How To Get From Siquijor To Siargao: A Step-By-Step Guide (2025)

Dreaming of experiencing the mystical charm of Siquijor and the surfer’s paradise Siargao?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to get from Siquijor to Siargao, including maps, the updated schedule, and fares.

Siquijor and Siargao are two rising stars on the Philippines travel map – and for good reason.

Picture pristine white-sand beaches, untamed natural beauty, and a laidback charm uncharacteristic of their more popular neighbors.

However, despite their shared allure, each island offers a totally different experience, and choosing between them is no easy task.

But why choose?

While the journey between these islands does require a little effort and pre-planning, it is relatively straightforward when following the steps below.

Whether you prefer to fly or take a ferry, read on for step-by-step instructions from Siquijor to Siargao, as well as a closer look at what makes each island so uniquely special.

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How to get from Siquijor to Siargao: Overview

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, below is a quick summary.

Siquijor to Siargao: By flight (quickest)

The quickest and easiest way to get from Siquijor to Siargao would be by flying.

At the time of writing (January 2025), there is currently no airport on Siquijor Island. This means that if you are hoping to fly, you will have to travel to Cebu first and fly from there.

Tip: if you book in advance, flying can sometimes be cheaper than a ferry.

Step 1: Siquijor to Cebu

If you choose to fly, first you will have to reach Cebu from Siquijor.

Currently, there is one ferry per day from Siquijor to Cebu City via Tagbilaran in Bohol.

Oceanjet operates this route every day at 8:20 AM.

The journey time is about 5 hours, with a 20-minute stop in Bohol. This will cost you about $34 (book online here).

Note: this ferry departs from Siquijor Port. Make sure to double-check your departure point from Siquijor.

Step 2: Cebu to Siargao

Once you have reached Cebu City you can take a flight to Siargao Island.

The following airlines offer direct flights from Cebu to Siargao –

• Philippines Airlines
• Cebu Pacific
• Sunlight Air

The journey time is approximately 1 hour. These flights can be fairly cheap, anywhere between $20 – $100.

Tip: sometimes it is cheaper to fly from Cebu to Surigao, and then take the ferry across to Siargao.

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Siquijor to Siargao: By ferry (cheapest)

If you benefit from a little more time and are looking to save money, traveling from Siquijor to Siargao by ferry would be your best option.

This Siquijor to Siargao journey will involve 3 ferries and take just over a day in total.

I would highly recommend breaking the journey up with a couple of days in either Bohol or Cebu City.

Step 1: Siquijor to Cebu

The first step of your journey is to get from Siquijor to Cebu.

A tricycle from the tourist hub of San Juan to Siquijor Port takes about 20 minutes and costs about 200 PHP ($3.50).

Currently, there is one ferry per day from Siquijor to Cebu City via Tagbilaran in Bohol.

Oceanjet operates this route every day at 8:20 AM.

The journey time is about 5 hours, with a 20-minute stop in Bohol. This will cost you about $34 (book online here).

Step 2: Cebu to Surigao

You will travel from Cebu to Siargao by ferry overnight. This is a long journey but is generally cheaper than flying.

There are no direct ferries from Cebu to Siargao. This means you will first have to take a ferry from Cebu to Surigao, then another ferry from Surigao to Siargao.

Starlite Ferries runs a direct ferry from Cebu to Surigao every day except Saturday.

The ferry departs at 9:00 PM and takes about 10 hours, arriving at Surigao at roughly 7:00 AM.

The Cebu to Surigao ferry price is about $20 (book here).

Tip: With the overnight ferries you have a choice between cheaper reclining seats or slightly more expensive bunk beds. I would recommend paying a little extra to guarantee yourself a better night’s sleep.

Step 3: Surigao to Siargao

Once you have reached Surigao, you do not have far to go.

Evaristo and Sons run a ferry from Surigao to Siargao every day. This takes about 2 hours and costs about $10.

