Moalboal Scuba Diving Retreat
A 6-day small-group Moalboal retreat for beginners and ocean lovers.
Experience Moalboal through calm ocean sessions, marine life encounters, and slow travel.
6 days / 5 nights · Cebu · Sardine Run · Sea Turtles · Five Guardians · PADI Certification · Beginners welcome
Moalboal · Cebu · Philippines
Every retreat is a gentle, responsible & ethical ocean encounter
Moalboal retreat at a glance
Location:
Moalboal, Philippines
Duration:
6 days / 5 nights
Group size:
maximum 4 guests
Level:
Beginners welcome — no experience required
Certification:
PADI certification
Stay:
Private rooms on the beach
Stay:
private rooms in carefully selected eco hotels or similar
Choose your path:
intro to freediving, freediving certification, or scuba diving
Style:
structured ocean training + cultural immersion + rest time
Approach:
low-impact, respectful, safety-first
What’s Included
Airport pickup and drop-off (Cebu, CEB).
5 nights accommodation in a private room at Sea View Resort, on-site at Cebu Fun Divers.
Private driver for all 6 days, including airport transfers and all scheduled activities.
Daily breakfast and snacks.
Scuba diving certification course (PADI Open Water beginner or
PADI Advanced — chosen at booking).
All standard scuba equipment (mask, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tank, weights).
Guided dives at the Moalboal sardine run and sea turtle reef.
Excursion to Alegria — the Five Guardians underwater statues.
Professional underwater video.
Welcome hilot massage (traditional 60 minutes, on arrival).
Local guides and instructors trained in responsible marine practices.
WiFi at accommodation.
Host support before, during, and after the retreat.
What’s Not Included
Flights to and from Cebu.
Travel insurance (required).
Visa fees (if applicable).
Lunch and dinner.
Personal expenses and gratuities.
Volunteer in a marine conservation project
For those who feel drawn to give something back to the ocean, an optional conservation connection may be arranged in Moalboal through the Moalboal Turtle Project (Project Pawikan), a citizen science initiative based at Savedra Dive Center. Guests are invited to contribute to individual turtle tracking through photo-identification, supporting a deeper understanding of local turtle populations while helping protect them through respectful, low-impact observation.
We prioritise passive encounters only, always respecting the natural boundaries of the animals so they remain wild and undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Participation is always optional, and designed as a quiet, meaningful way to connect more deeply with the ocean.
Highlights
Respectful wildlife encounters: Experience the Moalboal sardine run and resident sea turtles in a calm, non-invasive way, allowing marine life to behave naturally.
Small group of 4 guests: Limited to 4 participants for a low-impact, personal, and supportive experience.
Diving certification with local instructor: Learn to dive in warm, clear conditions with a certified local instructor. Training is designed for beginners and progresses gradually.
Eco accommodation close to the ocean: Stay in a peaceful eco property in Moalboal, selected for its natural setting and proximity to key dive sites. Private room included.
Underwater statues & unique dive sites: Visit distinctive locations including the Mermaid statue in Moalboal and the Five Guardians in nearby Alegria — Poseidon, Medusa, a Templar Knight, Buddha, and Mother Mary.
Professional photos included: Receive a curated photo package capturing moments in and out of the water, allowing you to stay present during the experience.
How booking works
Reserve your place
Send an enquiry or secure your spot for the Moalboal retreat.Confirm your setup
We confirm your room, your freediving or scuba path, and any optional add-ons.Prepare for arrival
You receive your retreat guide, practical details, and support before you travel.
Welcome to Moalboal
Not a performance retreat. Not a competition. Just you, your breath, and the ocean floor.
This retreat is created for women who want a more thoughtful way to enter the underwater world — through scuba diving in one of the Philippines’ most extraordinary marine environments. Over five days, you will complete your PADI certification alongside guided dives at the Moalboal sardine run, the sea turtle reef, and the Five Guardians statues in Alegria.
Training and guided dives are conducted by certified instructors at Cebu Fun Divers, a PADI 5-Star centre set directly on Panagsama Beach, with the sardine run beginning just metres from their shore.
