Swimming has always been a favorite past time of ours. Ours as in my family and I. We are just fans of snorkeling and island hopping to say the least. That is why, Moalboal in Cebu has always been a favorite family destination for us. We always find fun and awesome things to do in Moalboal.
Moalboal is a municipality in the Cebu Province. It is pretty popular to the locals because of its amazing dive sites, rich corals, white sand and pristine beach.
Visiting is easy because it can be a day trip from Cebu City and can be included in your itinerary if you are within the province. Provided, of course, that you keep your itinerary light or you have a private vehicle.
There are several beaches that people usually goes to including White Beach and Panagsama Beach.
Our favorite area is in White Beach, Basdaku. It’s pretty peaceful with comfortable and great accommodation choices.
If you are willing, you can pitch a tent at the Basdaku Public Beach like most tourists/ guests do and stay there at night.
Personally, we haven’t tried it as we prefer to be more comfortable since we’re with kids and elderly.
We usually book a day or two stay at the Bigsand Campgrounds Resort. It’s a pretty spacious resort in White Beach where comfortable and clean accommodations are available.
They also allow guests to pitch a tent within the property for those wanting a bit more of an adventure. And one of the best things? You and your companions can cook within the campgrounds.
We usually go there during summer when the weather is great with plenty of amazing things to do in Moalboal.
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How To Get to Moalboal, Cebu
Travel time getting to Moalboal from Cebu City usually takes 2-3 hours, traffic permits. We usually go there via private car.
But there are plenty of transportation choices that you can take including buses and vans at the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
Fare range from 120 – 150 Php (depending if it’s the air conditioned or non-air conditioned bus).
Once you arrive in Moalboal, you may take the local tricycle or ride the habal-habal (motorcycle) from the bus stop to any of your preferred beach. Fare for the tricycle is around 80-100 Php and 50 Php (for motorcycle).
Once there, you will find that there are indeed plenty of Things To Do in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines. Check out our favorite to-dos that you can also try out!
Things to Do in Moalboal, Cebu
Lounging at the Beach
Moalboal is pretty popular for its white sand beach. Lounging at the beach and relaxing your afternoon away is definitely the best way to spend your summer (or any time of the year, I suppose).
Finding the perfect spot to do this is pretty easy. Almost anywhere near the beach is great!
Swimming in the Crystal Clear Water
Moalboal’s crystal clear water is truly inviting. We usually spend our mornings enjoying the sea (when the water is high). Except for the occasional jellyfish (depending on the season), swimming in the area is definitely high on our list of things to do in Moalboal.
Snorkeling
One of the best things to do in Moalboal is snorkeling. Personally, Moalboal has one of the best snorkeling sites that I have swam in.
The corals are very near the shore, which makes it pretty accessible. Best time for snorkeling during summer? It’s around 8AM-10AM and 3PM-4PM when the water is not too high and the waves are not too strong.
Of course, take not of the high and low tide just to be sure!
Just a word of caution however, wear life vests (if you are not a strong swimmer) so as to avoid destroying the corals as they are situated near shallow water at times.
And of course, wear aqua shoes to prevent from stepping on sea urchins since the place do have plenty of them. Plus swim leggings or swim tights to add extra protection from the jelly fish.
Finding Nemo
Due maybe to the popularity of Disney’s Finding Nemo movie, finding that cute and elusive Clownfish has been a popular past time for those who love snorkeling. Including us!
Moalboal has such an abundant sea life that includes several Clownfish in its water. We, in particular, find it quiet entertaining to look for ‘Nemo’ among the corals.
Catching one should be avoided, though. We need to preserve them!
Island Hopping
Island Hopping in Moalboal is a definitely must-try. Just like those in Mactan Island and Bohol. It took us about 4 hours to complete the entire island hopping activity.
Small boats are available for rent within the area. You may approach locals for queries.
We were able to inquire at Club Serena (a resort in White Beach where we stayed for 2 nights one summer).
Rental of the boat was about 2,400 – 3,000 Php. This was good for 9 persons. Prices depends on the size and capacity of the boat.
If you want to pre-book a Pescador Island Hopping Private Tour, you can definitely do so.
Our island hopping included 2 islands at most with a few side trip, which I have included on this list.
One activity was a visit to Pescador Island. This small island boasts of colorful corals and fishes in different shapes, sizes and colors.
Dolphin Watching
One highlight of the things to do in Moalboal is the Dolphin Watching. It is part of the island hopping activity.
