How to get from Cebu to Bohol Ferry (2025) Travel Guide
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If you’re wondering how to book the Cebu to Bohol ferry, this guide is for you! Bohol is a gorgeous island located in the central Visayas region of the Philippines. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, nature, attractions, and history. If you plan to visit Bohol, you may wonder how to get there.
In this comprehensive guide, I will outline all the different ways of getting to Bohol including taking a ferry to flights, and the best transportation method. We will share how you can get to Bohol from Cebu. This it your first time visiting Bohol? You’ll want to check out this Ultimate Bohol Travel Guide.
Cebu To Bohol Ferry Route
Getting from Cebu to Bohol is only available through a ferry and takes 2 hours to get to Bohol (Tagbilaran City Tourist Port 1). We took OceanJet, which departs from Cebu Ferry Pier 1. Here is everything you need to know about the Cebu to Bohol ferry, from planning the trip to the departure date. In addition, we will share travel hacks to make your Bohol trip seamless!
How much is a ferry ticket from Cebu to Bohol?
Pre-Book Your Cebu to Bohol Ferry Tickets for a Smooth Journey
I strongly recommend booking your ferry tickets from Cebu to Bohol in advance. While prices are fairly consistent, you’ll often find slightly cheaper rates online than purchasing directly at the pier, especially for round-trip tickets. During our trip, we saw long lines at the ticket office, with many waiting in the heat, so skipping that hassle is a real time-saver.
For your convenience, I’ve outlined the options for pre-booking, along with seating details and luggage allowances to make your travel as smooth as possible
Tourist Class ($16 USD One Way, $32 USD Round Trip)
- Seating: Standard seats with one personal item (7kg) and one checked luggage (15kg).
- Excess Baggage: Extra luggage can be checked for 15PHP per kg.
Business Class ($23 USD One Way, $46 USD Round Trip)
- Seating: Larger, more comfortable seating compared with tourist class, with one personal item (7kg) and one checked luggage (15kg).
- Excess Baggage: Same as tourist class, excess baggage costs 15PHP per kg.
You can easily book your tickets online here to save time and enjoy a stress-free trip!
Departure Day Details: Cebu to Bohol Ferry
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of boarding your ferry from Cebu to Bohol, from arrival at the Cebu Ferry Pier to stepping off in Bohol.
Getting to Cebu Pier 1
On the day of your departure, simply grab a taxi or use Grab to get to Ferry Pier 1. Once you arrive, you’ll need to pay a small Port Fee of 20 PHP (about $0.35 USD).
Security & Ticket Verification
When you arrive, unload your luggage and head to the entrance where security guards will check your ticket or reservation. We used our Klook ticket confirmation that we had pre-booked to show them.
Terminal Fee Checkpoint
Before entering the terminal and going through the baggage check, there’s one more fee to pay: a terminal fee of 25 PHP (around $0.45 USD). Keep your pink terminal fee receipt handy to show the security guard before you proceed to the OceanJet check-in counter.
Please note that fares are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check the latest schedules and prices before your trip. The fees listed here are from my 2023 visit. Although the ticket shows a date issued in 2019, the prices had not been updated by the time we traveled in 2023, so you can expect similar or higher rates.
Check-in & Ticket Details: Cebu to Bohol Ferry
If you’ve pre-purchased your ferry tickets online, the next step is to head to the check-in counter to collect your paper ticket. This ticket is essential for boarding the ferry, so don’t forget to have it ready. The check-in process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes. At the counter, you’ll need to present your booking confirmation or Klook reservation, which will be exchanged for your physical ticket.
Important Ticket Details
- Ticket Collection: After presenting your online booking confirmation, you’ll receive your paper ticket at the counter.
- Ticket Required for Boarding: Keep your ticket handy, as it will be required when you board the ferry.
- Seat Assignments: If you booked a specific class (Tourist or Business Class), your seat will be assigned to you when you pick up your ticket.
By following these steps and having all your documents in order, the boarding process will be smooth and stress-free.
Tip: If you haven’t pre-booked via Klook, there are ticket counters available at the pier, but lines can get long – especially during peak travel times. For convenience and to avoid waiting in the heat, it’s always a good idea to secure your ticket in advance.
Baggage Drop Information: Cebu to Bohol Ferry
Once you arrive at the check-in counter, proceed to the baggage drop station located nearby. The staff will attach numbered yellow baggage tags to your paper ticket for each piece of luggage. Keep these tags, as they may ask to verify your ticket and luggage when you pick it up in Bohol.
Baggage Loading Fees
The baggage loading fees from Cebu to Bohol ferry are 100 PHP for large checked luggage and 50 PHP for carry-on-sized luggage. This translates to approximately $1.80 USD and $0.90 USD, respectively.
For our Cebu to Bohol ferry trip, we checked in four suitcases (two large, two carry-on). Depending on the day, extra baggage charges may vary, but we were lucky and didn’t pay for the additional bags. We only paid the baggage loading fee of 300 PHP (100 PHP each for the large bags and 50 PHP for the carry-ons). However, do check the baggage policy for your specific travel date, as fees can change.
Please note that prices may vary slightly depending on the staff member assisting you, and the fee may differ for the return journey from Bohol to Cebu ferry. Be sure to check the prices here as they can change, but you can expect them to be similar or just slightly higher if there has been an increase in the past two years.
Waiting Area at Cebu Pier + Snacks
Your ticket will indicate the gate from which you’ll board the ferry. The waiting area offers air-conditioned seating, along with several snack and drink options nearby. There are clean washrooms close to the seating area as well. I highly recommend using the washrooms at the port before boarding the ferry, as they tend to be more sanitary than the ones on the boat.
Tip: A quick note—usually, the toilet paper is placed outside the washroom stalls, so make sure to grab some before heading in. I also recommend carrying flushable wipes with you for extra convenience!
Snacks on the Cebu to Bohol ferry are both affordable and tasty, perfect for a quick bite before your journey! We grabbed a donut and a popular cane sugar pandan drink. If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for something light to eat instead, like crackers or fruit, or consider taking seasickness medication to ensure a smoother ride.
ATMS & Currency Conversion at Cebu Pier 1
There are ATMs available at Cebu Pier 1, and we used the DPI ATM to withdraw 10,000 pesos. The ATM fee was 250 pesos, plus currency conversion costs. For the 10,000 peso withdrawal, we paid a total of 10,456 pesos (456 pesos total for the conversion and ATM fee). Keep in mind that the ATM might charge extra fees, so it’s a good idea to check before withdrawing.
Boarding the Cebu to Bohol Ferry | OceanJet
Cebu Pier 1 is a small port, so it’s easy to spot your ferry when it’s ready for boarding. There are screens displaying ferry information, and staff will be available to help guide you. Your ticket will have your seat number, and everyone boards in an orderly fashion, so there’s no need to rush for a “good seat.” Simply follow the instructions, and you’ll find your designated spot once you board.
We were on the OceanJet 888, and in 2nd class, there isn’t much extra space for luggage. As you can see in the photo, there’s barely room for your backpack, so if you need extra space for your bags, it’s something to keep in mind.
Once you’re settled, sit tight! In just a couple of hours, you’ll arrive in beautiful Bohol. This island has so much to offer, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure to explore our Ultimate Bohol Travel Guide. A major highlight for us was the Chocolate Hills, so don’t miss out—here’s everything you need to know about this natural wonder in our post.
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit