Siquijor to Bohol: Return Route via Dumaguete
TL;DR
Siquijor Island has two ferry departure points: Larena (south, faster, more frequent) and Siquijor town (north, fewer sailings). Both cross to Dumaguete on Negros Island (roughly 1 hour). From Dumaguete, ferries run to Tagbilaran, Bohol (roughly 2 hours). Total journey: 3–4 hours. Tickets roughly ₱350–500 per leg. Schedule ferry connections carefully to avoid missing your Dumaguete connection. If you miss the last Dumaguete–Bohol ferry, Dumaguete has budget guesthouses near the port.
Understanding Siquijor's Two Ferry Ports
This is crucial: Siquijor Island has two commercial ferry ports, and they serve different routes and schedules:
- Larena Port (south coast): The busier terminus. Ferries to Dumaguete are frequent (usually 5–7 daily), mostly mid-sized fast craft. Larena is the natural choice for most visitors — it's where taller vessels can safely dock on Siquijor's smaller harbors.
- Siquijor Town Port (north coast): Smaller operations, fewer sailings (2–3 daily to Dumaguete). Used mainly by local commuters. If you're staying in or near Siquijor town, this might save travel time on the island itself.
When you book your return journey with us, we'll confirm which port suits your location and ferry timetable. Don't assume — ask your hotel which port is closest. The difference is 20–30 minutes of drive time across Siquijor.
Siquijor to Dumaguete: The First Leg
Both Larena and Siquijor town ports run daily ferries to Dumaguete City on Negros Island. The journey takes approximately 1 hour on most vessels.
| Operator | Duration | Frequency | Price | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cokaliong | ~1 hr | 5–7 daily | ₱350–400 | Larena, Siquijor Town |
| Bohol Strait Shipping | ~1 hr | 3–4 daily | ₱380 | Larena |
| Local small ferries | ~1–1.5 hrs | 2–3 daily | ₱300–350 | Siquijor Town |
Cokaliong operates the majority of Siquijor–Dumaguete crossings. Booking 1–2 days ahead is usually sufficient, except during holiday weekends.
Dumaguete: The Connection Point
Dumaguete City is your transfer hub. When you arrive from Siquijor, you'll have a brief window (typically 30–90 minutes depending on your ferry times) to grab food, use the restroom, and get to the next ferry terminal for the Dumaguete–Bohol leg.
Dumaguete City port (Sibulan Port, technically) is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Terminals are close to each other. If your ferry schedule creates a longer layover (2+ hours), Dumaguete is worth 20 minutes wandering: good coffee shops and fresh fruit stands near the waterfront.
Dumaguete to Tagbilaran, Bohol: The Second Leg
From Dumaguete, ferries depart for Tagbilaran, Bohol roughly 2 hours away. Frequency varies seasonally, but you'll typically find 4–6 sailings daily.
The main operators are Cokaliong, Lite Ferries (budget option), and Ocean Fast Ferry. Tickets run ₱400–500.
Critical timing tip: The last Dumaguete–Bohol ferry typically departs around 15:30–16:00 (3:30–4 PM). If your Siquijor–Dumaguete ferry is delayed or you miss connections, you could find yourself stranded overnight. See the FAQ section for what to do if that happens.
Insider Tip: Miss the Last Ferry? Don't Panic
If you arrive in Dumaguete after the last Bohol ferry has left, it's not a crisis. Dumaguete is a college city with a steady tourism flow. Budget guesthouses and small hotels cluster within 5–10 minutes of the port — expect to pay ₱600–1200 for a simple room. The experience is inconvenient but manageable. Stay overnight and catch the first ferry to Bohol the next morning (usually around 06:00–07:00). This is why we strongly recommend booking your connections well in advance and building in a 1–2 hour buffer.
Total Journey Time and What to Expect
Best case: 3 hours door-to-door (ferry + transfers).
Realistic case: 4–5 hours (with waiting time between ferries and port procedures).
Bring a book, stay hydrated, and avoid peak midday sun while waiting at ports. Both Siquijor ports and Dumaguete terminal have basic shelter and water.
Book Your Siquijor → Bohol Return Journey
We'll coordinate your ferry connection timing and arrange transfers to avoid missed sailings.
Search Available DatesFrequently Asked
Which Siquijor port should I leave from?
Larena (south) if you're staying on southern Siquijor (Paliton, Salagdoong). Siquijor town (north) if you're on northern beaches or if you need fewer travel minutes before your ferry. Ask your hotel — they know best.
What if I miss the Siquijor to Dumaguete ferry?
The next ferry typically runs within 2–4 hours. You'll lose time but Larena port has guesthouses and cafes nearby if you need to wait. Arriving at the terminal 90 minutes early prevents this worry.
What if I miss the Dumaguete to Bohol ferry?
This is more critical because the last ferry leaves around 15:30–16:00. If you miss it, stay overnight in Dumaguete (budget accommodation near the port, ₱600–1200). Catch the first ferry next morning around 06:00–07:00. Build a 1–2 hour buffer into your journey to avoid this.
Are there toilets and food at the ports?
Yes. All three ports (Larena, Siquijor town, Dumaguete) have basic facilities — restrooms, water, and snack vendors. Dumaguete has the best food options. Bring snacks you like; port food is limited.
Can I bring luggage on both ferries?
Yes. Ferry operators allow standard backpacks and suitcases. Oversized baggage might incur a small fee (₱50–100). Keep valuables with you — don't leave bags unattended.