Oslob to Dapitan Ferry

The Oslob to Dapitan ferry connects southern Cebu with the northern coast of Zamboanga del Norte in Mindanao, run by Lite Ferries (Lite Shipping Corporation) on a roll-on/roll-off vessel that carries passengers alongside cars, motorcycles and cargo. It is a popular link for travellers combining Cebu's south coast with the historic city of Dapitan.

The voyage is not direct: the ship stops at Dumaguete Port in Negros Oriental before crossing the Bohol Sea to Dapitan. Because of that intermediate call, total travel time from Oslob to Dapitan runs on the longer side, roughly 6 to 8 hours depending on the schedule and sea conditions. Boarding on the Cebu side is at the Mainit wharf in the Oslob/Santander area, and arrival is at the Dapitan (Pulauan) port.

Schedule and fares

• Sailings from Oslob generally depart in the evening, making this a convenient overnight crossing.
• The service runs on most days of the week, with return trips from Dapitan usually leaving in the early afternoon.
• Passenger fares typically start from around ₱840 for standard class and about ₱910 for tourist (air-conditioned) accommodation, with vehicle tariffs charged separately.

What to expect

Dapitan is one of the most storied towns in Mindanao, where national hero José Rizal was exiled and built the shrine, relief map and school that visitors still tour today. It is also the jump-off for Dakak Park Beach Resort and Aliguay Island. Oslob, on the Cebu end, is famed for whale-shark watching, Tumalog Falls and nearby Sumilon Island. As with all Lite Ferries services, departure days, times and fares can change, so reconfirm directly with the operator before your trip.