How To Spend 1-3 Days in Moalboal: Ultimate Itinerary

Planning a trip to Moalboal?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the perfect Moalboal itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 days.

As one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Philippines, Moalboal is a must-visit destination for many travelers.

Famous for its legendary sardine run and adrenaline-fueled canyoneering, this coastal town has long been a magnet for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

If you’re wondering how many days you should spend in Moalboal, or if it’s possible to see the highlights in just one day, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

Whether you have a full 3 days or just 1 day to explore, my itineraries will help you make the most of your time.

In addition to covering Moalboal’s top tourist spots, I’ll also share the best restaurants, cafes, and bars, ensuring that your visit is filled with great food and unforgettable experiences.

No need to stress about planning—whether you have 1, 2, or 3 days in Moalboal, these itineraries will ensure you make the most of every moment.

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Moalboal Itinerary: 1-Day Trip From Cebu City

If you’re short on time but want to explore the best things to do in Moalboal, then a 1-day itinerary may be your perfect option.

It will involve an action-packed day with an early start, but it is possible to experience the highlights on a Moalboal day trip from Cebu City.

As you are pressed for time, I would highly recommend the Moalboal Island Hopping & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering combined tour.

This is the best-value Moalboal day tour and includes round-trip transport from Cebu City as well as a guide, entrance fees, and lunch.

✅ Save yourself the hassle & book your tour in advance here

However, if you would prefer to explore at your own pace without a tour, follow the instructions below ⬇️

Getting from Cebu City to Moalboal

When traveling from Cebu City to Moalboal, you have a couple of options depending on your budget.

• Ceres Bus – 4 hours | 210 PHP ($3.80)
• Private Taxi – 2 hours | $70.00 (book here)

The Ceres Bus comes roughly every 30 minutes – leave by 5:00 AM to arrive in Moalboal by 9:00 AM.

➡️ For full step-by-step instructions, you can check out my full How To Get From Cebu City To Moalboal Guide here.

A private transfer would be the quickest option and great for those looking for added comfort or traveling in a big group.

✅ Book your transfer in advance with a trusted driver here

You should aim to take your Cebu to Moalboal taxi no later than 7:00 AM.

Morning

• Breakfast at Shaka Cafe or Smooth Cafe
• Panagsama Beach Sardine Run & Turtle Watching
• Explore nearby Pescador Island

Try to arrive in Moalboal by 9:00 AM – grab some breakfast at Shaka Cafe or Smooth Cafe.

Both are located minutes from Panagsama Beach and offer amazing plant-based options as well as tasty coffee for those who need their caffeine fix before a busy day.

➡️ Full Post: Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 BEST Breakfast & Brunch Spots

After breakfast, it’s time to take to the waters!

Simply grab your snorkel and swim out about 20 meters to where the reef drops off to see the iconic sardine run. This area is a hotspot for witnessing turtles, too.

This is one of the best things to do in Moalboal – aside from the snorkel rental, this activity is totally free!

If you want to explore Pescador Island, simply organise a boat rental from one of the dive shops along the shoreline.

➡️ If you book the Island Hopping & Kawasan Falls Combined Tour, this includes a boat trip to nearby Pescador Island.

➡️ For full instructions: Pescador Island: Complete Snorkeling & Diving Guide

Afternoon

• Lunch at Tan-Aw or Hungry Monkeys
• Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Aim to finish exploring the shores of Panagsama Beach by midday.

If you’re feeling hungry, this would be a great time to grab some lunch and get a well-needed energy boost before your afternoon canyoneering.

I would recommend either Tan-Aw Restaurant or Hungry Monkeys.

Tan-Aw is a terraced restaurant offering breathtaking views of the ocean as you dine. Alternatively, Hungry Monkeys is a better option for the more budget-conscious.

➡️ For all the best restaurant recommendations, you can check out my Top 7 Best Moalboal Restaurants post here.

Next on your Moalboal itinerary, it’s time for your canyoneering adventure.

➡️ Must Read: 10 Essential Things To Know BEFORE Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Kawasan Falls is located about 30 minutes from Moalboal.