What you will experience
With many of Moalboal’s most memorable underwater sites accessible directly from the beach in front of Cebu Fun Divers, the days unfold with a gentler rhythm than destinations built around long boat journeys. Your room, your instructor, and your dive briefings all happen in the same place — the ocean steps from every one of them.
Day 4 takes the group to Alegria to dive the Five Guardians — submerged statues now colonised by coral and surrounded by marine life that the reef protection has allowed to return. Diving among them is a different kind of experience: quieter, more unusual, and more connected to the idea that conservation and beauty can exist in the same place.
The final session brings together Moalboal’s two most iconic encounters — the sardine run and the turtle reef. The sardine run is one of those things that is genuinely difficult to prepare for: millions of fish moving together in formations that shift and turn in response to light and current, just metres from the shore. The turtles, by contrast, are entirely unhurried — feeding slowly along the reef, completely at ease with careful divers.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Moalboal
Morning: Private transfer from Cebu Airport (CEB) to Sea View Resort in Panagsama. Check in. Your room, the dive centre, and the ocean are all in the same place.
Afternoon: Time to rest, walk to the shoreline, or simply sit by the water. The sardine run is metres from your door.
Evening: Welcome dinner near the sea, and your traditional hilot massage.
Day 2 — Scuba Training, Day One
Morning: First session at Cebu Fun Divers. Theory, equipment orientation, and your first confined water pool session — learning to breathe underwater, to clear your mask, to find your buoyancy.
Afternoon: Continued pool practice.
Evening: Rest, dinner at leisure.
Day 3 — Scuba Training, Day Two
Morning: Into open water for the first time. Your first ocean dives — descending alongside the reef, equalising, moving through the water with intention.
Afternoon: Continued open water dives. The reef in front of Cebu Fun Divers drops from three metres down into open blue.
Evening: A free evening in Moalboal.
Day 4 — Scuba Training, Day Three & Certification
Morning: Final training dives and certification. Beginner students complete their remaining open water dives and receive their PADI Open Water qualification. Advanced students complete their adventure dive programme.
Afternoon: A free afternoon — rest or an optional massage.
Evening: Celebrate your certification.
Day 5 — The Five Guardians, Alegria
Morning: Excursion to Alegria to dive the Five Guardians — submerged statues originally placed to discourage destructive fishing, now part of the living underwater environment.
Afternoon: Return to Moalboal. Afternoon free for rest or quiet time by the water.
Evening: Free evening. Dinner at leisure.
Day 6 — Sardine Run & Turtle Reef
Morning: Your final guided dive day — the sardine run, where millions of fish move together in shifting formations just metres from shore, and the turtle reef, where sea turtles feed slowly and unhurriedly along the coral.
Afternoon: Transfer back to Cebu Airport (CEB) for onward travel.
Why this experience feels meaningful
This retreat is about more than beautiful marine life and unforgettable underwater moments. In Moalboal and nearby Alegria, some of the sites you explore also reflect a wider story of marine protection and reef regeneration, bringing greater depth and meaning to the experience.
You are not simply visiting a dive destination. You are choosing to explore ocean environments shaped by care, recovery, and respect for marine life.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is created for those who want more than a standard dive trip — who want to feel safe, guided, and inspired in a small group setting, in one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet.
This retreat is for you if you:
Want to experience the ocean more deeply and more intentionally.
Are curious about scuba diving — breathing underwater and
moving through the ocean in near-silence.
Are drawn to meaningful experiences over performance.
Prefer calm travel with personal flexibility and a slower rhythm.
Are travelling solo and want structure without losing freedom.
Value ethical wildlife encounters and thoughtful ocean travel.
This retreat is probably not for you if you:
Are looking for a party or social-first atmosphere.
Prefer fast-paced group tourism or a packed schedule.
Want an intense or competitive training environment.
You don’t need experience. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to be a little curious.
