Camotes Islands is a group of islands in the Camotes Sea. The island group is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island. It is 34 nautical miles from Cebu City and is part of Cebu.
I visited my relatives in Danao Cebu the first time. I was with my mom, tita, my cousin and my brother had a site project in Danao at that time, so it was perfect. Perfect for a family and relatives trip. The port going to Camotes Islands is very near to where we are staying in Danao. I booked for a Camotes Islands tour for the next day via Facebook.
We were at the port around 6:00 AM. We took the second boat trip named Jomalia. It was a long boat ride, almost 4 hours. At first, the ocean was calm until the waves keep rocking our boat.
It was an open sea and the winds were opposite to the direction of the boat, waves keep on hitting the boat (horizontally) and the boat’s direction headed straight (vertically). A lot of passengers are throwing up already. I asked the boatman if the waves are normal and he said “yes”. Every day was like that. Locals were used to it.
So after a long dizzy boat ride, we set our foot on Camotes Islands. I was about to call the agency I booked yesterday and surprisingly, a guide already waited for us with my name on it. Cool. I forgot to include the names of my travel buddies, wala na hinoon sila na welcome, my bad nyahaha
Day tour was very affordable. We had the whole tricycle for us for only 1,000 pesos, anywhere you want to go in Camotes Islands is covered. We first went to Santiago Bay Garden and Resort.
The beach was superbly awesome. I love the wide-stretched shoreline and it’s fine white sand. We had lunch in there. Affordable food also. In fact, Camotes Islands is very affordable from food, pasalubong, tour and all.
Next stop was at Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort. We had picture taking only and didn’t stay in there for so long. We also visited a couple of caves then at 5:00 PM, we catch the last boat trip back to Danao. Yes, to be safe, they made 5:00 PM the last trip as huge waves will double at night.
I wanted to stay overnight coz it sounds cool and besides Camotes Islands is so lovely that I wanna stay in there longer but my mom and tita refused and won’t allow me to, sad life.. may pa ug nag solo travel na lng ko, chos! Next time Camotes, maybe next time. Please stay tuned to my next post about Camotes Caves.
How to Get to Camotes Islands, Cebu
OPTION 1: From Cebu City, OceanJet Fastcraft (Pier 1 to Poro Port, Camotes)
- Terminal: Cebu Pier 1 (near Fort San Pedro)
- Destination: Poro Port, Camotes
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Fare: ₱600–₱800 (depending on seat class)
- Schedule: Usually 6:00 AM daily (subject to change)
- Operator: OceanJet
OPTION 2: From Danao City, RoRo Ferry or Pumpboat to Consuelo Port (Pacijan Island)
- Step 1: Go to Danao Port (1.5–2 hours by bus or van from Cebu City)
- Bus: From Cebu North Bus Terminal → Danao (~₱50–₱60)
- Van/Taxi/Private car also possible
- Step 2: Take a ferry to Consuelo Port, Camotes
- Operators: Jomalia Shipping, MV Junmar, etc.
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Fare: ₱250–₱300
- Schedules: Starts from 5:30 AM; last trip around 5:00 PM (check latest updates)
Great if you’re on a budget or have your own car (RoRo available). RoRo also allows vehicles if you’re bringing one (extra fee)
OPTION 3: From Ormoc or Palompon, Leyte (Eastern Access)
- Fast boats and pump boats occasionally run to Camotes (Poro or Puertobello Port) from Leyte
- More common for locals; not always available daily
- Check local operators like Jomalia Shipping Lines for schedules
If You’re Flying in: From Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB)
- To Pier 1 (for OceanJet): Take a Grab/taxi (~₱300, ~40 minutes)
- To North Bus Terminal (for Danao route): Grab/taxi or MyBus to SM City, then transfer (~₱200 total)
