Bohol is one of the most popular islands in the Philippines! Travelers from around the world come to Bohol to experience the sunrise over the Chocolate hills, see the Tarsiers, and enjoy world-class diving in crystal clear waters. There are many ways to travel around the Philippines, but ferries are the most simple and affordable way to do so. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to get from Cebu to Bohol via ferry.
Traveling from Cebu to the calm island of Bohol in the Philippines is a fun trip. You have many choices, like a ferry, a plane, or a private boat. This guide will give you all the details about these choices. It will help you get from the busy city of Cebu to the peaceful beaches of Bohol for a great trip in the Philippines.
BEST WAY TO BOOK CEBU TO BOHOL FERRY
Don’t have time to read the whole guide? No worries! If you want to know how to get from Cebu to Bohol, 12GO is the most simple and reliable way to book a Cebu-Bohol ferry. Specifically, you’ll receive online proof of ticket, and won’t overpay or wait in line to book in person. Click below for the best way to travel to Bohol from Cebu.
Book your ticket: Cebu-Bohol Ferry Ticket
| Flight Cebu - Bohol $ 37.43–52.06 5h – 1d 3h 10m | |
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| Ferry Cebu - Bohol $ 9.37–29.41 1h 15m – 5h | |
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HOW TO TO GET FROM CEBU TO BOHOL
In this blog post, I’ll explain everything you need to know about catching the ferry from Cebu to Bohol. Firstly I’ll cover how to book, then I’ll explain the different routes and their prices, and finally, I’ll explain how to get to your final destination after the ferry. At the end of the blog, I’ll also outline the reverse journey from Bohol to Cebu by ferry. I used to live in Cebu and my girlfriend lived in Bohol so we’ve both made the journey many times.
KEY POINTS: FERRY FROM CEBU TO BOHOL
Firstly a few key points…
- The ferry from Cebu to Bohol departs from Pier 1 for the routes I’ll cover today. It’s a 5-minute taxi from Cebu City center or a 15-minute taxi from Mactan-Cebu Airport. However, these times don’t account for traffic, which can be hectic in Cebu City.
- You can head to Pier 1 and book at one of the ticketing offices outside, but from experience, it’s easier to book in advance. Lines can be long and ferries can be full, delayed, or canceled without warning. For this reason, I recommend booking online with 12GO.
- All ports in the Philippines require a terminal fee that must be paid in cash at the port, on the day of travel. The ferry ticket you buy won’t cover this fee. At Pier 1, it’s only 25 Philippine Pesos, or about $0.50 USD.
- “Checked” bags are extra at 50-100 pesos extra per bag depending on size. We’ve traveled with carry-on-sized bags for free, but this could vary.
- Although you can get away with arriving 30 minutes before departure, I’d recommend being there an hour early – as stated by your ticket. You’ll need to check in, then pay the terminal fee, then pay for your bags at three separate counters, all of which will have lines. Finally, there’s a light security check before you’re allowed into the waiting lobby.
Now that we’ve covered those points, let’s look at how to get from Cebu to Bohol.
HOW TO BOOK A FERRY FROM CEBU TO BOHOL
Since there are no direct flights from Cebu to Bohol, ferries are the fastest and most economical way of traveling between the two islands. Cebu-Bohol ferries depart multiple times per day, with 3 main routes. Booking online helps guarantee the best possible rate, and I highly recommend 12GO, which I use for all my train and boat tickets across Southeast Asia.
Arriving at a ferry terminal without a ticket can lead to long lines and missed transits, so this is a great way to avoid a headache. I’ve included a link and timetable for the Cebu ferry to Bohol below.
Book your ticket with 12GO: Cebu to Bohol Ferry.
| Flight Cebu - Bohol $ 37.43–52.06 5h – 1d 3h 10m | |
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| Ferry Cebu - Bohol $ 9.37–29.41 1h 15m – 5h | |
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CEBU TO BOHOL FERRY ROUTES
There are a few different Cebu to Bohol ferry routes, but I’ll cover the most common options below:
- Cebu to Tagbilaran: This is the most popular option, and takes 2 hours of travel. Most tourists traveling from Cebu to Bohol stay in Panglao. Alona Beach, Panglao’s tourist hub, is only a 30-minute drive from the Sea Port. Due to Tagbilaran’s proximity to the Panglao, most travelers will choose this route.
- Cebu to Tubigon: This is the fastest ferry from Cebu to Bohol, and takes 45 minutes of travel. It’s a good option if you’re staying on the mainland of Bohol, specifically on the Northwest side of the island. Think near the Adventure Park or Oyster Farm.
