Taking the fast ferry from the Philippines sounds easy, right? Just choose when you want to leave, book a ticket, and show up. But anyone who has traveled between islands knows that a few common planning and booking mistakes can turn a smooth journey into stress and chaos, added cost, or even a missed adventure entirely.
Don’t let this be you! Take a look at the following common mistakes travelers make on routes like the Cebu to Bohol ferry, and how you can avoid them to ensure a memorable, drama-free adventure in the Philippines.
Mistake 1: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Book Tickets
Among the simplest ways to place yourself in a problematic situation would be to assume you can buy your ticket on the date of travel. For example, for highly searched routes such as Cebu to Bohol, fast-craft ferries are usually sold out in advance, more so for holidays such as Christmas, Sinulog, or Holy Week in the peak season of December to April.
Even for travel during the middle of the week, these ferry lines fill quickly because they are among the most important and primary methods for travel for both locals and visitors alike.
If you’ve already used up all possible seat reservations, you’ll find yourself scrambling for alternatives with less convenient or more expensive means.
- Solution: Book online at least 3-7 days in advance during normal traveling seasons or 2-3 weeks in advance during peak seasons. Take advantage of online booking, as this will enable you to select your preferred departure time and class of seats before availability disappears.
Mistake 2: Disregarding Weather and Seasonal Factors
While weather conditions may not significantly affect flight schedules, they can greatly influence sea travel. In fact, the Philippines has a wet and dry season, and even the speediest ferry boat can become delayed or canceled as a result of rough waters, making the crossing perilous.
The rough sea conditions are mostly experienced between June and November. The cancellation of flights tends to peak during periods of typhoon warnings. It would be an unfortunate situation to encounter if you have not checked on the weather conditions or the cancelation policy of the airline company before flying.
- Solution: Check weather forecasts or ferry advisories for the days leading up to a ferry journey. If the weather looks poor, consider rebooking for an earlier date or purchasing ferry insurance for ferry cancelations or delay cover.
Mistake 3: Understanding the Importance of Arrival Times
The ferry routes seem simple on the diagram, but the reality around the ferry terminals is anything but.
Cebu Pier 1 and the Tagbilaran terminal in Bohol can get quite messy, to say the least, and even more so during the weekend. You’d have to wait in lines interminably for just check-in, fees, and security clearance alone. If you’re meeting a plane or tour schedule, showing up only 15 minutes prior to flight time will get you nowhere fast.
- Solution: Come at least 45-60 minutes prior to departure time for the airport-bound train. If there’s a chance that the train station will be super busy, come even earlier. When transferring from the airport, the Cebu traffic flow varies from light to heavy depending on the time of departure, too.
Mistake 4: Selecting the Incorrect Seating Class without Comprehension
Not all ferry seats are the same. Economy seats are more affordable, but they can be a bit cramped, especially if the ferry is packed, for a 2-hour route.
Business or tourist class tickets are more expensive, with greater comfort and space, and they are sought after by experienced travelers. This could be especially helpful in preventing seasickness.
- Solution: Pre-purchase a ticket for a specific seat. A comfortable seat is very important on a boat, and it may well pay off to splurge a little for a better seat to enjoy the trip. At the same time, this would increase the chance of not having motion sickness.
Mistake 5: Failure to Consider Additional Fees at the Port
Included in your ferry ticket is your seating inside the ferry. However, this is rarely the only cost. Expect a small fee when you arrive at most ports in the Philippines before you can board a ferry. This payment is usually required in cash.
If you do not bring money, you might find yourself scrambling for an ATM machine if you do not want to delay your check-in process. There are also those who charge for excess luggage.
- Solution: Small amounts of local cash may be taken along for fees at airport terminals, baggage charges, snacks, or anything not included in the ticket.
Mistake 6: Overpacking or Misunderstanding Luggage Requirements
Ferries can carry more pieces of luggage compared to flights, although they have some constraints. Most speedboats also give a certain amount of hand-carried luggage for free, ranging from 7-15 kg.
Bulk gear, such as surfboards or scooters, may require other considerations and additional costs. Not checking airline baggage requirements can result in additional expenses or having to abandon certain items.
- Solution: Before you book, check what the airline’s luggage rules are for their operator. Label bags heavily and get essentials into hand carry so you’re not competing for space in the hold.
Mistake 7: Forgetting That Ports and Terminals Are Not Tourist Zones
The ferry stations resemble busy transportation centers because they are. People selling goods, bicycle drivers, and local guides linger near the exit points, and without any prior organization for transportation in and out, you may find yourself wasting time getting a ride.
There is always a pool of tricycles, taxis, and ride-for-hire outside the piers of Cebu and Bohol, but during peak hours, they can be hard to come by.
- Solution: If possible, you must arrange for onward transport before arriving or at least work out a possible route from the pier to accommodation. Even a route map and approximate fare rate can prevent worry if you arrive without a transport plan.
Final Thought
Booking and riding a high-speed ferry in the Philippines doesn’t need to be a gamble. With forethought, knowing what to expect from schedules and fees, and looking beyond the actual ticket, what could be a frustrating experience turns into a smooth leg of your island journey.
These aren’t dramatic mistakes; these are the sorts that can trip up even experienced travelers. The difference between a memorable crossing and a travel headache is how to avoid them. Follow the tips above, and your ferry adventure will be one of your trip’s highlights instead of a cautionary tale.
