If you’re wondering how to go to Siargao from Cebu, there are several routes—by air and by sea—each with trade‑offs in time, cost, and convenience. Below is a detailed guide on the fastest, most flexible, and most budget‑friendly ways to get to Siargao Island from Cebu.
1. Fastest Way: Direct Flights from Cebu to Siargao
The quickest way to get from Cebu to Siargao is by taking a direct flight from Mactan‑Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Siargao’s Sayak Airport (IAO).
- Typical flight time: ~1–1.5 hours
- Airlines operating: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and others (check availability)
Why choose this route?
- Ideal if you're short on time or prefer convenience.
- No need for further transfers once you land — you can go straight to Siargao accommodations or your starting point in General Luna.
2. Connecting Flights: Cebu → Surigao / Butuan → Siargao
If direct flights are full or expensive, you can take a connecting flight through nearby cities:
- Cebu → Surigao: Fly from CEB to Surigao Airport (SUG) and then transfer by ferry to Siargao.
- Cebu → Butuan: Some flights go to Butuan, and from there you can make your way to Surigao, then onward to Siargao.
These connecting routes may take more time, but they give you flexibility and sometimes better fare options, especially during peak season.
3. Most Budget‑Friendly Way: Ferry from Cebu → Surigao → Siargao
For budget travelers, the most cost-effective way to get to Siargao Island from Cebu is by combining a ferry trip from Cebu to Surigao, and then another ferry from Surigao to Siargao.
Ferry from Cebu to Surigao
You have two main ferry operators for this leg:
A. Cokaliong Shipping Lines
- Departure: Cebu Pier 1 at 7:00 PM daily.
- Arrival: Surigao City around 3:30 AM next day.
- Travel time: ~8 hours 30 minutes.
- Fare: From about ₱825 for economy up to ₱7,100 for suites.
B. Starlite Ferries
- There is a daily (except Saturday) trip: depart at 9:00 PM from Cebu Pier 3, arrive Surigao ~6:00 AM
- Fare options: Reclining seat (~₱1,200), Economy bed (~₱1,320), Tourist bed (~₱1,560).
Ferry from Surigao to Siargao
Once you arrive in Surigao, you can catch a ferry to Siargao’s Dapa Port:
- Boarding Location in Surigao City: Macapagal Port
- Arrival Location in Siargao: Dapa Port
- Schedule: Multiple daily departures: 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:30 PM.
- Travel time: ~1 hour 30 minutes for fastcraft.
- Fare: Around ₱400–₱550, depending on class.
4. Travel Time Comparison
| Route | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Direct flight (Cebu → Siargao) | 1 – 1.5 hours | ⭐⭐⭐ Higher |
| Flight + connecting (via Surigao or Butuan) | Depends on layover + ferry | ⭐⭐ Mid-range |
| Ferry (Cebu → Surigao) + Ferry (Surigao → Siargao) | ~8.5 h + ~1.5 h ≈ 10 hours+ | ⭐ Most Budget-Friendly |
5. Getting From Siargao Airport or Port to Your Accommodation
Once you dock at Dapa Port in Siargao, you can ride the DATSCO Bus. It operates every day, providing convenient transport between Dapa and General Luna.
Fare:
DAPA to GL = Regular – Php 33 | Student / Senior/ PWD – Php 27
Most visitors stay in General Luna, near Cloud 9, restaurants, surf shops, and tour operators.
Transport options:
- Shared vans (most comfortable)
- Tricycles (budget-friendly)
- Scooter rentals (best for exploring)
Many listings on SiargaoHotels.ph offer airport or port pickup—check with your hotel.
Tips for Traveling from Cebu to Siargao
- Book early — flights fill up quickly, especially during surf season
- Bring cash — ATMs may run out during weekends/holidays
- Check weather — ferry routes sometimes adjust due to sea conditions
- Stay in General Luna for convenient access to tours and good food
- Travel light if you’re transferring through ferries and vans
Summary: How to Get to Siargao Island from Cebu
- Fastest route: Take a direct flight from Cebu (CEB) to Siargao (IAO).
- Flexible route: Fly via Surigao or Butuan, then transfer to a ferry.
- Most budget-friendly: Ferry from Cebu to Surigao (Cokaliong or Starlite) + ferry from Surigao to Siargao (Evaristo & Sons).
