Island guide · getting here
How to get to Siargao, honestly.
Siargao is reached through Sayak Airport (IATA code IAO) in Del Carmen, and as of July 2026 the reliable way in is via Cebu: Cebgo and PAL Express both fly Cebu to Siargao multiple times daily, then a 45-to-60-minute van crosses the island to General Luna. There are no direct Manila flights; Clark, north of Manila, still has direct service. The budget and surfboard-friendly alternative is the ferry from Surigao City to Dapa.
Which airlines fly direct to Siargao in 2026?
As of July 2026, direct flights to Siargao (IAO) operate from Cebu, Clark and Davao, and every one of them is a turboprop (ATR 72 or Dash 8), which matters for baggage.
| From | Airline | Frequency (as of Jul 2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cebu (CEB) | Cebgo · PAL Express | Multiple daily, the most reliable route | ≈55–80 min |
| Clark (CRK) | Cebgo | About daily | ≈2–2.5 h |
| Clark (CRK) | Sunlight Air | 4x weekly (cut from daily, May–Sept 2026) | ≈2–2.5 h |
| Clark (CRK) | PAL Express | Suspended from 4 May 2026 until further notice | n/a |
| Davao (DVO) | Cebgo | Several times a week; sources conflict on exact days | ≈1 h 10 |
| Manila (NAIA) | None | No direct service; connect via Cebu | n/a |
Fares, honestly: Cebu to Siargao base fares run about ₱1,300 to ₱2,000 one-way, with all-in one-way prices around ₱2,200 to ₱2,500 typical in mid-2026 and round trips with 20 kg of baggage landing near ₱8,000 to ₱12,000. Clark to Siargao spans roughly ₱3,500 to ₱7,000 all-in one-way by season. Fuel surcharges move these numbers month to month, so treat them as a snapshot. One habit worth having: book morning flights, which are less exposed to the day's accumulated delays.
How do you get to Siargao from Manila?
From Manila, fly to Cebu first, then Cebu to Siargao: two short flights, bookable on one ticket with Cebu Pacific or PAL. The Manila (NAIA) to Siargao direct disappeared when turboprop operations moved north, and as of July 2026 it has not returned. The alternative is to start from Clark International, about two to three hours north of Metro Manila by bus, which still has direct Siargao flights on Cebgo and Sunlight Air, worth it mainly if Clark is already your side of the capital.
How do you get to Siargao by ferry?
The ferry route to Siargao runs from Surigao City on the mainland to Dapa, the island's port town, about 30 minutes from General Luna. It is the standard route for longboards, motorbikes and anyone allergic to fuel-surcharged airfares. As of 2026, schedules reported by multiple sources (always confirm at the pier; sailings shift with weather):
| Boat | Departures | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaristo & Sons fastcraft | ≈06:00 · 10:00 · 13:00, both directions | ≈1.5 h | ₱420–520 |
| Evaristo & Sons RORO | ≈15:30 daily each way | 2–4 h (sources conflict) | ₱250–300 |
| Montenegro Shipping RORO | Reported operating; Dapa departures ≈05:00 · 11:00 | ≈3 h | ≈₱300 |
Getting to Surigao City: Cebgo flies Cebu to Surigao daily (about 55 minutes), and Cokaliong sails an overnight ferry from Cebu on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 19:00, about 8.5 hours, ₱1,320 to ₱6,840 by class as of 2026, plus fuel surcharges. There is no direct passenger ferry from Cebu to Siargao; the sea route is always via Surigao. From Manila, the practical advice is simple: connect through Cebu rather than hunting for a direct Surigao flight, which sources conflict on.
How do you get from Sayak Airport to General Luna?
From Sayak Airport, a shared van to General Luna costs about ₱300 to ₱500 per person, ₱400 being typical, and takes 45 to 60 minutes. Vans meet arriving flights and leave when full, so the wait is usually short on arrival and worth pre-booking for dawn departures. The alternatives, as reported in 2026:
- Private van: ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 depending on season and negotiation, direct to your door.
- Habal-habal (motorbike taxi): about ₱350, you plus one soft bag, the scenic option.
- Tricycle: about ₱600 chartered or ₱250 per seat shared, slower but roomier than a habal.
- Fees and quirks: a ₱20 environmental fee is collected in cash on arrival, and vans reportedly charge about ₱350 per extra luggage piece, surfboards included.
