Philippines · SNORKELING
Turtles at Balicasag, sardines at Moalboal, reef gardens off Coron and Boracay. These 15 are sorted by what you will actually see, what the boat costs and whether gear is thrown in.
Spend about 4.5 hours sailing from Boracay to Puka Beach, Coral Garden, Crocodile Island, Magic Island, and Crystal Cove. Swim, snorkel, cliff jump, and eat a Filipino buffet lunch with guides such as Mark, Justine, Edgar, or Jim. Bring cash for entrance and snorkeling fees.
“Also did option cave tour at Crystal Cove. Really enjoyed it”
Leave Cebu around 2:00 to 3:00 AM for Oslob’s whale shark encounter, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run and turtles. Breakfast, lunch, transport, fees, and snorkeling gear are included. Drivers such as Noel, Rudy, and Joseph have earned praise for helpful service, while a private booking can save money for groups of four or more.
“It was great. Saw the whales, turtles and the sardines.. everything was on time”
Join a six-hour shared boat trip from Panglao to Balicasag and Virgin Island. Snorkel with turtles and reef fish, watch for wild dolphins, and enjoy grilled pork, chicken, shrimp, rice, fruit, and drinks. Local Balicasag guides lead the water visits, while the crew handles lunch.
“We were very satisfied with the organisation and with the activities that we have during the trip. The agency contact us several times before, to be sure about the meeting point and to give us all necessary tips. Our super hosting and friendly guide Mark was waiting for us in the morning . There is no loosing of the time :) the main boat has one more smaller boat for faster transport on crowded spots n where the water is shallow. The adventure starts with the dolphins watching (don’t expect to see them every time) but you can enjoy in different activities as cruising with the boat on the sea,…”
Start before dawn for Oslob whale sharks, then swim at Kawasan Falls and snorkel with sardines and sea turtles in Moalboal. An English-speaking driver such as Raul or Jave handles the long transfers, while local guides assist at each stop. Expect a memorable but tiring day.
“Overall, it was a wonderful and unique experience. The day started early, specifically at 0200, but it was worth it. Our driver wanted to ensure we got to the whale shark site early enough to get our tickets and begin early. Our driver, all the guides, were terrific, very kind, and experts in their craft when it came to driving us across Cebu, getting us to each locations on time, and connecting us with the next person to kindly help us get to the falls and the ocean to swim with the turtles and sardines. Highly recommend. Once in a lifetime opportunity to do all that in one day. Also,…”
Join a five-hour boat trip from Astoria Station 1 to nearby islands, Crystal Cove, beaches, and snorkeling spots. Your English-speaking guide, often Monda or Lyn, helps with photos and safety. Snorkel gear and buffet lunch are included, but some site fees cost extra.
“Lyn was an amazing guide. So friendly and knowledgeable. The day wouldn’t have been the nearly as good without her. Highly Recommended!”
Start before dawn from Cebu City or Mactan, then snorkel with Oslob whale sharks, visit Tumalog Falls, and take a private boat to Pescador Island and Moalboal’s sardine run. Guides such as Abam, Robbie, Ray, and James may vary by date. Breakfast, lunch, gear, and transfers are included.
“The whale shark experience itself was absolutely amazing and truly unforgettable. Being in the water with the whale sharks was incredible and something we’ll remember forever. Our driver, Angel, was outstanding. He has a very calm, kinRead more”
Set out from Astoria Boracay with a private boat, English or Tagalog guide, and a flexible four-hour plan. Swim at Coral Garden, snorkel near Crocodile Island, visit Puka Beach and Crystal Cove, and finish with a local seafood BBQ lunch. Edgar, Mark, Camille, and Ms Kim are among the guides praised for warm service.
“Everything we expected island hopping, swimming with the fish. Then at the end an amazing buffet of sea food. couldn't of asked for more. You get the most out of the trip if you schedule a private trip. The extra cost was totally worth it. Our guide took photos with my phone and theirs. Only issue we had was we didn't receive the extra photos he took using his phone.”
