Bohol is an island located in the Philippines’ central Visayas region. It is one of the country’s more classic destinations, so don’t be surprised to find many locals looking for adventures here any time of the year.
Known for the Chocolate Hills, other attractions in Bohol are also worth your itinerary. Sail along Loboc River through a cruise that includes a sumptuous local buffet, or snorkel near Balicasag Island. If you’re lucky or persistent, you can also spot the Philippine tarsier, which is endemic to the region.
How to get from Cebu to Bohol
The easiest way to travel the 75 km journey from Cebu to Bohol is by ferry. This ferry journey takes 2 hours and costs 460 PHP ($8.00). An alternate option is to take an indirect flight, but it takes 5 hours and costs around 3,000 PHP ($52.00).
The ferry is a cheap and convenient way to reach Bohol from Cebu. You can choose to dock at either Tubigon or Tagbilaran port. Note that Tagbilaran Port is nearer the tourist attractions in Bohol.
We don’t recommend taking a flight. Indirect flights make a stopover at either Manila or Davao, so they take at least 5 hours to reach Bohol, double the time of taking a ferry. Fares for the indirect flight cost around 3,000 PHP ($52.00).
Note that Air Juan used to operate direct flights from Cebu to Bohol, but they have permanently closed due to the pandemic. In case they re-open, we would think twice before flying with them. Numerous passengers have complained against Air Juan for cancelled flights and lack of refunds.
Cebu to Bohol by Ferry
The ferry is the most preferred mode of transportation for travellers going from Cebu to Bohol. It’s an easy way to reach the island and the ferry ride only takes about 2 hours, given good weather conditions.
There are two ferry companies operating from Cebu to Bohol: Oceanjet and Lite Shipping. Oceanjet operates fast boats which are more expensive, but also have a more convenient arrival port.
Departure and arrival of the ferries to Bohol
The ferries depart from Cebu Pier 1, which is only a 10-minute drive from Cebu City centre.
In Bohol, there are 2 gateways the ferries from Cebu arrive: Tubigon port and Tagbilaran port. You can find more information on these ports below.
Tubigon Port
Lite Shipping ferries arrive at Tubigon Port on the west side of Bohol. It’s a great option for those who want to stay in Bohol and be close to sightseeing points like the Chocolate Hills.
Tagbilaran Port
On the other hand, Oceanjet ferry and Supercat ferries arrive at Tagbilaran Port. This port is the most popular arrival port for travellers going from Cebu to Bohol as this is the port where most ferries from Cebu arrive at. From here, you can take a taxi or jeepney to your hotel.
Tagbilaran Port serves as an important hub in the southern Visayas. The port is located in the southern part of Bohol, just next to Panglao island, which is famous for its’ white sand beaches. From here it’s easy to get transfers to other destinations around Bohol like Panglao Island.
See here the ferry schedules from Cebu to both ports in Bohol:
Ferry schedule from Cebu to Bohol
OceanJet & Supercat
Prices for the Oceanjet and Supercat ferries range from 910 PHP ($16.00) for a regular ferry to 1,400 PHP ($24.50) for business class.
Note that you have to pay a small excess baggage fee if your luggage exceeds 15kg. The price is 10 PHP ($0.10)/kilo plus a possible charge from porters to carry the luggage on board for 50 PHP ($0.80) – 100 PHP ($1.70).
Lite Shipping ferry
Lite Shipping prices start from 460 PHP ($8.00) for standard ferry seats, while tickets for the tourist class start from 630 PHP ($11.00). There are also a few night schedules, but as the journey only takes about 2 hours, we wouldn’t recommend anyone taking the night ferry. For that reason, we left out the night schedules.
Lite Shipping also charges an extra luggage fee if it exceeds 15kg, but they will charge you the full amount of 150 PHP ($2.60) per 10kg. Lite Shipping doesn’t always get good reviews, but it’r your only choice from Cebu to Bohol’s Tubigon
Cebu to Bohol by Flight via Manila/Davao
It’s not practical to book an indirect flight from Cebu to Bohol as they take at least 5 hours, after a stopover at either Manila or Davao. This means that it will take more hours to fly through this route than to take a ferry.
Most of these flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Philippines Airlines (PAL), or a combination of these carriers. Planes depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport and arrive at Bohol-Panglao International Airport. The flight fare ranges from 3,000 PHP ($52.00) – 6,000 PHP ($105.00) but can go as low as 2,000 PHP ($35.00).
To check the latest schedules and the cheapest flights, click on the button below.
Our favourite places to stay in Bohol
Bohol offers a great standard of accommodation no matter your budget. Even if you’re a budget traveller, you can still snag yourself a place with a pool. And for those able to splash the cash a little bit more, prepare to be wowed by the secluded beachfront stays available in Bohol.
Panglao Island is the main place to stay in Bohol. This is where you’ll find a lively town, beautiful beaches and world-class diving and snorkelling sites. Most of our favourite stays are in Panglao, but some of them are in more remote locations ideal for a relaxing retreat.
Three Little Birds Resort - Treating Yourself
Area: Near Anda White beach, approx. 10-min drive from Anda town
Three Little Birds Resort oozes tropical vibes, with its bamboo cottages and lush vegetation thriving everywhere. In the middle of the resort is your own watering hole in the form of a refreshing swimming pool.
To make things even more idyllic, you’ll be staying right by the beach. It’s a hard choice between splashing around in the pool or relaxing on the beach.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Unique bamboo cottages
- Stunning rooms
- Close to the beach
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Fox & The Firefly Cottages - Mid Range
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive from Loboc town centre
You’ve probably never stayed anywhere quite like here. The unique cottages make you feel like you’re staying in a luxury treehouse surrounded by nothing but nature. And unbelievably, things get better. The private balconies offer views of the nearby rice paddies.
If this isn’t relaxing enough for you, you can head down to their deck that overlooks Loboc River. For the unforgettable experience you get here, you’d expect to pay a lot more. This place is great value for money.
- Unique and beautiful cottages
- Incredible views
- River deck
- Onsite restaurant
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Tamarind - Mid Range
Area: Approx. 10-minute drive from Panglao Town and Bohol-Panglao International Airport
Tamarind is fantastic. The rooms offer way more space than you need. They’re modern, clean and all of them come with a private balcony overlooking the pool. Oh yeah, there’s a large pool that is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers and palm trees.
Tamarind’s location is also hard to beat. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the beach. Perfect for burning off all the food you’ve been eating as there are so many great restaurants nearby.
- Private balcony
- Swimming pool
- Nice garden area
- Great location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks - Budget Friendly
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive from Bohol-Panglao International Airport
This hostel has a very cool and unique vibe that brings together comfort and nature. With plants and bamboo everywhere, the hotel’s design creates a peaceful ambience. Throw in plenty of hammocks and hanging seats, and it’s idyllic.
The complimentary breakfast brings everyone together in the morning and makes it super easy to meet other travellers here.
- Cool design
- Beautiful gardens
- Sociable vibe
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Siman Panglao - Budget Friendly
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive to Panglao town and 10-minute drive from Bohol-Panglao International Airport
This place does not feel like a budget option, so if it’s available, make sure to snap it up as quickly as you can. The rooms are spacious and overlook the large pool that sits at the centre of the hotel.
The staff do everything to accommodate your needs and make sure that you feel at home.
- Large swimming pool
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Helpful staff
- Private terrace
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Routes from Bohol
Most popular routes in Philippines
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.