Typical day
Ocean training days in Moalboal
Morning: briefing and first guided water session, with personalised support, safety-first guidance, and gradual progression
Midday: lunch and downtime at your own rhythm
Afternoon: second session in the water or a guided experience shaped by conditions, location, and your chosen underwater path
Evening: free time, dinner, and a calm group rhythm close to the sea
Sardine run, turtle reef, and sanctuary days
Morning: slow breakfast and a gentle start
Daytime: guided access to Moalboal’s most memorable underwater environments, from moving sardine formations and turtle habitats to the distinctive sanctuary sites in Moalboal and nearby Alegria
Late afternoon: time to rest, integrate, or enjoy an optional treatment
Evening: quiet, open evenings without pressure or fixed programming
A Note on Certification
Scuba diving path (tank):
Ideal for guests who want to explore underwater with tank diving and professional instruction.
Options may include:
Intro Dive / Baptism
Open Water Diver
Advanced Open Water
Fun dives (if already certified)
You choose your level at the time of booking. PADI Open Water (beginner) is the entry-level scuba certification and runs over three days. It covers the theory and physics of scuba diving, confined water pool sessions, and open water dives — everything you need to dive safely and independently anywhere in the world. No prior experience is required.
PADI Advanced Open Water is for those who already hold an Open Water certification. This course runs over two days and includes adventure dives in open water — deeper dives, navigation, buoyancy refinement, and specialty skills.
Your training is conducted by certified PADI instructors at Cebu Fun Divers. The centre focuses on buoyancy, marine awareness, and relaxed technique, with small groups that allow for personalised, unhurried instruction.
The Ocean Sanctuaries
The Mermaid — Moalboal, Cebu
Set in shallow water near the Panagsama shoreline, The Mermaid offers a visually striking underwater setting close to the sardine run and surrounding reef life. It brings a sense of beauty, curiosity, and ease to the experience, making it one of Moalboal’s most memorable places to explore beneath the surface.
The Five Guardians — Alegria, Cebu
In nearby Alegria, The Five Guardians create a very different underwater atmosphere. These submerged statues were originally placed to help discourage destructive fishing practices and protect the surrounding reef. Over time, coral and marine life have gradually made them part of the living underwater environment, turning them into a powerful example of how protection and regeneration can take shape beneath the surface.
Where diving meets conservation
Together with the sardine run and turtle reef, these sites show that underwater exploration can be about more than beauty alone. They invite guests to experience places where marine life, conservation, and ocean wonder come together. These sites reflect the kind of ocean experience this retreat is built around: beautiful to witness, meaningful to explore, and deeply connected to the idea that diving and conservation can exist together.
This journey goes beyond the surface. Around Moalboal and nearby Alegria, you will explore underwater sites where marine conservation, culture, and ocean life quietly meet. Some of these submerged sculptures were intentionally placed to help protect the reef from destructive fishing practices. Over time, coral has grown across their surfaces, transforming them into living structures that support marine biodiversity.
Experiencing these environments through freediving allows a slower, more intimate connection with the underwater world — calm, quiet, and deeply present.
Scuba diving
Cebu Fun Divers — Panagsama Beach, Moalboal
A long-established PADI 5-Star dive centre set directly on Panagsama Beach. The sardine run begins just metres from their shore. The centre focuses on buoyancy, marine awareness, and relaxed technique — qualities that make every dive more meaningful. Small groups, personalised, unhurried instruction.
Kalle Epp — PADI Master Instructor
A PADI Master Instructor at Cebu Fun Divers, working across certification levels from first-time open water students to more advanced divers. His teaching is structured and methodical, built around strong technical foundations. Divers who train with him develop a considered, deliberate approach to the water: calm air consumption, refined buoyancy, and the kind of underwater awareness that makes every subsequent dive safer.
“Slow down, breathe calmly, and let the underwater environment guide the experience.”
Underwater memories
Mark Domosmog & Rodelio Tabotao
Underwater memories are captured by Mark Domosmog and Rodelio Tabotao, professional underwater videographers and Molchanovs Wave 2 divers from the Philippines. We chose them because their calm presence allows the experience to be documented beautifully without disturbing the natural rhythm of the water, creating memories that feel elegant, personal, and true to the retreat.
Meet the local experts behind your Moalboal retreat
Your Stay in Moalboal
A quiet base by the reef
You will stay in a carefully selected eco property in Moalboal, set slightly above the coastline and surrounded by tropical vegetation. From here, the ocean is always close — a short drive or walk brings you directly to the shoreline where sea turtles feed and the sardine run unfolds just metres from land.