Spend eight hours with Roadside Travel guides Melvin or Thess exploring Coron’s lagoons, reefs, and shallow Skeleton Wreck. The $35 tour includes boat transfers, entrance fees, lunch, snacks, and town pickup, but kayak and snorkel rentals cost extra.
“barracuda lake, twin lagoon, reef gardens sont des incontournables. cuisine excellente a recommander”
Leave Manila early for Calatagan, where you’ll ride a floating bamboo cottage to Little Boracay, a snorkeling area, and Starfish Island. Swim in calm water, enjoy a Filipino barbecue lunch on board, and pass Tagaytay and Taal Volcano. Guides such as Mark, Andrei, and JZ add local context.
“I thought this would be a great way to spend a day long layover in Manila for my family after traveling in Bali. I booked three weeks in advance. On the drop down menu for the tour, the airport was listed as a pick up/drop off point, but the nRead more”
Spend about nine hours exploring Coron’s lagoons, lakes, reefs, and beaches with a private crew. Expect hotel pickup, boat transfers, entrance fees, lunch, water, and life jackets. Snorkeling gear and kayaks cost extra. Guides including Junior, Jay, Jerry, and JR have earned special praise for attentive service.
“The entire trip was an amazing experience. we were left with an amazing experience. our tour Guid Jay and his crew went above and beyond to make sure we had the ultimate experience. Every snorkelling spot was better than the one before. jay took amazing shots of me and my family to ensure we has this trip with us when we get home. the food was very good and we have special requirements whoch they consider and accommodated us. I would highly recommend this tour to friends and family. Thank you Jay and your crew for this wonderful Day.”
Spend eight hours with a local Sibaltan crew exploring Maosanon, Binulbulan, Coral Garden, and quiet beaches by traditional bangka. Erwin and his team guide small groups through clear reefs, serve a generous Filipino lunch, and adjust the route to tides and weather. Snorkeling gear is not included.
“Superbe tour, seul au monde dans un décor paradisiaque. très bon acceuil, le guide est trés attentionné et nous fait découvrir de belle chose lors du snorkeling ou sur le site des tortues. excellent repas. Je recommande ce tour loin de la foule d'El Nido.”
This private Cebu tour links Oslob whale shark snorkeling, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run and sea turtles. Your English-speaking driver and local guides handle the transfers, while the whale shark boat is shared under local rules. Jerome and Gabriel are praised by name for friendly service and photos.
“Professional driver Gabriel and guides are so efficient…… will recommend. Thank you.”
Spend about five hours aboard a traditional banka boat from Boracay, visiting Puka Shell Beach and two snorkeling spots. Hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and a host are included. Snorkel gear costs PHP 150, while Crystal Cove and Magic Island admission cost extra.
“The guides were really good , if you want to have Boracay in a nutshell other than walking its a good tour. Becareful with the crystal cave take off tour shoes or slippers you can loose it as the vawes are strong in the cave . The lunch was ok . Puka beach was my fav . Cery chill nice beach”
Spend eight private hours with a boat crew exploring El Nido’s Tour C route. Swim into Hidden Beach, reach Secret Beach by water, snorkel near Helicopter Island, and enjoy a buffet lunch. Guides may include Joshua, Alvin, Olsin, Jun, or Dan, with stops adjusted for weather.
“Perfect weather for the boat rides, beach walks, swimming and snorkeling. Alvin, Olsin, and Jun ( not sure about the spelling of the names) were all very friendly, helpful, and concerned about our safety. The large, tasty lunch served contained two types of chicken, shrimp, and fish, rice, noodles, and veggies.”
Start with hotel pickup, then snorkel beside Moalboal’s famous sardine run and wild sea turtles. After lunch in Badian, English-speaking guides lead you through Kawasan Falls by swimming, scrambling, rappelling, and optional cliff jumping up to 30 feet.
“Fantastic! Heartily recommend this day trip to anyone in the area”
Pick an island, a reef or a waterfall.
