October 16, 2026

Ferries from Cebu: how to reach the islands

A row of Cokaliong ferries moored at the Port of Cebu, with the city hills behind

Cebu is the busiest ferry hub in the Philippines. Fast crafts and big overnight ships leave Cebu City every day for Bohol, Leyte, Negros, Siquijor and Mindanao, while smaller ports up and down the island serve Bantayan, Camotes and Malapascua. This guide tells you which port to use and what to expect.

Times below are rough. Schedules and fares change often, so always check with the operator before you travel.

Cebu City piers or a provincial port?

Cebu City piers, on the waterfront near the North Reclamation Area, handle fast crafts and overnight ships to other islands. Your ticket shows the pier number. Allow plenty of time for traffic.
Provincial ports such as Danao, Hagnaya, Maya and Liloan in Santander are reached by bus or van first. Most buses leave from the North and South bus terminals.

Popular routes

Bohol

Fast crafts run many times a day from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, taking about two hours, plus slower ferries to Tubigon. Our Cebu to Bohol ferry guide has the details.

Bantayan Island (from Hagnaya)

Take a bus from the North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya port in San Remigio, about 3-4 hours. Roll-on, roll-off ferries cross to Santa Fe in about 1-1.5 hours, with several trips a day from early morning to late afternoon. Expect a small terminal fee. See our Bantayan guide.

Malapascua (from Maya)

Take a bus to Maya in Daanbantayan, about 4-5 hours, then a pump boat to the island in under an hour. Boats run most often in the morning, and at low tide you may wade to the boat. Read our Malapascua guide.

Camotes Islands (from Danao or Liloan)

The classic route is from Danao port, about an hour or more north of Cebu City, to Consuelo on Pacijan Island, roughly two hours by ferry. There are also ferries from Pier 88 in Liloan, just north of the city, to Poro, taking around two and a half hours. See our Camotes guide and our guides to Danao and Liloan.

Dumaguete and Siquijor

By fast craft: OceanJet sells Cebu to Dumaguete and Cebu to Siquijor trips that stop in Tagbilaran on the way. Siquijor takes roughly 4-5 hours, Dumaguete around 5-6 hours.
Overnight: Cokaliong Shipping runs larger ships from Cebu City to Dumaguete and Mindanao.
Via the south: take a bus from the South Bus Terminal to Liloan port in Santander, about 3-4 hours, then a short roll-on, roll-off ferry of about 30 minutes to Sibulan, next to Dumaguete. From Dumaguete port, ferries cross to Siquijor. This works well with a stop in Oslob. See our Santander guide.

Leyte

OceanJet fast crafts reach Ormoc in roughly 2.5-3 hours, several times a day, and slower overnight ships also sail to Leyte ports. Cokaliong has served Maasin in Southern Leyte, handy for Limasawa Island.

Manila

2GO sails between Cebu and Manila a few times a week. The trip takes about a day, often 22 hours or more, in cabins or bunk beds. It is slow but relaxing, and you can bring more luggage than on a plane. Most travellers fly instead.

Small islands

Many smaller islands are reached by pump boat from the nearest town: Olango from Mactan, Pescador from Moalboal, Sumilon from Oslob, Gibitngil from Medellin and Capitancillo from Bogo. For boat tours, see island hopping in Cebu.

Booking tickets

OceanJet and 2GO sell tickets on their own websites. Other operators sell at their port ticket offices, and some through booking sites.
Book ahead for Holy Week, Christmas, New Year and long weekends, when ferries fill up fast.
For short provincial crossings like Hagnaya or Danao, you can usually buy on the day. Arrive early for the first boats.
Check the cancellation and rebooking rules before you pay.

At the port

Bring a valid ID. Foreign travellers should carry their passport. Your name goes on the passenger list.
Expect a separate terminal fee, usually small and paid at a window, plus porter fees if someone carries your bags.
Arrive at least an hour early at Cebu City piers. Boarding often closes before departure.
Big bags may cost extra. Keep valuables, medicine and a charger with you.
Student, senior and PWD discounts usually need the right ID, and some apply only to Filipino nationals.

Which class to choose

Open air or economy is the cheapest, with fans and sea breeze. Fine for short crossings.
Tourist class on fast crafts has air-con and reclining seats, a good choice for trips of two hours or more.
Business class costs more but is quieter, with more legroom.
On overnight ships, you can choose between open bunk beds and private cabins. Cabins sell out first on holidays.

Weather and cancellations

The Philippine Coast Guard stops sea trips when the weather is dangerous, especially when tropical cyclone wind signals are raised. Small boats are stopped first. Keep a spare day in your plan between June and December, and read travelling in typhoon season.

Safety and comfort

Note where the life jackets are, and never board an overloaded boat.
Take seasickness tablets before you board if you need them.
Air-con cabins can be cold. Bring a light jacket.
Bring water and snacks for long trips.

Planning a bigger trip? See our tips on getting around Cebu and the 5-day Cebu itinerary.

Photo: "Port of Cebu 2" by P199, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.