Whether you’re headed off to see the iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol or snorkel with whale sharks in Southern Leyte, this island of Cebu is a common jumping-off point for a Philippines adventure. As this is an island nation, you’ll likely be taking puddle jumper flights or traversing the sea by ferry between destinations.
Taking the ferry can be an economic option, and often less hassle than going to the airport. In 2026, I spent two months in the Philippines and had my fair share of ferry journeys. The Cebu port is one of the largest in the entire country, and I found the terminal to be a bit more hectic compared to other places. If you’re catching the ferry from Cebu City, here are all my tips for navigating Pier 1, from buying a ticket to boarding the boat.
Ticketing
One of the most common ferry operators is OceanJet. You can book in advance on their website or through the 12Go app, though 12Go is a bit more expensive due to commission fees. If you prefer to buy in person, you’ll need to go to the OceanJet ticketing office, which is just outside the terminal at Pier 1. Depending on the time of day and season, lines can get long.
OceanJet Ticket Classes
There are three different fare types with OceanJet: business class, tourist class, and open-air.
- Business class is the most expensive, offering a smaller, quieter cabin on the upper deck with air conditioning and wide, comfortable seats.
- Tourist class is on the lower deck. It’s also enclosed and offers air conditioning, but the seats are narrower and can get noisy on a busy day.
- Open-air is the cheapest fare and is located on the upper deck. Seats are smaller than tourist class, and there is a roof over the seating area, though obviously no air conditioning, just salty sea breeze.
Navigating Cebu City’s Pier 1 Ferry Terminal
Entering the terminal
On the day of your departure, you’ll need to show your ticket at the door to enter the terminal (either the PDF confirmation from your online booking or the paper ticket you received at the ticket office).
Walk down the hall to the kiosks where you’ll pay the 25 PHP terminal fee (in cash). They’ll give you a payment stub, which you’ll need to show with your ticket to get to the security checkpoint. At security, your bags will be inspected and sent through a scanner.
Check-in
After security, head to the OceanJet check-in counters on the left side. Show your booking/reservation, and they will print you a paper ticket with your seat assignment and tell you which gate you’re departing from.
Luggage drop-off
Take this paper ticket over to the other side of the counter, where attendants will check your baggage. Tourist class is allowed 10 kg of luggage, and business class is allowed 20 kg. They will weigh it. If you’re over, you pay a nominal fee per excess kilo.
From here, your baggage will be added to a pile, and you can pass into the terminal lounge area, which has seating and several vendors selling snacks. There are also restrooms. Overall, I found the terminal to be clean, bright, and fairly comfortable.
Boarding is announced over an intercom system, and passengers line up at the gate. Once you’re at the front of the line, present your ticket to the person at the door, and they’ll take half your stub (keep the other half).
After boarding the ship, someone will check your ticket and tell you where to sit, as seats are assigned. Tourist class is the entire first level, while business class and the open-air deck are upstairs. All that’s left is to settle in and enjoy the views of the water from your seat.
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