Looking for a more affordable and adventurous way to get from Cebu to Siargao? If plane tickets are too expensive, especially for last-minute bookings, taking the ferry might just be the perfect alternative. In this travel guide, I’ll walk you through my personal experience of taking the ferry from Cebu to Siargao via Surigao. It’s a longer journey than flying, but it’s budget-friendly and offers a unique way to see more of the Philippines.
Why Take the Ferry from Cebu to Siargao?
The ferry route from Cebu to Siargao has become increasingly popular, not just among locals but also among tourists who want to explore the islands without breaking the bank. One of the best things about this route is the fixed ticket prices, even for same-day purchases. That means you won’t have to deal with sudden airfare hikes when planning a spontaneous trip.
For this trip, I booked my ferry ticket online and it was a smart move as the tourist class was fully booked when I arrived at the port, so I was glad I secured my seat early.
Ferry Route Breakdown: Two Separate Legs
To reach Siargao from Cebu by sea, you’ll need to take two ferries:
Cebu to Surigao Ferry
When traveling from Cebu to Surigao by ferry, you have two main options, each with its own pros and cons.
If you’re short on time, you can take the OceanJet fastcraft in the morning and arrive in Surigao City around noon. This option is faster, making it ideal for travelers who want to reach Siargao on the same day. However, it comes with a higher ticket price compared to other ferry choices.
For a more affordable option, consider taking an overnight ferry. You’ll leave Cebu in the evening and arrive in Surigao the next morning. Travel time is longer, but it’s easier on the budget and surprisingly comfortable.
I personally took this route and found it to be a great experience. If you go this route, I highly recommend booking a tourist class ticket in advance. It offers more comfort than the economy class, and seats often sell out quickly.
Surigao to Siargao Ferry
For the Surigao to Dapa, Siargao ferry, you have two options. Taking the RORO or the fastcraft. The former has a longer travel time of around 3 hours and the latter of around 1.5-2 hours. This route is served by multiple ferry operators, Montenegro Shipping Lines, Evaristo and Sons, JP Shipping Lines, and a couple more. See the full schedule here.
Let me take you through each leg of the journey.
Leg 1: Cebu to Surigao with Starlite Ferries
I chose Starlite Archer for the overnight ride from Cebu to Surigao. Tourist class was my accommodation of choice, comfortable and budget-friendly. Other options include economy class and reclining seats, depending on your budget and preference.
What You Should Know:
- Original Departure Time: 9:00 PM
- Actual Departure: After midnight (delayed due to operational issues)
- Travel Time: Around 12 hours (normally 9–10 hours, but bad sea conditions delayed docking)
Despite the delay, the ferry ride was relatively smooth, and I was able to rest well throughout the night.
Leg 2: Surigao to Siargao with JP Shipping Lines
My plan was to catch the 10:00 AM fast ferry by Evaristo & Sons, but the delay from the first leg caused me to miss it. Thankfully, I was able to hop on the 11:30 AM fastcraft by JP Shipping Lines instead.
This ferry was also delayed, and I arrived at Dapa Port in Siargao around 2:00 PM. Since I was only in Siargao for a short time, I decided to stay in Dapa and booked a night at ZM Residence, a clean, budget-friendly spot perfect for quick stays.
Total Expenses for the Ferry Trip
Here’s a quick breakdown of what I spent on the ferry journey from Cebu to Siargao:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Starlite Ferries (Cebu to Surigao – Tourist Class) | ₱1,700 |
| Cebu Port Terminal Fee | ₱25 |
| Surigao Port Terminal Fee | ₱30 |
| JP Shipping (Surigao to Dapa – Economy Class) | ₱400 |
| Total | ₱2,155 |
Final Tips for Taking the Ferry from Cebu to Siargao
- Book tickets online, especially for tourist class, seats can fill up quickly.
- Prepare for delays. Sea travel in the Philippines can be unpredictable, especially during bad weather.
- Travel light and bring snacks, water, and a power bank. There is a canteen onboard, but prices are quite high. Additionally, there are paid charging stations available at Php5 per 5 minutes.
- If you need to work, WIFI is available, but you need to purchase at least P300 worth of food and groceries at the canteen to get a voucher good for 10 hours.
- If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before boarding.
Taking the ferry from Cebu to Siargao may take longer than a direct flight, but it’s a practical and budget-conscious option, especially for spontaneous trips. Plus, it’s a unique way to experience travel between islands in the Philippines.