The Journey to Paradise: How to Get to Bohol for Your Diving Holiday
You’ve booked your leave, you’ve packed your regulator, and you’re dreaming of the turtles at Balicasag. But before you can giant stride into the clear blue waters of Panglao, you have to get here first.
The good news is that getting to Bohol has never been easier. Gone are the days of confusing transfers and long, dusty bus rides. With a modern international airport and a fleet of high-speed ferries, your commute to paradise is smooth and scenic.
Whether you are flying in from halfway across the world or hopping over from Cebu, here is your complete guide on how to get to Sierra Madre Divers in Alona Beach.
Option 1: The Direct Route (Flying into Panglao)
The absolute easiest way to reach us is to fly directly into the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG).
This eco-friendly airport is located right here on Panglao Island, just a 10-15 minute drive from Alona Beach. It saves you the hassle of ferry transfers and gets you on the beach with a cold drink in hand in record time.
- From Manila (MNL): There are multiple daily flights from Manila to Panglao on Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. The flight time is a quick 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Pro Tip: If you are connecting from an international flight in Manila, allow at least 3-4 hours for the transfer between terminals, as Manila traffic and queues can be unpredictable.
- From International Hubs: You can also fly directly to Bohol from select international hubs like Seoul (Incheon). If you are coming from South Korea or connecting through it, this is a fantastic option that skips Manila entirely.
Getting to Alona Beach from TAG Airport: Once you land, getting to Sierra Madre Divers is simple.
- Airport Taxi: Fixed-rate taxis are available just outside the arrival hall.
- Private Transfer: For the smoothest arrival, you can always arrange a private transfer to be waiting for you when you arrive. We can recommend reputable companies to work with.
Option 2: The Scenic Route (Flying to Cebu + Ferry)
If you can’t find a convenient flight to Bohol, flying into Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is a fantastic alternative. Cebu is a major international hub with direct flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Tokyo, and Los Angeles.
From Cebu, you will take a fast ferry to Bohol. It’s a classic Visayan travel experience!
Step 1: Airport to Pier 1 From Cebu Airport, take a White Taxi (metered) or use the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) to go to Cebu Pier 1. The ride takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Step 2: The Fast Ferry At Pier 1, you will book a ticket on a high-speed ferry to Tagbilaran City Port (Bohol).
- The Operators: OceanJet is the most frequent and reliable operator, with departures almost every hour from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. SuperCat and Lite Ferry are also available.
- Travel Time: The crossing takes about 2 hours.
- Comfort Tip: We recommend booking “Tourist Class” (air-conditioned) or “Business Class” (more legroom). It’s worth the small extra cost for a comfortable nap.
Step 3: Tagbilaran Port to Alona Beach When you arrive at Tagbilaran Port, you are about 30-40 minutes away from Alona Beach.
- Tricycles: Good for solo travelers with light luggage (and a sense of adventure).
- Taxis/Vans: Plenty of drivers will be waiting at the port exit.
A Note on Travel Timing
If you are planning to dive on your arrival day (an “afternoon check-out dive”), try to arrive in Panglao before 12:00 PM.
However, most guests prefer to arrive, check in, grab a sunset dinner on Alona Beach, and start fresh with us the next morning at 8:00 AM. Remember, you need to wait 18-24 hours after diving before flying, so plan your departure flight accordingly!
We Can Help You Plan
Don’t let logistics stress you out. If you are unsure which route is best for your group, just send us a message. The team at Sierra Madre Divers helps guests from all over the world with recommendations on getting here every day. We can recommend the best ferry schedules and give info on island transfers.
Pack your bags, book that ticket, and we will see you on the beach!
