Bohol is an island paradise with Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Panglao’s beaches, and hidden gems up north — but how you arrive can make a big difference to your budget, time, and stress levels.
Whether you’re traveling from Cebu, Dumaguete, Siquijor, or even Manila, the ferry is often cheaper and more scenic than flying direct — especially if you’re island-hopping on a backpacker budget or traveling with family.
Below is your data-driven list of the best ferry routes and ports for getting into and out of Bohol — plus real reasons why thousands of travelers choose them every month.
🗺️ Why Ferry Over Flying?
✈️ Flying direct to Bohol (Panglao International Airport) is convenient if you’re short on time, but flights can cost ₱3,500–₱6,000+ one way.
🚢 Ferry via Cebu costs ₱350–₱1,200 on average, often saving you 50–70% — and you get beautiful sea views en route!
Many visitors choose to fly into Cebu, explore for a day or two, then hop on a fast ferry to Bohol — the classic Visayas island-hop.
🚢 Top Ferry Options To & From Bohol (2025)
Here are the best ferry routes — each with its unique pros:
✅ 1️⃣ Cebu ⇆ Tagbilaran (OceanJet & SuperCat)
Best for: Travelers heading to Panglao, Chocolate Hills, and central Bohol.
- 🕒 Fastest & Most Frequent: ~1.5–2 hours each way. Multiple daily sailings.
- 🏷️ Options: OceanJet and SuperCat both score 4.5+ on Klook, with thousands of bookings.
- 🎟️ Classes: Open Air, Tourist, or Business Class for extra legroom.
- 🏖️ Why Tagbilaran? The pier is just ~30 min from Panglao’s beaches and island resorts.
- 💬 Traveler proof: “Smooth crossing, reliable, and easy to book. Worth paying extra for Business Class!” — 5K+ positive reviews.
👉 Book your Cebu ⇆ Tagbilaran ferry with OceanJet or SuperCat →
✅ 2️⃣ Cebu ⇆ Tubigon (FastCat, Lite Shipping)
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, RoRo trips with motorcycles or cars, and a more local vibe.
- 💰 Lowest Fares: From just ₱346 — often half the price of Tagbilaran routes.
- 🚗 Bring Your Wheels: RoRo (Roll-On Roll-Off) means you can bring cars or motorbikes.
- 🏖️ Why Tubigon? Closer to the western side of Bohol — convenient if you plan to explore Loboc, Carmen, or Danao.
- 💬 Traveler proof: “Cheaper and less crowded. Perfect for road trips with our motorbike.”
👉 Book your Cebu ⇆ Tubigon ferry with FastCat →
✅ 3️⃣ Cebu ⇆ Getafe (OceanJet)
Best for: Visitors heading to northern Bohol towns — Talibon, Ubay, island hopping to the Danajon Double Barrier Reef.
- 🕒 Shorter travel time: ~2 hours.
- 🚐 Bypass Tagbilaran traffic: You’ll land closer to the north.
- 🤫 Hidden Gem: Fewer tourists — more local feel.
- 💬 Traveler proof: “Great for our rural homestay in Talibon. Booking online made it stress-free.”
👉 Book your Cebu ⇆ Getafe ferry with OceanJet →
✅ 4️⃣ Bohol ⇆ Dumaguete (OceanJet)
Best for: Combining your Bohol trip with a dive holiday in Apo Island or a food trip in Dumaguete.
- ⏱️ Fast & Direct: 2 hours.
- 💸 Good Value: ~₱995–₱1,590.
- 🐢 Why Dumaguete? Gateway to Siquijor, Apo Island, and Negros Oriental waterfalls.
- 💬 Traveler proof: “Easy connection from Panglao to Dumaguete for diving. Klook booking was instant!”
👉 Book your Bohol ⇆ Dumaguete ferry →
✅ 5️⃣ Bohol ⇆ Siquijor (OceanJet)
Best for: Island hoppers combining Bohol’s hills and Panglao with Siquijor’s secret beaches and waterfalls.
- 🕒 Quick hop: ~1.5–2 hours.
- 🏝️ Why Siquijor? Laid-back vibe, mystical caves, and century-old trees.
- 💬 Traveler proof: “Such a time saver vs going through Dumaguete. Ferry was clean and comfy.”
👉 Book your Bohol ⇆ Siquijor ferry →
✨ Why Travelers Love Booking Ferries Online
📱 Instant confirmation on trusted sites like Klook and 12Go.
⏳ Skip long ticket lines at busy piers.
📄 E-tickets on your phone — just show your ID and board!
⭐ Read real reviews and pick the operator that fits your style.
