How to Get to Siquijor: Ferries, Transfers and Getting Around
Working out how to get to Siquijor starts with two questions: where are you travelling from, and which Siquijor port will your ferry use?
The island has no commercial airport, so most visitors arrive by ferry from Bohol, Dumaguete or Cebu.
Siquijor has two main arrival points, Siquijor Port and Larena Port, and choosing the right connection can save you several hours of backtracking.
I travelled to Siquijor from Tagbilaran in Bohol and continued onwards to Dumaguete, so I experienced both of the most useful ferry routes for a Visayas dive trip.
This guide explains those journeys, the Cebu options, the transfer to San Juan and the easiest ways to get around once you arrive. Let’s dive in!
How to Get to Siquijor: Quick Answer
There is no commercial airport on Siquijor, so your journey will include a ferry. The three most useful gateways are Tagbilaran in Bohol, Dumaguete on Negros and Cebu.
Most fast ferries from Bohol and Dumaguete use Siquijor Port, which is convenient for reaching San Juan.
Some slower or less frequent services, particularly those connected with Cebu or southern Cebu, may use Larena Port instead.
For the shortest ferry crossing, travel through Dumaguete. If you are following a wider Visayas route that includes Bohol, take the ferry from Tagbilaran.
From Cebu, a connecting journey through Tagbilaran is often the most straightforward option, although selected services may also operate to Larena.
Always check both the departure and arrival ports before booking. “Siquijor” in a search result does not automatically mean Siquijor Port, and that is not the sort of detail you want to discover after the ferry docks.
From Bohol (Tagbilaran) to Siquijor
The Bohol to Siquijor ferry is the route I took, and it fits naturally into a Visayas trip that combines Panglao or Balicasag with Siquijor.
Fast ferries operate between Tagbilaran Port and Siquijor. The journey takes approximately two hours, depending on the vessel and sea conditions.
I travelled with OceanJet on an afternoon departure at around 2:40 PM and arrived in Siquijor at approximately 4:30 PM.
That timing worked well because I still had daylight to collect my luggage, arrange a tuk-tuk and reach my accommodation in San Juan.
Treat my departure time as a record of my journey rather than the current timetable.
Ferry schedules can change, so search your exact travel date directly with the operator before finalising accommodation or transfers.
The fast craft has an air-conditioned passenger cabin.
Larger bags and dive equipment can be checked, but baggage allowances and additional fees depend on the operator and ticket class.
If you are travelling with your own dive gear, review the baggage policy before choosing the cheapest fare.
Book online before reaching the port and save a screenshot of your ticket and booking reference.
Port Wi-Fi and mobile signal are not always reliable, and having the details ready makes check-in much easier.
Allow enough time at Tagbilaran Port for ticket verification and checked baggage.
Do not plan to arrive just before the advertised departure time, particularly if you are carrying several bags.
Coming from Cebu first? My Cebu to Bohol ferry guide covers that earlier leg so you can plan the whole journey in one go.
From Dumaguete to Siquijor
Dumaguete is the most convenient gateway if your priority is the shortest ferry journey or if you are combining Siquijor with Dauin and Apo Island.
Several ferries operate between Dumaguete Port and Siquijor.
Fast-craft journey times are generally around one hour, although the exact duration depends on the operator, vessel and sea conditions.
I travelled in the opposite direction, from Siquijor to Dumaguete, and my crossing took approximately 40 minutes.
It was a short and easy onward connection compared with many inter-island journeys in the Philippines.
Dumaguete also has an airport, making this route useful if Siquijor is the first or last island on your itinerary.
From Dumaguete Airport, you will still need to transfer to the seaport before taking the ferry.
This route also works particularly well for divers. You can travel from Siquijor to Dumaguete and continue south to Dauin, which is the usual base for macro diving and trips to Apo Island.
Several operators may serve the route at different times of day.
Compare the available sailings for your exact date rather than planning around an old timetable, and check which Siquijor port your ticket uses.
From Cebu to Siquijor
Travelling from Cebu to Siquijor requires a little more planning because several route combinations are possible.
OceanJet lists Cebu to Siquijor as a connecting journey through Tagbilaran.
Depending on the booking, this may be sold as one connecting itinerary, but you should still check whether you need to change vessels, collect baggage or complete another check-in in Bohol.
If the connection is not available as one suitable itinerary, book Cebu to Tagbilaran and Tagbilaran to Siquijor as separate legs.