With something like canyoneering, safety has to be the number one priority. For this reason, I recommend booking your tour in advance with a reputable company.

✅ Book your Kawasan Falls Canyoneering here (best value & reviews)

Canyoneering is not only one of the best things to do in Moalboal but in the Philippines in general.

Breathtaking natural beauty combined with adrenaline-fueled canyoneering makes this such an exciting adventure.

After your action-packed Moalboal itinerary and unforgettable experiences, it’s time to head back to Cebu City.

Moalboal Itinerary: 2 Days (Recommended)

A 2-day Moalboal itinerary is what I would recommend for most travelers.

Furthermore, staying a night allows you to explore more delicious restaurants and cafes, as well as check out Moalboal’s vibrant nightlife scene.

I would suggest staying for 2 nights if you can, to make the most of each day. However, if you can only stay one night, arriving as early as you can on the first day is strongly recommended.

➡️ If you’re traveling from Cebu City, follow the instructions above or check out my full step-by-step guide here.

DAY 1 Moalboal Itinerary: Morning

• Breakfast at Shaka Cafe
• Panagsama Beach Sardine Run

The advantage of having two full days in Moalboal is that your days will not be rushed. This means you can have a slower morning and enjoy a great breakfast.

First, head to Shaka Cafe for some of the most delicious, refreshing, and photogenic smoothie bowls you have ever seen.

👉 Shaka Cafe offers free snorkel and mask rental for those buying a combo breakfast. This is why I recommend stopping by before your day snorkeling.

After breakfast, equipped with your snorkel from Shaka Cafe, head to the shoreline for snorkeling.

Simply swim out roughly 20 meters to where the reef drops off to witness the iconic sardine run. You are also likely to see turtles and other marine species snorkeling in this area.

DAY 1 Moalboal Itinerary: Afternoon

• Explore nearby Pescador Island
• Lunch at Hungry Monkeys

If you’re also hoping to explore nearby Pescador Island, find a dive shop along the front and ask which times their boats depart.

We took a boat to Pescador Island with Seaquest Moalboal Dive Center. Whether you prefer to snorkel or dive, you will all depart on the same boat.

We chose to snorkel, which cost us 500 PHP ($9) for the boat and snorkel rental. The trip was about 2 hours.

➡️ For full instructions: Pescador Island: Complete Snorkeling & Diving Guide

After exploring Pescador Island, it’s time for a much-needed refuel.

I would recommend Hungry Monkeys for a harmonious blend of Filipino classics and Western-style favourites.

After lunch, make sure you have booked your canyoneering trip with one of the companies in Moalboal for the following day.

✅ If you prefer to book your canyoneering online in advance, this company has the best value and reviews.

I would then head back to your accommodation to freshen up and rest before the evening.

DAY 1 Moalboal Itinerary: Evening

• Sunset at Panagsama Beach
• Dinner at Kugita’s
• Bar Hopping & Partying at Chili Bar

Start your evening by heading to Panagsama Beach. As Moalboal is west-facing, this is a fantastic spot to see the sunset.

If you want to watch the sun drop below the horizon as you dine, check out Tan-Aw Restaurant for dinner or cocktails.

However, I would highly recommend Kugita’s Seafood & Charcoal Grill located slightly out of the center.

Kugita’s specializes in Japanese-style seafood, barbecued meat, and sushi. Having gained fame as one of the most unique and flavorsome restaurants in Cebu, it is a must on your Moalboal itinerary.

➡️ For all the best restaurant recommendations, check out my Top 7 Best Moalboal Restaurants post.

After dinner, it’s time to check out some of the amazing bars in Moalboal.

Most offer happy hour deals on cocktails, as well as pool tables and beer pong to keep you entertained.

If you’re the artistic kind, I would recommend checking out The Nomad Art & Music Bar. As well as incredible live music, the cheap drinks and board games make this a great spot to socialise.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a touch of sophistication and hand-crafted cocktails, I would recommend Haze Bar.

