Island life runs on ferries. The network is extensive but booking habits from home — especially expecting one website to sell every route — will trip you up. Here is how it actually works.
Know your vessel
- Fast craft (OceanJet, SuperCat): air-conditioned catamarans on the popular routes — Cebu to Bohol is about two hours. Book these ahead in peak season.
- RoRo (roll-on/roll-off): slower, cheaper and the only option when you are taking a motorbike or car across.
- Bangka: small outrigger boats for short hops like Caticlan to Boracay — pay at the pier, no booking needed.
Where to book
Big fast-craft operators sell online through their own sites and apps — there is no single national ferry portal. In smaller ports you buy at the terminal window on the day, so arrive an hour early with cash.
The terminal fee quirk
Every pier charges a separate terminal fee (₱20–₱100) paid in cash after check-in, on top of your ticket. Keep small bills handy — this catches almost every first-timer.
Timing tips
- Seas are calmest December to May; expect cancellations during typhoon season.
- Morning crossings are smoother and more reliable than afternoon ones.
- A confirmed ticket does not guarantee a seat at rush hour — check in early anyway.