Siquijor to Cebu — Your Options for Getting Back
Heading back to Cebu? Same routes, reverse direction — but the schedules aren't always symmetrical. Here's the return journey breakdown.
Three main options leaving Siquijor for Cebu: OceanJet ferry (~2.5–3 hrs, ₱600–₱1,000), Sunlight Air flights (20 mins, ₱2,500–₱4,000, Dec–Mar seasonal), or via Dumaguete (3–4 hrs total, ₱650–₱800, most flexible). All routes depart from Larena Port. Ferries run daily; book ahead during peak season.
Option 1: Direct Ferry — Larena to Cebu (South)
The most straightforward return is the same OceanJet ferry that brings visitors from Cebu. Most departures go from Larena Port (Siquijor's main hub) to Ceres South Bus Terminal in Cebu, though the exact destination ferry varies by season and demand.
Ferry Operator & Scheduling
OceanJet operates 1–2 daily return ferries. Departure times typically cluster in early morning (06:00–07:30) or late afternoon (15:00–16:30), making it easier to plan your stay without rushing.
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours (including brief stops if applicable)
- Fare: ₱600–₱1,000 (standard cabin, higher for air-con premium)
- Booking window: Same-day walk-up or 24 hours advance (peak season: book 2–3 days)
- Luggage: One carry-on + one checked bag included; oversized/extra fees ₱100–₱300
Booking & Documentation
Ferry tickets require a valid ID (passport, NSO birth certificate, or Philippine driver's licence). International visitors should carry passports. Book at Larena Port ticket windows or pre-book at your hotel — many accommodations can arrange tickets for ₱25–₱50 markup (worth the convenience if your flight/onward connection is tight).
If you're staying at a north-coast resort (near Sandugan or Paliton Beach), negotiate a shared tricycle to Larena port (~20 mins, ₱80–₱120 per person in a group, or ₱400–₱600 solo). Many hotels will arrange the ride the night before.
Option 2: Sunlight Air Flights — Fast & Seasonal
Introduced December 2025, Sunlight Air now operates a daily seaplane service from Larena to Mactan Cebu International Airport (seasonal Dec–Mar). This is the fastest return option if you can accommodate the flight schedule and budget.
Flight Details
- Operator: Sunlight Air (seaplane service, weather-dependent)
- Route: Larena (Siquijor) → Mactan Cebu International Airport
- Flight time: 20 minutes (scenic flight over Tanon Strait)
- Fare: ₱2,500–₱4,000 (economy; premium on high-demand dates)
- Departure: Typically 07:00–08:00 (subject to weather; last-minute ops checks common)
- Baggage: 15kg carry-on + 20kg checked; overweight ₱50/kg
- Availability: 4–5 flights weekly Dec–Mar only (suspended Apr–Nov — weather and tourism low season)
Booking Sunlight Air
Book online at sunlightair.com or via your accommodation. Flights fill quickly during Dec–Feb peak season; advance booking (7–10 days) is advised. Note that seaplane operations are weather-dependent — if seas are rough or visibility poor, flights may be cancelled/rescheduled without penalty.
Sunlight Air is seasonal Dec–Mar only and requires daylight departure (arrive Larena by 06:30). Not suitable if your onward connection is same-day early afternoon (e.g., international flight before 13:00). Verify flight status 24 hours before travel.
Option 3: Via Dumaguete — Flexible & Cheaper
For those with time flexibility or seeking the cheapest return, the Dumaguete routing offers multiple daily ferry options from Siquijor to Dumaguete, then onward bus/ferry to Cebu. Slightly longer but significantly cheaper and with more schedule options.
