Napaling Sardine Run Review – The Wonderful Family Activity In Bohol
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Napaling Sardine Run is one of the signature experiences in Bohol that you should not miss. During my last visit, I booked my tour via Klook for my whole family. Despite some of them being non-swimmers, we had a magnificent, memorable experience swimming with the sardines.
The whole tour from departure to return only takes around 3 hours. We were able to take that in the morning before our ferry back to Cebu. It is one of the few tours in Bohol that is flexible enough to accommodate most of the itinerary planning.
The price is also affordable at~ 32 USD for a swimmer and ~ 38 USD for a non-swimmer, including gear and free GoPro service. We had almost an hour in the water with more than enough chances to take photos with the sardine storms.
I had a chance to swim inside the storm, and the guide was very helpful in taking photos for our family from the bottom. Thus, I am writing this review for you to have the same wonderful experience with your family.
🤿 ✅ Book Your Sardine Run Experience Here!
A Great Unique Experience For Family
Napaling Sardine Run snorkeling/diving site is only ~ 20 minutes from the Panglao island prime area. The whole experience is short, safe, and fulfilling. It is suitable for couples, friends, and even family with kids and the elderly alike.
What Is The Napaling Sardine Run?
The Napaling diving site is located on the northern coast of Panglao Island. It is one of the most famous spots in the Philippines where you can enjoy nature’s choreography, as vast schools of sardines move as a single entity, creating a shimmering underwater ballet.
This phenomenon draws parallels to the renowned sardine run in South Africa, as highlighted by National Geographic, but offers a more accessible and intimate experience. Unlike deep-sea expeditions, the Napaling Sardine Run welcomes everyone—from seasoned divers to first-time snorkelers—thanks to its shallow waters and proximity to shore.
Not sure how close you can be with the sardines? Check out my video below.
How Long Does The Experience Take?
The whole experience takes around 3 hours. The diving site is reachable with a 15-minute ride from the McDonald’s at Panglao. For most of the tours, it will offer pickup directly from your accommodation in Panglao, Bohol. Similar to Cebu Ocean Park, it only takes a session of morning or afternoon for this activity.
Upon arrival at the diving site, your guide will assist you with the registration. After that, you will be guided to the changing room where free lockers are available. After putting on your snorkel and life vest (both are included in the fee already), you can follow the snorkel or diving guide to the activity site.
If you are not a good swimmer, a floating tube is available for rental at 300 PHP. I rented one for both of my parents, who are already over 60s for safety’s sake.
Once in the water, the local guide will take you to the area with plenty of sardines. It is not far and is just a ~3-minute swim from the starting point.
🤿 ✅ Book Your Sardine Run Experience Here!
A Morning Is Sufficient
The whole sardine run snorkeling experience, including the transit from and back to the Panglao prime area, is only around 3 hours. You can do it in the morning and still have the rest of the afternoon and evening for other activities in Bohol.
Booking In Advance Versus Walk-in
You can book your experience in advance or walk in. The cheapest way is to go there by yourself if you have the snorkeling gear. The environmental user fee and guide fee were in total of 200 PHP per person during my last visit. You can wave a tuk tuk for around 200 – 300 PHP easily near the Panglao area. On return, it is not hard to find the tuk-tuk near the snorkeling site. In total, it shall be at least 500 (~8 USD) or more PHP cheaper than booking in advance.
However, if you do not have your own gear and would like to pinpoint a timeslot, it is better to book in advance. I chose this way for my experience with my family during my last visit. It was the right choice because we had a ferry ride back to Cebu in the afternoon.
For booking, you can either do it via a local vendor in Panglao directly or an online travel agency like Klook. Booking directly with a local vendor is usually cheaper. For example, during my last visit, the price was ~ 1,500 PHP (~26 USD). Booking via a reputable online travel agency is usually more expensive at ~ 31 USD, but they provide free cancellation, more accountability, and most importantly, GoPro photo and video service. That’s why I picked the Klook package last time and was amazed by the video the guide took for my family.
Napaling Sardine Run Is Worth It
There are many amazing activities in Bohol, like island hopping, countryside tour, scuba diving, and Bohol – Oslob whale shark encounter. However, most of them would take you at least half a day and hours of travel time.
The Napaling Sardine Run instead is a short, quick, and sharp experience that you can have there with around 3 hours only including travel time. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can swim into the sardine storm and be safe enough to accommodate family, even with the elderly. Before our FAQ, let’s check out one more video on who likes to swim with the sardines!
🤿 ✅ Book Your Sardine Run Experience Here!
Napaling Sardine Run Is Worth It
It was the first time for me and my family, including my dad & mum, over 60+, to swim with the sardine storms. The whole experience is smooth, safe, and not expensive. The photos and videos taken by the GoPro are memorable for life. It is totally worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Napaling Sardine Run
What is the best time of year to experience the Napaling Sardine Run?
It is year-round. Yet, the dry season, from December to May, is ideal, offering calm waters and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving.
Do I need to be a certified diver to join the tour?
No, the tour is open to all levels. Snorkeling gear and life vests are provided, making it beginner-friendly.
Do I need to be a swimmer?
No, my mum is 60+, a non-swimmer, and she did join and survive, too.
What should I bring on the tour?
Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, a towel, and a waterproof camera (if you are not doing a package with GoPro) to capture the experience.
Are there age restrictions for the Napaling Sardine Run experience?
No, there is no age limit.
How long does the tour take?
The full journey lasts about 3 to 4 hours, including transfers, briefings, and time in the water.
Can I book the tour on the same day?
Walk-ins are possible but not guaranteed, especially during peak seasons. Booking ahead is recommended.
What other marine life might I see?
Besides sardines, expect colorful corals, tropical fish, and possibly sea turtles or predatory fish like barracudas.
How does it compare to other sardine runs in the Philippines?
Compared to Moalboal, Napaling is less crowded and closer to shore, offering a more intimate experience. Most importantly, the transit time is a lot less.
Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes, operators follow sustainable practices to protect the marine ecosystem, aligning with global conservation efforts.
What’s the water temperature like?
Waters around Napaling range from 26–30°C (79–86°F), making it comfortable year-round.
Can I combine it with other Bohol activities?
Yes or No. The center usually opens at 8 am and closes at 4 pm (last entry ~ 3:30 pm). So if you are doing an island-hopping tour in the morning and back at 2 pm, it is possible. However, if you are doing whale shark at Oslob or Country countryside tour, then no.
