The new Siargao-Dinagat sea route promises to boost tourism and the economy in Caraga

The first and only direct sea route connecting the islands of Siargao and Dinagat reduces travel time from almost four hours to just over an hour

BUTUAN, Philippines — Local officials are optimistic about a wave of tourism and economic growth for both the island province of Dinagat and Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte in the Caraga region with the opening of a new sea route connecting the two.

With an average travel time of one hour and 20 minutes, this is the first and only direct route connecting the two islands, reducing travel time from nearly four hours, which usually involved a boat ride to the mainland in Surigao City and then a boat trip to the islands.

The new route, launched on Monday, April 22, from the port in Del Carmen town in Siargao to Cagdianao town in Dinagat, vice versa, is served by Nier Shipping Lines’ M/V French 777.

Recognized by Special Permit No. 2024-04-042 of the Maritime Industry Authority, it has a carrying capacity of 120 passengers, including motorcycles.

Dinagat Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. said the opening of the new sea route is an initiative to strengthen local tourism in the province through cooperation with Del Carmen in Siargao Island.

Demerey said their goal is not to compete with Siargao tourism, but rather to integrate Dinagat into the broader island adventure experience that Siargao offers.

“We have copied what Siargao has done so that Dinagat can also become part of Siargao… We know that tourism in Siargao is really good. They have a beautiful airport, clear plans and beautiful surf spots, making them the surfing capital,” Demerey said at the launch.

Aside from boosting the tourism sector, Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro II said the route would also open up economic opportunities for both islands.

“Siargao’s tourism can be expanded to include Dinagat with its own exciting adventures as a mountainous island province and host to Asia’s largest bonsai forest, while Dinagat benefits from access to Siargao Airport for agricultural trade and supply chain,” Coro said.

He added that small island economies should continue to explore collective and coordinated actions to maximize natural resources to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.

New tourist circuit

Ministry of Tourism-Caraga director Ivonnie Dumadag said connecting the two islands marks the birth of a “new tourism circuit” and paves the way for the promotion of lesser-known but equally beautiful destinations in the Caraga region.

“We are taking advantage of Siargao’s strength, which is primarily its accessibility, and using that strength to help nearby Dinagat Island, which also offers world-class pristine natural attractions,” Dumadag said.

DOT Caraga data shows that Dinagat Island recorded a total of 22,832 tourists in 2023, an increase of 35.76% from the record in 2022, where it recorded 16,818 tourists.

Meanwhile, Siargao saw the highest number of tourist arrivals in the region for 2023, with a total of 529,822 tourist arrivals, which represented an increase of 323.56% from the 125,088 tourists recorded in 2022.

M/F French 777 offers regular trips on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The bus departs from Del Carmen at 7:00 AM and from Cagdianao at 1:00 PM.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays the bus departs from Del Carmen at 1:30 PM and from Cagdianao at 3:00 PM.

Regular fare rates are set at P350, with a 20% discount for the elderly, persons with disabilities and students, and P175 for children aged 4 to 10 years. –Rappler.com