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Moalboal is a diving town on the west coast of Cebu island. It's famous for the sardine run, a huge shoal you can snorkel with straight off the shore. The cheapest way to get from Bohol to Moalboal is the ferry and bus via Argao at $7.80 (480 PHP). The route through Cebu City costs more at $10 (615 PHP) and takes 5-8h.
Distance from Bohol to Moalboal
Bohol and Moalboal are about 85 km (53 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 120 km. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 5h and 8h.
2 ways to travel from Bohol to Moalboal
There are two ways to travel from Bohol to Moalboal. The journey takes 5h–5h 10m and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry + bus via Argao with tickets starting at $7.80 (480 PHP).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Bohol (Tagbilaran)→Cebu5h
- Cebu City to Moalboal by Bus3h
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Tagbilaran→Loon, Bohol1h
- Loon→Argao2h
- Argao→Carcar40m
- Carcar→Moalboal1h 30m
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Bohol to Moalboal by Ferry + Bus via Cebu City
We recommend travelling from Bohol to Moalboal via Cebu City if you want more flexible ferry schedules. This option is a few dollars more expensive compared to the route via Argao, but it involves fewer transfers. You'll only have to take a ferry and a bus.
Combined prices start from $10 (615 PHP) for the journey that takes 5-8h.
Step 1: Bohol to Cebu City by Ferry
There are two types of ferries from Bohol to Cebu: fast crafts and slower car ferries.
Fast crafts are the most common option and take around 2 hours to reach Cebu City. They’re more expensive, but they save you a lot of time. Oceanjet, FastCat, and Lite Shipping all operate high-speed ferries from Bohol to Cebu.
If you’re travelling with a car or motorbike, your only option is Lite Shipping. Expect the journey to take around 4 hours.
There are two departure ports in Bohol: Tagbilaran and Tubigon. If you’re coming from the tourist centre in Panglao or if you’re travelling with a car, we recommend departing from Tagbilaran City Port because it is nearer. You can get there via a 40-minute jeepney, bus, or taxi from Panglao. Fares start from $0.80 (50 PHP).
If you’re coming from northern Bohol, you can take one of the ferries departing from Tubigon Pier.
Ferry schedule from Tagbilaran, Bohol to Cebu
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Ferry schedule from Tubigon, Bohol to Cebu
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Most ferries dock at Cebu Pier 1, the main passenger ferry terminal in Cebu City. But check your booking details beforehand, because some ferries also dock at the nearby Cebu Pier 3.
From either of these ports, you’ll have to take a tricycle or a taxi to cross the 2 km to South Bus Terminal.
Check out our page from Bohol to Cebu for more details.
Step 2: Cebu City to Moalboal by Bus
Ceres Bus is the main operator for the Cebu to Moalboal route. You can choose between two routes:
- Direct buses to Moalboal leave every 3 hours from 06:00 to 14:00.
- Buses to Bato via Barili run every 30 minutes from 03:00 to 18:30 and make a stop in Moalboal.
The journey takes about 3 hours, but can take longer during peak hours. A ticket costs $2.80 (170 PHP) for ordinary buses and $3.40 (210 PHP) for air-conditioned trips.
Visit our page on Cebu to Moalboal for more info.
Getting from Moalboal town centre to Panagsama Beach
There is no official bus station in Moalboal, so you will only be dropped off along the main road. If you’re staying at the tourist area near Panagsama Beach, you’ll have to take an additional tricycle or motorbike taxi to your hotel.
It’s better to take a tricycle if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. Rates start from $2.40 (150 PHP) for a tricycle ride. Otherwise, you can take a motorbike for $0.80 (50 PHP).
Bohol to Moalboal by Ferry + Bus via Argao
When travelling from Bohol to Moalboal via Argao, prepare to make several transfers — you’ll need to take at least three buses and one ferry.
The entire journey takes a little over 5h 10m. Combined fares start from $7.80 (480 PHP).
Step 1: Tagbilaran to Loon, Bohol by Bus
Ferries to Argao depart from the town of Loon, about 35 km north of Bohol's capital, Tagbilaran City.
To get to Loon, you'll have to take a bus from Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran. A ticket costs around $1.60 (100 PHP), and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off near Catagbacan Port in Loon.
Getting from Panglao to Tagbilaran City
Are you coming from the tourist centre on Panglao Island? If yes, then you’ll first have to take a jeepney, bus, or taxi to get to Tagbilaran City. Travel time is around 40 minutes, and fares start from $1.10 (70 PHP).
Step 2: Loon to Argao by Ferry
Lite Ferries operates two daily trips from Loon (Bohol) to Argao (Cebu). The ferry journey takes around 2h, with ticket prices starting at $3.40 (210 PHP).
These ferries are mainly for cargo but also carry passengers. Only open-air economy seats are available, so the setup is very basic. It's fine for the short trip, but don't expect much in terms of comfort.
Ferries depart from Catagbacan Port in Loon, Bohol. They dock at the Port of Taloot in Argao, about 40 km east of Moalboal.
In addition to the regular schedule, there are extra sailings every Wednesday and Friday. But keep in mind that departures may be delayed or cancelled depending on cargo availability.
Step 3: Argao to Carcar by Bus
There's no direct public transport from Argao to Moalboal. So even though the distance between the two towns is only 40 km, you’ll need to take a detour through the northern city of Carcar.
