How to Get to Siargao from Manila, Cebu & Beyond

Siargao has become one of the Philippines’ most sought-after destinations, famous for its laid-back island life, epic surf breaks, and world-class lagoons. While it feels remote, getting to Siargao is easier than many travelers expect.

The island is served by a small airport (IAO) with direct flights from Manila and Cebu, making air travel the fastest and most convenient option. For budget travelers or those seeking a more adventurous route, there are also ferry connections via Surigao City and longer overland journeys that combine buses and boats.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get to Siargao, whether you’re flying in from Manila, hopping over from Cebu, or arriving by ferry from Surigao. We’ll cover flight options, ticket prices, ferry schedules, travel times, and insider tips for a smooth trip. By the end, you’ll know the best route for your budget, timeline, and travel style so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying paradise.

Quick Answer – Best Way to Get to Siargao

If you’re wondering what’s the best way to get to Siargao, the answer is simple: fly directly from Manila or Cebu to Siargao Airport (IAO). This is the fastest, most reliable, and overall easiest option.

Direct flights take less than two hours, and while tickets can be pricier than ferries, the convenience is worth it for most travelers. If you’re on a budget or enjoy slow travel, you can also take a ferry via Surigao City, but keep in mind this adds extra travel time.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main routes:

Route	Duration	Average Cost (One Way)	Notes
Manila → Siargao (Direct Flight)	2 hours	₱3,500–₱6,000 ($60–$100)	Fastest & most convenient
Cebu → Siargao (Direct Flight)	1 hr 15 min	₱2,000–₱4,000 ($35–$70)	Cheapest direct option
Manila → Surigao (Flight) + Ferry to Siargao	6–8 hrs total	₱3,000–₱5,000 ($55–$90)	Good if direct flights are sold out
Cebu → Surigao (Ferry) + Ferry to Siargao	10–12 hrs	₱1,500–₱2,500 ($25–$45)	Budget-friendly, longer trip
Davao → Siargao (via Cebu or Surigao)	6–10 hrs	₱3,000–₱5,000 ($55–$90)	No direct flights, must transfer

👉 Best choice for most travelers: Fly direct from Manila or Cebu to save time and hassle.

How to Get to Siargao by Plane ✈️

Flying is the most popular choice for travelers figuring out how to get to Siargao quickly and comfortably. Nearly all flights come from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB), with occasional seasonal routes from other cities.

How to Get to Siargao from Manila

• Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines (PAL), Sunlight Air
• Flight Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes nonstop
• Average Cost: ₱3,000–₱6,000 round trip (can go higher in peak season)
• Schedule: Multiple daily flights

👉 Pro Tip: Book early for peak months (March–May and December) — fares can double if you wait until the last minute.

Route	Airlines	Flight Time	Avg. One-Way Fare
Manila → Siargao	Cebu Pacific, PAL, Sunlight Air	2h 15m	₱1,500–₱3,500

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How to Get to Siargao from Cebu

• Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines
• Flight Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes nonstop
• Average Cost: ₱1,200–₱2,500 one way
• Schedule: Multiple daily flights

👉 Why Cebu is better: Shorter, cheaper flights, and fewer delays than Manila. If you’re already in the Visayas, Cebu is the best hub.

Route	Airlines	Flight Time	Avg. One-Way Fare
Cebu → Siargao	Cebu Pacific, PAL	1h 15m	₱1,200–₱2,500

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Other Connections (Clark, Davao, Seasonal)

While Manila and Cebu are the main gateways, some airlines occasionally open seasonal or chartered flights from:

• Clark (CRK): Limited options, check Cebu Pacific.
• Davao (DVO): Rare seasonal flights. Otherwise, connect via Cebu.
• Charter Flights: Sunlight Air sometimes offers group charters from Clark or Bohol.

These routes are less reliable, so plan around Manila or Cebu for guaranteed access.

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Tips for Flying to Siargao

• Baggage Allowance: Most flights use smaller propeller planes (ATR 72). Overhead space is limited so expect strict enforcement of 7kg carry-on rules.
• Check-in Early: The Siargao airport is small with limited staff. Lines can get long during peak hours.
• Flight Delays: Afternoon flights are more prone to delays due to weather. Morning flights are usually smoother.
• Booking Hacks: Watch Cebu Pacific’s seat sales (“Piso Fare”) and you can sometimes snag Manila–Siargao flights for under ₱500.

How to Get to Siargao by Ferry

Flying is faster, but if you’re figuring out how to get to Siargao on a budget or already nearby, you can also reach Siargao by ferry. The main route runs via Surigao City, the gateway port on the Mindanao mainland. From there, you’ll take a short hop to Dapa Port in Siargao.