Leave a generous buffer between ferries rather than relying on a tight connection.
Another option is to travel from Cebu to Dumaguete and take the shorter Dumaguete to Siquijor crossing.
This route makes the most sense if you are already visiting southern Negros, Dauin or Apo Island.
Slow or seasonal ferries may also operate between Cebu and Larena Port in Siquijor.
These services can be useful if the dates match your itinerary, but they are not always daily or consistent enough to assume they will run without checking.
If you are already in southern Cebu, look at current services from the Oslob or Liloan area to Larena.
This can save you from returning all the way to Cebu City, but confirm schedules and departure points directly before travelling.
Whichever Cebu route you choose, check three things before paying: the connection time, the Siquijor arrival port and how checked baggage is handled between legs.
Planning the full Philippines dive circuit?
The Philippines Dive Circuit Itinerary covers Malapascua, Siquijor, and Bohol with day-by-day planning, dive site breakdowns, transfer logistics, accommodation picks and packing lists.
Everything in one place so you can stop researching and start diving.
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Which Route Should You Choose?
The best route depends on the rest of your Philippines itinerary, not simply which ferry looks shortest on a map.
- Doing a Visayas dive circuit through Malapascua, Bohol and Siquijor: Travel through Bohol. Cebu to Tagbilaran followed by Tagbilaran to Siquijor creates a logical route without unnecessary backtracking.
- Flying in or out, or combining Siquijor with Dauin and Apo Island: Travel through Dumaguete. The ferry crossing is shorter, and Dumaguete connects easily with the Dauin dive area.
- Starting in Cebu City and also visiting Bohol: Use the connecting route through Tagbilaran. It is the most natural option if Bohol is already part of your itinerary.
- Starting in Cebu but skipping Bohol: Compare the Dumaguete route with any current Cebu-to-Larena service. The best choice will depend on your date, total journey time and arrival port.
- Already travelling in southern Cebu: Check services from the Oslob or Liloan area before returning to Cebu City. A southern crossing may save several hours of road travel.
Do not choose on ferry duration alone. A slightly longer crossing can still be the better route if it removes an overnight stay, a long bus journey or an awkward connection with all your dive gear.
Getting from Siquijor Port to San Juan
Siquijor Port is the most convenient arrival point for many travellers staying in San Juan, where much of the island’s accommodation, restaurants and diving are based.
Tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis and occasional private cars are normally available outside the port. I used a tuk-tuk and paid PHP 300 to reach San Juan.
A motorbike taxi may work if you are travelling with a small backpack.
If you have a suitcase or dive equipment, a tuk-tuk or car is far more practical.
A dive bag was not designed to balance elegantly on the back of a motorbike.
Before leaving the port, show the driver the exact accommodation pin rather than only the hotel name.
Some properties sit away from the main coastal road and may not have obvious signs.
If your ferry arrives at Larena Port, the journey to San Juan is longer.
Arrange a pickup through your accommodation if possible, or ask for the fare before accepting a ride.
Do not use the PHP 300 Siquijor Port fare as the expected price from Larena.
PRO TIP: Agree on the fare before you get in. Around PHP 300 (about USD 5) is fair from Siquijor Port to San Juan. Show your accommodation pin, especially if it is set back from the main road.
Getting Around Siquijor
Siquijor does not have the kind of fixed public transport network where you can check a timetable and wait at a marked stop.
Visitors generally use scooters, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis or private cars.
The right choice depends on your riding experience, luggage and plans for the day.
- Motorbike or scooter (around PHP 350 per day): This gives you the most freedom and allows you to stop wherever you want around the island loop. Only rent one if you are already a confident rider. Roads can be quiet, but surfaces and conditions vary, particularly away from the main coastal route. Wear a helmet, check the scooter before leaving and make sure your travel insurance covers motorcycle use.
- Tuk-tuk with a driver (around PHP 1,500 per day, or about PHP 1,800 for an eight-hour island tour): This is the easiest option if you do not ride or want to explore without navigating. Prices vary according to the route, number of hours and stops, so confirm what is included before setting off.
- Private car or taxi: This costs more but is the most comfortable option for families, small groups or travellers with heavy luggage. It is also useful during poor weather or if someone in the group has limited mobility.
- Motorbike taxi: Suitable for short journeys with minimal luggage. It is less practical when carrying a suitcase, camera equipment or dive gear.
