Bohol to Siquijor — How to Connect These Two Islands
Bohol to Siquijor is a common island-hopping move. You can go direct from Tagbilaran to Larena, or route through Dumaguete. Here are all the options with real schedules and prices.
Option 1 (Direct): Tagbilaran → Larena via Apekop ferry, ~2 hours, ₱400–₱600, 1–2 daily | Option 2 (Via Dumaguete): Tagbilaran → Dumaguete ferry (~1.5 hrs) + Dumaguete → Siquijor ferry (~1 hr), ₱600–₱850 combined, most flexible | Best for: Direct ferry if available and timing matches; via Dumaguete if you want flexibility or want to visit Dumaguete | Island-hopping tip: Bohol (Chocolate Hills, diving) → Siquijor (beaches, culture) is an ideal 3–4 day combo
Option 1: Direct Ferry via Apekop
The simplest option if available. Apekop ferry operates a direct route from Tagbilaran City Pier (Bohol) to Larena Port (Siquijor). This is the only dedicated direct operator on this route; frequency is limited compared to Dumaguete–Siquijor, but it's straightforward if timing aligns.
Route Details
Departure: Tagbilaran City Pier, Bohol. Arrival: Larena Port, Siquijor. Distance: ~40 km. Duration: 1.5–2 hours depending on sea conditions. Frequency: 1–2 departures daily (typically 7:00am and 12:00pm, but confirm). Seasonal variation: More frequent Dec–March (peak season); reduced June–Sept (low season).
Vessel & Amenities
Vessel: Mid-sized ferry (300–500 capacity) with open deck seating and small air-conditioned cabin. Quality: Basic but reliable. Older fleet; expect no-frills experience. Amenities: Open and covered seating, toilets, no WiFi or food service (bring your own snacks).
Pricing
Deck fare: ₱400–₱450. Cabin fare: ₱550–₱600. Prices are seasonal; peak season (Dec–March) sees higher fares. Children under 12: typically 50% of adult fare. No online booking system; purchase tickets at pier on day of travel.
Booking
At pier: Arrive at Tagbilaran City Pier 45 minutes before departure. Purchase ticket directly from Apekop counter (cash only). No advance booking available; first-come-first-served basis. Through hotel: Most Bohol hotels can arrange tickets with concierge service (₱50–₱100 markup).
Schedule (March 2026 Representative)
7:00am departure: Leaves Tagbilaran 7:00am, arrives Larena ~8:30am–9:00am. Early arrival allows full day on Siquijor. 12:00pm departure: Leaves Tagbilaran 12:00pm, arrives Larena ~1:30pm–2:00pm. Alternative if morning departure doesn't fit schedule.
Important: These times are approximate and subject to change. Confirm schedule with Apekop or your hotel concierge before planning.
Option 2: Via Dumaguete (Two-Leg Journey)
More flexible alternative with more frequent ferries and shorter wait times. Travel from Tagbilaran to Dumaguete (multiple operators, frequent departures), then transfer to one of 18 daily ferries to Siquijor. Total journey: 2.5–3.5 hours depending on connection timing.
Tagbilaran to Dumaguete Leg
Distance: ~30 km. Duration: 1–1.5 hours. Frequency: Frequent departures (roughly every 30–60 minutes from 6:00am–7:00pm). Operators: Bohol Strait Shipping, Ceres Shipping. Fares: ₱200–₱350 depending on operator and class.
Dumaguete to Siquijor Connection
From Dumaguete port, take one of 18 daily Dumaguete–Siquijor ferries. Timing is flexible; you can arrive in Dumaguete and catch the next ferry within 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on schedules. See full guide for all operators and schedules.
Total Cost & Time
Total fare: ₱500–₱850 (depending on operators chosen). Total journey time: 2.5–3.5 hours (including ferries + wait time for connection). Best for: Budget travelers, those wanting flexibility, or those wanting to visit Dumaguete for lunch/shopping.
Booking
Purchase tickets at each pier on day of travel (no advance booking available for Apekop ferry; Dumaguete–Siquijor ferries can be booked online via 2go.com.ph). Alternatively, book both legs through your hotel with a concierge service (small markup).