From Taloot Wharf, walk around 200 metres to the main road. There, you can flag down any bus heading to Cebu City. Tell the driver or conductor that you’re getting off at the rotunda in Carcar.
The bus journey from Argao to Carcar takes around 40 minutes, and tickets cost about $1.10 (70 PHP). You can pay directly to the bus conductor.
Alternatively, you can rent a tricycle from Argao to Carcar for around $3.30 (200 PHP). Note that tricycles are much slower than the bus and can feel quite cramped if you're carrying a lot of luggage.
Once in Carcar, transfer to another bus going to Moalboal.
Step 4: Carcar to Moalboal by Bus
At the Carcar rotunda, ask around to know where exactly you can catch a bus bound for Moalboal. The two well-known companies operating this route are Ceres Liner and Librando.
Buses run regularly throughout the day, but note that there are still a few buses operating at night.
A ticket costs around $1.60 (100 PHP), and you will reach Moalboal in around 1.5 hours.
Getting from Moalboal town centre to Panagsama Beach
At Moalboal, you will be dropped off along the main road. If you’re staying at the tourist area near Panagsama Beach, you’ll need to take an additional tricycle or motorbike taxi to your hotel.
Take a tricycle if you’ve got a lot of luggage. Fares start at $2.40 (150 PHP). Travelling light? A motorbike ride costs around $0.80 (50 PHP).
Our favourite places to stay in Moalboal
Moalboal is a paradise for marine life, and that’s what you want to be focusing on — finding the best snorkelling trips, witnessing the Sardine Run if you’re there at the right time.
If you’re looking to stay close to the action, we recommend staying close to Panagsama Beach. It’s the main town boasting a lively atmosphere. This is where most of our favourite stays are located.
Your time shouldn’t be spent finding the right hotel. We’ve done that for you:
Treat YourselfSecret Paradise Moalboal
Area: Next to Panagsama beach, only a 1-minute walk
The name says it all for this place. It actually does feel like a secret paradise, hidden amongst its green gardens and away from the business of the town. All of the rooms are centred around a large and inviting swimming pool that even has tables in the water.
Secret Paradise feels like a mini resort, whilst still maintaining an intimate vibe.
- Huge swimming pool
- Tropical paradise
- Spacious and quirky rooms
- On-site bar
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Mid-RangeVailtin Home Point
Area: Basidot — approx. 10-minute drive to Moalboal town centre
Slightly out of town and surrounded by lush greenery, Vailtin feels like a secluded bubble from the outside world. Especially when you’re relaxing in the pool and soaking up the sun.
The rooms are spacious and offer all of the amenities you could need. The staff here will also ensure that all of your needs are satisfied.
- Outdoor pool
- Tropical garden areas
- Great staff
- Nice location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Mid-RangeMaayong Hostel
Area: Panagsama Beach — approx. 10-minute walk to famous Moalboal Sardines Run
Whether you choose the funky bamboo bungalows or the dorm rooms, you’ll love your stay at Maayong Hostel. The bungalows feel like little oases with their tropical outdoor bathrooms and peaceful design.
When you’re not making the most of your bungalow, there are plenty of spots to hang out in throughout the hostel — the bar, restaurant, chill out areas with hammocks and bean bags. The vibe here is perfect!
- Quirky bamboo bungalows
- Dorm beds with curtains
- Bar, restaurant and chill out areas
- Great vibe
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
BudgetGarden Village Resort
Area: Panagsama Road — approx. 10-minute walk from the centre town
You’ll be blown away that Garden Village Resort is a budget friendly option. Not many places for under $30 offer a swimming pool, bar and a good restaurant.
The bungalows are relatively basic but still provide everything you need and offer great value for money. The affordable price does mean that you compromise on location a little. Here you’ll be a 25-minute walk or a 6-minute drive from the centre of town.
- Large swimming pool
- Relaxing pool area
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Cute cottages
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
BudgetRNA Guesthouse
Area: Just outside Moalboal town — approx. 15-minute drive from the town centre
RNA Guesthouse is a great budget option in Moalboal. The rooms are basic, but have everything you need. They're the perfect place to rest your head and get a good night's sleep.
The hosts are what give this place a few extra gold stars. They are incredibly helpful and will make sure you have the best time in Moalboal.
- Great value for money
- Helpful hosts
- Spacious and clean rooms
- Good location
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Moalboal?
Moalboal is a small yet vibrant resort town on the west coast of Cebu Island. World-famous for its sardine run, here you can swim with millions of sardines — just a few metres off the shore!
It also boasts a vibrant coral wall, making it a popular diving destination. The best part? You won't have to swim far or rent a boat, some of Moalboal's best underwater worlds can be found metres from the shore. For the best diving visibility, visit between November and May.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bohol to Moalboal, roughly 85 kilometres (53 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $7.80 (480 PHP). The quickest trip takes 5h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Bohol to Moalboal?
The distance from Bohol to Moalboal is 85 kilometres (53 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bohol to Moalboal?
Journey times from Bohol to Moalboal overlap: ferry + bus via cebu city 5-8h, ferry + bus via argao 5h 10m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bohol to Moalboal?
The cheapest way to get from Bohol to Moalboal is by ferry + bus via argao with ticket costs starting from 480 PHP.
About the Authors
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
