Samal Island Ferry Schedule and How to Get There From Davao
How to get to Samal Island from Davao City by RoRo, passenger boat or resort shuttle, what the ferry schedule looks like, and how to get around once you land.
In this article
There is no single fixed Samal Island ferry schedule to memorise: RoRo barges and small passenger boats cross from Davao City throughout the day, roughly from early morning until evening, and the crossing takes only about 10 to 20 minutes. Most visitors take a RoRo from the Sasa area to Babak on Samal, a boat from Sta. Ana wharf, or their resort's private boat. Here's how each option works and how to get around once you arrive.
Davao to Samal at a Glance
| Option | Davao City departure point | Lands at | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo barge | Sasa area wharves | Babak, Samal | Cars, motorbikes, budget travellers |
| Passenger motor boat | Sasa area / small wharves | Babak and nearby landings | Quick foot-passenger trips |
| Boats from Sta. Ana wharf | Sta. Ana wharf, downtown | Southern Samal and Talikud Island | Talikud and Kaputian trips |
| Resort boat | Resort's own Davao jetty | Resort beach | Guests of larger resorts |
Samal's official name is the Island Garden City of Samal, often shortened to IGaCoS. It sits just across the Pakiputan Strait from Davao City.
Samal Island Ferry Schedule: What to Expect
The RoRo barges between Davao City and Babak run frequently through the day, leaving as they fill up or on a rolling schedule rather than a few fixed departures. Early morning to early evening is the safest window. Late-night crossings may be limited, and weather can suspend sailings.
Fares are small for foot passengers, roughly in the range of a few tens of pesos per person, with higher rates for motorbikes and cars. There may also be a terminal fee or an environmental fee on arrival. Treat these as approximate and bring small bills.
How to Get to Samal Island From Davao City
Option 1: RoRo from Sasa
This is the main route and the most practical for most visitors.
- Take a taxi or Grab to the Sasa wharf area. From downtown Davao, it's usually a 20-40 minute ride depending on traffic.
- Pay the terminal fee and fare at the counter, then board the barge on foot or with your vehicle.
- Cross to Babak in roughly 15 minutes.
- At Babak, catch a tricycle, habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) or multicab to your resort or beach.
If you're bringing a car, expect a queue on weekends and holidays. Arrive early.
Option 2: Boats from Sta. Ana wharf
Passenger boats from Sta. Ana wharf near downtown Davao serve the southern part of Samal and Talikud Island. This is the usual route for visitors heading to Talikud resorts. See our guide on how to get to Isla Reta on Talikud for details.
Option 3: Resort boats
Larger resorts such as Pearl Farm and Paradise Island operate their own boat transfers for guests, often from private jetties in Davao City. Book transfers when you reserve your room. Read more in our guides to Pearl Farm and Paradise Island.
Option 4: Island hopping tours
Tour operators in Davao run day trips that combine Samal and Talikud stops, with boat, guide and sometimes lunch included. These are convenient if you only have a day.
The Samal Bridge: Coming Soon
A road bridge, the Samal Island-Davao City Connector, is under construction across the strait. When finished, it is expected to let cars and buses drive between Davao City and Samal in minutes, reducing the need for RoRo crossings. Completion dates have shifted over time, so treat any target date as tentative. We track progress in our Samal bridge update.
Getting Around Samal Island
Samal is larger than many visitors expect, with beaches, caves and resorts spread along winding roads.
| Transport | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tricycle | Motorcycle with sidecar, short trips | Agree the fare before riding |
| Habal-habal | Motorcycle taxi, longer or hilly trips | Ask for a helmet |
| Multicab / jeepney | Shared rides on main roads | Cheapest, less frequent |
| Hired van or car | Private, by the day or trip | Good for families |
| Your own vehicle | Bring it across by RoRo | Most flexible |
Fares on the island are usually negotiated or set locally. Agree the price first, and for a full day of exploring, ask about hiring a driver for the day.
Where to Go in Samal Island
Once you're across, popular stops include:
- Beach resorts along the western coast facing Davao City, ranging from simple day-use spots to upscale resorts.
- Monfort Bat Cave, home to a huge colony of fruit bats.
- Hagimit Falls, a series of small falls and pools.
- Vanishing Island, a sandbar that appears at low tide (go with a boat operator).
- Talikud Island, quieter, with good snorkelling.
For a full list of places to stay, see our guide to resorts in Davao and Samal, and plan your costs with the trip budget calculator.
Tips for a Smooth Samal Trip
- Go early on weekends and holidays. Queues at the RoRo, especially for cars, build up by mid-morning.
- Carry small bills and coins for fares, terminal fees and tricycles.
- Pack light if you'll ride a habal-habal; large suitcases are awkward on motorbikes.
- Bring cash. Some smaller resorts and transport drivers don't accept cards or e-wallets, and ATMs on the island are limited.
- Check the weather before you go. Rough seas can delay crossings; see our weather page.
- Ask your resort for transfer options. Many arrange pick-ups at Babak if you tell them your crossing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Davao to Samal?
The RoRo crossing from the Sasa area to Babak takes roughly 15 minutes. Allow extra time for queuing, especially on weekends.
What is the Samal Island ferry schedule?
RoRo barges and boats run frequently throughout the day, generally from early morning to evening, rather than on a few fixed trips. Confirm current times locally, as schedules change and sailings can be suspended in bad weather.
How much is the fare to Samal Island?
Foot-passenger fares are small, roughly a few tens of pesos, with higher fees for vehicles and possible terminal or environmental fees. Fares change, so confirm at the wharf.
Is there a bridge to Samal Island?
A bridge, the Samal Island-Davao City Connector, is under construction. Until it opens, boats and RoRo barges are the way across.
Can I bring my car to Samal?
Yes. RoRo barges from the Sasa area carry cars and motorbikes to Babak. Expect queues on weekends and holidays.
