What to expect when visiting Siargao
Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines — an island beloved for its chill vibe and laidback lifestyle. Its most popular tourist draw is Cloud 9, one of the top surfing sites in the world.
But this tear-drop-shaped island has a lot more to offer, to non-surfers too. With pristine beaches, an ethereal lagoon, a palm-tree-lined river, and a rapidly growing food and coffee scene, you cannot go wrong with a visit to Siargao.
2 ways to get from Cebu to Siargao
There are 2 ways to travel the distance of 242 kilometers (150 miles) from Cebu to Siargao by flight (1 hour) and ferry (7 hours to 12 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour to 12 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,400 PHP (€22) for the flight.Where to stay in Siargao?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Siargao at the bottom of this page.
Cebu to Siargao by Flight
If you want to travel from Cebu to Siargao on the same day, you need to take a flight.
CebGo and Philippine Airlines offer direct trips from Cebu to Siargao daily. A one-way ticket starts from 1,400 PHP (€22). The flight takes a little over an hour.
Keep in mind that rates can easily double or triple during peak surfing season from July to November. It’s best to book a ticket in advance.
From Siargao Airport, the town centre in General Luna takes another 45 minutes. We suggest taking a van from the airport to General Luna for a faster and more comfortable trip. Fares start from 300 PHP (€4.80).
Visit our page on Siargao Airport for more details.
Pro tip: Cebu Pacific’s CebGo offers many ‘piso fare’ promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these if you want to book cheaper flights!
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Cebu to Siargao by Ferry
When travelling by sea from Cebu to Siargao, you need to take two ferries with a stopover in Surigao. Be prepared for a 10-hour journey, excluding the transfers and waiting time between the ferries.
Taking the ferry with Starlite felt like an adventure that I really enjoyed. I booked a tourist-class bed with air conditioning and was given clean bedding when I boarded to make my bed. The journey was great and surprisingly I got a good night’s sleep. I highly recommend taking the ferry!
Step 1: Cebu to Surigao by Ferry
Three main ferry companies offer multiple trips from Cebu to Surigao every week: OceanJet, Starlite Ferries and Cokaliong.
The ferry ride takes 8-9 hours, depending on the ferry you book.
Cokaliong Lines
Cokaliong Lines is the only company operating daily ferry trips from Cebu to Surigao. The vessel departs from Cebu Pier 1 at 19:00 daily and arrives at Surigao City Port at 03:00.
The trip from Cebu to Surigao takes 8 hours. An economy ticket costs 1,100 PHP (€17.50).
You can buy your tickets at the ticket office outside Pier 1 or through accredited travel agencies listed on the Cokaliong Lines website.
Starlite Ferries
Starlite Ferries also offers trips between Cebu and Surigao. They have a daily departure every day except Saturdays.
The ferry leaves Cebu Pier 3 at 21:00 and arrives at Surigao Port at 06:00. The trip takes 9 hours.
Different classes are available on the ferry, with most travellers opting for the economy or tourist class.
An economy bed on an open-air deck costs 1,270 PHP (€20). The tourist bed is a more comfortable option with air conditioning, toilets for only tourist class and curtains on the bottom bunks. Tourist beds cost 1,750 PHP (€28).
Tickets are available on BookAway. If you want to book directly, you can call them on the numbers listed on the Starlite Ferries website.
Medallion Transport
Another ferry operator for Cebu routes is Medallion Transport, but they haven’t resumed their trips yet for the Cebu to Surigao route. Pre-pandemic, it used to operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The ferry used to depart Cebu Pier 4 at 20:00 and would arrive at Surigao at 4:00. Ticket costs were around 830 PHP (€13.20).
If you prefer to book online, you can do so via BookAway through the link below. Rates are at least 290 PHP (€4.60) more expensive, but at least you won’t have to worry about your connecting ferry ticket when you arrive in Surigao.
Step 2: Surigao to Siargao by Ferry
The ferries from Cebu arrive very early at the Surigao City Port. You can catch the earliest trip from Surigao to Siargao at 06:00 or choose to wait for a few hours for the next trip.
If you have some time to kill before your next ferry, grab a coffee or a bite to eat in Cafe Ethereal.
JP Shipping Lines Inc. and Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport Corp are the two main ferry companies with regular trips between Surigao and Siargao.
JP Shipping Lines Inc.
JP Shipping Lines Inc. has two ships covering the route daily: Fortune Angel 1 and 2. The last time we checked (May 2022), both ships had the same schedule.
The ferry trip takes 2.5 hours from Surigao to Siargao. Tickets cost 280 PHP (€4.50).
If you want to book with JP Shipping Lines in advance, you’ll need to call the numbers listed on their Facebook page.
