How to get from Cebu City to Camiguin

Beaches & Tropical · Nature & Outdoors · Philippines · Balingoan · Cagayan de Oro · Camiguin · Cebu City

Cebu City to Camiguin is one of the Philippines’ classic island-hopping routes; you can fly there in under an hour or mix ferries and buses via Bohol or Cagayan de Oro for a cheaper, more scenic adventure.

At A Glance (Cebu City to Camiguin)

Mode Duration Best For
🛩️ Direct Flight (Cebu Mactan CEB → Camiguin CGM) ~55m flight (+ airport transfers) Fastest, most convenient, short trips
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 2,000–5,000 one-way depending on season and promos » compare Cebu–Camiguin flights | search flights | Trip.com deals
⛴️ Ferry via Bohol (Cebu → Tagbilaran → Jagna → Camiguin) ~8–11h total (2h Cebu–Tagbilaran + 1.5–2h land + 4–4.5h Jagna–Balbagon) Lower cost, slow travel, Bohol side-trip
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 1,500–2,500 all-in, class-dependent » Cebu→Tagbilaran ferries | Bohol–Camiguin ferry tickets
⛵️ Overnight Ferry via Cagayan de Oro + Balingoan ~14–18h total (8–12h Cebu–CDO ferry + 2–3h bus + ~1.5h Balingoan–Benoni ferry incl. waiting) Backpackers, Mindanao loop itineraries
🏷️ Cost: ~PHP 2,000–3,000 one-way depending on cabin class and bus choice » Cebu→CDO ferries | Balingoan–Benoni ferry schedule
✈️ Flight via Cagayan de Oro (CEB → CGY) + Balingoan–Benoni Ferry ~1h flight + 2–3h road + ~1.5h ferry & port time When direct flights sell out, combining Camiguin with Northern Mindanao
🏷️ Cost: Flight ~PHP 2,000–6,000 + PHP 500–1,000 for bus/ferry » compare Cebu–CDO flights | into/out of Camiguin

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Compare flights and ferries online: Use multi-operator platforms like 12Go to compare Cebu–Camiguin flights and ferries (Cebu–Bohol, Cebu–Cagayan de Oro, Bohol–Camiguin) in one place.
  • Lock in peak season flights: For Holy Week, Christmas, and long weekends, book CEB→CGM at least a few weeks ahead via tools like Trip.com’s Cebu–Camiguin flight page or Booking.com Flights.
  • Reserve Bohol–Camiguin ferries early: The Jagna–Balbagon ferry is popular but not very frequent, so consider booking online with Klook’s Bohol–Camiguin ferry ticket to avoid sold-out sailings.
  • Plan tours once you’re on the island: After you arrive in Camiguin, you can prebook island-hopping and day tours through platforms like GetYourGuide or Klook to save time hunting for operators.
  • Airport & port transfers: For a pre-arranged pickup from Cebu City to Mactan–Cebu Airport or Cebu Pier, you can arrange a private car via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. As a flexible alternative, ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely used in Cebu.
  • Luggage and waiting time: If your ferry or flight is later in the day, consider dropping bags at a luggage storage point in Cebu (for example, Radical Storage Cebu) so you can explore luggage-free.
  • Scooters and bikes: If you want wheels while waiting in Cebu or after returning, check rental options on BikesBooking in Cebu City; in Camiguin, scooter rental is also widely available through local shops.
  • Weather & safety: Sea crossings are weather-dependent. In case of storms or strong winds, prioritize flight options or allow extra buffer days for schedule changes.

🛩️ Option #1 — Direct Flight Cebu (CEB) to Camiguin (CGM) (Fastest & Easiest)

Fast Simple transfers Higher cost

  • Overview: Fly from Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) directly to Camiguin Airport (CGM) in about 55 minutes. It’s a short, scenic hop over the Bohol Sea with minimal hassle.
  • How to book (with price): One-way fares typically range from PHP 2,000–5,000 depending on season and promos. Compare options with 12Go’s Cebu–Camiguin flight search, use Booking.com Flights to Camiguin, or check current promo fares via Trip.com.
  • Pros: Fastest total travel time; avoids seasickness; easy to coordinate with same-day international arrivals in Cebu.
  • Cons: More expensive than ferries; limited frequency; can sell out quickly for holidays and weekends.

