Sardine Run Experience in Mactan Cebu | Snorkeling or Freediving

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the sardines in Mactan available all year round?

• Yes. Sardines may be seen in Mactan throughout the year, but their number and formation can vary. At times, they gather in dense schools; at other times, they may be thinner, more scattered, or spread across a wider area.

When is the best time to see the Mactan sardine run?

• Exact peak months cannot yet be identified because the sardine population in Mactan is relatively new and has only been observed in the area for approximately two years.
• During the first year, only a small number of sardines were present. Their population has since grown into the thousands and continues to increase. Their movements and seasonal patterns are still being monitored.
• Based on local observations, the sardines tend to form larger schools when the water is calm and when there are fewer scuba divers and crowds.

Is the Mactan sardine run as dense as the one in Moalboal?

• The Mactan sardine run is newer than the well-established sardine run in Moalboal. Because the sardines have only recently settled in Mactan, they may still be more sensitive to divers, noise, bubbles, and crowds.
• As the sardines become more accustomed to divers and visitors, the schools may become denser and easier to encounter over time. However, this cannot be guaranteed.

Can the density of the sardines be guaranteed?

• No. The sardines are wild marine animals, and their number, density, location, and behavior may change depending on natural conditions, water movement, crowds, and underwater activity.
• Although sardines may be present throughout the year, the experience may range from a dense formation to a thinner or more scattered school.

What is freediving?

• Freediving is diving underwater while holding a single breath of air in the lungs. It does not use an air tank, making it a quieter and more natural way to explore underwater.
• Scuba diving, on the other hand, allows participants to breathe underwater through a regulator connected to a tank of compressed air. It allows participants to stay underwater longer but produces bubbles and some noise.

Do I need a license or certification to try freediving?

• No. First-time participants do not need a freediving license or certification.
• Beginners may choose the Entry-Level Freediving Session, which provides a quick introduction to basic breathing, equalization, duck-diving, and safety techniques without lengthy classroom lectures.

Do I need a scuba-diving license or certification?

• No certification is required for first-time participants joining the introductory scuba-diving experience.
• Beginners will participate in a Discover Scuba Diving session using scuba equipment and an air tank under the direct supervision of a qualified dive professional.
• Certified divers should provide their certification level and previous diving experience when making an inquiry or booking.

Do participants need to sign a waiver?

• Yes. All participants must sign a waiver of participation before joining the activity. The waiver confirms that participants understand the nature of the activity, its inherent risks, and the safety instructions and requirements that must be followed.