➡️ Full Post: Moalboal Nightlife Guide: Top 5 BEST Bars

For those who love to party, you cannot miss Chili Bar for an amazing end to your night – with DJs, ocean views, and dancing until the early hours, this is the best bar Moalboal nightlife has to offer.

DAY 2 – Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

The next day on your Moalboal itinerary is all about Kawasan Falls canyoneering.

You will need all the energy you can get, so I would recommend a hearty breakfast from Smooth Cafe. They also have some pretty amazing coffee and smoothies to set you up right for the day.

For Kawasan Falls canyoneering, most tours depart quite early. However, our guide advised us that starting a little later means you miss the morning rush.

We did not depart for Kawasan Falls until about 10:00 AM and started canyoneering at roughly 11:00 AM. I would recommend doing the same.

👉 When you start your canyoneering tour is totally up to you. I hate early mornings and wanted to party the night before so we departed later. Just be sure to speak to your guide and agree on a time that works for everyone.

We paid 1200 PHP ($21) each for our canyoneering adventure and simply booked the night before in Moalboal. The company we used can be contacted on +63 933 535 1652.

✅ If you prefer to book in advance online, this company has the best reviews and value.

Spend the afternoon exploring the natural beauty of Kawasan Falls and getting the adrenaline pumping by flinging yourself from cliffs into vibrant turquoise water.

➡️ Recommended: 10 Essential Things To Know Before Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

After enjoying your included lunch, it’s time to depart from Moalboal and head to your next destination.

If you can stay an extra night and depart early the next morning, this would be ideal.

Moalboal Itinerary: 3 Days

If you benefit from 3 days in Moalboal, then how you spend your final day entirely depends on your preference.

Personally, after a busy couple of days snorkeling and canyoneering, I would spend the final day beach bumming and soaking up Moalboal’s atmosphere before leaving.

However, if you’ve still got some fuel left in the tank, there is a stunning waterfall nearby you could visit.

Whether you decide to hit the beach or explore the waterfall, I would head to Ram Coffee House first for breakfast.

Ram Coffee House is located on the main road and serves some of the best coffee in the Philippines. Furthermore, their breakfasts are fresh, flavorsome, and great for those with a big appetite.

➡️ Full Post: Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 BEST Breakfast & Brunch Spots

After breakfast, either make your way to White Beach (also known as Basdaku) or head to Lusno Falls.

White Beach is located about 15 minutes from Panagsama Beach. With soft white sand and turquoise waters, this is one of the most scenic beaches in Cebu.

It is a great Moalboal beach to relax and soak up the rays. Make sure to bring your snorkel as there is also abundant marine life here well worth exploring.

If you’re interested in exploring Lusno Falls, this is located about 45 minutes from Moalboal in the town of Ronda.

This waterfall is a real hidden gem in Cebu and does not attract flocks of tourists like Kawasan Falls. It is, therefore the perfect spot to disconnect and appreciate nature in all its glory.

After exploring Lusno Falls, head to White Beach to enjoy some much-needed relaxation and catch the breathtaking sunset.

Where to stay in Moalboal

I would recommend staying in the area around Panagsama Beach when visiting Moalboal.

This is where you will find the best restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and of course, the spectacular sardine run just meters from the shoreline.

Chief Mau Hostel (recommended)

The best Moalboal accommodation for budget backpackers and solo travelers.

Chief Mau is the ultimate social hostel, with amazing communal areas for socialising and meeting other travelers.

They also have many board games, darts, a pool table, and beer pong nights. As well as hosting movie nights and parties, you can also book your tours directly through the hostel.

Choose between shared dorms or a private room with a balcony. The dorms are spacious with plenty of storage and concrete beds that do not make any noise.

Located in the heart of Panagsama minutes from the beach, you cannot beat it for location.

Prices start from $17.00 for dorms per night.

Marz Inn Moalboal

The best budget-friendly Moalboal accommodation for couples or families – this is where I stayed.

Reasonably priced and clean rooms available, with aircon, a private bathroom, and a hot shower.

Excellent location just 5 minutes from Panagsama Beach but in a quiet area. Welcoming hosts can help with booking tours. Free drinking water provided.