Step-by-step: Direct Flight CEB→CGM

  1. Get to Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB). From Cebu City, travel to the airport in Lapu-Lapu City. You can book a pre-arranged airport transfer through Welcome Pickups Cebu or GetTransfer, or simply use a metered taxi or Grab.
  2. Arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. Domestic flights in the Philippines usually require earlier check-in during busy travel seasons. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket and a valid ID ready.
  3. Fly Cebu (CEB) to Camiguin (CGM). Enjoy the short flight — on clear days you can glimpse Bohol and the Cone-shaped volcanoes of Camiguin from the window.
  4. Land at Camiguin Airport. Camiguin Airport is small and easy to navigate. Collect your luggage, then head outside where tricycles, multicabs, or pre-arranged transport from your accommodation will be waiting.
  5. Continue to your hotel. Many resorts and hotels offer pickup if requested in advance. You can search and book stays via Booking.com places to stay in Camiguin.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu City & Mactan–Cebu Airport)

  • From Cebu City center: Take a taxi or Grab from areas like IT Park, Ayala Center, or downtown to Mactan–Cebu International Airport (around 45–90 minutes depending on traffic).
  • From Mactan resort areas: If you’re staying in Lapu-Lapu (Mactan) before flying out, travel time to the airport is shorter (15–30 minutes). Many resorts can arrange a transfer.
  • Using private transfers: For groups or early flights, consider a pre-booked car through Welcome Pickups or a charter via GetTransfer.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #2 — Ferry via Bohol (Tagbilaran & Jagna) (Budget-Friendly & Scenic)

Low cost Bohol side-trip Long travel day

  • Overview: Travel Cebu City → Tagbilaran (Bohol) by fast ferry (~2h), ride a bus/van across Bohol to Jagna (~1.5–2h), then take the Jagna → Balbagon (Camiguin) ferry (~4–4.5h). Many travelers break the journey with a night or two in Bohol.
  • How to book (with price): Cebu–Tagbilaran fast ferries usually cost around PHP 600–1,000 depending on class; compare schedules on 12Go’s Cebu→Tagbilaran page. The Jagna–Balbagon ferry with Super Shuttle costs roughly PHP 425–766 one-way; you can book via Klook’s Bohol–Camiguin ferry ticket or check direct schedules at Super Shuttle’s official schedule page.
  • Pros: Budget-friendly; flexible if you want to explore Bohol (Chocolate Hills, Panglao, etc.); lots of daily Cebu–Tagbilaran sailings.
  • Cons: Multiple transfers and ports; ferries are weather-dependent; seats on the Jagna–Balbagon leg can sell out in peak season.

Step-by-step: Cebu City → Camiguin via Bohol

  1. Cebu City → Cebu Ferry Pier. Make your way to Cebu City’s main passenger terminals (Pier 1 is commonly used for Tagbilaran). Arrive at least 1 hour before departure for check-in and terminal fees.
  2. Fast ferry Cebu → Tagbilaran. Board your fast craft (e.g., OceanJet, Lite Shipping, SuperCat). Travel time is typically around 2 hours. Book ahead through 12Go in high season.
  3. Land transfer Tagbilaran → Jagna. From Tagbilaran Port, take a bus or van to Jagna on Bohol’s southern coast (about 1.5–2 hours). Vans are slightly faster; regular buses are cheaper.
  4. Jagna → Balbagon (Camiguin) ferry. At Jagna Port, check in for the Super Shuttle ferry to Balbagon, Camiguin. Sailings often depart mid-afternoon, taking around 4–4.5 hours. If you booked via Klook, follow their instructions for voucher redemption.
  5. Arrive at Balbagon Port (Camiguin). From Balbagon, ride a tricycle, multicab, or arranged resort transport to your accommodation in Mambajao or nearby beach areas.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu Pier & Bohol Ports)

  • Within Cebu City: Take a taxi or Grab to Cebu City Pier 1 for most Tagbilaran-bound fast ferries. Allow extra time at rush hour.
  • Tagbilaran Port to Jagna: Outside the port you’ll find buses and vans bound for Jagna via the coastal highway. Confirm that the bus is heading all the way to Jagna before boarding.
  • Jagna town to port: Jagna Port is close to town; tricycles can shuttle you from bus stops to the pier in a few minutes.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛵️ Option #3 — Overnight Ferry via Cagayan de Oro & Balingoan (Classic Backpacker Route)

Reasonable cost Combine with CDO Longest journey

  • Overview: Take a night ferry from Cebu City to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) on Mindanao, then continue by bus to Balingoan Port and a short ferry to Benoni Port in Camiguin. This is popular with travelers looping through Northern Mindanao.
  • How to book (with price): Cebu–CDO ferries cost roughly PHP 1,400–2,500 depending on operator and cabin class; see schedules and tickets on 12Go’s Cebu→Cagayan de Oro ferry page, or check specific lines like 2GO, Trans-Asia, Cokaliong, or Lite Ferries on their official sites. Buses CDO→Balingoan are around PHP 200–300, and the Balingoan→Benoni ferry about PHP 200–400 one-way via operators such as Super Shuttle (official schedule).
  • Pros: Works well if you want to see both CDO and Camiguin; overnight ferries save a night of accommodation; plenty of daily sailings on most days.
  • Cons: Long total travel time; more moving pieces to coordinate; sea conditions can affect ferry schedules.

