I haven’t added this ferry trip to my World Borders Series as it’s really just a straight forward internal ferry within the Philippines, but I thought it was a good post to write about given that most visitors to Panglao and Bohol will arrive by ferry. Yes there is an airport in Tagbilaran, but I haven’t heard of other backpackers ever using it. So here’s a guide to getting the Cebu to Bohol ferry in the Philippines.
Our ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran in Bohol, Philippines.
How to get from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol Island
The Philippines is a massive archipelago. A word I often love yet do not always comprehend or understand. However once you are in the Philippines it becomes obvious why the word archipelago is used and what it means. A ongoing series of islands. So you will do a lot of boat hopping when you are there. I arrived into the City of Cebu by air from Hong Kong and didn’t want to stay the night in Cebu as we were heading to explore Bohol and Panglao. So the plan was hatched to spend a few hours at the ferry terminal and get the first ferry of the morning to Tagbilaran on Bohol island.
Arrival on Bohol island at the port of Tagbilaran, Philippines.
Getting from Cebu International Airport to Cebu Ferry Terminal
At night (when we arrived) the quickest and safest way is by taxi. Bargain the taxi drivers down – they rip you off to fuck, so you need to say no to the first few drivers until they get the message you are an experienced traveller and won’t pay over the odds. Then hop in and head to the ferry terminal. Don’t pay more than 60 Pesos. Now, there are quite a few ferry terminals in Cebu so it’s important you go to the ferry terminal that has ferries to Bohol (or Tagbilaran – the capital city of Bohol). Ask the taxi driver to take you to that one, or research online first. For us it was ferry terminal number 4.
Arrival into Cebu airport, Philippines.
How to book a ferry from Cebu City to Bohol
Don’t book in advance – in true Philippines style if you try to do this they may even tell you that you have a booking by e-mail then when you turn up they might say you don’t. You don’t need to book it in advance – just turn up at the ferry terminal and book the next ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol Island. In the worst case scenario that the ferry is full – there are a load of companies running regular ferries so you won’t have to wait long. We booked our trip across with the Supercat and came back using Ocean Fast Ferries. There is also the Weesam Express.
The Weesam Express – one of many companies running the Cebu to Tagbilaran route in the Philippines.
What Company to Use for the Ferry from Cebu to Bohol?
There are a few and we used The Supercat Fast Ferry which was smooth, efficient, safe and comfortable. All you want really! No frills. Bring on your own food, sleep or head into iPod land and savour the views. The other companies are Weesam Express and Ocean Fast Ferries (which we used on the way back).
The queue to buy tickets for the Cebu to Tagbilaran ferry.
How much does the ferry from Cebu to Bohol cost?
Our single ferry across from Cebu to Tagbilaran in Bohol cost 535 Philippine Pesos. This is broken down into various parts, including tax and insurance. It changes depending on time of sailing, time of year and the company you use.
Ferry ticket from The Supercat – cost was 535 Pesos.
When do the ferries from Cebu City to Bohol operate?
Countless times daily and regularly. I could post a timetable for you, but this will be subject to change. They normally start around 7am and run to 6pm so bear that in mind, check here for updates: Ferries and Flights to Bohol.
The ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran in Bohol, Philippines.
How long does the ferry from Cebu to Bohol take?
Around two hours is a decent estimate. It’s a pleasant enjoyable ride. I used to work on ferries and love them, I was in awe of it and will never complain about time delays on ferries, as I was once part of the job working on them. A career you might actually want to pursue if you travel, here’s a decent book on it: travel and work on cruise ships. You get an allocated seat and can relax. Bring your own food and drink of course to save money.
You should arrive into the city of Tagbilaran on the island of Bohol after about 2 hours.
What happens when you arrive into Tagbilaran on Bohol Island?
In short, on arrival into Tagbilaran you will be absolutely BOMBARDED by local taxi drivers and tour companies offering to take you on a tour of the island and nearby attractions. If you’re not on a budget, by all means take them up on their offers, BUT seriously just shop around and bargain to hell with these dudes until you get a decent price.
You will be bombarded by local drivers and tour companies on arrival in Bohol – be ready for it and turn down their crazy offers!
They will be more than happy to show you all the attractions, take you to your hostel/hotel and talk away to you on your trip. Remember, the local people in the Philippines are among the nicest people in the world to talk to, but they also know what it means to make a profit so they won’t hesistate to overcharge unsuspecting tourists. Keep that in mind and you’re now on the gorgeous island of Bohol!!
Jumping for joy at the Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines!
A few tips on what to see and do in Bohol:
Dolphin Watching and Snorkelling
Flying Colours Butterfly Centre
Like most journeys on my travels, this was also a wonderful one, enjoy it! My videos from getting the Cebu to Bohol ferry:
I found this blog post super useful. Thanks!
