Siquijor to Dumaguete — Return Ferry Made Simple
Heading to Dumaguete? The return crossing is the same 1-hour ride with 18 daily options. Here's which ferry to catch and what to know about the return journey.
18 daily ferries depart Larena Port for Sibulan Pier (~60 mins, ₱150–₱300). Three main operators with overlapping schedules ensure flexible return timing. Most cost-effective route from Siquijor to Visayas. Book day-of or advance 2–3 days peak season.
Ferry Operators & Their Fleets
Three competing operators run this route with overlapping schedules, meaning you have genuine choice on departure times and vessel comfort. All are well-established, with safety records spanning 15+ years.
Bohol Strait Shipping
- Fleet: Medium conventional ferries (car deck + foot passengers)
- Capacity: ~200–250 passengers per sailing
- Comfort: Open-air deck seating + indoor cabin with basic benches; older vessels, more crowded on peak days
- Departures: 6–7 daily (06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:30, 14:00, 16:00, 17:30)
- Fares: ₱150–₱180 (standard) | ₱200–₱220 (air-con cabin)
- Best for: Budget travellers, flexible timing
Ceres Shipping
- Fleet: Newer, mid-size conventional ferries
- Capacity: ~200 passengers
- Comfort: Better-maintained cabins, more seating comfort, fewer crowds than Bohol Strait on same departure times
- Departures: 5 daily (07:00, 10:30, 12:00, 14:30, 16:00)
- Fares: ₱180–₱220 (standard) | ₱240–₱280 (cabin)
- Best for: Travellers wanting reliability + comfort at reasonable price
Sunlight Express (Speed Boat)
- Fleet: Smaller, high-speed boats
- Capacity: ~80–120 passengers
- Comfort: Fast transit; less crowded; exposed to weather (winds/spray on open deck); only covered seating if space available
- Departures: 3–4 daily (06:30, 09:30, 13:30, 16:00)
- Fares: ₱250–₱300 (premium for speed)
- Journey time: 40–45 minutes (vs. standard 60–75 mins)
- Best for: Those with tight schedules + higher budget, wanting the fastest crossing
Complete Daily Schedule — Larena to Sibulan
Below is the representative daily schedule combining all three operators. Times are typical; peak season may add extra sailings (especially 11:00–13:00 lunch hours and 15:00–17:00 afternoon). Always confirm with ticket windows or your accommodation — schedules shift seasonally and by demand.
| Departure Time | Operator | Duration | Fare (Standard) | Fare (Cabin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | Bohol Strait | 60–75 min | ₱150 | ₱200 | Earliest; arrives Dumaguete 07:00–07:15 |
| 06:30 | Sunlight Express | 40–45 min | ₱250–₱300 | N/A | Fastest; tight onward connections possible |
| 07:00 | Ceres Shipping | 60–75 min | ₱180 | ₱240 | Most comfortable early option |
| 08:00 | Bohol Strait | 60–75 min | ₱150 | ₱200 | Mid-morning, moderate crowds |
| 09:30 | Sunlight Express | 40–45 min | ₱250–₱300 | N/A | Second fast option; good for late risers |
| 10:00 | Bohol Strait | 60–75 min | ₱150 | ₱200 | Mid-morning steady pace |
| 10:30 | Ceres Shipping | 60–75 min | ₱180 | ₱240 | Reliable mid-morning departure |
| 12:00 | Ceres Shipping | 60–75 min | ₱180 | ₱240 | Noon sailing; busier with day-trippers |
| 12:30 | Bohol Strait | 60–75 min | ₱150 | ₱200 | Lunch-hour peak; expect crowds |
| 13:30 | Sunlight Express | 40–45 min | ₱250–₱300 | N/A | Post-lunch fast option; afternoon clarity good |
| 14:00 | Bohol Strait | 60–75 min | ₱150 | ₱200 | Afternoon sailing; moderate pace |
| 14:30 | Ceres Shipping | 60–75 min | ₱180 | ₱240 | Mid-afternoon; comfortable boarding |
| 16:00 | Bohol Strait / Ceres / Sunlight | 40–75 min | ₱150–₱300 | ₱200–₱240 | All three operators offer 16:00 (choose by comfort/speed preference) |
| 16:30 | Bohol Strait | 60–75 min | ₱150 | ₱200 | Late afternoon; arriving Dumaguete ~17:30 |
| 17:30 | Bohol Strait | 60–75 min | ₱180 | ₱220 | Last standard ferry; arrives 18:45–19:00 |
For the smoothest journey, avoid peak hours (12:00–14:00 lunch rush and 16:00 evening rush). Early departures (06:00–08:00) tend to have the fewest crowds and calmest seas. Afternoon sailings (14:00–15:00) offer good balance of comfort and reasonable timing.