The ferry departs from Surigao to Siargao at the following times –

• 4: 00 AM
• 6:00 AM
• 10:00 AM
• 3:30 PM

✅ BOOK YOUR FERRY IN ADVANCE HERE

Full Post: How To Get From Surigao City to Siargao

Total cost & time

In total, the Siquijor to Siargao journey by ferry will cost you about $75.

This number takes into consideration the total price of the ferries, as well as an estimate for tricycle prices to and from your accommodation.

Note: when traveling around the Philippines, you can always expect to pay a terminal fee (and sometimes an environmental fee) at the ferry ports. This is usually about 20 PHP.

The total journey time is roughly 26 hours.

The ferry times are quite convenient, meaning you will not have to wait too long at ferry ports. If you leave Siquijor in the morning, you can expect to arrive in Siargao by midday the following day.

Traveling to Siargao from somewhere else? Check out my How To Get To Siargao Island Step-By-Step Guide from all popular destinations.

Getting to General Luna

When visiting Siargao, the majority of travelers tend to stay in the tourist hub General Luna.

This is where you will find most of the main bars, restaurants, surfing and nightlife.

Whether you arrive at Siargao Island by flight or ferry, you will need to get from the airport/ferry port to General Luna.

Arriving by flight

Arriving at Sayak Airport is super straightforward.

You will be approached by drivers outside the airport offering rides to your accommodation in General Luna by van. It is kind of like a shuttle service.

• Price: 300 PHP ($5)
• Time: 45 minutes

If returning to the airport, talk to your accommodation and they will be able to book the return van journey in advance for you.

Arriving by ferry

If arriving by ferry, you will dock at Dapa Port.

The best way to get from Dapa Port to General Luna is by tricycle. Try and find some people going in the same direction to split the fare with.

• Price: 400 PHP ($6.90)
• Time: 20 minutes

Note: apparently there is a bus/jeepney from Dapa Port to General Luna which runs every day until 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, we arrived too late, but it is worth asking at the port.

If you don’t have time for both: Siquijor or Siargao?

Whilst both Siquijor and Siargao boast beautiful nature, pristine white-sand beaches, and abundant marine life, these are two very different islands.

Comparing them both is difficult as they offer such a different experience. If you benefit from time, then I would highly recommend adding both to your Philippines itinerary.

Siquijor Island

Siquijor is much smaller than Siargao and has only experienced a boom in tourism in recent years.

This means that, generally, Siquijor is still pretty underdeveloped.

Whilst there are many delicious restaurants in Siquijor, you will not find many bars or nightlife spots.

Siquijor is not inundated with luxury resorts and the vibe is much calmer, with most places closing at about 10 PM.

Full Post: Where To Eat: Top 10 BEST Siquijor Restaurants

The natural beauty in Siquijor is incredible, with hidden waterfalls and stunning white-sand beaches scattered across the island.

The marine life is also much more abundant and vibrant than in Siargao.

Full Post: Top 5 BEST Waterfalls in Siquijor: The Ultimate Guide

You also cannot miss a day trip to Apo Island, one of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the world.

Full Post: Apo Island Day Trip From Siquijor: The ULTIMATE Guide

Known as the Mystical Island, Siquijor also boasts a rich culture and is famed for its witchcraft and healing practices. There are many fascinating historical landmarks and cultural sites to visit.

Full Post: Top 13 BEST Things To Do In Siquijor

Siargao Island

Siargao is a much bigger island to explore and is better catered towards tourism.

You will find here buzzing nightlife, a vibrant food scene, as well as many world-class resorts.

Full Post: Siargao Nightlife: 9 BEST Bars & Party Schedule

As the surfing capital of the Philippines, you will find a laidback surfers’ vibe and social atmosphere – it is fantastic for backpackers or solo travelers.

With its breathtaking beaches and abundance of coconut trees, Siargao is the very definition of a tropical paradise.

It is also a great spot for adventure lovers, with many adrenaline-fuelled activities.

Must Read: 17 Unique Things To Do In Siargao For Non-Surfers

From kayaking the emerald-green waters of Sugba Lagoon to exploring nearby white-sand islands, Siargao also offers many unique day trips.

Full Post: ULTIMATE SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget & Itinerary

Overall, if you’re looking for a social atmosphere, surfing, adventure activities, and a wide choice of day trips, Siargao is your best bet.

If you’re looking for a calmer atmosphere, waterfall hopping, abundant marine life, and a more cultural experience, I would recommend Siquijor.

In general, both islands offer stunning white-sand beaches, delicious restaurants, and a slower pace of life.

You will not find as many tourists on either of these islands, which makes them all the more special.

Siargao to Siquijor

If you are traveling from Siargao to Siquijor, simply follow the steps above in reverse.

• Ferry from Siargao to Surigao (book here)
• Ferry from Surigao to Cebu City (book here)
• Ferry from Cebu City to Siquijor (book here)

Where to stay in Siargao

The best area to stay in Siargao is General Luna.

This is where you will find all of the main restaurants, surfing, and buzzing nightlife.

Jing’s Place Homestay

The best place to stay in Siargao for solo backpackers and travelers on a budget.

With a choice between a private room or a shared dorm, Jing’s is one of the best-value accommodations in Siargao.

With a large common area and a pool table, Jing’s has a great social atmosphere and is a great spot to meet other travelers.

Located in the heart of General Luna, the rustic native-style rooms give an authentic feel of island life. We also booked our fantastic surf lesson with Jing’s.

Shared dorm prices are $6.00 per night and private rooms start from $10.00 per night.

Mao Mao Surf Camp

A great place to stay in Siargao for couples or small groups.

This hostel offers a laidback surfing vibe and rustic private bungalows in the heart of General Luna at a medium-range budget.

Embrace the tropical island vibes and live in the jungle, with an outdoor bamboo shower, hammocks, and an amazing surf school.

Prices for a private room start at $50.00 per night.

Isla Cabana Resort

One of the best luxury resorts in Siargao.

This beachfront resort boasts a private beach, an infinity pool, a spa, a gym, and a pool table. There is also a beach bar and restaurant, as well as activities such as kayaking.

Choose between a hotel-like room, cabana, or villa. The most expensive premier option includes sunrise views over the ocean and a private pool.

Prices range from $150 – $400 per night.

FAQs

What is Siargao known for?

Siargao is widely known as the surfing capital of the Philippines and its epic waves attract surfers from all over the world.

However, in recent years, Siargao has transformed into a must-visit Philippines destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, party animals, and beach bums alike.

Untamed natural beauty, pristine white-sand beaches, buzzing nightlife, and a vibrant food scene, all with a sprinkle of coconut trees.

Whilst Siargao is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination, it still possesses a rustic laidback surfers’ vibe and a slower pace of life hard to come by in the modern world.

Suggested: ULTIMATE SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget & Itinerary

How many days should you stay in Siargao?

I would recommend at least 4 days in Siargao.

Siargao is such a diverse island, with many beach and land activities. There are also many incredible day trips –

• Sugba Lagoon
• Coconut Road & Coconut Viewdeck
• Maasin River
• Beginners Surf Lesson at Secret Beach
• Island Hopping
• Sohoton Cove.

If you are not short of time, the best amount of time in Siargao would be a week.

This would give you time for activities but also for enjoying the laid-back vibe and exploring the many delicious Siargao restaurants and cafes.

Must Read: How To Spend 3-5 Days in Siargao: Ultimate DIY Itinerary

This post has detailed everything you need to know to travel from Siquijor to Siargao, whether by flight or ferry.

If you have made the journey from Siquijor to Siargao, I would love to hear from you – reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it went!

Planning your Philippines trip?

With so many amazing islands to explore, how do you decide where to visit? For inspiration, itinerary ideas, and dream destinations, check out the following –

1-Month Philippines Itinerary – the ideal backpacking route exploring popular destinations & off-the-beaten-path spots

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in the Philippines – your ultimate guide to the best destinations to suit every type of traveler