This is the place you return to after each session — a calm space designed for rest, integration, and slow mornings. The atmosphere is simple and intimate, allowing the experience in the water to remain the centre of the journey.
Space to integrate the experience
Freediving is not only time in the water. It is also the quiet moments in between — breakfast with the group, time to journal, rest in the shade, or simply allow the nervous system to settle after new sensations.
The property has been chosen for its natural setting and peaceful rhythm, supporting a slower pace that allows the learning process to unfold gradually.
Close to what matters
Moalboal offers something rare: meaningful wildlife encounters accessible directly from shore. No long boat rides, no pressure to rush. Just the opportunity to enter the water calmly, observe respectfully, and return when ready.
Staying nearby allows the experience to feel grounded and continuous, rather than scheduled and rushed.
The intention is simple — create the conditions for a deeper, more thoughtful connection with the ocean.
Carry the Ocean Home With You
Some moments in Moalboal deserve to be remembered — from the sardine run and sea turtles to the destination’s striking underwater sanctuary sites.
During selected moments of the retreat, professional underwater footage is captured in Moalboal and nearby Alegria, so you can stay fully present while part of your experience is beautifully documented. Additional video sessions can also be arranged for guests who would like a more dedicated personal shoot.
You return home with curated underwater memories that capture both the beauty of the destination and your connection with the sea.
Questions before booking?
Message us, happy to help you choose freediving vs scuba.
What guests often say
Guests often describe Ocean Calling Retreats as calm, supportive, and deeply memorable. Many mention feeling safe in the water, welcomed as solo travellers, and grateful for the small-group atmosphere. Others speak about the slower pace, the thoughtful guidance, and the way the experience stayed with them long after the retreat ended.
For many guests, this is more than a diving holiday. It is a small-group ocean retreat designed to feel personal, safe, and meaningful — especially for travellers looking for a more intentional way to experience the ocean.
To read recent feedback and follow the journey, you can explore our reviews and social platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Which country is Moalboal in?
Moalboal is located in Cebu province in the Philippines, Southeast Asia.
Tourism information:
https://philippines.travel
What language is spoken?
The local language is Cebuano (Bisaya).
English is widely spoken, particularly in tourism and diving environments.
What currency is used in Moalboal?
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP).
Many smaller establishments operate cash-only, so it is recommended to withdraw cash in Cebu City before travelling to Moalboal.
Central bank information:
https://www.bsp.gov.ph
Travel & Entry
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Most travellers — including those from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland — can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months and you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket.
Official immigration information:
https://immigration.gov.ph
What is the eTravel card?
The eTravel card is a free online form required by the Philippine government.
It must be completed within 72 hours before arrival and generates a QR code used during immigration procedures.
Official government website:
https://etravel.gov.ph
How do I get to Moalboal?
You fly into Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB).
Private transfer from Cebu Airport to Moalboal is organised for you.
The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Airport information:
https://www.mactancebuairport.com
Season & Environment
What is the best time to visit Moalboal?
The best time to visit Moalboal is from December to May.
December to February offers slightly cooler temperatures, while March to May usually brings calm seas and excellent underwater visibility.
The sardine run in Moalboal can be experienced year-round.
What is the weather like in Moalboal?
Moalboal has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
Air temperature: 27–32°C
Water temperature: 27–29°C
Conditions are generally suitable for freediving, snorkelling, and scuba diving throughout the year.
Ocean Experience
Do I need experience to join?
No previous freediving or scuba diving experience is required.
This retreat includes an Introduction to Freediving designed for beginners.
The focus is on water confidence, breathing awareness, and feeling comfortable in the ocean environment.
What if I feel nervous in the water?
Feeling nervous in the water is very common.
The introduction sessions focus on relaxation techniques, breathing awareness, and building confidence step by step.
You are never required to push beyond your comfort level.
Is this an official freediving certification?
No. The programme includes an Introduction to Freediving.
This means you learn fundamental skills and techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment without the pressure of formal certification requirements.