- Cebu to Getafe: This is a less common route for those traveling to Bohol, but one that is useful if staying in the far North of the mainland. Destinations like Danao and Alicia come to mind. It’s also home to the largest mangrove forest in the country and is a 1 hour and 15-minute journey from port to port.
CEBU TO BOHOL FERRY SCHEDULE AND PRICE
Below, I’ve listed the current ferry schedules from Cebu to Bohol. These times can vary so it’s best to check the timetable at 12GO for more up-to-date info.
Cebu to Tagbilaran:
- Oceanjet runs 6 ferries per day from Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran Sea Port, starting at 6am and departing every 2 hours and 20 minutes afterward. Prices start at PHP 900 or $16 USD. Business Class begins at PHP 1400 or $24 USD. The journey is 2 hours long.
- Lite Shipping runs 1 ferry per day departing at 10 pm. Prices start at PHP 450 or $8 USD for standard fare. Upgrades to tourist class are available for PHP 570 or $10 USD.
Cebu to Tubigon:
- Lite Shipping runs 4 ferries per day from Cebu Pier 1 to Tubigon, starting at 1 am and departing again at 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm. The journey is 2-3 hours depending on which time you book.
- Fast Cat runs 2 ferries per day, at 7:30 am and 8 pm. The journey is 1 hour and 30-minutes. Both options start at PHP 400 or $7 USD with options to upgrade.
Cebu to Getafe:
- Oceanjet runs 3 ferries per day from Cebu to Getafe, starting at 6:30 am, and again at 10 am and 2:30 pm. The journey is 1 hour and 15-minutes, with prices starting at PHP 570 or $10 USD.
HOW TO GET TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION
Getting to your final destination is easy enough once you arrive in Bohol. To begin with, I’ll list the main methods of transport you can take, and then I’ll explain the most common routes and their prices. At most ports in the Philippines, you’ll find tricycles, taxis, and vans awaiting passengers during ferry arrival times.
- Shared Van: share the cost with other passengers, leaves when full, and can be an indirect route to your destination.
- Taxi: No fuss, comfortable seats, and you’ll go directly where you need to go. Most expensive.
- Tricycle: cheaper than the taxi, but can be uncomfortable for some. Personally, this is my favorite for shorter journeys.
- Public Bus: If your transit is particularly long or you’re on a strict budget, you can grab a tricycle or jeepey to the nearest bus terminal and transfer to a bus heading towards your final destination. This is the cheapest option, but it can be tiring, especially after a long day of transit.
Here are the most common routes and their prices below.
Tagbilaran to Panglao:
- Taxi: 30 minutes, around PHP 800.
- Shared Van: 40 minutes plus, around PHP 400.
- Tricycle: 35 minutes, around PHP 500
Tagbilaran to Dao Bus Terminal:
- Jeepney: 15 minutes, around PHP 12.
- Tricycle: 12 minutes, around PHP 70
Tagbilaran to Loboc:
- Bus: Transit to Dao Bus Terminal then take the public bus to Loboc. 50 minutes from the bus terminal and PHP 50.
- Taxi: 50 minutes from the port and around PHP 1600
Tagbilaran to Anda:
- Bus: Transit to Dao Bus Terminal then take the public bus to Anda. 3 hours from the bus terminal and around PHP 100.
- Taxi: 3 hours from the port and around PHP 3200
BEST CAMERA FOR THE PHILIPPINES
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AFTER GETTING FROM CEBU TO BOHOL…
Once in Bohol, you’ve arrived at one of the best travel destinations in the Philippines. You can cruise along the Loboc River, see the Chocolate Hills, dive and island-hop off Panglao, and stop by Bohol Bee Farm. If you’re interested in checking out some more adventurous things to do or places to stay in Bohol, try one of my guides below!
- BOHOL TRAVEL GUIDE: 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO
- THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL
- WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
That’s it for my guide on how to get from Cebu City to Bohol. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the journey from Bohol to Cebu City.
BOHOL TO CEBU FERRY ROUTES AND PRICES
Getting from Bohol to Cebu is pretty straightforward. To search available routes, check the Bohol-Cebu ferry schedule at 12GO, or view the timetable below.
| Ferry Bohol - Cebu $ 9.45–25.19 1h 15m – 4h | |
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| Flight Bohol - Cebu $ 77.08–205.41 3h – 1d 7h | |
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Tagbilaran to Cebu: Again, due to Tagbilaran Sea Port’s proximity to Panglao, this is the most popular route for those traveling from Bohol to Cebu. Almost all tourists will take this route. It takes 2 hours and starts at PHP 900 or $16 USD.
