Siargao is an island in the western part of the Philippines. It’s known as surfers paradise since it has some of the best waves in the world. It’s getting more and more popular among non-surfers, too.
The island offers breathtaking beaches, never-ending rows of coconut palm trees, and many stunning attractions. Additionally, there are plenty of good restaurants and accommodation choices, too.
In this blog post, I will cover all the details and things you need to know when getting from Surigao to Siargao.
Where is Siargao
Siargao is an Island that lies in a province called Surigao del Norte. It has nine municipalities. Philippine Sea surrounds the island to the east and you’ll find Dinagat Sound to the west.
What’s interesting, is that when standing on the eastern coast of Siargao, there’s almost endless ocean and the United States is far in the distance. It’s basically on the edge of the world.
The whole island is surrounded by reefs and it’s also home to extensive mangrove forest reserves. You can even spot crocodiles here! The eastern coast is almost straight, with one inlet – Pilar.
Since currents and winds are coming to Siargao straight from the Pacific Ocean without any interruption, the island has amazing surfing conditions!
Pin the location of Siargao to your Google Maps.
Where to stay on Siargao
Siargao is not a big island and most of tourism concentrates around the world-famous Cloud 9 and General Luna. Both are amazing destinations offering numerous hotels to choose from. Thanks to different bars with live music and events, you won’t get bored easily.
If you prefer a peaceful place far from the crowds where you can relax completely, choose some of the resorts near Doot Beach, Pacifico Beach or Alegria Beach. We cover the best hotels in these areas in “Best Siargao Beaches” blog post.
Best hotels on Siargao
Check availability
Surigao to Siargao overview
The distance between Surigao and Siargao is only 61 kilometers. You have two options on this route:
- By plane
- By ferry
While it’s usually more convenient and faster to travel by plane, this is not the case. The reason is that there are no direct flights between Surigao to Siargao. Therefore, traveling by ferry will be easier and faster.
Getting from Surigao to Siargao by plane
Travel time: 5 – 20 hours
Price: from 60€
If you want to travel to Siargao by plane, the direct flights are only available from two airports – Manila and Cebu. The airlines operating on this route are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. When traveling from Manila, you will likely make a quick stop on Cebu and transfer to a smaller airplane.
When traveling from Surigao City to Siargao, you can also go by plane. However, I don’t find this option very practical. Since there’s no direct flight, you would have to fly back to Cebu Island first.
If you’ve seen the map of the Philippines, you know that Cebu Island is in the opposite direction.
It takes a minimum of 5 hours, while some flights are even 20+ hours long. The price is also higher than the ferry. Because of this I don’t recommend using plane.
Book cheap flights from Surigao to Siargao via Skyscanner.com here.
Surigao airport
If you choose this option, prepare yourself properly for the flight. Unfortunately, Surigao Airport is not the best one. If you come too early for your flight, you have to wait outside without an AC. Moreover, you won’t find any shops to buy food or drinks in this area. It’s just a simple shelter with a roof.
A small terminal fee must be paid upon entering the airport. Keep some cash handy.
How to get to Surigao airport
Surigao airport is only 4km far from Surigao City and the journey takes around 10 minutes. The only way to get to the airport is by a tricycle.
Flight schedule
On the route from Surigao to Cebu, there’s just one flight daily. Currently, it’s either departing at 7:35 am or 10:10 am. It takes around 1 hour to arrive on Cebu Island. All the flights are operated by CebGo – regional brand of Cebu Pacific.
From Cebu, there are multiple direct flights to Siargao daily. The first flight departs at 5 am and the last one at 3:40 pm. It takes 50 minutes to arrive in Siargao. The flights are operated either by CebGo or Philippine Airlines.
How to get from Siargao Airport to General Luna
As soon as you arrive in Siargao, you will be welcomed by several taxi drivers. General Luna is approximately 26km from the airport and it takes around 40 minutes.
You can either pay for a tricycle or a van. Vans are gonna be more expensive. Expect to pay around 300 PHP for a van.
Pros and Cons
Pros: no pros really, it’s better to use a ferry :D, unless you have a fear of traveling by boat
Cons: it takes a long time, the most expensive option, Surigao airport is not a good one
Travel Insurance
One of the worst things you could do is travel without insurance. We never go on a trip without travel insurance. Anything can happen during your adventures.
Our go-to company is SafetyWing. They will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
If you purchase the insurance through our link, you still pay the same, and we will earn a small commission. This helps us run our blog. Thank you ❤️
Getting from Surigao to Siargao by ferry
Travel time: 1.5h
Price: 400 PHP or 500 PHP at the port
When traveling to Siargao from Cebu, Siquijor, or Camiguin you will probably have to change the ferry in Surigao.
Ferry is, without a doubt, the best way to travel between Surigao and Dapa on Siargao Island. It only takes 1.5 hours. Moreover, the ferry is the fastest way to get to Siargao. And also the cheapest. The whole process is incredibly simple.
Surigao port
Terminal fee: 30 PHP per person
Surigao Port is a not-so-big simple building with AC and fans. There is a free toilet and also a few shops selling snacks and souvenirs. The port has a few gates for boarding. In addition, you have to pay a terminal fee of 30PHP per person.
How to get to Surigao port
The best and easiest way to get to the port is by tricycle. The drivers are available almost everywhere, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one.
In case you’re traveling from Cebu to Siargao and changing the ferries in Surigao, you can simply walk to the port.
The ferry which arrives from Cebu stops just a few meters from the ferry departing to Siargao.
