How to get to Dinagat Islands: from Surigao and from Siargao

Dinagat sits right next to Siargao, but there is no quick hop between them most of the time: getting there usually means reaching Surigao City on mainland Mindanao first, then a ferry across. What Dinagat is actually like covers the rest of the island once you are there.

How the route connects

1. 1Surigao Citymainland Mindanao
   Ferry · ≈ 1.5 hr
2. 2San JoseDinagat, main town

This is Viel’s Shipping Line, Surigao to San Jose; the Magsaysay and Cagdianao crossings and the Siargao boat are not drawn.

The usual route: Surigao City, then a ferry

Surigao City is the mainland jump-off point. You reach it by plane, to Surigao Airport or to Butuan’s Bancasi Airport further out, or by long-distance bus from Manila or other Mindanao cities. From the port in Surigao, a few ferry operators cross to different towns on Dinagat.

San Jose is where I would point a first-timer: it is the main town, and the base the rest of my Dinagat guide is written around.

Viel’s Shipping Line, Surigao to San Jose

Fare: ₱240 regular, ₱190 for seniors, PWD and uniformed personnel, ₱120 for children aged 4 to 10.

Pamasahe: Viel’s Shipping Line schedule and fares, last updated by that site in September 2026, checked by me 15 October 2026. Confirm the departure time at the port.

Evaristo & Sons, Surigao to Magsaysay

Fare: ₱150 economy, ₱200 tourist class. The operator’s listing adds that fuel surcharges can raise the fare.

Pamasahe: Evaristo & Sons schedule and fares, last updated by that site in September 2026, checked by me 15 October 2026.

The direct option from Siargao

If you are coming from Siargao rather than the mainland, Nier Shipping Lines runs a boat straight from Del Carmen port to Cagdianao port on Dinagat, about 1 hour 20 minutes, departing Del Carmen at 1:00pm and Cagdianao at 3:00pm, Monday to Saturday (Dinagat Islands provincial government, checked 15 October 2026). The same page says it only runs in calm seas, under about 1.5-metre waves, and can be suspended without notice in rough weather. Check in Del Carmen or Dapa that it is sailing before you plan a tight schedule around it.

Once you are there

Map of places to stayFind a place to stay in San Jose, DinagatLive prices and availability for your dates.Show places to stay on the map(affiliate link)

What Dinagat is actually like covers the rock formations, the coves, Lake Bababu and what things cost once you have made the crossing. I am planning a small-group trip to Dinagat, the waitlist is free, and a session with me is the fastest way to ask about fitting Dinagat into a wider Mindanao route.

Questions people ask

What is the usual way to get to Dinagat Islands?

Fly or bus to Surigao City on mainland Mindanao, then take a ferry across. The main crossing is Surigao to San Jose, about 1.5 hours, run by Viel's Shipping Line.

Can I get to Dinagat directly from Siargao?

Yes, in calm seas. Nier Shipping Lines runs a boat from Del Carmen on Siargao to Cagdianao on Dinagat, about 1 hour 20 minutes, Monday to Saturday. It is suspended in rough weather, so confirm in Del Carmen that it is sailing before you plan around it.

How much does the Surigao-Dinagat ferry cost?

Viel's Shipping Line to San Jose lists a regular fare of ₱240, and Evaristo & Sons to Magsaysay lists ₱150 to ₱200 depending on class, both from Pamasahe's schedule listings, checked 15 October 2026.

Which port on Dinagat should I aim for?

San Jose, served by Viel's Shipping Line from Surigao, is the main town, and the base the rest of my Dinagat guide is written around.