Here’s an updated Camotes Island Travel Guide. Long-time ago back in 2012, I had the chance to go to Camotes island for an overnight stay with limited funds but a nice accommodation.
How to get to Camotes Island from Cebu?
Now, there are three options to reach Camotes island. One is to take the cheapest route of taking a bus to Danao City to Danao Port and catch a ferry to Consuelo Port. Second is taking the Oceanjet Fast Craft from Cebu City. The third is the Jomalia Fast Craft from Mactan Wharf.
Option 1: from Cebu City to Danao Port – Jomalia Roro / Express
- In downtown Cebu, find a jeepney with route # 01K going to North Bus Terminal.
- Best time to leave at 7 AM from North Bus Terminal to Danao City (travel time is around 2 hours) in order to catch the ferry at 11 AM.
- Drop at Danao Port and catch the ferry to Consuelo Port with 2 hours travel time.
Danao to Consuelo Port
5:30 AM
8:30 AM
11:00 AM
2:30 PM
5:30 PM
9:00 PM
Consuelo to Danao
5:30 AM
8:30 AM
1:30 PM
3:30 PM
5:30 PM
Rates
Adults – P220 (Economy), P250 (Aircon)
Seniors/PWD – P157 (Economy), P179 (Aircon)
Students – P176 (Economy), P200 (Aircon)
Minors (3-10) – P110 (Economy), P125 (Aircon)
Danao Ticketing Office
+63 917 631 5931 (Globe/TM)
+63 921 555 9289 (Smart/TNT)
Consuelo Ticketing Office
+63 917 631 5951 (Globe/TM)
+63 939 602 1738 (Smart/TNT)
Option 2: from Cebu City via Pier 1 – Oceanjet Fast Craft
- Go to Cebu Port at Pier 1 in Cebu City and arrival is at Camotes Port in Poro.
- Travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes, hassle-free but you have to pay more.
Cebu (Pier 1) to Camotes (Poro)
Schedule 1
ETA: 6:00 AM (Pier 1, Cebu)
ETD: 7:30 AM (Poro, Camotes)
P500 – Open Air
P800 – Business Class
Schedule 2
ETA: 3:00 PM (Pier 1, Cebu)
ETD: 4:30 PM (Poro, Camotes)
P500 – Open Air
P800 – Business Class
Camotes (Poro) to Cebu (Pier 1)
Schedule 1
ETA: 8:00 AM (Poro, Camotes)
ETD: 9:30 AM (Pier 1, Cebu)
P500 – Open Air
P800 – Business Class
Schedule 2
ETA: 5:00 PM (Poro, Camotes)
ETD: 6:30 PM (Pier 1, Cebu)
P500 – Open Air
P800 – Business Class
Oceanjet Contact Numbers: (032) 255 7560 / 255 0115 / 0917 638 0000
Option 3: from Mactan via Liloan or Mandaue – Jomalia Fast Craft
- Go to Mactan Wharf of Island Central Mactan Mall and you need to take a fast craft going to Camotes Port in Consuelo.
- Travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Mactan to Consuelo, Camotes (Fastcraft)
8:00 AM
12:00 PM
Consuelo, Camotes to Mactan (Fastcraft)
10:00 AM
4:00 PM
Rates
Adults – P500 (Economy and Aircon)
Senior/PWD – P360 (Economy and Aircon)
Student – P400 (Economy and Aircon)
Minors (3-10 years old) – P250 (Economy and Aircon)
Top Tourist Spots & Things to Do in Camotes Island
White Sand Beaches
- Santiago Bay Beach – Best public beach, perfect for swimming.
- Mangodlong Beach – Great for snorkeling and island hopping.
- Tulang Diot Island – Secluded island getaway with powdery sand.
Caves & Water Attractions
- Bukilat Cave – A must-visit cave with crystal-clear waters.
- Timubo Cave – Underground swimming spot.
