Cebu’s Finest Diving Spot: Pescador Island of Moalboal

Located in the Tañon strait, Pescador Island is a must-see destination. It is just a few kilometers from the western coast of Cebu island in the Philippines and administered by the municipality of Moalboal, Cebu. The abundance of fish living on the surrounding coral reef attracts divers making it a hot recreational diving spot in Cebu.Different types of fish can be found around Pescador Island, and the unusual scene that can be found underwater is the large school of sardines that contributes to the island’s popularity among recreational diver. People who already explored the island consider it as a paradise for it also boasts untouched coral reefs.

The island is considered as a marine park so dive operators are required to pay a fee for each diver they bring. The proceeds are managed by the Municipality of Moalboal and Moalboal Dive Center Association towards the finance of a number of conservation programs in the municipality.

There are three diving spots in the island: The first one is the Gorgonian Colors, it is where divers can discover hard corals with schools of small fishes. There is a great abundance of gorgonian coral between ten (10) to twenty five (5) meters. This is a great area to see lionfishes.Next is the Cathedral, it is a large hole that looks like a grotto that begins at fifteen (15) meters which ends at thirty-four (34) meters. Inside it is a small cave that starts at eighteen (18) meters and goes up to seven (7) meters. It is a great spot to see many squirrel fishes.

The last spot is the Snapper Point, divers can find many overhangs and ledges here which is between fifteen (15) to thirty (30) meters. This is the best spot where divers can see large schools of Black, White & Red Snappers.Divers can eventually see many fishes all around Pescador such as lion fish, clown fish, scorpion fish, trumpet fish, tuna and groupers. One may also spot a school of Bigeye Trevally and a few Great Barracudas. If lucky enough, divers may also spot hammerhead sharks in deeper water.

Pescador Island is indeed a great haven for divers and it’s even considered as one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. Diving here is definitely worth it.

How to get there:

From Manila, you can take a direct flight going to Cebu City. Upon reaching the airport, hire a cab and tell the driver to take you to South Bus Terminal.  Ride a bus bound for Moalboal. The travel time is approximately 2.5 hours. From the town proper, you can hire a motor cab going to Panagsama Beach. From there, Pescador Island is just a ten minute boat ride.