I used local tuk-tuk drivers for my island sightseeing and appreciated having someone who already knew the roads and stops.
My accommodation helped arrange the drivers, which made the process much easier.
Ask your accommodation for a reliable contact, agree on the price and expected duration, and make sure both of you understand which attractions are included.
Practical Tips for Reaching Siquijor
A few simple preparations can make the ferry journey and arrival considerably easier.
- Confirm the arrival port. Siquijor Port and Larena Port are in different parts of the island. Your transfer cost and travel time will depend on which one you use.
- Book ferries online and screenshot the ticket. Keep the booking reference, passenger details and QR code available offline.
- Check the baggage policy before paying. Dive gear can push you over the standard allowance. Compare ticket classes and baggage fees rather than choosing by base fare alone.
- Arrive early enough for check-in and baggage drop. Port procedures differ between operators, so follow the stated check-in deadline rather than arriving at the last minute.
- Arrive in daylight if possible. It is easier to find your driver, locate your accommodation and settle into San Juan before dark.
- Carry Philippine pesos. You will need cash for your port transfer, small purchases and local transport. Do not assume every driver or small accommodation will accept cards.
- Bring a light layer for the ferry. Fast-ferry cabins can feel cold because of the air conditioning, especially after sitting near a warm port.
- Prepare for sea movement. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual medication before departure rather than waiting until the boat is already moving.
- Leave a buffer around ferry days. Weather, sea conditions and operational changes can affect departures. Avoid booking a ferry connection immediately before an important flight.
- Arrange your San Juan transfer in advance if arriving late. Your accommodation may be able to organise a driver who already knows the property’s exact location.
How to Get to Siquijor FAQs
These answers cover the most common questions about ferries, ports and transport on the island.
From Tagbilaran in Bohol, the fast ferry takes approximately two hours.
From Dumaguete, fast services are generally around one hour, although my Siquijor-to-Dumaguete crossing took approximately 40 minutes.
Journey times vary according to the vessel, route and sea conditions, so check the scheduled duration for your exact ferry.
Cebu to Siquijor is commonly offered as a connecting journey through Tagbilaran rather than a nonstop fast ferry.
Some slow or seasonal services may operate to Larena Port on selected days.
Search your dates before deciding on the route. If booking a connection through Bohol, check whether it is one itinerary or two separate tickets and allow enough time between legs.
Siquijor Port is usually more convenient if you are staying in San Juan. It is the port I used for my Bohol arrival and Dumaguete departure.
Larena Port can be useful for selected Cebu, Bohol or other regional services, but it is farther from San Juan. Always compare the complete journey, including the transfer after you arrive.
Yes, booking ahead is sensible, especially from December to May, over weekends and around Philippine public holidays.
Advance booking secures your preferred departure and gives you time to check baggage rules. Even with an online ticket, arrive early enough to complete the operator’s check-in and baggage process.
Yes. You can hire a tuk-tuk with a driver for individual journeys or a full island tour. Private cars can also be arranged through some accommodations.
A driver is a particularly practical choice if you are travelling alone, carrying dive gear or do not already have experience riding a scooter.
Tuk-tuks and other local transport are available at the port. I paid PHP 300 for a tuk-tuk to San Juan.
Agree on the fare before leaving and show the driver your accommodation pin. If your ferry arrives at Larena instead, expect a longer transfer and a different fare.
More Siquijor Guides
Planning the separate parts of your trip in advance will help you decide which attractions fit naturally into your travel and dive days.
Getting there and around: how to get to Siquijor.
Where to base yourself: where to stay in Siquijor.
Eat well: where to eat in Siquijor.
Plan it all: my Siquijor itinerary and Siquijor island travel guide.
The Wrap Up: Getting to Siquijor
Getting to Siquijor is straightforward once you choose the gateway that fits the rest of your itinerary.
Travel through Tagbilaran if you are coming from Bohol or following a wider Visayas dive circuit.
Use Dumaguete for the shortest ferry crossing and the easiest connection with Dauin and Apo Island.
From Cebu, compare the connecting route through Tagbilaran with services through Dumaguete or Larena.
Before booking, confirm the departure port, arrival port and baggage allowance.
Once you arrive, arrange a tuk-tuk to San Juan and choose between a scooter, driver or private car for exploring the island.
Sort those details in advance and the journey becomes one of the easier inter-island transfers in the Philippines, even with a dive bag coming along for the ride. Safe travels!