Prices for a private room start from $25.00 per night.

Secret Paradise

The best luxury accommodation in Moalboal.

Deluxe private rooms with air conditioning, kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, and flat-screen TV. Perfect location just 2 minutes from Panagsama Beach.

This hotel features a stunning outdoor swimming pool and garden oasis, a delicious Asian-inspired restaurant, and a bar.

Prices start from $88.00 per night.

How to get to Moalboal

Located on the island of Cebu, most travelers will typically have to reach Cebu City before heading to Moalboal.

✈️ Always check flight prices on Skyscanner first to guarantee yourself the best deal

Once you have reached Cebu City, you have a couple of options based on your preference –

• Bus from Cebu City to Moalboal – 4 hours
• Private transfer – 2 hours (book here)

➡️ For full details, including the bus schedule and fare, check out my How To Get From Cebu to Moalboal guide

FAQs

How many days should you stay in Moalboal?

How many days should I spend in Moalboal?

I would recommend spending at least two nights in Moalboal.

Spend day one exploring Panagsama Beach and nearby Pescador Island by snorkeling or diving – witness the iconic sardine run, turtles, and other marine creatures.

✅ Book your Sardine Run & Pescador Island tour in advance here

On day two, you cannot miss canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. This is one of the best day trips in the Philippines for thrill-seekers and waterfall lovers.

✅ Book your Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls in advance here

➡️ Full Post: 10 Essential Things To Know Before Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Moalboal also has some pretty amazing restaurants and cafes. As well as the main tourist spots, it is well worth taking some time to explore Moalboal’s culinary scene.

If you benefit from time on your Moalboal itinerary, as well as exploring the Panagsama Beach area, leave some time to relax at White Beach too.

Can you see whale sharks in Moalboal?

No, Moalboal is not known for whale shark sightings.

While it’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling and diving—especially for its famous sardine run, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs—you won’t typically see whale sharks (unless you’re extremely lucky).

Oslob is known for its whale sharks however this is not the most ethical place to see them – I’d check out Donsol for an ethical whale shark experience.

What is Moalboal famous for?

Moalboal has gained fame as having one of the richest marine habitats and some of the most abundant marine life in the whole of the Philippines.

This has transformed Moalboal into the snorkeling and diving capital of Cebu.

➡️ Must Read: Pescador Island Moalboal: Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide

Recreational divers and adventure-seeking backpackers flock to Moalboal to explore its waters.

However, in recent years, it has become a hotspot for backpackers looking for adventure, a social atmosphere, and delicious restaurants.

Is Moalboal or Oslob better?

I would say that Moalboal is a better base to explore the island of Cebu, especially given that it is more centrally based.

The main draw of Oslob is the whale sharks, but apart from that, I heard that there is not much there.

However, after hearing about how unthetical swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is, I decided not to visit – this means I cannot comment fairly on which is better.

Is Moalboal worth visiting?

Moalboal is most definitely worth visiting!

As Cebu’s snorkeling and diving capital, the marine life in Moalboal is unrivaled. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those looking to explore the underwater world.

Centrally located in Cebu, it is also a great base for exploring the rest of the island.

Moalboal also has some pretty amazing restaurants and a buzzing nightlife scene. This once-sleepy coastal town is the perfect destination in the Philippines to meet other backpackers and like-minded travelers.

Whilst there are many amazing things to do in Moalboal, you do not need loads of time to experience the main highlights.

This means that even if it is a day trip, there is no excuse not to add Moalboal to your Philippines itinerary.

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Moalboal Itinerary: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed exactly how to spend 1-3 days in Moalboal with 3 distinct and action-packed Moalboal itineraries.

If you have visited Moalboal, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!

Planning your Philippines trip?

With so many amazing islands to explore, how do you decide where to visit? For inspiration, itinerary ideas, and dream destinations, check out the following –

1-Month Philippines Itinerary – the ideal backpacking route exploring popular destinations & off-the-beaten-path spots

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in the Philippines – your ultimate guide to the best destinations to suit every type of traveler