- From Dapa port: ~14 km to General Luna, about 30 minutes; habal or tricycle charter ₱300 to ₱350, shared seats about ₱30.
Can you fly with a surfboard to Siargao?
Shortboards fly; longboards mostly do not. Every Siargao flight is a turboprop, and on Cebgo's ATR aircraft the surfboard limit is 6 feet, one board per passenger, 20 kg maximum, pre-purchased as a surfboard add-on up to two hours before the flight (the fee shows at booking; Cebgo does not publish a flat rate). Philippine Airlines counts sports equipment within your free baggage allowance and charges excess rates beyond it, up to 277 cm board length. If your board is longer than 6 feet and you are flying Cebgo, take the ferry via Surigao, or rent on the island: General Luna board rental runs ₱500 to ₱600 a day, covered in our Siargao surf guide.
What about the last 100 metres?
The pleasant ending: you do not need to solve island transport from abroad. Scooter rentals in General Luna deliver to your accommodation, so the working pattern for a long stay is van from the airport, keys at the door the same afternoon. Guests at Tuloy, a nine-room long-stay home in General Luna, can have the airport pickup and a door-delivered scooter arranged through the house as part of building their stay, and the neighbourhood, from the breaks to the cafes, is mapped honestly on our map.
Questions we get at the bar
What is the airport in Siargao called?
Sayak Airport, usually listed as Siargao Airport, IATA code IAO. It sits in Del Carmen on the northwest side of the island, about 25 to 30 kilometres from General Luna, which is a 45-to-60-minute van ride.
Are there direct flights from Manila to Siargao?
No. As of July 2026 there are no direct flights from Manila (NAIA) to Siargao. The standard route is Manila to Cebu, then Cebu to Siargao. Clark, north of Manila, still has direct flights on Cebgo and Sunlight Air.
What is the most reliable way to fly to Siargao?
Via Cebu. As of July 2026 both Cebgo and PAL Express fly Cebu to Siargao multiple times daily, taking roughly 55 to 80 minutes, and the Cebu route was not on the 2026 suspension lists that hit other Siargao services.
How much is the flight to Siargao?
From Cebu, base fares run about 1,300 to 2,000 pesos one-way and a typical all-in one-way is around 2,200 to 2,500 pesos as of mid-2026, with fuel surcharges moving fares around. From Clark, realistic all-in one-way fares span roughly 3,500 to 7,000 pesos by season. Treat all of these as snapshots, not promises.
How do you get to Siargao by ferry?
From Surigao City to Dapa port on Siargao. Evaristo and Sons fastcraft sail around 06:00, 10:00 and 13:00 and take about 1.5 hours for roughly 420 to 520 pesos, and slower RORO ferries run for about 250 to 300 pesos. There is no direct passenger ferry from Cebu to Siargao; the sea route is Cebu to Surigao overnight, then Surigao to Dapa.
How do you get from Sayak Airport to General Luna?
Shared vans meet arriving flights and charge about 300 to 500 pesos per person, 400 being typical, leaving when full. A private van runs roughly 2,000 to 4,000 pesos, and a habal-habal motorbike about 350 pesos if you travel light. The ride takes 45 to 60 minutes, and a 20-peso environmental fee is collected in cash on arrival.
Can you bring a surfboard on the plane to Siargao?
Shortboards, yes, with a fee. All Siargao flights use turboprops, and on Cebgo ATR aircraft the surfboard limit is 6 feet, one board per passenger, up to 20 kilograms, pre-booked as an add-on. Longboards effectively cannot fly to IAO on Cebgo; longboarders take the ferry via Surigao or rent on the island. Philippine Airlines carries sports equipment within your baggage allowance, with excess-rate charges beyond it.
How do you get from Dapa port to General Luna?
Dapa to General Luna is about 14 kilometres, roughly 30 minutes. A habal-habal or tricycle charter costs about 300 to 350 pesos, shared tricycle seats around 30 pesos per head, and jeepneys run to the town centre for about 30 pesos. Reported figures; agree the price before you ride.
Can I have a scooter waiting when I land?
Yes. Scooter rentals in General Luna deliver to your accommodation, so the practical pattern is: van from the airport, keys handed over at your door. Tuloy guests can arrange door delivery through the house as part of their stay.
Landed sorted, not stranded.
Tuloy is nine private ensuite rooms with Starlink in General Luna, airport pickup and scooter delivery arrangeable before you land. Monthly stays from ₱35,000.