experience begins early, with hotel pickup around 2:45 am, so be prepared for a long day on the move—around 8 hours of transit and activities. The tour is priced at $115 per person, which includes all equipment, guide services, and facilities, making it a solid value for this kind of immersive, wildlife-focused adventure.

What makes this tour stand out?

Snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob

The star of the tour is most definitely the chance to swim alongside the world’s largest fish. Oslob is one of the only places where you can observe these wild whale sharks feeding in their natural habitat. With a reported 99% sighting rate, it’s a reliable experience, but it’s good to keep in mind that the feeding nature of the site might raise questions for some travelers about the ethics of the activity.

Guests often rave about the size and grace of the whale sharks, some over 10 meters long, gliding past with their large mouths open in feeding mode. The guides, such as Mae and Norvina, are renowned for their professional, friendly approach, helping even nervous swimmers feel at ease. Ashley recounts how her guide Norvina made her feel very well taken care of, especially as she was a solo traveler.

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Moalboal’s snorkeling highlights: sardines & turtles

After the whale shark experience, the tour moves on to Moalboal, a top snorkeling spot famous for its massive sardine run. The sight of thousands of sardines swirling in unison creates a living, breathing cloud that’s almost hypnotic. According to reviews, guides at Moalboal are exceptionally attentive—taking videos and helping snorkelers cut through the schools of fish safely.

Swimmers also love the chance to see sea turtles gliding gracefully among the coral reefs. Lisa, a solo traveler, praised her guides for their professionalism and patience, and the overall smoothness of the experience. The coral reefs here offer vibrant, colorful scenes, and the opportunity to see turtles in their natural home makes this part of the tour a favorite.

Facilities and safety

The tour provider, FUN GROUP CEBU INC., ensures you’re well cared for—from clean shower and bathroom facilities at Oslob to providing life jackets, towels, and bottled water. Many reviewers mention how thoughtful these touches are, making the day more comfortable.

Professional guides & drivers

Reviews consistently highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Mae, Norvina, and Elvi. Reviewers say they’re informative, patient, and genuinely caring, making sure all questions are answered and everyone feels safe. The drivers, like Gilbert and Nino, are often praised for their skill and safety, especially given the long hours spent in transit.

Logistics & travel time

A common theme among reviews is the lengthy drives, with some mentioning total travel times of up to 8 hours round-trip. While this can be tiring, most agree that the experience and the wildlife sightings are worth the effort. The early start means you’ll be on the road when most people are still sleeping, but it’s a small price for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Equipment & extras

The tour includes snorkeling gear, life jackets, and access to towels and showers—making it easy to focus on enjoying the water. You can request GoPro rentals for capturing underwater moments, which many reviewers find invaluable. Optional extras such as underwater photography (150 PHP) and fin rentals are available if you want to elevate your photos or improve your snorkeling comfort.

How to make the most of your day

• Bring your own swimwear and change of clothes. The tour provides towels and shower facilities, but packing a second swimsuit can keep you dry for other activities.
• Arrive early—the early start is essential to beat some of the crowds and get the best whale shark encounters.
• Prepare for long drives. Snacks, neck pillows, and patience will go a long way to making the hours more bearable.
• Request guides like Mae or Norvina if you want a friendly, informative host to enhance your experience.
• Consider the ethics of the feeding site. If you prefer observing sharks in less manipulated environments, read reviews carefully.

Authentic experiences & real reviews

Many travelers highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Jacob mentions: “Some of the best diving you’ll experience,” emphasizing the close-up encounters. Katie adds: “Everything was so smoothly and thoughtfully organized,” praising the seamless flow from activity to activity.

The small group sizes—as Ashley notes—mean you’re not lost in a crowd, and guides like Mae and Norvina go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels safe and engaged. Several reviews mention that guides help with underwater photos, making the memories last long after the tour ends.

Practical considerations and tips

• Children under 7 are not allowed, and safety restrictions apply for pregnant women, seniors over 76, and those with certain health issues. Always check these before booking.
• Insurance is required and must be purchased separately if you’re over 76.
• The new whale shark fee from March 2025 will increase from 500 to 1,000 pesos, which will be reflected in the tour prices starting April 1, 2025.
• Bring your own snacks for the long drives, or take advantage of the stops for local food.

The Sum Up

This Cebu tour offers a well-rounded marine adventure for those eager to see some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures. With professional guides, excellent facilities, and a good balance of activities, it’s a solid choice for families, solo travelers, and friends alike. While the travel time is long, many find the value of witnessing whale sharks, sardines, and turtles in a single day makes it worthwhile.

If you’re after an authentic, hassle-free experience with knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, this tour largely delivers. It’s especially perfect for those who want to tick off some of Cebu’s top wildlife sights with minimal planning—just book, show up, and enjoy.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal for travelers craving a marine wildlife fix in Cebu without the need for scuba certification. It suits families, solo adventurers, and groups of friends looking for a full-day, memorable outing.

Be prepared for long hours and early mornings, but most reviews agree that the once-in-a-lifetime encounters with whale sharks, sardines, and turtles make it all worthwhile. If you value expert guides, good facilities, and a diverse underwater experience, you’ll find this tour hits the right notes.

FAQ

Is there an age limit for this tour?
Yes, children under 7 are not permitted, mainly for safety reasons.

What’s included in the tour price?
The tour covers guide and driver services, hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, life jackets, towels, bottled water, shower access, and all activity admission fees.

Can I rent underwater photos or videos?
Yes, underwater photography by boatmen is available for 150 PHP, and GoPro rentals can be requested in advance.

How long is the travel time?
Expect approximately 8 hours round-trip, including transportation, activities, and some waiting times, especially for whale shark encounters.

Are there any safety considerations?
Guides and drivers are praised for their professionalism. However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, seniors over 76, or those with certain health conditions. Always check with your doctor if unsure.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, change of clothes, sandals, a towel, and snacks are recommended. Bringing a second swimsuit can be helpful for the different activities.

Will I see whale sharks every time?
While the sighting rate is 99%, nature can be unpredictable. Most guests enjoy the experience, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is the tour worth the cost?
Considering the inclusions, guide expertise, and the chance to see multiple marine species in one day, many find the $115 price point excellent value.

In summary, this Cebu tour offers a rare opportunity to discover the rich marine life of the Philippines in a single, well-organized day. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone eager for authentic wildlife encounters, guided by friendly, professional staff. Expect a long day, but one filled with unforgettable moments of swimming with some of the ocean’s most spectacular creatures.

You can check availability for your dates here: