Bohol Ferry vs Cebu Ferry Island Hopping

8 Island-Hopping Services for 2025

Choosing the right ferry service can make or break your Philippines island-hopping adventure. With 8 major operators connecting Bohol’s 4,821 km² of tropical paradise to Cebu’s bustling ports, picking the perfect ferry depends on your budget, schedule, and destination within these stunning islands.

From OceanJet’s lightning-fast 2-hour crossings to budget-friendly overnight options, each ferry service offers unique advantages for exploring the 72-kilometer stretch between these island gems. Whether you’re heading to Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills or Cebu’s pristine diving spots, the right ferry choice sets the tone for your entire trip.

Why Ferry Travel Rules Island Hopping

Ferry networks in the Visayas make exploring multiple destinations incredibly affordable and scenic. Unlike flights that whisk you above the clouds, ferries let you witness the stunning transition from Cebu’s coastal mountains to Bohol’s limestone cliffs and emerald waters.

Most services offer flexible cancellation policies and instant confirmation, making it easy to adjust your island-hopping plans. Peak season (December-April) brings calm seas and perfect weather, though booking 2-3 days ahead prevents disappointment.

“Taking the ferry between islands is pure magic – watching the sunrise paint the Bohol Sea while dolphins play in our wake made the journey unforgettable!” – travel blogger Maria Santos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

1. OceanJet Ferry: The Speed Champion 🚤

Best For: First-time visitors | Business travelers | Quick island hops Routes: Cebu to Tagbilaran, Cebu to Getafe, Bohol to Siquijor Travel Time: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on route

OceanJet dominates Philippines inter-island travel with modern, air-conditioned vessels that slice through the Bohol Sea at impressive speeds. Their flagship Cebu-Tagbilaran route delivers you to Bohol’s capital in exactly 2 hours, making it the most popular choice for tourists heading to the Chocolate Hills or tarsier sanctuaries.

Key Features: ✅ Fastest travel times across all routes ✅ Modern air-conditioned vessels with comfortable seating ✅ Multiple daily departures (6:00 AM to 5:30 PM) ✅ Tourist-class amenities including refreshments ✅ Excellent safety record and reliability

Pricing: ₱800-₱1,200 for tourist class, ₱1,500-₱2,000 for premium

The Cebu to Getafe route opens northern Bohol’s hidden gems, providing direct access to Anda Beach’s powdery white sand and the pristine coastlines of Candijay. This lesser-known route skips Tagbilaran’s crowds while delivering you closer to Bohol’s untouched northern attractions.

Special Routes:

• Bohol to Siquijor: 2.5-hour journey to the mystical healer island
• Island-hopping packages: Combine with Dumaguete and Negros Oriental

🎯 Book OceanJet Now ✅ Fastest ferries with 98% on-time performance 🚐 Add hotel transfers for seamless travel 💸 Free cancellation up to 24 hours ⏰ Peak season slots fill fast – reserve early!
👉 Book OceanJet via 12Go | Reserve on Klook | Viator Packages

2. SuperCat Ferry: Comfort Meets Reliability 🛥️

Best For: Families | Comfort seekers | Entertainment during travel Routes: Cebu to Tagbilaran, Cebu to Tubigon Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours

SuperCat elevates ferry travel with spacious passenger lounges, reclining seats, and onboard entertainment systems. Their vessels feature the most comfortable seating arrangements in the ferry industry, making them perfect for families with children or travelers who prioritize comfort during their journey.

Standout Features: ✅ Largest, most comfortable passenger lounges ✅ Reclining seats with ample legroom ✅ Onboard WiFi and entertainment systems ✅ Full food and beverage service ✅ Generous baggage allowances ✅ Family-friendly amenities including changing stations

Pricing: ₱850-₱1,300 for economy, ₱1,400-₱2,100 for business class

The business class experience includes priority boarding, complimentary snacks, and access to quieter sections of the vessel. Families particularly appreciate SuperCat’s spacious layout and entertainment options that keep children engaged during the crossing.

Pro Tip: Book morning departures for the calmest seas and best photo opportunities of the Philippine archipelago.

🎯 Reserve SuperCat Today ✅ Most comfortable ferry experience rated 4.7/5 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for families with spacious seating 📱 Onboard WiFi and entertainment ⏰ Weekend departures sell out – book ahead! 👉 Book SuperCat via Klook | 12Go Reservations

3. FastCat Ferry: Your Vehicle-Friendly Gateway 🚗

Best For: Road trippers | Motorcycle tours | Heavy luggage travelers Routes: Cebu to Tubigon (primary), connecting northern Bohol Travel Time: 1.5 hours

FastCat revolutionizes island exploration by allowing you to bring motorcycles, cars, and extensive luggage aboard their roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels. The Cebu to Tubigon route provides direct access to northern Bohol’s hidden treasures, including Anda Beach and the limestone formations of Carmen.

Vehicle Transport Options: ✅ Motorcycles (₱200-₱400 additional) ✅ Cars and SUVs (₱2,000-₱4,000 additional) ✅ Large luggage and equipment transport ✅ Bicycles and sports equipment ✅ Commercial vehicles (with permits)

Strategic Advantages:

• Less crowded: Tubigon Port offers easier embarkation than busy Tagbilaran
• Northern access: Direct route to Anda, Carmen, and Candijay attractions
• Adventure-ready: Perfect for motorcycle tours and road trip adventures

Passenger Amenities: Air-conditioned seating areas, food service, and comfortable waiting lounges during vehicle loading.

Pricing: ₱600-₱900 for passengers, plus vehicle fees

🎯 Book FastCat RoRo ✅ Bring your motorcycle or car for ultimate freedom 🏍️ Perfect for northern Bohol road adventures 💼 Generous luggage allowances ⏰ Vehicle slots limited – reserve transport early! 👉 Book FastCat via 12Go | Reserve Vehicle Space

4. 2GO Travel: Philippines’ Premier Overnight Ferry Experience 🌙

Best For: Budget travelers | Overnight journeys | Multi-island trips Routes: Manila-Cebu-Bohol circuit, inter-island connections Travel Time: 12-22 hours (overnight journeys)

2GO Travel operates the Philippines’ most extensive ferry network, connecting major islands with comfortable overnight services. Their vessels function like floating hotels, featuring air-conditioned cabins, restaurants, and entertainment areas perfect for budget-conscious travelers exploring multiple destinations.

Accommodation Options: ✅ Economy seats: Reclining aircraft-style seating (₱1,500-₱2,500) ✅ Tourist class: Shared cabins with bunks (₱2,500-₱4,000) ✅ Cabin class: Private rooms with bathrooms (₱4,000-₱8,000) ✅ Suite class: Luxury accommodations (₱8,000-₱15,000)

Onboard Amenities:

• Multiple restaurants and cafeterias
• Movie theaters and entertainment lounges
• Shopping areas and business centers
• Medical facilities and 24-hour security

Popular Routes:

• Manila to Cebu: 22-hour journey with island views
• Cebu to Tagbilaran: Convenient overnight option
• Multi-island packages: Combine Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan

🎯 Book 2GO Overnight Ferry ✅ Most extensive Philippines ferry network 🛏️ Comfortable cabin accommodations 🍽️ Full dining and entertainment onboard ⏰ Cabin class sells out during holidays – reserve now! 👉 Book 2GO via 12Go | Reserve Cabins

5. Sunriser Cordova Ferry: Shortest Route to Northern Bohol 🌅

Best For: Budget travelers | Northern Bohol access | Quick crossings Routes: Cordova (Mactan) to Getafe, Bohol Travel Time: 1.5 hours

Sunriser Cordova operates the most convenient route for travelers staying near Mactan Airport or Lapu-Lapu City. Their Cordova to Getafe service provides the shortest crossing time to northern Bohol, making it perfect for accessing Anda Beach and the unspoiled coastlines of Ubay and Talibon.

Strategic Benefits: ✅ Airport proximity: Easy connection from Mactan-Cebu International Airport ✅ Shortest crossing: Direct route to northern Bohol destinations ✅ Less crowded: Avoid Cebu City port congestion ✅ Budget-friendly: Competitive pricing for quick crossings ✅ Frequent departures: Multiple daily schedules

Getafe Advantages:

• Direct access to Anda’s pristine white sand beaches
• Gateway to Candijay’s limestone cliffs and caves
• Shorter travel time to northern Bohol attractions
• Less tourist crowds compared to Tagbilaran routes

Pricing: ₱600-₱850 for standard seating

🎯 Book Sunriser Cordova ✅ Shortest route from Mactan Airport area 🏖️ Direct access to Anda Beach paradise 💰 Budget-friendly quick crossings ⏰ Limited daily departures – check schedule first! 👉 Book Sunriser via 12Go | Check Schedules

6. Lite Shipping Ferry: Budget Overnight Champion 💤

Best For: Backpackers | Extended luggage | Overnight budget travel Routes: Tagbilaran-Cebu, Tubigon-Cebu (overnight services) Travel Time: 6-8 hours (overnight)

Lite Shipping caters to budget-conscious travelers with generous luggage allowances and basic but clean overnight accommodations. Their vessels offer an authentic Filipino ferry experience at unbeatable prices, perfect for backpackers and travelers with extensive gear.

Budget Features: ✅ Lowest fares: Starting from ₱400-₱600 ✅ Massive luggage allowance: Up to 40kg included ✅ Overnight travel: Sleep during journey, save on accommodation ✅ Basic comfort: Clean facilities and safe transport ✅ Flexible booking: Easy changes and cancellations

Accommodation Types:

• Deck passage: Open-air seating (₱400-₱500)
• Economy: Basic indoor seating (₱500-₱600)
• Tourist: Reclining seats in air-conditioned areas (₱700-₱900)

Ideal For:

• Backpackers with large packs and equipment
• Budget travelers extending their island-hopping adventure
• Surfers and divers with gear transport needs

🎯 Book Lite Shipping ✅ Lowest fares for overnight island travel 🎒 Huge luggage allowances for backpackers 💰 Save money by traveling overnight ⏰ Budget slots fill up during peak season! 👉 Book Lite Shipping via 12Go | Budget Travel Options

7. Clemer Shipping Lines: Hidden Gem to Getafe 💎

Best For: Off-the-beaten-path travelers | Northern Bohol exploration | Local experience Routes: Cebu to Getafe, connecting northern Bohol destinations Travel Time: 2-2.5 hours

Clemer Shipping Lines operates a more intimate ferry service with smaller vessels that provide a local, authentic travel experience. Their Cebu to Getafe route serves travelers seeking northern Bohol’s untouched destinations while avoiding the crowds of mainstream ferry services.

Local Advantages: ✅ Authentic experience: Travel with locals and Filipino families ✅ Smaller crowds: More intimate, relaxed atmosphere ✅ Competitive pricing: Budget-friendly rates (₱500-₱750) ✅ Northern access: Direct gateway to Anda and Candijay ✅ Flexible service: Accommodating staff and relaxed policies

Northern Bohol Access:

• Anda Beach: World-class white sand beaches
• Candijay: Limestone caves and coastal adventures
• Ubay: Traditional fishing villages and pristine coastlines
• Carmen: Access to northern Chocolate Hills viewpoints

Local Travel Tips: Clemer ferries often have more flexible departure times and provide opportunities to meet local families and learn about authentic Filipino island life.

🎯 Book Clemer Shipping ✅ Authentic local ferry experience 🏝️ Gateway to hidden northern Bohol gems 💰 Budget-friendly local rates ⏰ Fewer daily departures – confirm schedule! 👉 Book Clemer via Local Agents | Check Availability

8. ApekopTravel Ferry: Direct Panglao & Siquijor Connections 🌊

Best For: Resort transfers | Panglao direct access | Siquijor island hopping Routes: Panglao-Oslob, Bohol-Siquijor direct connections Travel Time: 1.5-3 hours depending on route

ApekopTravel specializes in direct resort-to-attraction transfers, operating unique routes that bypass traditional port cities. Their Panglao-Oslob service creates seamless connections between Bohol’s beach resorts and Cebu’s famous whale shark encounters.

