Cebu to Bohol Ferry: Everything You Need to Know
TL;DR
Fast ferries (OceanJet, SuperCat) run multiple times daily from Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran, Bohol. Crossing takes about 2 hours. Tickets start around ₱850. Add a hotel pickup to skip the terminal queue and get door-to-door service. Weather cancellations get a full refund.
Philippines eSIM — data from day one
Install before you land, activate on arrival. Unlimited data plans from 5 days. No queue, no haggling, no SIM swapping.
Browse Philippines Plans →Which Ferry Operator Should You Book?
Three operators run the Cebu–Tagbilaran crossing. Here's the honest breakdown:
| Operator | Duration | Frequency | From | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OceanJet | ~2 hrs | 6–8 daily | ₱800 | Most reliable, most departures |
| SuperCat | ~2 hrs | 3–4 daily | ₱750 | Slightly cheaper, good alternative |
| Lite Ferries | ~3.5 hrs | 2–3 daily | ₱450 | Budget option, slower but comfortable |
Our recommendation: OceanJet for most travellers. Highest frequency means if you miss one, another follows within the hour. SuperCat is a solid backup. Lite Ferries only if you're on a tight budget and don't mind the extra time.
SafetyWing — travel insurance that actually covers you
Medical, lost bags, trip cancellation, and — critically — motorbike accidents on 125cc and under. Buy it before you fly.
Get a Quote →Which Port in Cebu?
Fast ferries (OceanJet and SuperCat) depart from Pier 1 at Cebu City port. Lite Ferries depart from Pier 3. If you're adding a hotel transfer, the driver knows which pier — you don't need to worry about it.
Arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure. Peak season (December–May) gets busy, especially morning sailings.
Wise — the travel card you actually need
No foreign transaction fees, real exchange rate, free ATM withdrawals up to a limit. Set up before you travel — it takes 2 minutes.
Open a Wise Account →What "With Transfer" Actually Means
When you book through us, you can add a private hotel pickup. A driver collects you from your Cebu hotel, takes you directly to the correct pier, and handles the terminal walk-through. At the Bohol end, another driver meets you at Tagbilaran port and drops you at your accommodation.
The transfer isn't a shared bus — it's a private vehicle. That's what makes this a door-to-door service rather than just a ferry ticket.
Book your ferry — compare schedules and prices
Ferries, buses, and combined routes across the Visayas. Book online to guarantee your seat — popular routes sell out in peak season.
Check Schedules & Prices →What Happens If the Ferry Cancels?
Weather cancellations (typhoons, heavy swells) happen. When they do, you get a full refund — no arguments, no fine print. The ferry companies suspend sailings when conditions are unsafe, and refunds are processed automatically.
The months with the highest cancellation risk are June through November (habagat season). December through May is the dry season and the most reliable for crossings.
Find your stay in Bohol — compare hotels, hostels & resorts
From beachfront resorts in Panglao to quiet guesthouses in Anda — 500+ properties, real reviews, best price guarantee.
Browse Bohol Hotels →How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Peak season (Dec–May): Book 3–7 days ahead, especially for morning sailings and weekends. Seats fill up fast around Christmas, Easter, and Sinulog Festival.
Off-peak (Jun–Nov): Same-day booking usually works, but availability can shift quickly if a sailing cancels and passengers pile onto the next one.
Book Your Cebu → Bohol Crossing
Ferry ticket + optional hotel transfer. One booking, one confirmation.
Search Available DatesThis guide contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we’ve used or thoroughly vetted. This keeps our guides free and independent.
Frequently Asked
Can I bring a motorbike on the fast ferry?
No. Fast ferries (OceanJet, SuperCat) are passenger-only. For vehicles, you need a RORO ferry from a different terminal. Contact a shipping line like Lite Ferries or Trans-Asia directly.
Is there food on board?
OceanJet and SuperCat have a small snack bar. The options are limited and overpriced — eat before you board.
Where do I go after arriving in Tagbilaran?
If you've booked a transfer, your driver will be holding a sign with your name at the terminal exit. If not, taxis and tricycles are available right outside the port — expect to negotiate the fare.
Ferry Travel Gear — Essentials on Amazon
Motion sickness tablets, power banks, neck pillows, and dry bags — comfortable ferry travel between Cebu and Bohol.
Browse Ferry Essentials →Search ferry & transport tickets — Cebu to Bohol
Compare operators, real-time availability, instant e-tickets. The same platform we use across all IN Travel Network guides.
Check Schedules & Prices →Get an Airalo eSIM — set up before you fly
Pick a Philippines plan or a regional Asia pack. Install on your phone in 2 minutes, activate on landing. No physical SIM swap, no airport queue. Works in 190+ countries.
Browse Philippines Plans →SafetyWing — subscription travel insurance
Monthly subscription, no lock-in, covers 185 countries including the Philippines. Motorbike cover included (125cc, licensed + helmeted), adventure activities, emergency evacuation. Cancel anytime.
Get a Quote →Wise — multi-currency travel card
Mid-market exchange rate, transparent fees, works in Philippine ATMs and tap-to-pay. Free to open, card costs ~£7. Load GBP/USD/EUR, spend in PHP. Order a spare card before you go.
Open a Wise Account →Find your stay in Bohol — compare hotels, hostels & resorts
Agoda has the deepest inventory in Southeast Asia. Free cancellation on most bookings. We use it for every trip.
Search Bohol on Agoda →Pacsafe Vibe 25L — anti-theft travel daypack
Lockable zips, cut-proof straps, RFID pocket, 25 litres. Enough for a full day out with water, camera, and a change of clothes.
View on Pacsafe →Some links above are affiliate links — if you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the IN Travel Network and keeps our guides free and independent. We only recommend tools and services we use ourselves.