Cebu to Bohol Ferry: The Easiest Hop in the Visayas
A 2-hour ferry ride separates Cebu from Bohol's Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries. OceanJet and SuperCat depart constantly (₱800–1,200). Here's how to book, board, and make the most of your day trip.
OceanJet and SuperCat offer 2-hour ferries from Pier 1 (Cebu) to Tagbilaran (Bohol). Tourist class ₱800–900, Business ₱1,000–1,200. Multiple daily departures; no advance booking needed for walk-ups. Lite Ferries slower (3–4 hrs) but cheaper (₱600–800). Easy day trip or overnight option.
OceanJet: The Popular Choice
OceanJet is the most reliable and widely used ferry operator on the Cebu–Bohol route. It departs from Pier 1 (Cebu City Port) and arrives at Tagbilaran Port (Bohol).
Schedule & Pricing
- Travel time: Exactly 2 hours (one of the fastest routes in the Visayas).
- Daily trips: Multiple departures from 6 AM to 8 PM from Cebu; return trips 6 AM to 7 PM from Bohol.
- Fares:
- Tourist/Open-Air Class: ₱800–900 (basic seating, breezy upper deck)
- Business Class: ₱1,000–1,200 (air-conditioned, reclining seats, slightly less crowded)
- Booking: Walk up to the ticket booth at Pier 1, or book online via oceanjet.net or through third-party agents (12Go, Klook).
Tourist class fills quickly during peak hours (11 AM–1 PM). Arrive 45 minutes early. Business class rarely sells out and is worth the extra ₱200–400 for the air-con and leg room. No advance booking required for walk-ups on this route—ferries depart constantly.
Other Ferry Operators
SuperCat Fast Ferry
- Speed: 2 hours (same as OceanJet, slightly newer vessels).
- Schedule: 6 trips daily in each direction (5:50 AM–6:00 PM from Cebu; 5:50 AM–5:45 PM from Bohol).
- Fares:
- Tourist Class: ₱800
- Business Class: ₱1,200
- Note: More upscale amenities than OceanJet; prices are fixed year-round.
Lite Ferries
- Speed: 3–4 hours (slower, older vessels).
- Fares: ₱600–800 (significantly cheaper, especially for budget travelers).
- Best for: Travelers without time pressure who want to save money or enjoy a more leisurely, scenic journey.
- Schedule: Fewer daily trips (typically 2–3 in each direction). Confirm before booking.
Getting to Pier 1 (Cebu)
All ferries depart from Cebu City Port (Pier 1) in the downtown waterfront area, about 2 km from the South Bus Terminal.
- By Grab: ₱50–150 from downtown Cebu hotels (10–15 minutes).
- By taxi: ₱70–120, metered. Ask for Pier 1 or "Carbon Pier" (locals call it that).
- By tricycle: ₱15–30 per person if sharing, very local experience but no English.
- Walking: If staying near Fort San Pedro, it's a 5-minute walk along the waterfront.
How to Book
Walk-Up (Most Common)
Walk directly to Pier 1, find the OceanJet/SuperCat/Lite Ferries ticket booths, and buy your ticket on the spot. No reservation needed. The next available ferry usually departs within 30–90 minutes. Arrive during off-peak hours (2–5 PM) for the quickest boarding.
Online Booking
- 12Go.asia — Books across all three operators. Slightly higher fees (usually includes insurance).
- OceanJet.net — Direct booking, often discounted for flexible travel dates.
- Klook — Tourist-focused, includes hotel pickup offers from Cebu City for a premium.
Book Cebu–Bohol Ferry on 12Go
Compare OceanJet, SuperCat, and Lite Ferries. See all departures and fares in one place.
Book Ferry Ticket →Peak Season Strategy
High season (Dec–Feb, Holy Week, summer Jun–Aug): All ferries fill up afternoon and early evening. Book online 1–2 days ahead if you have a fixed schedule. Arrive at the pier extra early (1 hour instead of 45 min). Tourist class may sell out; upgrade to Business Class to guarantee a seat.
Shoulder season (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): Walk-ups work fine. Departures every 30–45 minutes. Book morning departures if you dislike crowds.
Green season (September–November): Lowest prices and smallest crowds. Some travel agents offer discounts. Water can be rougher (ferry still operates). Consider Business Class if prone to seasickness.
What to Do in Bohol
Bohol is a 45-minute ferry ride from Cebu and offers stunning natural attractions. Popular day trips include:
- Chocolate Hills — 1,268 cone-shaped limestone hills with panoramic viewpoint. Best visited 9 AM–4 PM.
- Tarsier Sanctuary — See endangered Philippine tarsiers up close. Guides included in admission (₱60–100).
- Loboc Eco-Park — River tours, hanging bridges, zip-lines. Popular for families.
- Island hopping: Pamilacan Island, Virgin Island, Balicasag Island (snorkeling & diving).
- Baclayon Church: Historic 16th-century limestone church and museum in Baclayon town.
Stay connected: Visit inbohol.com for comprehensive destination guides, hotel reviews, and activity bookings in Bohol.
Return Journey to Cebu
From Tagbilaran to Cebu: Exactly the same route in reverse. OceanJet and SuperCat depart 6 AM–7 PM (with return times depending on when you board). Lite Ferries has fewer afternoon trips, so if you want to catch a late ferry back, stick with OceanJet or SuperCat.
Overnight in Bohol? If you want to spend the night and explore more slowly, Bohol has budget hotels near Tagbilaran port (₱800–2,000/night). Next-day ferry returns are the same price and schedule.
Carry-on luggage (personal bag) is free. Checked luggage charged by weight (usually ₱100 per bag). Motorcycles and cars can be shipped for ₱500–2,000 depending on size. Reserve vehicle space 2–3 days ahead by calling the ferry terminal directly.
Pro Tips
- Travel light: Most tourists carry only a day bag. Baggage fees add up quickly.
- Bring cash: Ticket booths at Pier 1 accept PHP only. There's an ATM nearby but lines are common.
- Seasickness: Seas are usually calm (2-hour ride), but rough swells happen. Take medication beforehand if prone. Business Class offers smoother rides (slightly higher deck).
- Photos: Tourist class has an open-air deck with stunning seascapes. Arrive 10 minutes early to secure a good spot.
- Avoid midday sun: 12–2 PM ferries are packed with tour groups and can be uncomfortably hot. Morning or late afternoon is better.
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