Prior to getting to Pescador Island, the boat ride will take you to a certain part in the sea where dolphins can be seen playfully swimming and showing off to tourists.
It was such an amazing site to see them chasing the boats. Good thing it was forbidden to swim with the dolphins during this part of the island hopping as it may be harmful to the dolphins.
Sea Turtle Watching
After the snorkeling activity at Pescador Island, we were brought to another area in Moalboal to see Sea Turtles.
Unfortunately, we only got short glimpses of the sea turtles in this area because they were pretty elusive and should be approached very silently. A feat that was particularly hard for us. LOL.
You can also try swimming with the sea turtles at the Apo Island. It’s such a cool experience!
Swimming with the Sardines
Now, this activity is definitely something that you should try once you visit Moalboal. Swimming with the sardines was the last activity that we had during our island hopping and should be on your things to do in Moalboal, Cebu.
We were taken near the coast of Panagsama beach to try this one-of-a-kind experience. There were plenty of divers within the area when we reached it.
We, on the other hand, just did some free diving and snorkeling.
Personally, it was an eerie and amazing experience, being surrounded by so many fishes at one set-up. The water was a bit dark, maybe due to the fact that there were plenty of sardines surrounding us.
Indeed, it was an incredible sight!
Conclusion
Our stay in Moalboal usually lasts for 2-3 days, depending on everybody’s availability. To be honest, 2-3 days is more than enough to enjoy Moalboal with friends and family. Planning a visit to Moalboal has always been easy and it has given us so many delightful memories. 🙂
Have you been to Moalboal, Cebu in the Philippines? What are your favorite things to do? Leave your comments below! 🙂
And oh! Here’s our Moalboal video with the family! Hope you like it! 😉
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Oh my word!!! This place looks amazing! I would definitely go here all the time too if I could. Beautiful photos!
Thank you Amanda 🙂 It’s such a beautiful place that we enjoy so much! 🙂
The beach looks absolutely beautiful and so neat you can see dolphins and turtles. I can see why you love it so much.
Yes! It’s one of our favorite summer destination! 🙂
I cannot believe this place is in your backyard so to speak! It’s so tropical and exotic and has so so many things to do! It would be worth traveling halfway around the world to visit (wink wink). Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome, Erika. It’s pretty near where we live and provides amazing relaxing activities. 🙂 Hope you do get to visit! 😉
oh wow. are all beaches in Cebu white sand? I missed Moalboal when we visited the South! I hope to return soon. Sounds like you had fun!
Not really… Most beaches south of Cebu do have white sand. 🙂 It’s different when you go north, though. 🙂 It’s always a fun experience to be in Moalboal 🙂
Moalboal looks so pretty!! The water is so blue and the coral looks amazing! I love reading your posts and seeing how many amazing places there are around the Philippines. I can’t wait to go there myself!
Thank you Christie! I do hope you get to visit and see the amazing places the Philippines has to offer! 😉
That gorgeous blue water though! Wow! Beautiful beach, gorgeous blue waters, the pretty scenery past the water… Then you add in dolphins and finding Nemo… Sounds like paradise to me!
Moalboal is such a great place to visit! Indeed a paradise for beach lovers out there! 😉
The sardine run in Moalboal was incredible! So glad I went!
I agree! Glad to hear that you’ve also enjoyed it! 😉
That white sand looks amazing! I’ve been to Palawan but need to get to Cebu next time I’m in the Philippines.
Cebu should definitely be on your list! 🙂
The Philippines are so freaking gorgeous. I didn’t have time for Cebu on my trip but definitely coming back because so much to do there! i love all the wildlife experiences. Love seeing Nemo too!!
I so love to hear that you enjoyed visiting the Philippines 🙂 There’s soooo many places you can visit! 🙂
Gosh it’s pretty there – really hope I get to go there soon! I’m amazed at how cheap the boat rental is :O
It is pretty affordable 🙂 You just have to know how to haggle 😉
This looks like an amazing trip! I think I would love the dolphin watching! The Philippines is definitely on my bucket list!
I hope you do get to visit, Christine! 😉
The ocean blues look absolutely amazing!!! I definitely want to get to the Philippines in my travels!
That would be lovely, Megan! 🙂
Wow what a beautiful place. It makes me want to take another vacation verrrry soon. Thank you for sharing this!