Step-by-step: Cebu City → Camiguin via CDO & Balingoan

  1. Cebu City → Cebu Pier. Head to the correct pier and terminal for your chosen Cebu–CDO ferry (often Pier 1, 2, or 3 — confirm on your ticket). Check in at least 2 hours before departure.
  2. Overnight ferry Cebu → Cagayan de Oro. Board your ship, find your booked bunk or cabin, and get settled. The crossing usually takes 8–12 hours overnight.
  3. Arrive in Cagayan de Oro. From the port, take a taxi or local transport to Agora Bus Terminal, where buses bound for Butuan/Balingoan/Gingoog depart frequently.
  4. Bus Cagayan de Oro → Balingoan. Ride a bus heading east along the coast and ask to get off at Balingoan Port (around 2–3 hours depending on traffic and stops).
  5. Ferry Balingoan → Benoni (Camiguin). Purchase your ticket and terminal fees, then board the ferry to Benoni Port in Camiguin. Crossing time is roughly 1–1.5 hours.
  6. Benoni Port → your accommodation. From Benoni, tricycles and multicabs can take you to Mambajao or to resorts around the island.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu Pier & CDO/Balingoan)

  • In Cebu City: Use a taxi or Grab to reach your assigned Cebu pier. Boarding areas can be busy, so arrive early.
  • In Cagayan de Oro: From CDO Port, ride a taxi or multicab to Agora Bus Terminal; buses bound for Butuan or Gingoog typically pass Balingoan.
  • In Balingoan: The bus will usually stop on the highway near the port; from there it’s a short walk or tricycle ride down to the ferry terminal.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #4 — Flight via Cagayan de Oro + Balingoan–Benoni Ferry (Flexible Plan B)

Fast once airborne Good backup More transfers

  • Overview: Fly from Cebu (CEB) to Cagayan de Oro (CGY), travel overland to Balingoan, then take the short ferry to Benoni in Camiguin. This is handy when direct Camiguin flights are full or when you want to see CDO as well.
  • How to book (with price): One-way Cebu–CDO flights often start around PHP 1,500–3,500 with promos and can be checked via 12Go’s Cebu–CDO page, Booking.com Flights, or Trip.com (for connections into Camiguin). Add about PHP 200–300 for the bus CDO→Balingoan and PHP 200–400 for the ferry to Benoni.
  • Pros: More daily flight options than Cebu–Camiguin; easier to re-route in case of cancellations; lets you add a stop in CDO.
  • Cons: Multiple transfers; slightly higher total cost compared with a pure ferry route.

Step-by-step: Flight via Cagayan de Oro

  1. Fly Cebu (CEB) → Cagayan de Oro (CGY). Depart from Mactan–Cebu Airport and land at Laguindingan Airport (serving CDO). Flight time is about an hour.
  2. Laguindingan Airport → CDO / Agora Bus Terminal. At the airport, board a shuttle van or bus into CDO and ask to be dropped near Agora Bus Terminal, then transfer to a bus heading toward Balingoan/Butuan.
  3. Bus CDO → Balingoan Port. Ride the coastal bus to Balingoan and get off at the junction by the port, usually signposted.
  4. Ferry Balingoan → Benoni. Purchase your ferry ticket and pay terminal/environmental fees. Schedules are frequent during the day (typically every 1–2 hours) with about 1–1.5 hours sailing time.
  5. Arrive in Camiguin. From Benoni, take land transport to your resort; many Camiguin accommodations can arrange pickup if you contact them ahead of time.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cebu Airport & CDO/Balingoan)

  • Cebu side: Travel to Mactan–Cebu International Airport using a taxi, Grab, or a pre-booked transfer via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
  • CDO side: From Laguindingan Airport, use the airport shuttle to reach CDO, then ride a bus marked for Butuan/Balingoan at Agora Terminal.
  • Balingoan: Walk or ride a short tricycle from the highway down to Balingoan Port, where you can buy tickets for Benoni.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Cebu City to Camiguin)

Do I need to book Cebu–Camiguin transport in advance?
Most of the year you can sometimes buy ferry tickets on the day, but flights and Bohol–Camiguin ferries often sell out on weekends and holidays. It’s safer to book flights and key ferry legs in advance using reputable platforms such as 12Go, Klook, or airline/operator websites.

What is the safest way to travel from Cebu City to Camiguin?
All of the routes described are widely used by locals and travelers. The safest in rough sea conditions is generally the direct flight or flight via Cagayan de Oro, as ferries can be delayed or cancelled during storms. Always follow local advisories and listen to updates from ports and airlines.

How many days should I spend in Camiguin?
Many visitors allocate 3–4 full days to enjoy White Island, Mantigue Island, waterfalls, hot and cold springs, and a volcano hike such as Mt. Hibok-Hibok. If you’re combining Camiguin with Bohol or CDO, a week in total works very well.

Can I bring a car or motorcycle to Camiguin?
Yes, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferries on routes like Jagna–Balbagon and Balingoan–Benoni can carry vehicles, but rates and requirements differ from passenger fares. Coordinate directly with the ferry operator or ticketing office in advance.

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