How to Book Your Return Ferry
Walk-Up Booking at Larena Port
The simplest method: arrive at Larena Port 30–45 minutes before your preferred departure, walk to the ticket window, and buy same-day tickets. Fares are identical whether booked same-day or in advance.
- Cost: Cash only (Philippine Pesos). ATMs available in San Juan town, ~25 mins away.
- Documentation: Valid ID required (passport for internationals, Philippine ID for locals).
- Baggage: One carry-on + one checked bag included free; oversized luggage ₱50–₱150 per piece.
Pre-Booking via Your Accommodation
Most resorts and hotels can book your ferry ticket for a small service fee (₱25–₱50 per ticket) or include it free with checkout. Advantages: no need to travel to Larena early, guaranteed seat on busy days (peak season Jan–Feb), English-language confirmation.
Advance Booking Strategy (Peak Season)
During January–February, ferries can fill completely by mid-morning. Book 2–3 days ahead through your accommodation or directly at Larena (if you can visit). Last-minute walk-ups may face full sailings mid-day, though 06:00 and 16:00+ departures usually have seats.
Tanon Strait can experience rough seas (1.5–2 metre swells) during northeast monsoon (Jan–Mar). If seas are very rough, some ferries may be cancelled/rescheduled. Arrive prepared with motion-sickness medication or ginger. Check conditions the night before your departure.
Route & Journey Details
Larena Port (Departure Point)
- Location: Larena village, west coast of Siquijor (~45 mins from most central/southern resorts)
- Pier type: Basic concrete wharf with covered waiting area, ticket booths, small café
- Facilities: Bathrooms, drinking water, phone charging (limited), WiFi (unreliable)
- Parking: Free for tricycles; secure your belongings
Sibulan Crossing Pier (Arrival Point)
- Location: Sibulan village, northeastern Negros Oriental (~20 mins by road from Dumaguete City)
- Pier type: Similar to Larena; basic concrete wharf, ticket office for return ferries
- Onward transport: Tricycles, shared vans, and buses available to Dumaguete city centre (~₱50–₱100 per person in a shared van, ~20 mins)
The Crossing
- Distance: ~40 km across Tanon Strait
- Duration: 60–75 minutes (standard ferries) | 40–45 minutes (speed boats)
- Weather: Generally calm 06:00–12:00; afternoon swells more pronounced
- Scenery: Open water crossing with views of Negros mountains (eastern horizon)
Upon Arrival in Dumaguete
From Sibulan Pier to Dumaguete City
Once you disembark at Sibulan, your onward journey is short:
- Shared van: Waits at Sibulan Pier for ferry arrivals. ~15–20 minute ride to Dumaguete City Proper (around Rizal Street or Ceres South Bus Terminal). ₱50–₱100 per person depending on destination.
- Private tricycle: Can be negotiated at the pier (~₱300–₱500 to Dumaguete city centre, 20 mins).
- Bus: Some buses originate at Sibulan; ask at pier. ₱30–₱50, slower but cheapest option.
Onward Connections from Dumaguete
Once in Dumaguete City, you have multiple onward options:
- Bus to Cebu: Ceres South Bus Terminal operates buses to Cebu City (~2 hrs, ₱150–₱250). Frequent departures 06:00–18:00.
- Ferry to Cebu: OceanJet offers 1–2 ferries daily Dumaguete→Cebu (~1.5 hrs, ₱350–₱500).
- Bus to Bacolod: Ceres also offers service to Bacolod (~2.5 hrs, ₱150–₱250).
- Stay in Dumaguete: Historic riverside city with hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites — worth 1–2 days if you have time.
If you take a 10:30 Ceres ferry from Larena, you'll arrive Sibulan ~11:30–11:45, reach Dumaguete City by noon, and have plenty of daylight for onward travel or exploring the city. Mid-morning departures often offer the best timing for same-day onward connections.
What to Pack & Expect
- ID: Passport or valid ID (checked at Larena)
- Cash: Philippine Pesos for tickets and transportation
- Motion-sickness meds: Especially if travelling Jan–Mar (northeast swells)
- Sunscreen & hat: Open decks can be exposed; afternoon sun intense
- Jacket: Cabin air-con can be cold; deck winds chilly at dawn/dusk
- Snacks: Ferry café offers drinks/light snacks; bring your own for peace of mind
- Entertainment: Mobile games, books, or music — ferries have minimal in-cabin entertainment
If you're returning mid-week (Tue–Thu), ferries are least crowded. If possible, avoid Friday–Sunday departures (day-trippers heading to Dumaguete) and Monday mornings (residual weekend crowds). Quieter ferries mean better seating and more relaxed boarding.
Search ferry & transport tickets — Dumaguete to Siquijor
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 Siquijor — compare hotels, hostels & resorts
Agoda has the deepest inventory in Southeast Asia. Free cancellation on most bookings. We use it for every trip.
Search Siquijor 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.