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Cebu to Siargao by Ferry (via Surigao City)

There is no direct ferry from Cebu to Siargao. Instead, you’ll need to travel Cebu → Surigao City → Siargao.

1. Cebu → Surigao City
   • Option 1: Slow Ferry (Overnight)
     • Duration: 9–10 hours
     • Cost: ₱1,200–₱1,500
     • Facilities: Reclining seats or bunk beds, air-conditioned options available.
   • Option 2: Fast Ferry (OceanJet)
     • Duration: 5–6 hours
     • Cost: ₱2,200–₱2,500
     • Facilities: More comfortable seating, faster travel, AC.
2. Surigao City → Siargao (Dapa Port)
   • Duration: 1.5–2 hours
   • Cost: ₱300–₱600
   • Operators: Montenegro, Evaristo & Sons, JP Shipping Lines

Travel Hack: Take the overnight ferry from Cebu, sleep onboard, and catch the morning ferry to Siargao so you’ll save both time and the cost of a hotel night.

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How to Get from Surigao to Siargao

If you’re already in Mindanao, simply head to Surigao City Port. Ferries to Dapa Port (Siargao) leave several times daily.

Route	Duration	Cost	Notes
Surigao City → Siargao (Dapa)	1.5–2h	₱300–₱600	Multiple departures daily

• First ferries typically depart around 5:00 AM.
• Last departures are usually mid-afternoon — don’t arrive late or you’ll be stuck overnight.
• Vans and tricycles are available at Dapa Port for the 30–40 min ride to General Luna (₱200–₱300).

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Booking Ferries Online

To avoid long queues at the terminal, you can book ferry tickets in advance through:

• 12Go Asia – easiest platform for foreigners
• Klook – occasionally offers discounts
• Official ferry company websites (less user-friendly, sometimes offline)

Tickets can also be purchased at the port, but lines can be long and ferries do sell out during holidays.

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Should You Take the Ferry?

• Pros: Cheaper than flights, good for backpackers, adventurous local experience
• Cons: Long travel times, less comfortable, more prone to cancellations in rough seas

If you’re short on time, fly. If you’re on a budget or traveling with flexible plans, the ferry is a solid adventure.

How to Get Around After Arrival in Siargao

Once you land at Sayak Airport (IAO) in Siargao or arrive at Dapa Port by ferry, you’ll need to get to General Luna, the island’s main tourist hub. From there, you can explore nearby attractions, beaches, and surf spots.

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How to Get from Siargao Airport to General Luna

• Minivans: The most common option is the fixed-rate shared minivan service waiting outside the airport.
  • Price: ₱300 per person
  • Duration: 45 minutes to General Luna
  • They drop you off directly at your hotel/hostel.
• Private vans: If you’re traveling as a group or want more comfort, private transfers are available for ₱2,000–₱2,500 per van.
• Tricycles: Not practical from the airport (too far and too bumpy).

👉 Tip: Don’t bother negotiating with touts outside — the price is standard for all vans.

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Getting Around General Luna & Nearby Areas

Once in General Luna, you’ll find several ways to move around:

• Tricycles: Good for short hops around town or if you don’t drive. Expect to pay:
  • ₱20–₱30 for short rides within General Luna
  • ₱150–₱250 for longer trips (e.g., to Cloud 9 or Dapa).
• Motorbike & Scooter Rentals: The most popular way to explore Siargao.
  • Price: ₱350–₱500/day for a scooter
  • Weekly rentals often discounted
  • Gasoline is widely available in roadside bottles (₱70–₱80/liter).
• Cars & Vans: Less common but possible to rent. Expect ₱2,500–₱3,500/day.

👉 Tip: Roads are mostly paved but can get slippery in the rain. Always wear a helmet — police do occasional checks.

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How to Get to Sugba Lagoon, Siargao

Sugba Lagoon is one of the must-visit attractions in Siargao, located in Del Carmen on the island’s northwest coast.

Step 1: General Luna → Del Carmen Port

• Van or car rental: ~1.5–2 hours, ₱300–₱400 per seat (or ₱2,000 private van).
• Scooter: Possible, but it’s a long and tiring ride — allow 2+ hours.

Step 2: Del Carmen Port → Sugba Lagoon

• From Del Carmen, you’ll take a pump boat to Sugba Lagoon.
• Boat rental: ~₱1,600 (good for up to 6 people).
• Entrance/environmental fee: ₱100.

👉 Alternative: Book a Sugba Lagoon day tour from General Luna. These usually include van transfer + boat + guide + lunch (₱1,500–₱2,000 per person).

