Surigao to Siargao Ferry Guide 2026

The Surigao–Siargao Route: A Different Kind of Ferry Experience

This is not your Visayas loop. If you’re taking the Surigao–Siargao ferry, you’re either a surfer chasing waves or a backpacker following the backpacker trail away from the mainstream Bohol-Cebu-Siquijor circuit. The vibe is younger, wilder, and decidedly more adventurous than the family-friendly Visayas routes I usually book.

What makes this route special is how accessible and cheap it is. For PHP 200–400, you’re crossing the same distance it takes an OceanJet catamaran to go from Cebu to Bohol — but on a smaller, noisier, more local boat, surrounded by other travelers, surfers with boards, and the occasional chicken. It’s authentic, it’s crowded during peak season, and it’s how thousands of people get to Siargao every month. Once you land at Dapa, you’re still 45 minutes from General Luna, the actual tourist town. This route demands patience and flexibility, but it delivers exactly what you came for: access to the surf capital of the Philippines.

Getting to Surigao: The Harder Part of the Journey

Before you can catch the ferry to Siargao, you need to get to Surigao. This is where planning matters. You have two realistic options: an overnight bus from Cebu (12+ hours, exhausting but cheapest), or a flight to the Butuan area (1 hour from Cebu, fastest). If you’re coming from the Visayas, the third option is an overnight ferry: Cokaliong or 2GO run overnight sailings from Cebu City to Surigao several times per week. You arrive at Surigao Port by morning and can immediately catch the ferry to Siargao the same day. This is the sweet spot for most backpackers: no hotel night wasted in Surigao, and you’re in Siargao by lunchtime.

Ferry Schedule: Surigao to Siargao 2026

Multiple operators mean frequent departures and flexibility. Unlike the Visayas where one operator dominates, this route has real competition, which keeps schedules frequent and prices low. Departures typically start at 5 AM and run throughout the day.

Package Prices: Ferry + Transfer from Dapa

Travel in Bohol bundles the ferry ticket with a private transfer from Dapa Port directly to your hotel. On this route, that transfer matters even more than it does in the Visayas, because Dapa is basic and far from the main tourist areas. Here’s what a complete journey costs:

For context: a ferry-only ticket starts at PHP 200–400 via local operators — but that doesn’t include the 45-minute ride from Dapa to General Luna or wherever you’re staying. Tricycles at the port will quote you PHP 150–250 for that stretch, and you’ll be haggling with drivers while your bags sit in the sun. Our packages eliminate that friction entirely.

Traveling solo? Email us at travelinboholtours01@gmail.com for a personalized package quote.

Terminal fees are minimal on this route — typically PHP 10–20 if collected at all. Children under 5 often travel free or at significant discount.

Surigao Port: Departure Guide

Surigao Port is small, straightforward, and located in Surigao City proper. It’s nothing like the busy international terminals in Cebu or Bohol. Expect a modest pier with a few small buildings, ticket booths for each operator, and lots of local traffic.

Getting to Surigao Port

From Surigao City hotels or downtown: 10–15 minutes by Grab or tricycle. Cost is PHP 50–100. The port is walkable from the city center if you don’t have heavy luggage.

From Butuan airport: Roughly 90 minutes by car. You’ll need a private transfer or rental car. Coming from Butuan airport, arrange your transfer in advance so you can go straight to the port and catch the afternoon or next-morning ferry.

From overnight bus (from Cebu): Most buses drop passengers near Surigao City downtown. From there, grab or tricycle to the port is 10–15 minutes. Buses typically arrive early morning, giving you time to buy a ferry ticket and board by late morning or early afternoon.

At the Port

Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure. The process is simple: find your operator’s booth (Evaristo or JP Shipping), buy your ticket, and head to the departure area. ID is required — bring a passport. Luggage goes on the boat; no checked bags system like on international ferries. If you have oversized luggage or a surfboard, confirm with the operator that it can be accommodated and how much extra (usually free or PHP 50–100).

The boat itself is typically a smaller cargo/passenger vessel. It’s nothing luxurious, but it’s seaworthy and reliable. Deck seating is common. During rough weather, you’ll feel the sea. Bring motion sickness meds if you’re prone to seasickness, and a light jacket or rain gear because spray happens.

Arriving at Dapa Port, Siargao: Next Steps

Dapa Port is the arrival point, but it’s not where you want to stay. It’s a working fishing pier in a small barangay, 45 minutes to 1 hour from General Luna, the actual tourist center of Siargao.

Getting from Dapa to Your Final Destination

To General Luna

45 minutes–1 hour

The main tourist town. All the resorts, restaurants, and beaches. Tricycle PHP 150–250, or book a private transfer in advance for peace of mind and luggage comfort.

To Dita Beach / Remote Resorts

1–1.5 hours

If you’re staying at a bohemian beach resort further out, tricycle drivers negotiate by distance. Private transfer is recommended so you’re not left at a dusty junction at dusk.

To Del Carmen / North Siargao

30–45 minutes

Smaller beach towns and less developed resorts. Still requires a ride from Dapa. Triike or transfer essential.

Key Policies & Travel Requirements

Return: Siargao to Surigao

The reverse journey is identical in schedule and price. The same three operators run ferries from Dapa back to Surigao multiple times daily. Departures are typically in early morning and afternoon, mirroring the Surigao-to-Siargao schedule. Most travelers extend their Siargao stay (it’s easy to get stuck here for an extra week), but when you’re ready to leave, book your return ferry at your resort or contact us. The timing logic is reversed: catch an afternoon ferry and you’re back in Surigao by evening; catch an early morning ferry and you can connect to an overnight bus to Cebu the same day.

Beyond Siargao: Where to Go Next

Siargao is often the end of the road for backpackers on the loop. But if you want to extend your island-hopping adventure, there are options. Siargao has no ferry to other islands except back to Surigao. To reach other destinations — Camiguin, Bucas Grande, or back to the Visayas — you’d return to Surigao and arrange onward ferries from there.