Cebu to Bohol by ferry: ports, travel time and booking tips

Bohol, with its Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and the beaches of Panglao, is the most popular side trip from Cebu. The easiest way there is by sea. Ferries cross the Bohol Strait many times a day, and the trip is short, comfortable and good value. Here is how it works.

The main routes

• Cebu City to Tagbilaran: the most popular route for travellers. Fast ferries leave from Pier 1 in Cebu City and arrive in Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol, about 1.5-2 hours later. From Tagbilaran it is a short drive to Panglao.
• Cebu City to Tubigon: Tubigon is on the north-west coast of Bohol. Boats leave from the Cebu City piers, and the route is handy if you are heading to the north or centre of Bohol.
• Argao to Loon: a slower car ferry from Argao in South Cebu to Loon in Bohol. Useful if you are already in the south, for example after Oslob or Osmeña Peak.

Fast ferries or slower boats?

Fast ferries (often called fastcraft) are the quickest choice and the one most visitors take. Seats are assigned and air-conditioned, and there are usually different classes. OceanJet is one of the best-known operators on the Pier 1 to Tagbilaran route.

Slower ferries and RoRo boats (roll-on, roll-off ships that also carry vehicles) take longer but are often cheaper, and some have open decks where you can enjoy the sea breeze. Lite Ferries is one company that runs this kind of service, including the Argao-Loon route. Operators and timetables change, so always check the current schedule before you plan your day.

How to get to the port in Cebu City

Pier 1 and the other passenger piers are near downtown Cebu City, close to Fort San Pedro. A Grab or taxi from IT Park or Ayala usually takes about 15-30 minutes, but allow more in rush hour. From Mactan and the airport, allow more time again because of traffic on the bridges. Make sure the driver knows which pier you need, as the piers are a short walk apart.

Booking your ticket

• Book online on the operator's website or app, or with a trusted booking site. It saves queueing at the port.
• Book ahead in busy periods, especially Holy Week, Christmas, New Year, long weekends and the summer holidays from March to May. Morning boats sell out first.
• Bring ID. You will need your passport, and the name on your ticket should match it.
• Check the fare type. Changes and refunds are often limited on cheaper tickets.

On the day

1. Arrive at the port at least 45-60 minutes before departure. Fast ferries close check-in before they sail.
2. Check in your big bags if asked. There is often a small fee for luggage over the free allowance.
3. Pay the terminal fee if it is not already included in your ticket.
4. Go through the security check and wait in the departure area until boarding is called.

Bring a light jacket, as fast ferries can be cold inside, and keep some water and a snack in your day bag.

Weather and seasickness

The crossing is usually smooth, but the sea can be choppy, especially from about June to November. When a storm signal is raised, the Coast Guard stops sea travel and ferries are cancelled, sometimes for a day or more. Keep a buffer day before an international flight if you travel in the rainy season. Our guide to typhoon season travel explains how this works.

• If you get seasick, take medicine before you board and choose a seat near the middle and the back of the boat.
• Look at the horizon and avoid reading on your phone.

Day trip or overnight?

A day trip to Bohol from Cebu City is possible, but it is a long day: two crossings plus a countryside tour. If you can, stay at least one or two nights in Bohol. Panglao is the main beach area, and Tagbilaran has plenty of places to stay close to the port.

Quick tips

• Take the earliest boat that suits you. Mornings are calmer and give you more time on the other side.
• Keep your passport, phone and cash in your day bag, not in checked luggage.
• Avoid touts at the port. Buy tickets online or at the official counters.
• Prices and schedules change, so always check with the operator before you go.

Planning the rest of your trip? See our 5-day Cebu itinerary and our guide to getting around Cebu.

Photo: "A ferry reaching at the Port of Tagbilaran, Philippines" by Subhashish Panigrahi, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.