Alex J Brown
http://www.ajbrowncreative.com
You’re welcom Alex! 🙂
Ugh those pictures make me wanna visit the Philippines right now! Instead, I’m in Mexico and it’s raining haha.
I really haveto explore this side of the world. I’ve never been to Asia but it seems like an amazing continent!
Asia does have amazing places to visit! Hope you do get to visit, Cristina! 🙂
So jealous of the dolphin watching. I love dolphins and I always seem to see them when my camera is not around, and from so far.
Oh! You will definitely get a lot of photo opportunities when you visit Moalboal and try the dolphin watching activity! 🙂
I love that you found Nemo! I’ve never been to the Philippines but it’s high on the list. I’ll have to add this as a destination to visit when I make it there. The beaches are stunning!
😀 We do have a lot of amazing beaches that you would love! 🙂
I’ve never been to the Philippines but it looks absolutely stunning, especially areas like this! I’m getting a bit obsessed with marine life at the moment so I’d love to find demo haha! Is there much diving there? 🙂
Yep! There are plenty of diving spots here in the Philippines. 🙂 Cebu and Palawan have some of the best diving spots! 🙂
Amazing photos! The blue skies and blue water! so perfect! : D
Thank you, Charmaine! 🙂
We are planning a Philippines trip next year, so this is awesome!
That’s so great to hear! 😀
This place looks gorgeous! I would love to do all those activities you listed and just chill out on the beach and enjoy the sun. I rather sleep in a hotel room too, camping is a bit too extreme for me 🙂
It is gorgeous and pretty affordable too! I enjoy camping, but I usually reserve that for trekking. LOL! 😀
Thanks for sharing! I’ve always wanted to visit Phillipines. Will definitely try and get there soon. Lovely photos (:
Ashlee | ashleemoyo.com
You’re welcome. I hope you do get to visit, Ashlee! 🙂
Great tips! I love Philippines, I could come back there straight away 🙂
Thank you, Aga! 🙂
The Phillipines is always somewhere I’ve wanted to go! The water looks so gorgeous. Looks like you had a great time 🙂
Yes we did! It’s a favorite place of ours! 😉
I have been to this place but that was 2016, and still very beautiful. I will come back here soon. 🙂
That would be great! 🙂
Wow! I have always been interested in visiting the temples there also. I hear the people re so friendly and nice which makes traveling fun.
Filipinos are indeed known for being hospitable and warm. 🙂 Hope you do get to visit! 🙂
Wow, there are so many wonderful beaches in Cebu and we had only been to one. I wanna see rich corals and go scuba diving once again. Moalboal’s white sand beach looks very beautiful.
I hope you also get to visit Moalboal. 🙂
My whole family are not really beach people. However, when you mentioned about sea turtles, I would really love to see them in their natural environment. I wonder what month can we best see them?
Summer is usually the best time to see them as the weather is much more cooperative. 🙂 March to May will be great!
There’s so much to appreciate in Moalboal, Cebu from the Crystal Clear waters. It would also be fun going island hopping and seeing the turtles and dolphins.
Such an interesting place to visit! Would love to visit Philippines soon in future!
I hope you do get to visit! 🙂
What a beautiful getaway with pristine beaches and bodies of water. I could see the dolphins having fun behind you… WoW!
Yes. It’s a great place to visit especially during the summer 🙂
Cebu has wonderful and beautiful beaches. I wonder how much it would cost for 3 days f vacation at Moalboal. Island hopping and swimming with fishes seem like a great activity for families and friends.
❀ Grace ❀
This looks pretty amazing! The Philippines have been on my list for quite a while. I need to got there! 🙂
I’ve tried snorkelling twice and I won’t say that I enjoy it alot. Maybe because I was never with the right people.
Thanks for the inspiration! I never actually considered Moalboal but I sure want to visit Cebu at some point, definitely on my list of places to see on the Philippines. Salamat 🙂
Glad to have helped 🙂
Probably the best place to visit in summer
Totally agree! 😉
Hi! I’m going to visit Moalboal next year and it’s a budget trip. I find the offered tour packages expensive. If I arrive there in Moalboal, is the a lot of boat that we can hire for a tour? Thanks!
Absolutely! We didn’t hire any travel agency when we did ours. 🙂 You can always ask locals there and they’ll be happy to give you recommendations. Will you be at the White Beach? If yes, you may ask around near Club Serena or at Manang Esther’s store.. We were able to get one there.. 🙂