Hi J. Glad you liked it and safe travels.
i was looking at ways to get from Cebu to Bohol and Omg i need no more to look,,Jonny u are so informative, Thanks so much for easing my mind ,, i`m going their new yrs eve with my g/f .. happy travelling and keep smiling ..Dave
Hi Dave – thanks for the comment and good luck with your trip. It’s a cool boat crossing actually and Bohol has a lot more to see and do than Cebu. Plus there are less people about. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Jonny,
Could you please tell me how much for taxi from Taglibiran ferry terminal to Panglao?
Thanks so much for ur very useful info!
Hi Dung, thanks for the comment, I was there in late 2012 so I really cannot remember the rates, and if I did they will have changed. I think we had a good driver for the whole day tour as well included in the price but bargain all you can. Safe travels. Jonny
Hey this is such a useful and informative article nice one! We recently visited Bohol and used the ‘OceanJet’ fast ferry company which was great but the current price is more like 800 PHP so not cheap but worth it for a quick & smooth 2 hour journey! 🙂
Hi Laura, thanks for the comment, glad you had fun. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi! Jonny .Thank very much for the tips .it really helps a lot . it is my first time to travel going to Bohol from Cebu city next year ?So excited ?
Hi Jay, thanks for the comment. I hope your trip from Bohol to Cebu goes well. I loved it there. Safe travels. Jonny
hi I need a private boat or a ferry from bhol to Cebu on 31 st December 2016..
Hi Raja, that sounds great. Good luck in choosing the company and hope it goes well for you. Safe travels. Jonny
nice!! im still planning my trip to bohol by this coming october. thanks for the tips jonny, im very excited
We are going there tomorrow, I have been a resident of the Philippines for more than 8 years, now living in Cebu. I have not been to Bohol yet, so I am looking forward to this trip. But there is one problem we are having, and that is that I want to bring our own motorcycles with us, and trying to figure out which ferry can carry our bikes, properly, it extremely important. I don’t want them to ride my bike, nor do I want them to tie it down in such a way that the straps will damage the bike, paint etc.
Beyond that, we look forward to 5 days of fun and exploration, will make some of the stops that are on this list, hope that we enjoy it as much as you did.
Hi Eanna, thanks for the comment. Enjoy your trip! Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Anthony, thanks for the comment. Good luck on your trip to Bohol. It seems a lifetime ago I was there. Safe travels. Jonny
Thanks for you tips, I enjoyed reading your article. I am a solo female traveler thinking about going to Bohol – do you think a solo traveler would enjoy his/her time there?
Hi Tanya, Thanks for the comment! Yes for sure you will love it. It is a beautiful part of the world – in fact, females like it more than men. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Jonny
Greetings from Australia ?? Your article is very impormative and very
Useful I will use it as a guide. We’re planning to travel April 2018 I’m just
worried that maybe it’s very hot. My mum is old 69yrs and always talking
about heat stroke. Anyway trying to figuring out the cost. Six of us
will travel..
Thank you and regards
Joyce
Hi Jonny
Greetings from Australia ?? Your article is very impormative and very
Useful I will use it as a guide. We’re planning to travel April 2018 I’m just
worried that maybe it’s very hot. My mum is old 69yrs and always talking
about heat stroke. Anyway trying to figuring out the cost. Six of us
will travel..
Thank you and regards
Joyce
Hi Joyce, thanks for the comment. I was there in 2012 so for sure things will have changed a lot since then. It was very hot in December when we visited but just do the research in advance and best wishes. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Joyce, thanks for the comment. I was there in 2012 so for sure things will have changed a lot since then. It was very hot in December when we visited but just do the research in advance and best wishes. Safe travels. Jonny
THANKS!
Hi Carl, thanks for the comment and safe travels. Jonny
Hi Jonny, I’m thinking of getting the first ferry out to Bohol as soon as I touch down at Cebu airport at 12 midnight. Is it possible to sleep for a few hours at the ferry terminal?
Very useful info thanks. Our family arrives about 4.30pm in Cebu airport – will this be enough time to get to ferry terminal 4 for the ferry to to tabilaran? Travelling with 9 and 12 yr old kids late June 2019 and did not want to get to hotel in Bohol
Hi Gary, Yes I am sure that would be fine to sleep there, though mind your bags or lock them up of course! Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Neil, Thanks for the comment and I am extremely sorry for the huge delay in replying to you. I have been going through problems with depression and wasn’t checking the comments or messages that much. Sorry I wasn’t more help but I am sure you made that ferry – there are many of them daily. Stay safe. Jonny