How To Get To Siargao Island 2024: Step-By-Step Guide
Are you planning on adding Siargao to your Philippines itinerary, but don’t know how to get there?
This post will let you know exactly how to get to Siargao Island, from Manila, Cebu, or Bohol. Whether you prefer to take a flight or ferry, this post includes everything you need to know, updated for 2024.
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Siargao Island is widely known as the surfing capital of the Philippines and its breathtaking waves attract surfers from all over the world.
In recent years though, Siargao has been working its way into travellers’ hearts. It has turned into a must-visit tropical destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, party animals, and beach bums alike.
If you’re debating adding Siargao to your Philippines itinerary, then it’s a no-brainer.
Untamed natural beauty, pristine white-sand beaches, buzzing nightlife, and a vibrant food scene, all with a sprinkle of coconut trees.
However, it is no secret that Siargao isn’t the easiest island to reach in the world. Are you interested in the best way to get to Siargao, to save yourself time and money?
In this post, we will cover exactly how to get to Siargao Island, updated for 2024.
Where is Siargao Island located?
Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island located in the northeast of Mindanao, in the province of Surigao del Norte.
The journey to reach Siargao is fairly straightforward if you follow the steps below. Depending on the amount of time you have and the comfort you’re looking for, Siargao can be reached by either flight or ferry.
Full Post: The BEST Siargao Travel Guide 2024: Budget & Itinerary
How to get from Manila to Siargao
Many travelers fly into Manila when visiting the Philippines and it is the first stop on many itineraries.
Being the capital, knowing how to get to Siargao from Manila can save you a lot of time. The journey from Manila to Siargao is actually pretty simple.
By plane
To easiest way to get to Siargao from Manila is by plane. This is also the priciest option.
There are a few airlines that offer a direct flight from Manila to Siargao –
The journey time is roughly 2 hours. Flights can cost anywhere between $40 – $150.
I would recommend using Skyscanner to compare the cheapest flight prices. However, always make sure to check prices with the airline directly too, as this can sometimes be cheaper.
Typically, with Philippines Airlines the flights are more expensive and the level of service higher. Cebu Pacific and Sunlight Air are more budget airlines.
Note: Sometimes it is cheaper to fly from Manila to Surigao, and then take the ferry across to Siargao. If you want to know how to get from Surigao to Siargao, you can skip to it here.
What airport do you fly into for Siargao?
When flying into Siargao Island, you will land at Sayak Airport. The airport is about 45 minutes from General Luna. You can skip to the location and directions here.
By ferry
Getting from Manila to Siargao by ferry will certainly take a much longer time. If you are short on time and a fan of comfort, then I would recommend flying.
However, I was determined to travel around the Philippines without flying and where there’s a will, there’s always a way!
Manila to Siargao involves 3 ferries and will take a couple of days. This is typically cheaper than flying, however, if you are booking far in advance, then flying could be cheaper.
To get to Siargao from Manila by ferry, first, you will need to reach Cebu.
There are 3 ferries per week that travel directly to Cebu from Manila. Currently, the only company to offer this service is 12GO.
The direct ferry departs from Manila North Harbour Pier 4 to Cebu on the following days and times –
- Monday at 9:30 AM – 26 hours
- Sunday at 7 AM – 22 hours
- Wednesday at 7 PM – 22 hours
Overnight ferry from Manila to Cebu with 12GO Asia.
Monday @ 9:30 | Wednesday @ 19:00 | Sunday @ 7:00
For this journey from Manila to Cebu by ferry, you can expect to pay anywhere between $15 – $50. This depends on how far in advance you book.
The average price for this journey is about $26.
Once you’ve reached Cebu, it’s time for another ferry to Siargao. You can skip to these steps here.
Stay in a rustic private bungalow in the heart of General Luna.
Embrace the tropical island vibes with hammocks, an outdoor bamboo shower, and an amazing surf school.
By plane + ferry
If you’re looking to save both money and time when traveling to Siargao from Manila, then perhaps a mixture of plane and ferry could be the best option.
