The famous Sardine Run at our house reef is in the bucket list of many underwater enthusiasts. The sheer number of sardines swimming along these waters is astounding which makes it a must-see nature show.
Neptunes House Reef - Sardine Run
This dive site forms the Northern part of the Sardine Storm, the large amounts of plankton which feed the Sardine Storm are still in abundance on this section of the reef in Moalboal. As corals like clear water free from debris, there aren’t as many hard or soft corals at this dive site. As a result this dive site is suited for both beginner divers and advanced divers, the site does offer rarer creatures such as Flying Grunard, Blue Ring Octopus and Ornate Ghost.
The sardines stick together as a huge group as a form of protection against predators.
It is possible to swim in and out of the bait ball. When you do, the sardines will break up its position but later gather again and unite.
The sardines usually gather around Panagsama Beach(Neptune House Reef) and hang around just 30 meters off the coast. The opportunity to see a giant ball of fish made up of hundreds of thousands of sardines just below the surface of the water is an unforgettable experience. It has been claimed to be the second-largest sardine run in the world, with South Africa holding the first place.
Neptune House Reef featured in the media
Neptune House Reef - Sardine Run Information
- District: Basdiot, Moalboal
- Distance: 0km
- Travel Time: 0min by banca boat,beach entry
- GPS Coordinates: N.09° 57.013′ E.123° 21.903′
- Composition: Slope / wall.
- Snorkeling: Good
- Experience: Open Water Diver
- Visibility: 10-20m
- Current: 0-2 knots
- Interesting depth: 5-15m
- Marine life: Rich variety of hard and soft corals and of marine creatures. School of sardines being hunted, turtles, nudibranches, batfish and whaleshark.
*photo & video credits goes here and references