Tubigon to Cebu: Tubigon is sometimes used by locals in mainland Bohol. It takes between 1 hour and 30-minutes and 2 hours and starts at PHP 400 or $7 USD.
Getafe to Cebu: Finally, Getafe to Cebu is a less common route for those in the far north of mainland Bohol. It takes 1 hour and 15-minutes and starts at PHP 570 or $10 USD. All the above routes have upgraded ticket options available.
To repeat, Tagbilaran Sea Port – where most travelers will be catching the Bohol-Cebu Ferry from – is a 35-minute taxi ride from Alona Beach. It’s recommended to be at the Port an hour before departure due to the check-in process, terminal fee payment, and checked-bag fees that must be paid prior to boarding.
At Tagbilaran, the terminal fee is presently PHP 20 or $0.50 USD and must be paid in cash on the day of travel.
Finally, I’d recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks since only some instant noodles and chips are available to purchase once on the ferry.
CEBU CITY TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION
If Cebu City isn’t your final destination, here’s some quick information on the most common routes for travelers leaving the ferry port.
Pier 1 to Cebu South Bus Terminal: Most tourists exploring Cebu head to the south of the Island. Think Moalboal, Oslob, and Kawasan Falls.
- Taxi: 5-20 minutes depending on traffic, around PHP 80 or $1.40 USD.
- Jeepney: Jeepney route 02B, which will take you from Pier 1 to Cebu South Bus Terminal for around PHP 11 or $0.20 USD.
Pier 1 to Cebu North Bus Terminal: For those heading to the island destinations of Malapascua and Bantayan Islands, the North Cebu Bus terminal is the place to go.
- Taxi: around 10 minutes and PHP 70 or $1.20 USD
- Jeepney: The North Bus terminal is located in SM City, and there are many jeepneys you catch in that direction. The fare is around PHP 11 or $0.20 USD.
Pier 1 to Mactan Cebu Airport:
- Taxi: 30-minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic, and PHP 250-300
- Jeepney: Take a Jeepney to SM City North Bus Terminal for PHP 11 and then the MyBus service to Mactan Airport for PHP 50. This will save you up to PHP 250 or less than $5 but add a lot of hassle.
ONCE IN CEBU
Once in Cebu, you’ve reached my old home island, and one of the best places in the world to go on an adventure. Whether it’s diving, hiking, canyoneering, or mountain biking you’re after, Cebu has it all. If you’d like to read more about how to explore the island, read one of my guides below!
- 26 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU, PHILIPPINES
- 14 BEST WATERFALLS ON CEBU, PHILIPPINES
- 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN MOALBOAL CEBU
- 10 BEST HOSTELS IN CEBU, PHILIPPINES
That’s it for my complete guide on getting to Bohol from Cebu and vice versa. Hopefully, you’ve learned how to get to Panglao Island from Cebu, and how to take the ferry to Cebu from Bohol. Once you’ve figured out the ferries in the Philippines, you’ll have endless island adventures at your fingertips. Happy exploring and best of luck on your travels!
MY 5 FAVORITE CEBU TOURS
- Oslob Whale Sharks & Moalboal Sardine Run Snorkeling – This combo tour is the BEST VALUE way to enjoy a guided and PRIVATE tour of the two most popular activities in Cebu.
- Moalboal Island Hopping & Pescador Island & Turtle Bay Snorkeling: Swim with turtles and the sardine balls on an island-hopping boat trip from Moalboal.
- Bluewater Sumilon Island Day Tour – Visit the crystal clear water of Sumilon Island on this day tour.
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour (BEST PRICE): The classic tour. Number one most booked activity in Cebu!
- Bohol Day tour from Cebu: Want to visit Bohol but are short of time? See the top sights on this one-day adventure including transport.
Click the orange button below to view all of the top-rated tours on Klook
TRANSPORT OPTIONS FOR CEBU
There’s lots of different transport options to get around Cebu depending on the size of your group, travel style and length of your journey. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect.
Moped: The best way to get around Cebu Island is through moped/scooter rentals. A moped can be rented for about $8 a day but that price may come down if your rental is more than a week long. The roads aren’t always great to and from the waterfalls and hikes so drive safely. You will need your regular drivers license from your home country and a helmet to avoid any issues. Below are the other main transport options for Cebu.