Evaristo & Sons Sea
Evaristo & Sons Sea offers fast craft ferries and RoRo (roll-on roll-off) for passengers and cargo. The last time we checked (May 2022), they briefly stopped operations for RoRo Passenger so you can travel only with fast craft ferries.
Fast crafts take 1.5 hours from Surigao to Siargao. Tickets start from 350 PHP (€5.60).
You can book your ticket with Evaristo & Sons Sea at the port, or grab your ticket in advance via Bookaway.
Arriving at Dapa Ferry Terminal
The ferry docks at Dapa Ferry Terminal in Siargao.
From the ferry terminal, you can take a 40-minute tricycle to General Luna.
A “special” ride costs 300 PHP (€4.80). The tricycle can fit up to 3 people with luggage. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend asking around if other passengers want to share the ride with you.
Best places to stay in Siargao
Whether you’re a budget traveller looking for a simple guesthouse or a luxury seeker in search of a relaxing resort, Siargao has something to offer for everyone.
We’ve made sure that our favourite accommodations cater for everyone — places in the heart of things in General Luna, but also remote resorts for anyone looking to escape the world and relax.
Here’s a bit about the different areas in Siargao, so that you can pick the one that suits you the most:
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- General Luna is the most popular area for tourists and is known for its famous surf spots (like Cloud Nine), restaurants and nightlife. This is where most of our favourite stays are.
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- Pacifico is a more laid-back area located on the northeastern coast of the island. It’s less crowded than General Luna and is known for its quieter beaches and beautiful scenery.
Soultribe Beach Retreat - Treating Yourself
Area: General Luna — Next to Alegria beach (North Siargao)
As soon as you see this place, you won’t be able to stop yourself from saying ‘wow’. This is the ultimate island paradise spot, with beach cabanas that open up to the private beach and a pool only metres from the ocean.
You can literally hear the sound of waves from your bed, you’re that close! You can even get room service to your room, so you can wake up to breakfast in bed. The staff here do everything they can to make your stay phenomenal.
Also do note that Soul Tribe is located just outside of General Luna. It’s a 1-hour walk or an 8-minute drive to reach the town.
- Private beach
- Pool overlooking the sea
- Delicious on-site restaurant
- Amazing staff
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Alpas Siargao - Treating Yourself
Area: General Luna — centre
You could take a picture of any corner of Alpas Siargao and it would look straight out of a travel magazine. Every detail has been considered, creating a rustic design that brings together nature and comfort.
Offering a mixture of luxurious private rooms and dorms, Alpas boasts a friendly and sociable ambience. It’s so good that you won’t want to leave.
- Stunning design
- Great location
- Helpful staff
- Dorm and private rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Camanolo Homestay - Mid Range
Area: General Luna — walking distance to centre
The wooden beach bungalows at Camanolo are what most of us spend our days dreaming about — having a coffee on your own private terrace, surrounded by luscious jungle vegetation.
The location is great, only minutes from bars, restaurants and the beach. The helpful and friendly owners will also make sure that you don’t miss out on the best recommendations for Siargao.
- Stunning wooden bungalows
- Relaxing garden area
- Great location
- Friendly and welcoming hosts
Double rooms cost between $30-$50 per night
DaRosa Del Mar - Mid Range
Area: Alegria, Santa Monica — approx. 10-minute drive to Santa Monica town centre
You’ll wish that you booked at least a week extra at DaRosa Del Mar. If you’re looking for the ultimate retreat, away from the rest of the world and right on the beach, then this is the place for you to stay.
Situated in a more secluded part of Siargao, the spacious bungalows overlooking the sea provide the perfect place to relax. Lay back in a hammock, pop yourself on a sunbed or lay your towel on the sand — there are relaxation spots everywhere.
- Right on the beach
- Accommodating and friendly hosts
- Secluded location
- On-site bar
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Casa de Loren - Budget Friendly
Area: General Luna — walking distance to centre
Casa de Loren is great value for money, offering private cottages with a bohemian vibe. Whilst the rooms might look simple, they contain everything you need to feel comfortable and at home.
An added bonus, every room has a water filter so you’re saving money and the environment. It’s these little things that the owners have thought about to make sure you have the best stay possible.
- Bohemian style cottages
- Garden chill out area
- Great owners
- Situated in General Luna
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Cebu to Siargao
What is the distance from Cebu to Siargao?
The distance from Cebu to Siargao is 242 kilometers (150 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cebu to Siargao?
The fastest way to get from Cebu to Siargao is by flight and takes 1 hour.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cebu to Siargao?
The cheapest way to get from Cebu to Siargao is by flight with ticket costs starting from 1,400 PHP (€22).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cebu to Siargao. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