Route Comparison Table
| Route | Duration | Cost (PHP) | Frequency | Flexibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apekop Direct | 1.5–2 hrs | ₱400–₱600 | 1–2/day | Low | Time-conscious travelers |
| Via Dumaguete | 2.5–3.5 hrs | ₱500–₱850 | Very frequent | High | Flexible schedules, Dumaguete stops |
Tagbilaran City Pier (Port Details)
Location & Access
Tagbilaran City Pier is in downtown Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol. Located on the waterfront, within walking distance of main hotels and restaurants. GPS: 9.6427°N, 123.8574°E. If staying outside downtown, tricycle costs ~₱50–₱150 depending on distance.
Facilities
Bathrooms: Yes, at pier. Food: Snack vendors and small canteens at terminal area. Luggage: No storage; bring all luggage aboard. WiFi: Not available at pier.
Ferry Operators at Tagbilaran
Apekop Ferry: Direct to Siquijor. Ticket counter at main pier. Bohol Strait Shipping & Ceres: To Dumaguete and other routes. Multiple counters at terminal.
The Bohol–Siquijor Island-Hopping Combo
Many travelers do Bohol + Siquijor as a 3–4 day island-hopping combo. Here's a recommended itinerary:
3-Day Combo (Fast)
Day 1: Arrive Bohol (via Cebu ferry or direct flight). Settle in Tagbilaran or Panglao. Evening: relax or explore Tagbilaran waterfront. Day 2: Bohol activities (Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, island-hopping tours, diving). Day 3: Morning ferry to Siquijor. Afternoon: arrive Siquijor, settle, light beach/town exploration.
4-Day Combo (Recommended)
Day 1: Arrive Bohol. Explore Tagbilaran. Day 2: Bohol day tour (Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary). Day 3: Bohol diving or second beach day. Evening: ferry to Siquijor. Day 4: Full day Siquijor (Apo Island, Balete Tree, healing center, beaches).
Why This Works
Bohol and Siquijor complement each other: Bohol has dramatic landscapes (Chocolate Hills, caves), wildlife (tarsiers), and diving. Siquijor has spiritual/cultural tourism (healing, folklore), pristine beaches, and a slower pace. A 3–4 day combo lets you experience both without rushing.
Practical Island-Hopping Tips
Book ferries in advance: At least 1 day before for Apekop (confirm availability); 1–2 days for Dumaguete–Siquijor (via 2go.com.ph). Pack light: Island-hopping is easier with a single backpack; large luggage is cumbersome on boats. Cash on hand: ATMs exist in both Tagbilaran and Siquijor town, but ferry tickets, pier fees, and some attractions are cash-only. Time your ferries wisely: Book morning departures when seas are calmest. Travel insurance: Covers missed connections, canceled ferries, and rough-sea scenarios.
If timing is flexible, use the Dumaguete route. With 18+ daily ferries to Siquijor, you'll always find a connection that works with your Bohol schedule. The direct Apekop ferry is faster (1–2 hrs vs. 2.5–3 hrs) but less flexible; only use it if the timing perfectly matches your plans.
Apekop ferry is less predictable than larger operators. Departures may be delayed or canceled if sea conditions are rough or if passenger numbers are low. Always confirm schedule the day before. If Apekop doesn't depart, using the Dumaguete route as backup ensures you reach Siquijor (you'll just spend ~1 extra hour on ferries).
Bohol Worth Seeing (Quick Primer)
Chocolate Hills: Iconic 1,268 cone-shaped limestone hills, turn brown in dry season (hence "chocolate"). Stunning views from viewpoint; tour includes transportation and guide. Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary: Protect world's smallest primate (~6 inches tall, huge eyes). Ethical sanctuary focused on conservation, not entertainment. Diving: Balicasag Island, Pamilacan Island, and surrounding reefs offer world-class diving, particularly for macro species and large pelagics. Caves: Hinagdanan Cave, Dum-ag Falls. Beaches: Panglao Island has white-sand beaches (touristy but pleasant).
What to Expect on Ferry Journey
Sea conditions: Waters between Bohol and Siquijor can be choppy, especially June–November. Anti-nausea medication recommended if prone to seasickness. Passenger mix: Locals commuting between islands, tourists, small groups. Luggage handling: Goes to cargo hold; secure but not climate-controlled. Duration variability: "1.5 hours" can become 2–2.5 hours if seas are rough or ferry makes unscheduled stops. Always plan extra time.
Plan a Bohol–Siquijor Island-Hopping Trip
Combine Bohol's dramatic landscapes with Siquijor's spiritual charm. 3–4 days is ideal for this island combo.
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