Available ferry companies
Currently, this route is operated by one company – Evaristo & Sons.
Surigao to Siargao ferry schedule 2024
The only company operating on this route is Evaristo and Sons. As mentioned earlier, there are only three ferries to Siargao each day. The ferries leave at 06:00, 10:00, and 15:00. It’s advised to come at least 30 minutes before departure.
Where to book tickets
You can purchase your tickets online in advance. I would advise this especially when travelling in high season. Since there are only 3 ferries per day, you don’t want to find out they’re all sold out. I will link the tickets down below.
The second option is to buy tickets directly at the port. Right at the entrance to the port, there’s a small booth with ferry schedule and prices. You can get your ferry tickets here as well.
Book your ferry tickets via 12go.asia here.
Ferry ticket price
When purchasing the tickets online, you should pay 622 PHP or 682 PHP per person. The price depends on the class you choose.
The price will be cheaper at the port – 400 PHP or 500 PHP. However, you’re risking that there won’t be a place for you. So I think it’s worth paying slightly more and ensuring you’re travel plans won’t be disrupted.
Ferry classes
You have three options to choose from – Tourist, Tourist AC, or Business class.
The basic tourist class is an open-air ride, therefore there’s no AC. But it’s not necessary at all, since it’s quite windy. It’s a great option for those who want to avoid air-conditioned spaces.
Tourist AC class is indoor seating with AC. The price for both types of tourist classes is the same.
Lastly, there’s business class. Its capacity is only 13 people. This class is separated from the rest. You’ll have more comfortable seats and a snack should be included in the price.
Surigao to Siargao ferry facilities
The interior of the ferry consists of 3 seats in 2 rows. Furthermore, the seats are basic. You can choose AC as well as outdoor seating.
Of course, there are toilets as well. Before the ferry departs, locals go around and sell some snacks like peanuts or popcorn.
Pros and Cons
Pros: fast, convenient and cheap way to travel, comfortable
Cons: depends on weather conditions, when sea is too rough it might be cancelled
How to get from Dapa port to General Luna
Once you arrive at Dapa port in Siargao, you will be surrounded by taxi drivers shouting their offers. The only way to get to your hotel is by a tricycle or with a private driver.
Regarding private drivers, you would certainly need to organize this in advance. Ask at the hotel where you’re staying, as they might also be able to help you.
In addition, tricycles are always available at the port. The cheapest price to get to General Luna or Cloud 9 area is around 300 PHP for a tricycle, which takes 1.5 hours.
Best guided tours on Siargao
- Island hopping tour – Visit the three most beautiful islands near Siargao. The tour takes you to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. Additionally, you will also stop at two snorkeling spots. This was an unforgettable experience!
- Sohoton tour – Visit incredible Sohoton Cove! This trip takes a whole day, but each stop is unique. You will visit caves and different lagoons, swim with jellyfish, and enjoy cliff-jumping and rope swings.
- Land tour – Perfect for those who don’t want to drive a scooter. The tour takes you to Coconut Road, Magpupungko, Maasin River, and Sugba Lagoon.
Things to do on Siargao Island
Siargao Island offers many incredible attractions. Even if you spend more than a week here there’s always something to do. Below are some of our favorite things to do on Siargao.
I would recommend planning a day trip from General Luna and visiting some of the attractions on the island. You can easily visit Pacifico Beach, Magpupungko Rock Pool, Alegria Beach, or Taktak Falls in one day.
Magpupungko rock pools
Magpupungko rock pools are beautiful lagoons that will leave you speechless. The main reason is that the water in the pools is crystal clear. In addition, one can explore multiple caves, coves, and cliffs when visiting the Magpupungko rock pools.
You can watch huge waves breaking over the reef a bit further out in the ocean. The nearby beach is also a stunning place to be. In fact, you can easily spend a whole day in this area without getting bored.
Coconut road
Imagine an incredible picturesque road surrounded by palm trees on each side. That’s what Coconut road looks like.
It’s undoubtedly a great place to stop for a few memorable photos. It’s becoming viral. After all, the sight of palms against the backdrop of the turquoise ocean is iconic Siargao scenery.
It’s also important to say that while there is a particular section known as “Coconut Road,” there are many other parts where you get the same views. The island is entirely covered by coconut trees, so just grab a bike and explore different roads to find hidden gems that are not so touristy.
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is, without a doubt, the most popular tourist and surf spot to visit on Siargao island. The main reason for its popularity is the world-class Cloud 9 wave.
The area is only a few kilometers from General Luna. Considered the most famous tourist spot in Siargao, you can meet plenty of tourists here.
When you enter, you will undoubtedly realize it’s a surfers’ paradise. Surfers of all levels and ages enjoy catching waves in the best surfing spot in Siargao. Many refer to it as the surfing capital of the Philippines.
Siargao Island hopping
Siargao Island hopping tour is one of the best tours you can take on the island. The tour takes you to three islands – Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island. You will also visit around 2-3 snorkeling spots.
If you wish to discover the surrounding islands, there’s no better way to do it! We had an incredible time exploring the area around Siargao by boat. Also, a delicious local lunch is included!
Getting from Surigao to Siargao – conclusion
In summary, traveling from Surigao to Siargao in the Philippines cannot be any easier. When using the ferry, everything is well organised, and you are likely to have a worry-free experience.
It’s also fast and cheap. If you are traveling from Cebu to Siargao, also check out our blog post on that topic. We hope you will enjoy your Siargao trip!