📊 Quick Route Comparison
Route | Best For | One-Way Time | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
Cebu ⇆ Tagbilaran | Panglao & Central Bohol | ~2h | ₱723–₱1,144 |
Cebu ⇆ Tubigon | Budget/RoRo | ~2h | ₱346–₱500 |
Cebu ⇆ Getafe | Northern Bohol | ~2h | ₱500–₱900 |
Bohol ⇆ Dumaguete | Divers & Foodies | ~2h | ₱995–₱1,590 |
Bohol ⇆ Siquijor | Beach hoppers | ~1.5–2h | ₱941–₱1,254 |
✅ Should You Fly Direct to Panglao or Ferry via Cebu?
✈️ Fly Direct: Best if you’re short on time. Expect to pay ₱3,500–₱6,000+, and you’ll still need a van or taxi to Panglao or Anda.
🚢 Ferry via Cebu: Budget-friendly, flexible schedules, and a scenic route that’s half the adventure! Plus, Cebu is worth exploring for a day or two.
🎟️ Ready to Book?
Join thousands of travelers saving money and enjoying the journey. Book your ferry to or from Bohol now — skip the queue, lock in the best fares, and get there stress-free.
👉 Compare ferry routes and book your Bohol trip today!
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❓ Bohol Ferry Travel: FAQ Guide for Smart Travelers
Still deciding which ferry route is best for you? Here are the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Bohol ferry — all in one place!
🚢 GENERAL FERRY FAQs
✅ Q: Should I fly direct to Panglao or take the ferry via Cebu?
A: If you’re short on time, flying direct to Panglao Airport is quickest — but it’s usually more expensive (₱3,500–₱6,000+ one way) and you’ll still need a car or van to reach your hotel.
The ferry via Cebu is cheaper, lets you enjoy Cebu, and is more flexible for island hopping — plus it’s scenic!
✅ Q: Which Bohol port should I choose — Tagbilaran, Tubigon, or Getafe?
- Tagbilaran: Most popular for Panglao resorts, Chocolate Hills, Loboc, and day tours.
- Tubigon: Best if you’re bringing a vehicle (RoRo) or want the cheapest ticket. Closer to western Bohol.
- Getafe: Handy if you’re heading north (Talibon, Ubay) or want to skip the crowds.
✅ Q: How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?
A: Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure for fast craft like OceanJet or SuperCat. For big ships like 2GO from Manila, arrive 3–4 hours before departure — boarding gates can close 1 hour ahead!
✅ Q: How do I use my e-ticket?
A: Easy! Just show your mobile voucher (with ticket number) plus your valid ID at the pier counter. No need to print if you booked with Klook or 12Go.
🎒 BAGGAGE & SEATING FAQs
✅ Q: What’s the baggage allowance for ferries?
- Fast craft (OceanJet, SuperCat):
- Open Air/Tourist: 10 kg hand-carry
- Business Class: 20 kg
- 2GO Manila–Cebu Cruise: Each bag must be under 50 kg.
- RoRo (FastCat): Varies, but extra charges apply for overweight or oversized bags.
✅ Q: What happens if my bag is overweight?
A: You’ll pay an excess fee at the port — usually ₱10–₱30 per kilo, depending on your ferry line.
✅ Q: Can I bring a motorbike or car?
A: Yes — choose a RoRo ferry like FastCat or Lite Shipping to Tubigon. Check ahead for vehicle booking requirements.
🧒 PASSENGER & ELIGIBILITY FAQs
✅ Q: Do kids ride free?
A: Infants under 2 usually ride free (no seat). Ages 2–11 must have their own seat and child fare. Always bring an ID for proof.
✅ Q: Can seniors or PWDs get discounts?
A: Yes, but it usually applies to local Filipino citizens only — bring your Senior/PWD ID to get the rate.
✅ Q: I’m pregnant — can I take the ferry?
A: Yes, but bring a doctor’s certificate of fitness to travel. Rough sea conditions may restrict travel for those in late-term pregnancy.
🌴 EXTRA TRAVEL TIPS
✅ Check weather updates: Fast crafts may be delayed in rough seas — plan buffer time if catching a flight after.
✅ Bring cash: Extra baggage fees are paid at the port.
✅ Label your bags: With your name, address, and phone number — required by some operators.
🎟️ Where Can I Book My Bohol Ferry Tickets?
Always compare schedules, classes, and reviews online for the best deal.
📱 Skip the line and secure your seat:
👉 Book with Klook — easy mobile vouchers, top-rated operators, real reviews.
👉 Book with 12Go — compare multiple ferry lines at once.
🚢 Safe Sailing & Happy Island Hopping!
Got more questions? Bookmark this page or check your booking confirmation for any last-minute updates.
Ready to ride? 🌴 Check ferry schedules and book your Bohol trip today →