Starlite Ferries Schedule 2026: Cebu, Surigao & Dapitan

Planning to travel from Cebu to Surigao or Dapitan by ferry?

Starlite Ferries has announced a new sailing schedule effective October 26, 2026, covering its Cebu–Surigao and Cebu–Dapitan routes in both directions.

The updated schedule includes daily sailings between Cebu and Surigao, while the Cebu–Dapitan service operates six days a week in each direction. Travelers can choose among several accommodation types, including reclining seats, economy bed bunks, tourist class, cabins, and an air-conditioned VIP room.

This guide covers the published departure schedules, passenger accommodation rates, vehicle shipping charges, booking instructions, terminal reminders, and travel tips. Whether you’re visiting family, planning a Mindanao getaway, or transporting a vehicle, here’s what to know before booking.

Starlite Ferries Updated Sailing Schedule effective October 26, 2026

The following departure times are based on Starlite Ferries’ schedule announcement.

Important: These are scheduled departure times, not arrival times. Sailing duration may vary with weather, port operations, and vessel conditions. The announcement does not specify exact arrival times.

Cebu to Surigao Ferry Schedule

Passengers departing Cebu for Surigao have a scheduled sailing every day at 9:00 PM. This evening departure is convenient for travelers who want to spend the day in Cebu before proceeding to northeastern Mindanao.

Surigao City is a useful gateway for onward trips around Surigao del Norte, including connections toward Siargao Island through the appropriate onward ports and services. Travelers continuing beyond Surigao should allow enough time between their ferry arrival and the next leg of their journey.

Surigao to Cebu Ferry Schedule

The return service from Surigao to Cebu is scheduled daily at 9:00 AM.

Passengers should plan to arrive at the port well before departure, especially if checking baggage or traveling with a vehicle. Morning departures also mean it is worth arranging accommodation close to the departure area if coming from another town.

Cebu to Dapitan Ferry Schedule

The Cebu to Dapitan service departs at 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. No Sunday departure is shown for this direction in the published schedule.

Dapitan is a practical arrival point for travelers visiting northern Zamboanga del Norte, including Dapitan City and nearby Dipolog City. Those planning onward road travel should check local transportation arrangements separately.

Dapitan to Cebu Ferry Schedule

From Dapitan, the scheduled return sailing departs at 9:00 AM, Tuesday through Sunday. No Monday departure is shown in the published schedule.

If you’re planning a weekend visit or returning to Cebu for work or school, pay attention to the operating days in each direction. Do not assume that both routes run daily simply because the Cebu–Surigao service does.

Cebu to Surigao/Surigao to Cebu Passenger Ticket Rates

Cebu to Dapitan/Dapitan to Surigao Passenger Fare Matrix

Infant fare: FREE for infants aged 0–1 year and 11 months across the listed accommodation classes.

VIP Room Rate

Which accommodation should you choose?

Reclining seats are the lowest-priced option among the categories shown. They may appeal to budget-conscious travelers comfortable spending the crossing in a seat rather than a bunk.

Economy bed bunks provide a sleeping option for travelers who prefer to lie down. For overnight departures from Cebu, this can be a useful consideration, especially for passengers who expect to continue traveling after arrival.

Tourist class is another bunk accommodation category. Before booking, compare its location, ventilation, facilities, and sleeping arrangements with economy class, rather than choosing based on the category name alone.

Cabins are worth considering for travelers who prioritize a more separated accommodation area. Ask about cabin configuration, sharing arrangements, and the exact inclusions before paying.

The VIP room is priced per room rather than per passenger in the supplied sheet. For a group of three sharing the ₱7,700 room charge, the simple cost split is approximately ₱2,566.67 per person, excluding any additional charges. This is only a calculation, not a quoted per-person fare.

Discounts and Eligibility

The fare sheet provides separate prices for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children. Travelers claiming a discounted fare should bring the appropriate valid identification and supporting documents.

For children, verify the age category used during booking. If a passenger’s birthday falls close to the travel date, confirm which fare applies before completing payment.

Fare tables can change without much notice, particularly when operators update fuel-related charges or booking fees. Always treat the final booking quotation as the amount to verify before payment.

