Robert Tramp
White Island, the sandbar off Camiguin, seen from above.

Camiguin

How to Get to Camiguin: Flights, the CDO Route and the Ferry

By Robert Tramp· Published

Photo: Theglennpalacio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Camiguin’s own airport link is small and seasonal, which is why most visitors reach the island through Cagayan de Oro on mainland Mindanao and a ferry, rather than a single flight straight there.

How the route connects

The routeManila Mambajao
  1. Manila
    Flight · ≈ 1 hr 35 min
  2. Laguindingan AirportCagayan de Oro
    Bus, van or taxi · ≈ 2–3 hr
  3. Balingoanmainland Mindanao port
    Ferry · ≈ 1–1.5 hr
  4. BenoniCamiguin ferry port, in Mahinog
    Short ride
  5. Mambajaocapital and easiest base
ManilaCebu
On the mapCamiguin

Times are from the tables below. The direct Sunlight Air and Cebu flights are not drawn.

The usual route: via Cagayan de Oro and the Balingoan ferry

Scroll across for the rest of the columns.

Leg Typical time Who runs it
Manila → Laguindingan Airport (Cagayan de Oro) ≈ 1 hour 35 minutes Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express
Laguindingan/CDO → Balingoan port ≈ 2-3 hours Bus, van or taxi
Balingoan → Benoni port (Camiguin) ≈ 1-1.5 hours Super Shuttle Ferry, St. Benedict Ocean Shipping Lines

Sourced against current airline route listings and Pamasahe’s Benoni-Balingoan ferry schedule and fares, last checked 12 October 2026. Fares move by the day and by how far ahead you book, so check the live fare when you book.

The ferry crossing itself

Scroll across for the rest of the columns.

Operator Fare (one way) Departures from Balingoan
Super Shuttle Ferry ≈ ₱359 5:15am, 6:15am, 9am, 11:45am, 1:45pm, 4:15pm
St. Benedict Ocean Shipping Lines ≈ ₱300 4am, 5:30am, 8am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3:10pm, 4:40pm

Sourced against Pamasahe’s Benoni-Balingoan ferry schedule and fares, last checked 12 October 2026. Check in at least 30 minutes ahead, boarding gates close 30 minutes before departure. Confirm the timetable close to your travel date.

Two alternatives, if they’re running

A direct Manila-Camiguin flight exists with Sunlight Air, but only on selected dates, it’s a seasonal, limited-capacity route rather than a daily option, see where to stay in Camiguin for more on how seasonal this link is. Flying via Cebu instead, with Cebu Pacific’s daily Cebu-Camiguin service when it’s operating, skips the Balingoan ferry entirely and is worth comparing if a Manila-Cebu flight already suits your wider trip.

Where you end up

Benoni port sits in Mahinog, on Camiguin’s south side. Mambajao, the capital and easiest base, is a short ride from there, see where to stay in Camiguin for how Mambajao compares to Mahinog and Catarman.

Map of places to stayFind a place to stay on CamiguinLive prices and availability for your dates.Show places to stay on the map

Before you book

Check which routes are actually running before you lock in dates, Camiguin’s own airport link is small and seasonal, and even the Balingoan ferry’s exact schedule shifts. Once you’re in, Camiguin in 3 days covers how the days split, things to do in Camiguin beyond White Island and the springs the rest of the island, and Camiguin: best time to go and what a trip costs the season and the budget. I’m planning a small-group trip to Camiguin that handles this crossing for you, the waitlist is free. If you want to talk through how Camiguin fits into a wider Mindanao or Visayas trip, a 30 or 60-minute session is the quickest way.

Questions people ask

What is the usual way to get to Camiguin from Manila?

Fly Manila to Cagayan de Oro's Laguindingan Airport (about 1 hour 35 minutes), then a 2-3 hour bus, van or taxi to Balingoan port, then the ferry across to Benoni on Camiguin. It's the route with the most flight capacity, even though it's three separate legs.

Is there a direct flight from Manila to Camiguin?

Sometimes. Sunlight Air flies Manila direct to Camiguin's own small airport on selected dates. It's a seasonal, limited route, so check the current schedule before you book.

Can I get to Camiguin via Cebu instead?

Yes, Cebu Pacific flies Cebu to Camiguin's airport daily when the route is operating, which avoids the Balingoan ferry crossing entirely. Combine this with a Manila-Cebu flight if that connection suits your route better.

How long does the Balingoan to Benoni ferry take, and how much does it cost?

Around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the operator, with fares roughly ₱300-359 one way. Super Shuttle Ferry and St. Benedict Ocean Shipping Lines both run the route multiple times daily.

How often do ferries run between Balingoan and Benoni?

Several times a day on each operator, from as early as 4am to as late as around 4:40pm. Check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, boarding gates close 30 minutes ahead.

How do I get from Laguindingan Airport or Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan port?

By bus, van or taxi, roughly 2-3 hours depending on traffic and which you choose. A private van or taxi costs more but is faster and more predictable than a public bus.