- Tricycles: the most common means of private transportation in the Philippines, accommodating 2-4 passengers, more than a motorcycle. This allows you to hire a driver to transport you to various attractions and things to do in Cebu.
- The Habal Habal: essentially a “scooter taxi,” is an economical option for single passengers who don’t wish to rent their own vehicle.
- Jeepneys: vibrant buses used by locals for transportation in the Philippines. Operating on fixed routes, they provide a shared riding experience and offer a unique opportunity to interact with the local community. Expect to be crammed in like sardines but it’s the authentic transport mode for locals.
- Vans: available for transportation, typically offered by resorts, hotels, and private transportation companies. This option will be the most expensive, it can be a worthwhile choice during rainy weather or for larger groups.
MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES
- Ultimate Cebu Bucketlist: 26 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU
- Canyoneering Guide: KAWASAN FALLS CEBU CANYONEERING
- Ultimate Oslob Guide: WHAT TO DO IN OSLOB CEBU
- Digital Nomad Guide to Moalboal: THE DIGITAL NOMAD GUIDE TO MOALBOAL, CEBU
- Waterfall Chasing: 14 BEST WATERFALLS IN CEBU
- Moalboal Guide: 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOALBOAL
- Alegria Guide: 13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ALEGRIA
- Hiking Osmena Peak: OSMEÑA PEAK IN CEBU – A BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE HIKE
WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU?
I really think that if you are going to be exploring Cebu, the best place to stay is in Moalboal. There are a few reasons why!
Cebu City might be where you land at the airport but if you are looking for adventure, you will need to head south as soon as possible. Most of the best waterfalls, whale sharks, snorkeling with sardines and turtles are all down in the south of Cebu. So where do you stay to do all of these adventures? Moalboal!
Moalboal is a cool town, which is the free-diving and scuba capital of Cebu. There are tons of hostels, hotels, and hostels here as well as being close to all the waterfalls and hikes in the region.
Here are my recommendations on where to stay in Moalboal depending on your budget.
- Teobas Homestay – Value: You need to click on that link just to see how rad this place is. It has a staircase down to the ocean into crystal clear water. I can tell you, I have snorkeled out the front of this place with turtles many times. For about $30 USD you get a private room with all of the facilities you need. There is not much better than having ocean access and a bit of a sunset view!
- Dolphin House Resort – Luxury: If you are looking for a nice resort, Dolphin House is a 5-star resort with a huge pool for less than $200 USD per night. It has ocean access, great restaurant, chilling areas and a beautiful garden throughout the property.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT CEBU
When considering the weather, the best time to visit Cebu, Philippines, is generally during the dry season which runs from December to May. During this period, the weather is more predictable, with less chance of rain disrupting outdoor activities. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Dry Season (December – May): This period is characterized by less rainfall and more sunshine. Among these months, February to May are especially good as they tend to be hot and dry, making them perfect for beach-related activities.
- Cool Months (December – February): The months of December to February are part of the dry season but are slightly cooler compared to other months. This makes it a good time to visit if you prefer more moderate temperatures.
- Hot Months (March – May): These months can get quite hot, but if you’re planning on spending time at the beach or by the pool, this could be the ideal time for you.
- Rainy Season (June – November): These months have more rainfall, which can disrupt outdoor activities. However, the rain can also bring cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, which some visitors might prefer.
MY ACCOMMODATION GUIDES FOR THE PHILIPPINES
- Luxury in South Cebu: 18 BEST SOUTH CEBU RESORTS
- Bucketlist: 13 BEST PHILIPPINES OVERWATER BUNGALOWS
- Beach Resorts in North Cebu: BEST RESORTS IN CEBU
- El Nido Resorts: 12 BEST RESORTS IN EL NIDO
- Moalboal Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
- Panglao Resorts: 13 BEST LUXURY RESORTS IN PANGLAO
- Siargao Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
- Hostels in Cebu: 10 BEST HOSTELS IN CEBU
- Sustainable Resorts: 12 BEST ECO RESORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
- Coron Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN CORON
Leah
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Hi ! How far in advance ferry tickets issued ? Be there this February .
sofia
Tuesday 19th of September 2023
Hi! How far in advance are ferry tickets issued? I am trying to book tickts at 12go for December
Abby
Tuesday 30th of May 2023
Hello! Planning on a cebu-bohol trip on Dec with my family. The thing is we will visit the Bantayan Island. From there, meron po bang pier going to bohol para hindi naman masyado matagal ang byahe namin since may 2y/o ako na kasama? Thank you
Sunday 6th of November 2022
Great Summary thanks