Starlite Ferries Vehicle Shipping Rates

Starlite Ferries also publishes rates for transporting motorcycles, cars, vans, trucks, and other vehicles. The amount depends on the vehicle category and measured length.

Cebu to Surigao/Surigao to Cebu Rates

Container Van and Heavy Equipment Rates

These are the amounts shown in the uploaded vehicle-rate sheet. They should not automatically be interpreted as all-inclusive shipping quotations for every route.

Before booking a vehicle, ask whether the quoted amount includes the driver, passenger tickets, port charges, cargo handling, insurance, and other applicable fees. The posted rate categories alone do not establish what is included.

How to Prepare a Vehicle for Ferry Travel

Traveling with a vehicle requires more preparation than booking a regular passenger ticket. Start by providing accurate vehicle dimensions and classification when requesting a quotation. A pickup truck, van, or modified vehicle may fall into a different pricing category from an ordinary passenger car.

Keep your vehicle registration and other applicable documents ready for inspection. If you are transporting a vehicle that you do not own, ask the operator what authorization documents may be required.

Remove loose valuables, secure items inside the vehicle, and follow the crew’s instructions during loading. Vehicle boarding may involve a different reporting time and process from passenger check-in.

Drivers should also ask whether they need to report to a separate staging area before the scheduled vessel departure. Arriving at the passenger terminal without completing vehicle processing could cause unnecessary delays.

For commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, confirm the actual dimensions, weight, cargo details, and applicable documentation with the operator before paying.

How to Book Starlite Ferries Tickets Online

1. Open the booking website and choose your origin and destination.

2. Select your preferred sailing date.

3. Review the available departure time and accommodation categories.

4. Enter the passenger details exactly as required.

5. Check the total fare, applicable discounts, and booking conditions.

6. Complete payment using an available payment method.

7. Save your booking confirmation and follow the instructions for ticket presentation and check-in.

Booking availability and payment methods should be checked directly on the website. A published sailing schedule does not guarantee that seats remain available on a particular date.

For passengers booking a vehicle, confirm whether vehicle reservations can be completed through the same booking process or require additional coordination.

Where to go before boarding

The schedule identifies Cebu, Surigao, and Dapitan as departure locations, but the supplied announcement does not specify the exact passenger terminal, pier assignment, or check-in counter.

This distinction matters because ports can have multiple terminals, gates, and vessel operators. Do not rely solely on the destination name when arranging transportation to the port.

Check your confirmed ticket for the assigned terminal and reporting instructions. If the booking confirmation does not clearly identify the boarding location, contact the operator before your departure date.

Passengers traveling from Cebu should also account for city traffic, especially during afternoon and evening rush hours. Although the Cebu departures are scheduled for 9:00 PM, arriving at the port only minutes before sailing is risky.

For morning sailings from Surigao and Dapitan, prepare your luggage and documents the night before. Allow sufficient time for the journey from your accommodation to the terminal.

Travel Tips for Cebu, Surigao, and Dapitan Ferry Passengers

Book early during busy travel periods.

School holidays, long weekends, and major celebrations can increase demand for inter-island transportation. If your travel dates are fixed, book as early as practical.

Travelers with vehicles should be especially careful because available vehicle deck space may be more limited than ordinary passenger accommodation.

Choose accommodation based on the journey.

For an overnight sailing, the cheapest available accommodation is not always the most suitable. Consider whether you can rest comfortably in a reclining seat or would prefer a bed bunk.

If traveling with older relatives or young children, compare the accommodation layout and accessibility before making a reservation.

Bring essentials in a small carry-on bag.

Keep identification, medicines, toiletries, charging cables, a light jacket, and essential personal items within easy reach.

If you have checked larger luggage or parked a vehicle on board, you may not be able to access those belongings whenever you want.

Check weather and travel advisories.

Sea travel is affected by weather and maritime conditions. Even when a departure is listed as daily, it may be delayed, rescheduled, or canceled for safety or operational reasons.

Check official operator announcements before leaving home, especially during periods of heavy rain, strong winds, or tropical cyclone advisories.

Plan onward transportation.

