A Complete Guide To Pescador Island in Moalboal

Are you planning a trip to Pescador Island Moalboal?

Whether you prefer to snorkel or dive, this post will detail everything you need to know to visit Pescador Island in Moalboal, updated for 2024.

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As one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Philippines, Moalboal is a must-visit destination on your Cebu itinerary.

Moalboal has gained international fame for its iconic sardine run just meters from the shoreline and its adrenaline-fuelled canyoneering adventures.

Known for its rich marine habitat and abundant species of fish and corals, a trip to Pescador Island is one of the best things to do in Moalboal.

Maybe you’re interested in deep-water diving and exploring different types of marine species Or perhaps you’re hoping to witness the second-biggest sardine run in the world?

Or maybe you’re simply looking to throw on a snorkel and appreciate turtles in their natural habitat?

With a trip to Pescador Island, you can tick all three of those things off your Moalboal itinerary. A trip to Pescador Island is breathtaking, inexpensive, and very simple to organise.

This post will detail everything you need to know about Pescador Island Moalboal, including how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect.

Pescador Island description

Pescador Island is a tiny limestone island located about 15 minutes off of Cebu’s western coast. It can be seen directly from Panagsama Beach in Moalboal.

The island is surrounded by a vibrant soft coral reef of about 5 meters. The reef then has an almost vertical drop-off of about 40 meters of hard corals.

Unlike many of the white-sand islands in the Philippines, Pescador Island is unique in that it is entirely covered in sharp coral rocks and grass.

The encrusted hard fossils show that the island was most likely submerged in the water in its earlier geological life.

What is Pescador Island known for?

We can learn a lot about Pescador Island from its name itself. Pescador means ‘fisherman’ in Spanish, a testament to the island’s abundant marine life and diverse fish species.

When Pescador Island was recognised as a marine park and fish sanctuary in 1990, this underwater world transformed from a fishing hotspot to a key conservation area.

The vibrant waters now attract recreational divers and snorkelers from all over the world. It is widely known as one of the best dive sites and richest marine habitats in the Philippines.

How deep is Pescador Island?

Pescador Island starts with a soft coral plateau at about 5 meters. It then vertically drops down to about 60 meters in depth.

How to get to Pescador Island Moalboal

Pescador Island is extremely straightforward to reach.

As the island is located about 15 minutes off Moalboal’s western coast, many boats depart from the various dive shops around Moalboal all day every day.

Simply head to Pangasama Beach in Moalboal and find a dive shop located along the front. Whether you prefer to snorkel or dive, you can find Pescador Island boat rental here.

We took a boat to Pescador Island with Seaquest Moalboal Dive Center, conveniently located just meters from the shoreline.

If you’re wondering how to get to Moalboal, you can read my detailed step-by-step guide here.

Pescador Island entrance fee

There is no additional entrance fee for Pescador Island.

However, since the island became a marine sanctuary, dive shops are required to pay a fee for each diver coming to the island.

This fee is 100 PHP ($1.80) and is typically included in your snorkeling/diving price.

What to expect from Pescador Island Moalboal

Whether you decide to snorkel or dive, you will depart from the shore at Panagsama Beach. Reaching Pescador Island takes about 15 minutes by boat.

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Pescador Island snorkeling

Pescador Island is one of the best Moalboal snorkeling spots.

We joined the boat with the divers from the Seaquest Dive Center and split off when we reached the different spots. The cost breakdown is as follows –

• Boat Rental – 200 – 500 PHP ($3-9) depending on demand [entrance fee included]
• Snorkel, mask, and flippers rental – 300 PHP ($5) [optional]

In total, we paid 550 PHP ($10) each for the boat rental to Pescador Island, as well as equipment rental. The trip lasted 90 minutes.

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

First of all, we stopped at the eastern side of the island (the part which directly faces Moalboal).

Surrounding the eastern part of the island is a flat plateau of soft corals, where you will find thriving and colorful fish species.