Unique Routes: ✅ Panglao to Oslob: Direct whale shark tour connections ✅ Bohol to Siquijor: Mystical island adventures ✅ Resort pickups: Hotel-to-ferry transfers included ✅ Tour packages: Combined ferry + activity bookings ✅ Small groups: Intimate, personalized service

Panglao-Oslob Benefits:

• Skip Tagbilaran and Cebu City transfers
• Direct connection to whale shark tours
• Perfect for resort-based travelers
• Combine Bohol beaches with Cebu marine adventures

Siquijor Connections:

• Access to the mystical healer island
• Waterfalls, beaches, and cultural experiences
• Extended island-hopping opportunities

Pricing: ₱1,200-₱2,500 including transfers and tour options

🎯 Book ApekopTravel Direct ✅ Unique resort-to-attraction direct routes 🐋 Perfect for Panglao-Oslob whale shark combos 🚐 Includes hotel transfers and tour packages ⏰ Limited seats on specialized routes – book early! 👉 Book ApekopTravel Packages | Direct Route Options

Quick Ferry Comparison Guide

Essential Booking Tips for Ferry Travel

Best Time to Book

Book ferries 2-3 days in advance during peak season (December-April) and major Filipino holidays. Weekend departures and special routes like Panglao-Oslob fill up quickly, especially during whale shark season.

Luggage Guidelines

Fast Ferries (OceanJet, SuperCat): 7kg carry-on limit RoRo Ferries (FastCat): Generous luggage allowances Overnight Services (2GO, Lite Shipping): 20-40kg included

Weather Considerations

Dry Season (December-May): Calm seas, reliable schedules Wet Season (June-November): Possible delays, check weather updates Typhoon Season (August-October): Monitor weather reports closely

Port Transportation

Most ferry terminals offer tricycle and habal-habal connections to hotels and attractions. Consider booking ferry + transfer packages for seamless travel, especially with families or heavy luggage.

Complete Ferry Booking Resource Center

Premium Fast Ferry Services

🚤 Book OceanJet via 12Go – Fastest, most reliable
🚤 Reserve SuperCat via Klook – Maximum comfort
🚤 FastCat RoRo via 12Go – Vehicle transport

Budget & Overnight Options

💤 2GO Travel Cabins – Overnight luxury
💰 Lite Shipping Budget – Lowest fares
🌅 Sunriser Cordova – Airport convenience

Specialty Routes

🏝️ Clemer Local Experience – Authentic travel
🐋 ApekopTravel Direct Routes – Resort connections

Complete Travel Packages

🚖 Ferry + Hotel Transfers – Door-to-door service
🏨 Ferry + Accommodation – Complete packages
🎯 Multi-Island Tour Packages – Extended adventures

Start Your Perfect Island Adventure

With 8 distinct ferry services connecting Bohol and Cebu, your perfect island-hopping adventure awaits. Whether you prioritize OceanJet’s speed, SuperCat’s comfort, or FastCat’s vehicle transport capabilities, each operator offers unique advantages for exploring these tropical paradise destinations.

The 72-kilometer journey between these stunning islands transforms from simple transportation into an integral part of your Philippines adventure. From watching dolphins play in your vessel’s wake to witnessing spectacular sunrises over the Bohol Sea, ferry travel connects you intimately with the natural beauty of the Visayas region.

Remember that peak season brings both perfect weather and increased demand. Book your preferred ferry service 2-3 days in advance to secure the best schedules and avoid disappointment. Most services offer flexible cancellation policies, making it easy to adjust your island-hopping plans as your adventure unfolds.

“Choosing the right ferry service set the tone for our entire Philippines adventure. OceanJet’s speed got us to Bohol quickly, while the return journey on SuperCat’s comfortable seats let us relax and process all the incredible memories we’d made!” – Sarah Chen, Travel Photographer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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