Dipolog to Oslob Ferry

The Dipolog to Oslob sailing links the northern tip of Mindanao with southern Cebu, carrying travellers from Zamboanga del Norte across the Bohol Sea toward the famous whale-shark town of Oslob. The service is run by Lite Ferries (Lite Shipping Corporation), one of the largest roll-on/roll-off operators in the central Philippines, using a RoRo vessel that takes foot passengers, motorcycles and cars together.

This is not a direct crossing. The ship calls at Dumaguete Port in Negros Oriental on the way, so the run works as a two-leg voyage: Dipolog to Dumaguete, then Dumaguete on to the Oslob-area wharf at Mainit. Total scheduled time from Dipolog to Oslob is around 6 hours, though sea conditions in the Bohol Sea can stretch this.

Schedule and frequency

• Departures from Dipolog run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, typically leaving in the early hours around 2:00 AM.
• The opposite direction (Oslob to Dipolog) sails Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Passenger fares generally start from roughly ₱640 for standard accommodation up to about ₱710 for tourist/air-conditioned class, with separate tariffs for vehicles.

Why travel this route

Dipolog is the gateway to Dakak resort and neighbouring Dapitan, the town where national hero José Rizal spent his exile. Oslob, on the Cebu side, is best known for close-up whale-shark encounters at Tan-awan and is within reach of Sumilon Island and Tumalog Falls. Because the ferry runs overnight, many passengers use it to cross while they sleep and arrive ready to continue by land. Always reconfirm the current timetable and fares directly with Lite Ferries before travelling, as departure days, times and pricing can change without notice.