If you would like to obtain an official freediving certification, this can be arranged as an optional add-on.
Certification fees are not included in the retreat price.
Can I choose scuba diving instead?
Yes. A scuba diving experience or certification can be arranged as an optional add-on depending on your interest.
Is equipment included?
Yes. Basic freediving equipment is included during the introduction sessions.
Included equipment:
mask
snorkel
standard fins
wetsuit
weights
Performance fins such as carbon fins or monofins are not included.
Equipment rental is included only within the course framework.
Outside scheduled sessions, equipment rental is not included but can be arranged locally if desired.
Scuba equipment is included only if selecting the scuba add-on.
What marine life might we see?
Moalboal is known for its rich marine biodiversity.
Marine life may include:
sardine run
sea turtles
tropical reef fish
coral ecosystems
Wildlife encounters happen naturally and respectfully.
Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What is the sardine run?
The sardine run is a natural phenomenon where large schools of sardines move in synchronised formations close to the reef.
Moalboal is one of the few places in the world where this can be observed very close to shore.
What are the underwater statue sites?
The underwater statues in Moalboal and nearby Alegria were placed to help discourage destructive fishing practices.
Over time, coral and marine life have grown around the structures, transforming them into part of the reef ecosystem and supporting biodiversity.
Do we visit the whale sharks in Oslob?
No. We do not include visits to the whale shark feeding site in Oslob.
In Oslob, whale sharks are regularly fed to guarantee sightings.
This practice alters natural behaviour and may negatively affect the ecosystem.
Our retreats prioritise ethical wildlife encounters where marine life is observed naturally without feeding or manipulation.
Accommodation & Group
Where do we stay?
Accommodation is in a carefully selected eco-style property in Moalboal, located close to the ocean and key dive sites.
Guests can choose between a private bedroom or a shared bedroom, depending on preference and availability.
The accommodation is calm, simple, and close to nature.
Is this a resort?
No. The accommodation is a small eco-style property rather than a large commercial resort.
Can I stay in my own hotel or villa instead?
Yes. If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, the retreat can be adapted to include guiding, equipment, and activities only.
Is this retreat suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Most guests join solo.
The small group environment creates a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
How many guests will join?
Groups are limited to 4 guests to maintain a calm environment and minimise environmental impact.
Meals & Daily Life
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included daily.
Lunch is included on boat excursion days and typically consists of freshly prepared local food.
Dinners are not included, allowing flexibility to explore local restaurants according to personal preference.
Recommendations can be provided, and guests are free to join informal group dinners if they wish.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation and is suitable for messages, calls, and light work.
Connection speeds may vary depending on location.
Booking & Practical Information
Will I receive underwater videos?
Yes. A professional videographer captures selected moments during the retreat so you can keep meaningful memories of your experience.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for trips involving water activities such as freediving or scuba diving.
Coverage should ideally include:
medical treatment
emergency evacuation
travel interruption
You may have the option to purchase travel insurance during checkout when completing your booking.
Common providers:
https://dan.org
https://www.worldnomads.com
Can I use my phone in Moalboal?
Mobile coverage is generally available.
International roaming may work depending on your provider.
Local SIM cards or eSIM options are commonly used for mobile data.
Mobile providers:
https://www.globe.com.ph
https://smart.com.ph
Do I need vaccinations for the Philippines?
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for most travellers entering the Philippines.
Commonly recommended travel vaccinations may include:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetanus
Typhoid
Recommendations vary depending on personal health and travel history.
Travellers should consult their doctor before departure.
Health guidance:
https://www.who.int
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/philippines
Preparation
What should I pack?
Dry bag
reef-safe sunscreen
swimwear
light clothing
reusable water bottle
Reef-safe sunscreen guidance:
Policies
What is the cancellation policy?
Please refer to the cancellation policy here:
https://oceancallingretreats.com/cancellation-policy
If your booking is made through an external platform, the applicable cancellation terms will be those provided by that platform at the time of booking.
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Ocean Calling Retreats
Ethical ocean retreats for solo travellers. Small-group experiences built on depth, safety, and meaningful connection.
Certifications
All ocean experiences follow strict ethical guidelines.
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