Siquijor → Dumaguete Ferry
Multiple operators run this route daily (18+ ferries). Larena to Sibulan Crossing Pier is the standard route.
| Operator | Typical Departure | Duration | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bohol Strait Shipping | 06:00, 10:00, 14:00 | 60–75 min | ₱150–₱200 | Most frequent; older vessel |
| Ceres Shipping | 07:30, 12:30, 16:30 | 60–75 min | ₱180–₱220 | Newer; reliable schedules |
| Sunlight Express | 09:00, 13:00 | 45 min (express) | ₱250–₱300 | Speed boat; pricier but fast |
Dumaguete → Cebu Options
Once in Dumaguete City Pier, you have two paths onward:
- Bus: Ceres South Bus Terminal to Cebu City (~2 hrs by road, ₱150–₱250). Buses depart roughly hourly 07:00–18:00.
- Return ferry: Dumaguete→Cebu ferry (same OceanJet route, 1–2 daily, ₱350–₱500, ~1.5 hrs). Less common for returns but available.
If you take a morning Siquijor→Dumaguete ferry, you'll typically reach Dumaguete by mid-morning, giving you a comfortable window to catch an early-afternoon bus to Cebu and arrive by 17:00. Cheaper, no time pressure, and only about 1.5 hours longer than the direct ferry.
Larena Port — Return Departure Point
All return ferries and seaplanes depart from Larena Port on Siquijor's west coast. It's a basic but efficient facility serving 15,000+ passengers monthly.
Port Facilities
- Location: Larena village, ~45 mins from San Juan town centre by tricycle (₱300–₱400)
- Amenities: Ticket windows, small café (drinks & light snacks), basic restrooms, waiting area with benches
- Hours: 05:00–18:00 daily (ticket booths open 30 mins before first departure)
- Parking: Free parking for tricycles; secure your belongings
Getting to Larena from Your Resort
Most resorts offer port drop-offs (₱25–₱50 markup per ticket, or negotiate directly). Alternatively: hire a tricycle from your area (₱400–₱600 direct to port, ~45 mins). For groups, splitting a taxi is cheaper. Allow 1 hour of travel buffer time.
Arrive at Larena at least 45 minutes before ferry departure (ferries leave on schedule). Earlier arrival recommended during peak season (Jan–Feb) to secure seating on crowded routes.
Pro Tips for Your Return Journey
Best Time to Leave
Early morning departures (06:00–07:00) offer the smoothest boarding and shortest waiting times. Afternoon ferries (15:00+) tend to crowd with day-trippers; if you're sensitive to rough seas, a morning crossing is calmer.
What to Bring & Wear
- Ferry ticket (original or digital copy)
- Valid ID (passport for internationals, ID for locals)
- Light jacket or long-sleeved shirt (cabin air-con can be chilly; deck can be windy)
- Sunscreen and hat if sitting on deck
- Dramamine or ginger tablets if prone to seasickness (Tanon Strait can have moderate swells, especially Jan–Mar)
- Snacks (ferry café offerings are limited; many travellers bring their own)
Money & Payment
Fares must be paid in Philippine Pesos. Larena port does not reliably accept international cards; withdraw cash in advance (ATMs available in San Juan town, ~15 mins away). Most ferry operators and accommodations now accept GCash (Philippine digital wallet) if you've set one up.
Onward Connections from Cebu
If your ferry/flight lands at Ceres South Bus Terminal (ferry) or Mactan Cebu International Airport (flight), note that these are separate terminals. If you have a tight onward connection, budget extra time:
- Ceres South → Cebu City domestic airport: ~25 mins by taxi (₱150–₱250)
- Ceres South → Mactan Cebu International: ~45 mins by taxi (₱300–₱450)
If returning to Cebu City (not the airports), take a bus from Ceres South Bus Terminal — they run direct routes to downtown hotels and the North Bus Terminal. Saves time and money vs. individual taxis. Expect to pay ₱20–₱50 depending on final destination.
Travel Insurance & Refunds
Most ferry operators offer free rescheduling if weather cancels your departure (no penalty, book next available). Airline-style refunds are rare — budget flexibility is your best insurance. Travel insurance covering trip delays is recommended if your onward international flight is within 24 hours of your ferry return.
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