How to get from Cebu to Siargao
Why visit 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.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Cebu to Siargao?
There are 2 ways to travel the 242 kilometre (150 miles) distance from Cebu to Siargao. You can choose between the flight and ferry. The journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at 1,690 PHP ($28.50).
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 Ferry
When travelling by sea from Cebu to Siargao, you need to take two ferries with a stopover in Surigao.
It’s a long journey that takes around 7 hours to 12 hours 30 minutes, not including transfer time and the wait between 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 ferry companies sail weekly from Cebu to Surigao: OceanJet, Starlite Ferries and Cokaliong.
Starlite and Cokaliong use slower RORO ferries that carry both passengers and vehicles, so the journey takes around 10-10.5 hours. These are ideal if you travel with a vehicle or prefer a cheaper option.
If you’re after speed, go with OceanJet. Their fastcrafts make the trip in just 5.5 hours, almost half the time compared to the other two.
Ferries to Surigao City depart from either Cebu Pier 1 or Cebu Pier 3, depending on the operator. They all arrive at Surigao Port.
You can book tickets for OceanJet and Starlite Ferries online through BookAway. For Cokaliong, you’ll need to buy the tickets at the Cebu ticket office or through one of the accredited travel agencies listed on the Cokaliong Lines website.
Step 2: Surigao to Siargao by Ferry
Ferries from Cebu arrive early in the morning at Surigao Port. From there, you can catch the first ferry to Siargao or wait a few hours for the next one.
If you have some time before your ferry to Siargao, you can relax with a coffee or grab a bite at Cafe Ethereal. It’s a cosy spot not far from the port.
The two main ferry companies sailing regularly between Surigao and Siargao are JP Shipping Lines Inc. and Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport Corp. You can check their schedules below.
If you want to book with JP Shipping Lines in advance, you’ll need to call the numbers listed on their Facebook page. Economy tickets cost around 400 PHP ($6.70).
Evaristo & Sons Sea Transport sails both fast craft ferries and RoRo vessels for passengers and cargo. The fast craft gets you from Surigao to Siargao in about 1.5 hours, and you can book tickets in advance through Bookaway. But if you’re taking the RORO ferry, you’ll need to buy your ticket at the port.
Arriving at Dapa Ferry Terminal
The ferry docks at Dapa Ferry Terminal in Siargao. From there, you can take a 40-minute tricycle to General Luna.
A “special” ride costs 300 PHP ($5), and 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.
Cebu to Siargao by Flight
The fastest way to get from Cebu to Siargao is by flight.
Just a heads-up: Siargao is a super popular destination. Flight prices tend to shoot up during peak surfing season (July to November), so it’s best to book your ticket early.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Cebu City to Cebu Airport
From Cebu City centre, you can reach Mactan-Cebu International Airport by bus or taxi. The journey takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Buses run daily from 07:00 to 22:00, with fares starting at 50 PHP ($0.80).
Taxis cost around 250 PHP ($4.20) and are generally a bit quicker. Still, travel time can vary a lot during rush hour.
Step 2: Cebu to Siargao
Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offer direct trips from Cebu to Siargao daily. A one-way ticket starts from 1,800 PHP ($30). The flight takes a little over an hour.
PRO TIP: Cebu Pacific offers many ‘piso fare’ promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these if you want to book cheaper flights!
Step 3: Siargao Airport to General Luna
From Siargao Airport, getting to 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 ($5).
Visit our page on Siargao Airport for more details.
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
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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cebu to Siargao
What is the distance from Cebu to Siargao?
The distance from Cebu to Siargao is 242 kilometre (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 2 hours 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cebu to Siargao?
The cheapest way to get from Cebu to Siargao is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 1,690 PHP ($28.50).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
