Cebu, Philippines
This limestone rock sits 2 to 4 kilometers off the coast of Moalboal. Visitors travel here by boat to snorkel and dive the steep coral walls.
4.7 from 245 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Select from scuba diving trips, half-day snorkeling circuits, or full-day combo tours.
Best valueVisiting the breathtaking Sardine Run off Moalboal's shore of Cebu Island is a must-see for tourists. Many sardines gather around Panagsama Beach, just in front of...
Most bookedThis package is unique since you will be visiting 4 famous tourist sites in the South of Cebu in just one day. To mention, these are the whale sharks interaction, the...
Top ratedDive into Moalboal’s Underwater Paradise! Discover the untouched beauty of Moalboal’s crystal-clear waters on this full-day adventure. Swim alongside massive schools of...
Explore
See what you can explore around the island and along the Moalboal coast.
The reef drops vertically to depths well past 60 meters.
Water temperatures stay warm at 27°C to 29°C year-round.
Plan your visit
Most island-hopping circuits take 3 to 4 hours.
The dry season from November to May offers the calmest seas.
Take a bus from Cebu City, then a tricycle to Panagsama Beach.
Private boats cost around PHP 3,000 for 3 to 5 people.
Pescador Island is a small, uninhabited limestone rock in the Tañon Strait. It is located just a few kilometers off the coast of Moalboal. There is no beach or landing area on the island itself.
Instead, visitors arrive by outrigger boat to explore the water. The surrounding marine sanctuary protects over 450 species of hard corals. Snorkelers and divers float above plunging vertical reef walls and deep caverns.
Read more about the Dive Sites or learn Packing Guide.
We list actual distances, depths, and local travel times.
We explain boat charter rates and environmental fees upfront.
We compare local boat rentals with full-service guided packages.
From Viator
245 reviews of the whale shark & pescador on Viator
This is a great experience. Good for beginners. Most of the reef is shallow and you can see sardines without heading into deep water. Awesome to see turtles.
Amazing kind and friendly team, made sure we got the pictures. Sardines were amazing and just off the shoreline, 5 m into the water and we got to see a turtle and plenty small tropical fish! I hired the gopro and did snorkeling and it was absolutely worth it!
It was very nice day, the only point was the way to go to Oslob the driver have to go too fast to be as early possible which was a bit scary and dangerous.
We had a wonderful time, swam with whale sharks, turtles, Sardines, went to a beautiful beach, and had our feet cleaned by fish, which was a good experience. Good philipino food. Great guides, very helpful and friendly. It was a very long and tiring day but so worth it 👌
The diving spots in Moalboal are truly amazing. There are so many highlights and it is definitely worth visiting! Emerald Green Diving Shop had very friendly staff, and the facilities were very clean. I think it is probably the number one diving shop in the Moalboal area. I was able to dive very comfortably, and I really enjoyed the experience. I would love to go again!
This was amazing!! What a cool experience to swim with whale sharks and likely millions of sardines! Highly recommend! And bring a go pro for those awesome shots! The boat guide was great in taking sick photos! Our driver Abam was also such a great driver and kept us safe during the long drive to and from Cebu City. This is a must do when visiting!
Everyone was amazing, respectful and kind! Wilson and Ruby were fantastic snd fun!! The diving and pictures were fantastic too!
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.
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.
Travel tips
Tour Costs GuideBreakdown of boat rentals, tour packages, and environmental fees.Read 
Travel OptionsStep-by-step transport options from Cebu City to Pescador Island.Read 
Best Visit TimeFind the best months for clear visibility and calm seas.Read 
Packing GuideEssential gear for your Pescador Island and Moalboal boat trip.Read 
Diving vs SnorkelingCompare scuba diving depths and snorkeling spots at Pescador Island.Read 
Half-Day ItinerarySee how a standard 3 to 4-hour Moalboal island-hopping circuit runs.Read Yes. It is highly regarded for its diverse marine life and steep coral walls. Divers and snorkelers travel here to see healthy hard corals, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
Take a Ceres bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Moalboal town. The bus costs about PHP 200 and takes 3 to 4 hours. From town, hire a tricycle to Panagsama Beach to rent a boat. See Travel Options for details.
No. There are no beaches or landing areas. The island is completely surrounded by rocky cliffs, and all activities take place in the water.
A private outrigger boat typically costs around PHP 3,000 for a group of 3 to 5 people. This covers the boat rental, though environmental fees are usually extra. Read Tour Costs Guide for a full breakdown.
Yes. Scuba divers frequently encounter reef sharks patrolling the deep walls and caverns. These sharks are generally harmless to humans.
The best time is during the dry season from November to May. During these months, the sea conditions are calmest and underwater visibility is at its peak. Learn more in Best Visit Time.
Book your boat tour or diving package in advance for the best availability.