Arriving at Surigao or Dapitan may be only one part of your trip. If you intend to continue to Siargao, Dipolog, or another destination, research the next transportation connection separately.

Avoid arranging tightly timed onward departures when the first leg involves a sea crossing.

Keep your booking details accessible.

Save a copy of your confirmation on your phone and, if practical, retain an offline copy. A screenshot can be useful when mobile reception is weak.

Make sure the passenger name and other details match the identification you will present during check-in.

Places to Visit in Surigao

Surigao City offers access to northeastern Mindanao and serves as a jumping-off point for several coastal destinations.

Siargao Island

Siargao Island is famous for surfing, island hopping, lagoons, and scenic coastal landscapes. Travelers arriving in Surigao City can arrange onward transportation to the island, subject to the operating schedules of the relevant boat services.

The ferry from Cebu to Surigao should not be confused with a direct Cebu-to-Siargao service. Travelers still need to arrange the next leg of their journey.

Mabua Pebble Beach

Photo credit: wallpapercrafter.com

Mabua Pebble Beach is known for its shoreline covered with rounded stones rather than ordinary sand. It can be a pleasant place to enjoy coastal scenery and a quieter afternoon near Surigao City.

Surigao City and Nearby Coastal Communities

Travelers with limited time can explore local food establishments, markets, and waterfront areas before continuing to another destination.

Try regional dishes and seafood where appropriate, and ask locals about accessible sightseeing areas and transportation options.

Tourist Attractions Near Dapitan

Dapitan is associated with Philippine national hero José Rizal and offers several historical and leisure attractions.

Rizal Shrine in Dapitan

Photo credit: funinthephilippines.com

The Rizal Shrine preserves an important part of José Rizal’s history during his exile in Dapitan.

It is a worthwhile stop for travelers interested in Philippine history, heritage sites, and educational tourism.

Gloria de Dapitan

Photo credit to gloriousfantasyland.com

Gloria de Dapitan is a leisure and entertainment destination associated with the city’s tourism scene. Check the current operating hours and available attractions before visiting.

Dakak Beach Resort area

Photo credit: projectlupad.com

The Dakak area is known for its beach scenery and resort experiences. If you plan to visit a private resort, verify entrance arrangements, reservations, and applicable charges directly.

Dipolog City

Nearby, Dipolog City is another destination worth including in a northern Zamboanga Peninsula itinerary.

Travelers can explore its coastal boulevard, local food scene, and nearby attractions. Arrange onward land transportation from Dapitan according to your arrival time and budget.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Starlite Ferries Cebu to Surigao schedule for 2026?

• Effective October 26, 2026, the published Cebu to Surigao departure is daily at 9:00 PM.

What time does the ferry leave Surigao for Cebu?

• The published Surigao to Cebu departure is daily at 9:00 AM.

Is there a daily Cebu to Dapitan ferry?

• No. The published Cebu to Dapitan schedule is Monday through Saturday at 9:00 PM. Sunday is not included.

What is the Dapitan to Cebu ferry schedule?

• The published Dapitan to Cebu departure is Tuesday through Sunday at 9:00 AM.

How much is the regular passenger fare?

• The regular prices start at ₱1,595 for reclining seats, ₱1,705 for economy bed bunks, ₱1,815 for tourist class, and ₱2,200 for cabins. Confirm which route these rates apply to before booking.

Can I bring a motorcycle or car?

• Yes.The supplied vehicle-rate sheet lists motorcycle and other vehicle categories, indicating vehicle transport pricing. However, you should confirm space availability, documentation, and the applicable sailing before making plans.

Are there student and senior citizen discounts?

• Yes. The supplied fare table shows separate discounted rates for students and senior citizens/PWDs. Bring valid supporting identification and confirm eligibility during booking.

Final Travel Reminders

The updated Starlite Ferries schedule gives travelers regular connections between Cebu and Surigao, along with six-day-a-week sailings between Cebu and Dapitan.

For passengers, the most important step is to choose the correct route, date, and accommodation category. For vehicle owners, confirming deck space, measurements, documentation, and the complete payable charges is equally important.

Before heading to the port, check for schedule changes, verify your terminal assignment, and keep your booking confirmation accessible.

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