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Other popular day trips (same transport options apply):

• Magpupungko Rock Pools (45 mins by scooter/van)
• Maasin River palm tree swing (30–40 mins by scooter/van)
• Pacifico & Burgos (1.5–2 hrs north by scooter/van)

Alternative Routes & Combinations

Not everyone flies into Manila or Cebu before heading to Siargao. If you’re coming from nearby islands like Bohol, Palawan, or Siquijor, you’ll likely need to connect through Cebu (CEB) or occasionally Davao (DVO) to reach Siargao. Here’s how the alternative routes usually work:

From Bohol to Siargao

• Route: Bohol (Tagbilaran or Panglao Airport) → Cebu → Siargao
• Why this way? There are no direct flights from Bohol to Siargao, so you’ll need a short flight (or fast ferry) to Cebu and then a direct Cebu–Siargao flight.
• Budget option: Ferry from Bohol to Cebu (2 hours, ₱500–₱700), then flight to Siargao.

From Palawan to Siargao

• Route: Puerto Princesa (PPS) or El Nido (ENI) → Cebu → Siargao
• Flight time: 1 hr 20 mins (Palawan to Cebu) + 1 hr 15 mins (Cebu to Siargao)
• Booking tip: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines usually offer through-fares if you book Palawan → Siargao in one ticket.

From Siquijor to Siargao

• Route: Ferry from Siquijor to Cebu (about 4–5 hours), then flight from Cebu to Siargao.
• Alternative: Siquijor → Dumaguete → Cebu → Siargao (a bit longer but sometimes cheaper).

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Ferry + Bus Combos for Budget Travelers

If you’re traveling overland and by sea to save money, here are the common routes:

• Cebu → Surigao City → Siargao
  • Step 1: Overnight ferry from Cebu to Surigao (8–10 hours, ₱1,000–₱1,500)
  • Step 2: Morning ferry from Surigao to Siargao (1.5–2 hours, ₱350–₱500)
• Davao → Butuan → Surigao → Siargao
  • Bus from Davao to Butuan (6–7 hours)
  • Bus from Butuan to Surigao City (3–4 hours)
  • Ferry to Siargao

This route can take more than a day but is one of the cheapest ways to reach the island.

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👉 Pro Tip: If you’re combining islands in the Visayas (Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor) or Palawan, it’s usually cheapest to book a multi-leg Cebu Pacific or AirAsia ticket that connects through Cebu. For extreme budget trips, ferries and buses via Surigao will save you money but eat up time.

Best Time to Travel to Siargao (Seasonal Travel Tips)

Choosing when to visit Siargao can make a huge difference in your experience — from weather and waves to prices and crowds. Here’s a breakdown of the best time to travel to Siargao so you can plan with confidence.

Dry Season (March – October) 🌞

• Why go: This is the best time to travel to Siargao for sunny days, calm seas, and island-hopping. Beaches are at their clearest and most photogenic.
• Weather: Hot and humid but with minimal rain.
• Best for: Island-hopping, snorkeling, Sugba Lagoon, and relaxing on Daku or Guyam Island.
• Crowds: Expect more tourists during summer (April–May) and international holidays.

Wet Season (November – February) 🌧️

• Why go: Budget travelers love this period because flights and hotels are often cheaper.
• Weather: Frequent rain showers, rough seas, and a higher risk of typhoons.
• Best for: Surfers! The famous Cloud 9 surf break is at its best in September–November during the peak swell season.
• Trade-off: Some tours may be canceled due to weather, so plan flexibly.

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Quick Tips for Timing Your Trip

• Peak surfing season: September–November (surf competitions + big swells).
• Best all-around weather: March–October.
• Cheapest months: June and September (shoulder season with fewer crowds).

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re flexible, book during the shoulder months (March–April or September–October). You’ll get a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and decent prices.

FAQs About Getting to Siargao

Conclusion: The Best Way to Get to Siargao

Whether you’re flying direct from Manila or Cebu, taking the ferry via Surigao, or combining routes from nearby islands, getting to Siargao is easier than ever. ✈️⛴️

The fastest way is by plane (just over 2 hours from Manila), while the cheapest option is usually by ferry. Once you arrive, minivans, scooters, and tricycles make it simple to get around and explore everything from General Luna to Sugba Lagoon.

👉 Planning more of your Siargao adventure? Check out these guides next:

• The 15+ Best Things to Do in Siargao: My Ultimate Guide
• 11+ Best Siargao Island Beaches for Surfing & Sunsets
• Where to Stay in Siargao: 12 Best Places, Spots, and Tips
• The 17+ Best Siargao Resorts: Luxury, Beachfront & Budget
• 15+ Best Siargao Hotels: Affordable, Boutique, Beachfront