Flights from Manila to Cebu can be pretty inexpensive and much cheaper than flying to Siargao directly. Flying to Cebu and then taking a ferry from Cebu to Siargao is the best of both worlds in my opinion.
How many hours from Manila to Siargao
Depending on the mode of transport you choose, getting to Siargao from Manila can take anywhere between 2 hours and 48 hours.
Must Read: 17 Unique Things To Do In Siargao For Non-Surfers
How to get from Cebu to Siargao
Centrally located in the Philippines near all the main tourist destinations, you can reach many places very easily from Cebu.
To get to Siargao from Cebu, you can either fly or take a ferry.
By plane
Flying from Cebu to Siargao is the quickest option. The following airlines offer direct flights from Cebu to Siargao –
The journey time is approximately 1 hour. These flights can be fairly cheap, anywhere between $20 – $100.
By ferry
Traveling from Cebu to Siargao by ferry takes longer, but it can be cheaper depending on when you book. However, you cannot reach Siargao directly from Cebu.
First, you will have to take a ferry from Cebu to Surigao, then another ferry from Surigao to Siargao. This option is not as complicated as it sounds and is pretty straightforward.
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.
Overnight ferry from Cebu City to Surigao with Starlite Ferries
Every day except Saturday @ 21:00
You will then have to take a ferry from Surigao to Siargao Island which you can skip to here.
How many hours from Cebu to Siargao
Depending on the mode of transport you choose, reaching Siargao from Cebu can take anywhere between 1 hour – 15 hours.
How to get from Bohol to Siargao
Bohol is a very popular island on any Philippines itinerary. Some travelers may be heading to Siargao after visiting Bohol.
To reach Siargao from Bohol, first, you have to get back to Cebu. Once back in Cebu, you can follow the steps above by taking either a flight or ferry to Siargao.
Many companies operate ferries between Bohol and Cebu all day every day. The journey time is about 2 hours.
You can book your tickets from Bohol to Cebu online here.
Once you’re back in Cebu, you can follow the instructions above to reach Siargao Island.
Visit the main Siargao highlights including the Maasin River, Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and Coconut Viewdeck.
All entrance fees, a private guide, and roundtrip transport to your accommodation included.
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 –
- 6:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 3:30 PM
Ferry from Surigao to Siargao with Evaristo & Sons
Everyday @ 4:00 | 6:00 | 10.00 | 15:30
How long is the ferry from Surigao to Siargao
The ferry from Surigao to Siargao takes about 2 hours.
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
- 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 (split between 3)
- 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.
Where to stay in Siargao
When visiting Siargao, most people tend to stay in the tourist hub General Luna, close to the main bars, restaurants, nightlife, and activities.
I would recommend Mao Mao Surf Hostel. This hostel offers a laidback surfing vibe and rustic private bungalows 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.
This is a great option for couples. Prices for a private room start at $50.00 per night.
What is the best month to visit Siargao?
The best time to visit Siargao is in the dry season, from March to October.
This is peak season in Siargao and you are (almost always) guaranteed a lively atmosphere and beautiful weather.
Whilst Siargao is hot all year round, the rainiest months are December and January. The peak surfing season runs from August – November, with August as the driest month.
Remember that Siargao is a tropical island so always expect the unexpected. I visited in April and we had a few days of heavy rain.
Philippines Essentials Packing List
Is it worth it to go to Siargao?
Siargao was my favourite island in the Philippines. Although it is a little out of the way, the island’s laidback vibe and raw unspoiled nature will be sure to captivate you and leave you wanting more.
Great for adventure seekers, nature lovers, party animals, and beach bums, there is something for every type of traveler and budget.
Whilst Siargao is becoming a number-one tourist destination in the Philippines, it still possesses a rustic charm and a slower pace of life.
If you’re planning your Philippines itinerary, you cannot miss this tropical paradise.
Well, there you have it! Everything you need to know to visit Siargao Island in the Philippines.
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