- Lake Danao – Kayaking and picnic by the largest lake in Cebu.
Adventure & Island Hopping
- Poro Church & Baywalk – Historical site with scenic views.
- Buho Rock – Cliff diving spot with panoramic ocean views.
- Paraiso Cave – Refreshing spring inside a cave.
Where to Stay in Camotes Island?
Where to Eat in Camotes Island
- Pito’s Sutukil – Fresh seafood by the beach.
- Santiago Bay Café – Best sunset dining spot.
- Borromeo’s Restaurant – Affordable Filipino food.
- Mangodlong Rock Resort Resto – Great for cocktails and seafood.
How to Get Around Camotes Island?
The first time I was there, we rented a motorbike with a driver that cost P500 good for 2 people.
As a group, you can rent a multi-cab with a driver for an estimated price of P3,500. There’s also a van but I have no idea about the price.
Interested to travel in my country? Here’s what to pack in the Philippines.
Places to Visit in Camotes Island
Here are some of the places I personally visited in Camotes Island:
- Santiago Bay Garden and Resort
- Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort
- The Bay View Park
- Lake Danao Park
- Timubo Cave
- Food Trip in Camotes Island – this is the place to eat.
There are still many places to discover in Camotes Island so an overnight stay is not enough. But spending your weekend is really great here especially if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Camotes Island is a perfect weekend getaway. For an overnight stay, P2,000 is already enough per person while staying at Santiago Bay Garden and Resort.
3D2N Camotes Island Itinerary & Budget
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Chill
- Arrive at Consuelo Port (₱220)
- Rent a motorbike (₱500/day) or tricycle (₱150)
- Relax at Santiago Bay Beach (Free)
- Dinner at Pito’s Sutukil (₱300)
Day 2: Island Adventure & Cave Hopping
- Visit Bukilat & Timubo Caves (₱20 entrance fee each)
- Kayak at Lake Danao (₱50 per hour)
- Snorkeling at Mangodlong Beach (₱150 rental)
- Lunch at Borromeo’s (₱250)
Day 3: Island Hopping & Departure
- Visit Tulang Diot Island (₱150 boat fee)
- Cliff jumping at Buho Rock (₱20)
- Enjoy lunch at Santiago Bay Café (₱300)
- Return to Cebu (₱220)
Total Budget Estimate: ₱3,000 – ₱5,000 per person
Travel Tips for Camotes Island
- Bring cash – ATMs are scarce on the island.
- Book accommodations early – Resorts fill up fast during peak season.
- Rent a motorbike – It’s the best way to explore.
- Check ferry schedules – Be early, especially on weekends.
- Respect the locals – Camotes is a peaceful community.
Is Camotes Island Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Camotes is a budget-friendly paradise, offering pristine beaches, caves, and adventure spots with fewer crowds than other Cebu destinations. Whether you’re a backpacker, family traveler, digital nomad, or beach lover, this island is the perfect getaway.
More from my site
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Throwback Travel – Santiago Bay Garden and Resort in Camotes Island, Cebu
Food Trip in Camotes Island
Throwback Travel – Timubo Cave in Camotes Island, Cebu
Throwback Travel – Lake Danao Park in Camotes Island, Cebu
hello i am ALFRED… i have multicabs, aircon van and motorbike for camotes transportation… i have also extra services like reserving your tickets to the ferry in going back home… my transpo rates is very affordable… right now we have a promo… free pick up and drop off to port and resort to port… all you have to pay is the tour…. try to contact me this are my numbers…
GLOBE : 09265296337; SMART: 09108795577; SUN: 09339378870
Hi, would you the earliest trip of the bus going to Danao City from Cebu North Terminal. I’m planning to take the 5:30 am boat trip to Camotes. Hoping for your response! Thanks in advance!
Hi Jezamine, we tried taking the 5:30am boat trip to Camotes. We rented our own transportation we left Cebu City at 3:00AM.