How to Go to Siargao from Cebu by Ferry and Plane?

Traveling from Cebu to Siargao

Cebu and Siargao are two of the hottest tourist destinations in the Philippines, enticing travelers from all over with their rich culture and natural charm. However, unlike Cebu, Siargao doesn't have an international airport to touch down on. So, if you want to get to the captivating island of Siargao, you're going to have to travel from within the Philippines.

Read on to find out about your options for getting from Cebu to Siargao, how long it will take, and how much it's going to hurt your bank account.

How to Get to Siargao from Cebu

Cebu is only 150 miles from the pure white shores of Siargao. What's more, given that you probably want to hit both islands on your Philippines getaway, it's a great place to jet over to Siargao. But flying isn't the only way to get there, the maze of waterways in the Philippines archipelago means that you can also go by ferry.

Whether you decide to travel to Siargao from Cebu by sea or by air is completely up to you. That being said, the amount of time and money for the two options varies and both have their upsides and downsides.

How to Travel to Siargao from Cebu

To paraphrase the words of Shakespeare, to ferry or fly? That is the question. Of course, traveling by ferry is the longer and cheaper option. But as a bonus, you get to take in the magical views on display during your journey over the crystal waters between islands. So, if you're not in a rush and want to save some pesos, the ferry is a wise choice.

In comparison, flying to Siargao from Cebu is faster and more expensive. Therefore, if you just want to get to Siargao quickly and start soaking up the sun and money is no issue, flying is for you.

How to go to Siargao from Cebu by Plane

First, let's talk about the speediest way to get to Siargao from Cebu, flying by plane. Speedy is definitely the right word because, after take-off, you will be on the stunning island of Siargao in only one hour. So, you can get there lightning fast and begin your once-in-a-lifetime Siargao experience pretty much immediately.

Here are some of the specifics about flying to Siargao from Cebu:

• You will fly out of Lapu Lapu Mactan Airport in Cebu.
• You will arrive at Del Carmen Airport in Siargao.
• The flight takes one hour.
• The airport in Siargao is a 40-minute drive to the main tourist hub in Siargao – General Luna.

Is There a Direct Flight from Cebu to Siargao?

Yes. The flight from Lapu Lapu Mactan Airport in Cebu to Del Carmen Airport in Siargao is fast and direct. Furthermore, flights run between the destinations multiple times daily so you can fly out anytime without any annoying stopovers.

How Much Is the Fare from Cebu to Siargao?

A standard economy ticket will cost somewhere in the range of USD 110 to USD 220. However, seasoned travelers will know how that dealing with airlines can sometimes be a tricky dance. So, the exact cost of your flight ticket will depend on a bunch of factors, such as:

• The time of year (season) you visit Siargao.
• How far in advance have you booked your ticket.
• How much luggage you're bringing with you.

How to go to Siargao from Cebu by Ferry

Now let's talk about the alternative option, sailing the seas between these two beautiful islands. There are two ferry operators that can get you from Cebu to Siargao. Unfortunately, unlike flying, floating your way to Siargao is not a direct trip and requires a short stopover.

The first leg of the trip will get you from the Port of Cebu to Surigao on the northern tip of Mindanao Island. It will take 8 to 10 hours and cost USD 24 to USD 47 depending on the ferry service you end up using. Also, it's an overnight trip so for a little extra cash you can get a bed but the standard reclining seats are pretty comfortable.

The second leg of your nautical journey will cost USD 11 and take an hour and a half unless you run into some bad weather. The ferry docks at Dapa Port which is a 20-minute drive to General Luna. There are three ferries a day so no matter what time you arrive, you won't be waiting around too long.

Here's a quick breakdown of the ferry specifics:

• Cebu to Surigao
  • Cebu Starlight Ferries departs at 9 pm daily, takes 10 hours, and has a price tag of $24.
  • Cokaliong Ferries departs at 7 pm Monday to Saturday, takes 8 hours, and will cost $47.
  • Both ferries have food on board but it's cheaper to buy your own on Cebu before boarding.
• Surigao to Siargao
  • The ferry takes 90 minutes and departs three times a day at 6 am, 10 am, and 3:30 pm.

Cebu to Siargao How Many Hours & Siargao to Cebu Distance

Cebu and Siargao are roughly 150 miles apart so swimming is out of the question. In terms of how many hours it will take, that depends on whether you travel on water or in the skies above.

• Plane: Flying will take 1 hour and is direct.
• Ferry: Travel time is a total of 9.5 hours or 11.5 hours plus any waiting time in Surigao.

Cheapest Way to go to Siargao from Cebu

While it may be the longer option, the ferry is by far the cheapest way to get from Cebu to Siargao. That means you can hold onto your pesos and spend them exploring the wonders that await you on Siargao.