If you’re island hopping through the Visayas, the hop from Bohol to Siquijor is one of the easier ones on paper, but it still trips people up because the schedules are scattered across three different operators and nobody explains which one actually suits your trip. I’ve dug through the current options so you don’t have to guess at the pier.
The short version: there’s a direct ferry connecting Tagbilaran Port in Bohol to Siquijor Port, run by a handful of shipping lines, and it’s genuinely the only sensible way to make this crossing. There’s no flight (Siquijor has no airport) and no bus, obviously, since you’re crossing open water. So this guide breaks down your real choices: the fast ferry, the slower budget boats, going the long way through Cebu or Dumaguete, and chartering your own ride.
Option 1: The direct fast ferry (OceanJet)
OceanJet runs the most reliable direct service between Tagbilaran and Siquijor, and it’s what most travelers end up booking. The crossing takes roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes on the fast boats, though you’ll sometimes see it listed closer to 2 hours depending on sea conditions and whether the boat makes any stops along the way.
There are usually two departures a day, one in the morning around 7:30 AM and another in the early afternoon around 3:20 PM, running all week. Fares sit somewhere between roughly PHP 965 for Tourist Class and PHP 1,400 for Business Class, so budget accordingly if you want the extra legroom and air conditioning boost. Book a day or two ahead in peak season (Holy Week, Christmas, and the summer months from March to May) because seats do run out on the morning departure especially.
Option 2: Budget ferries (Lite Shipping and Apekoptravel)
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, both Lite Shipping and Apekoptravel run economy class boats on the same Tagbilaran to Siquijor route for noticeably less, with fares starting around PHP 750 to PHP 860. These boats tend to be slower and a bit more basic than OceanJet’s fast craft, and the schedules are less frequent, so you’ll want to confirm departure times directly at the port or through a local travel agent a day before, since online booking for these smaller operators isn’t always dependable.
The tradeoff is straightforward: you save maybe 200 to 400 pesos and lose some comfort and schedule flexibility. For solo backpackers or anyone counting every peso, it’s a fair trade.
Option 3: Going via Cebu or Dumaguete
This route only makes sense if your itinerary already routes you through Cebu City or Dumaguete anyway. From Bohol, you’d first backtrack or connect through Cebu (there’s a well established Cebu to Siquijor ferry route if you want to compare), then catch a separate boat onward to Siquijor. Alternatively, some travelers head to Dumaguete first, since Dumaguete to Siquijor is a short 30 to 45 minute hop with frequent departures, and Dumaguete itself connects easily by ferry from Bohol’s southern ports.
Honestly, unless you have a specific reason to detour, this option adds hours and an extra transfer for no real benefit over the direct Tagbilaran ferry. It’s worth knowing about if your ferry gets cancelled due to weather and you need a backup plan, which does happen occasionally during the habagat season from June through September.
Option 4: Private or chartered boat
For groups of four or more, or anyone who values flexibility over cost, chartering a private outrigger or speedboat from Tagbilaran is possible through local boatmen or your resort’s front desk. Expect to pay anywhere from PHP 8,000 to PHP 15,000 for the full boat depending on size and season, which splits out reasonably once you divide it among a group. The upside is you pick your own departure time and skip the terminal fees and queues entirely. The downside, beyond cost, is that smaller private boats are more exposed to rough water, so this isn’t the move during typhoon season or when the coast guard is flagging small craft warnings.
Getting to Tagbilaran Port before you board
Most of Bohol’s beach resorts are actually in Panglao, on Alona Beach or nearby, not in Tagbilaran itself, so factor in the extra leg to the pier. A tricycle or Grab from Alona Beach to Tagbilaran Port usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes and costs somewhere around PHP 300 to 500 depending on traffic and how good your bargaining is. If you’re staying closer to Tagbilaran City proper, it’s a much shorter ride, sometimes under 15 minutes.
Arrive at least an hour before departure. Philippine ferry terminals charge a small terminal fee, usually around PHP 30 to 50, on top of your ticket, and you’ll need to show a printed or digital copy of your booking along with a valid ID. Lines can build up fast during holiday weekends, so don’t cut it close if you can help it.
What to expect on arrival in Siquijor
Siquijor Port is small and easy to navigate. Habal-habal drivers (motorbike taxis) and tricycles wait right outside, and most will quote a flat rate to your accommodation, generally between PHP 100 and 300 depending on distance. If you’re heading somewhere further out like Salagdoong Beach or the Cambugahay Falls area, it’s worth pre-arranging a pickup through your hotel instead of negotiating cold at the terminal.
A good number of visitors rent a scooter for around PHP 350 to 500 a day right near the port, which honestly is the easiest way to get around Siquijor since the island is compact and the ring road is in decent shape. Just bring an international license or your home country’s license if you plan to rent, since enforcement has gotten stricter in the last couple of years.
Which option should you choose
For most travelers, OceanJet’s direct ferry is the easiest call: it’s fast, reasonably priced, and runs on a schedule you can actually plan around. Choose the budget ferries if you’re stretching a backpacker budget and don’t mind a slower, less predictable ride. Go via Cebu or Dumaguete only if it’s already on your route or you need a weather backup. And charter a private boat if you’re traveling as a group with cash to spare and want total control over timing.
Cost and time comparison
Roughly speaking: the OceanJet direct ferry runs about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours and costs PHP 965 to 1,400. The budget ferries take a bit longer, sometimes 2 to 2.5 hours, and cost PHP 750 to 860. Going via Cebu or Dumaguete can easily eat up 5 to 8 hours once you count transfers and layovers, though the Dumaguete leg alone is short. A private charter takes about the same 1.5 to 2 hours as the fast ferry but costs PHP 8,000 upward for the whole boat, so it only pencils out cost-wise for larger groups.
Whichever way you go, keep an eye on the weather forecast the day before. Philippine coast guard offices can and do suspend sea travel when swells get rough, especially between Bohol and Siquijor where the crossing is more exposed than the sheltered routes closer to Cebu. Having a backup day built into your itinerary saves a lot of stress. If Siquijor is your main stop, it’s worth reading up on what to actually do once you’re there so you’re not scrambling to plan on arrival, and if you’re coming from Bohol’s main sights, our Bohol things to do guide is worth a look too.
Quick FAQ
How long is the ferry ride from Bohol to Siquijor? The direct OceanJet fast ferry takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, while budget ferries can take closer to 2.5 hours.
Is there a direct ferry from Bohol to Siquijor? Yes, several operators including OceanJet, Lite Shipping, and Apekoptravel run direct boats from Tagbilaran Port to Siquijor Port.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bohol to Siquijor? The economy class tickets with Lite Shipping or Apekoptravel are the cheapest option, starting around PHP 750, though schedules are less frequent than OceanJet.
Can you do a day trip from Bohol to Siquijor? It’s tight but possible if you catch the early morning ferry and return on a later afternoon departure, though most travelers prefer at least one overnight to actually enjoy Siquijor’s waterfalls and beaches without rushing.