The water is very clear with great visibility. Although we saw lots of different fish, unfortunately, the most recent typhoon meant that many of the vibrant table corals were dead.

We then hopped back in the boat and traveled around the island to the second snorkeling spot, located to the west of the island.

Around the west of the island, there are more corals and then a steep sandy slope. This slope descends into a vertical drop-off hard coral wall.

Note: the current is very strong here and the waves are very big. I would only recommend this if you are a confident swimmer.

Just before the reef dropped off, we caught a glimpse of a small green sea turtle grazing on some shrubs. We also spotted many water snakes and a large sardine-looking shoal of fish.

There were also many starfish dotted along the corals, as well as some smaller more colorful fish.

Pescador Island diving

Pescador Island is one of the best dive sites, not only in Moalboal but in the Philippines in general.

The varying depths of water surrounding the island, from shallow coral plateaus to deep vertical drop-off reefs, mean that there are 3 distinct dive sites around Pescador Island.

If you’re interested in Moalboal diving, most trips will visit 2 of these dive sites. With Seaquest Dive Center, the prices for fun dives are 1750 PHP ($30), including a tank, weights, and a guide.

As well as deep plunging walls of colorful corals, Pescador Island is also home to an abundance of marine life.

The most common species you will find here are lionfish, frogfish, snappers, barracudas, tuna, eels, razorfish, and scorpion fish.

If you’re lucky you will also be sure to spot sea turtles, as well as white-tip sharks on the deeper dives.

The two most popular dive sites are the southeastern part of the island and the western part (known as the Cathedral).

The southeastern part features multi-layered table corals of varied sizes and colours on the plateau surrounding Pescador Island about 5 -10 meters from the surface.

These corals transform into a hard rock wall that plunges vertically down meters into the ocean. These hard corals provide such a rich ecosystem and safe haven for many different fish species.

The western part, known as the Cathedral, is the real star of the show.

The Cathedral is a huge underwater cave-like opening that has various hollow dug-out areas. These holes in the reef wall are perfect for exploring further and weaving in and out.

This impressive scenery provides the perfect backdrop for Moalboal diving. The hard corals are also the perfect spot to find small marine life hiding in the caverns.

Turtle watching Moalboal

If you’re hoping to see turtles in Moalboal, then you won’t be disappointed.

The best place to see turtles in Moalboal is not far from the shoreline at Panagsama Beach. You don’t need a guide or a tour, you can simply grab your snorkel, swim out, and find turtles meters from the shoreline.

Turtle watching is therefore not only one of the best things to do in Moalboal but one of the most inexpensive too.

Important: there can be many jellyfish around the Panagsama Beach shore and Pescador Island. I would recommend wearing a wetsuit even if you are not diving to avoid being stung.

You are also likely to spot turtles when diving in the southeastern part of Pescador Island, grazing on the shallow corals before plunging into the abyss.

We were lucky enough to see a turtle just snorkeling around Pescador Island!

When returning from Pescador Island, we asked our driver to drop us off about 20 meters from the shoreline at Panagsama Beach so we could search for sardines and turtles.

Although our trip had ended, they allowed us to hang onto our snorkels and flippers. We were lucky that right near the shore, we spotted another turtle!

If you swim out a further 10-20 meters to where to coral reef drops off, this is where you will find the world-famous sardine run.

Can you see turtles in Moalboal?

Moalboal is one of the best places to see turtles in the Philippines.

There is no need for diving or expensive tours, you can see turtles by swimming a few meters out from the shoreline at Panagsama Beach.

Sardine run Moalboal

Moalboal has gained international fame for its breathtaking sardine run, the second biggest in the world after South Africa.

Unlike South Africa, this extraordinary natural phenomenon can be seen 365 days a year, independent of the seasons and weather conditions.

Essentially, the sardine run is shoals of thousands of fish all swimming together. This is known as a bait ball, as the fish swim together to appear bigger to larger predators.

The ease of experiencing the sardine run just meters from the shoreline at Panagsama Beach means there is no excuse not to add this to your Moalboal itinerary.

Just like with turtle-watching, simply grab your snorkel and swim out about 20 meters until the coral reef drops off. Once you are in the open water, you will spot the shoals of fish dancing around you.

You can also see smaller shoals of sardines around Pescador Island. This used to be the main area for the sardine run, but this changed years ago after an earthquake that caused the fish to migrate.

Important: these fish are thriving in their natural habitat and have not been fed by locals to encourage tourism. Unlike the whale sharks in Oslob, there are no ethical concerns around the sardine run.

What time of day is the sardine run in Moalboal?

If you’re hoping to witness shoals of sardines, then morning is typically the best time. However, you are likely to be sharing the water with many other tourists.

Coming later in the afternoon requires a little more patience, but means you might get to experience this natural phenomenon alone.

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Sardines run Moalboal price

The best thing about the sardine run Moalboal is that it is totally free!

As long as you’ve got a snorkel and a mask, simply swim a few meters from the shoreline at Pangasama Beach to witness the sardines.

If you are looking to appreciate the sardine run from a different perspective, then you can always organise a dive with one of the dive schools above.

Must Read: Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 BEST Breakfast & Brunch Spots

Pescador Island tour

If you’re someone who likes to have things booked in advance, or everything organised for you, then perhaps a Moalboal Island Hopping Tour might suit you better.

On this tour, you will visit Pescador Island, explore the iconic sardine run, and hunt for turtles at Talisay Point.

This tour includes round-trip transport to your hotel in either Moalboal, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, or, Madaue. Your knowledgeable guide, entrance fees, and equipment are all included in this price.

This is a great option if you are short on time or looking to make a 1-day trip from Cebu City. You can book your tour in advance here.

However, one of my top tips for saving money when traveling is to opt for DIY tours instead.

Both the sardine run and turtles can be witnessed by grabbing a snorkel and swimming out from Panagsama Beach shore. This is one of the best things to do in Moalboal and barely costs a penny.

If you’re hoping to snorkel or dive at Pescador Island, this will cost you a little more as you will need to organise a boat rental. However, this would still be a fraction of the price of an organised tour.

As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Moalboal can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.

Where to stay in Moalboal

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

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

Chief Mau Hostel

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 Moaboal

The best budget-friendly Moalboal accommodation for couples or families.

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.

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.

How long should I spend in Moalboal?

I would recommend at least two nights in Moalboal.

Moalboal is known as the snorkeling and diving capital of Cebu. Witnessing the iconic sardine run just meters from the shoreline, as well as diving with turtles and abundant marine life are the highlights.

If you are visiting Moalboal, you also cannot miss canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. This is one of the best day trips in the Philippines for thrill-seekers and waterfall lovers.

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

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

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

What makes Moalboal famous?

Moalboal has gained international fame for its sardine run just meters from the shoreline. It is the second-largest sardine run in the world.

As Cebu’s diving capital, travelers flock here to witness the abundance of marine life below the surface.

In more recent years, adventure lovers have been drawn to the crystal-clear waters of Kawasan Falls. Canyoneering is a must-do activity on any Philippines itinerary.

I hope you have enjoyed this post about Pescador Island Moalboal. Whether you prefer to snorkel or dive, you are guaranteed an unforgettable time.

If you liked this post and you’ll be spending some time in Moalboal, then feel free to check out my other helpful guides –

• How To Get From Moalboal To Siquijor: Schedule & Fare (2024)
• How To Get From Cebu To Moalboal: Schedule & Fare (2024)
• Where To Eat: Top 7 Must-Visit Moalboal Restaurants
• How To Spend 1-3 Days in Moalboal: The Ultimate Itinerary
• Moalboal Nightlife: Top 5 BEST Bars & Party Spots
• Pescador Island Moalboal: The Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide
• Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 BEST Breakfast & Brunch Spots