Can you get to Catanduanes by ferry?

Yes, Catanduanes can be reached by ferry from Tabaco. It is a good option for travelers combining a land trip with a sea crossing.

How do you get from Virac to L’Astrolabe?

From Virac, you can reach L’Astrolabe by bus, jeepney, van or arranged transfer.

How do you get around Catanduanes?

On the island, you can get around by bus, jeepney, van, tricycle, scooter or rental car depending on your budget and preferred level of independence.

How to get to Catanduanes from Manila?

Q: How do you get to Catanduanes from Manila?

From Manila, you can reach Catanduanes either by flying to Virac or by combining a land journey with a ferry via Tabaco in the Bicol region.

Q: What is the fastest way to get to Catanduanes?

Flying to Virac is generally the fastest way to reach Catanduanes from Manila.

Planning a trip to Catanduanes, the unspoiled island in the Bicol region of the Philippines? This guide helps you compare flights, ferry options and local transport, then reach L'Astrolabe in Baras, near Puraran Beach. To prepare your stay, you can also check our guide to what to do in Catanduanes and our page on where to stay in Catanduanes.

Which option should you choose to get to Catanduanes?

L’Astrolabe’s advice

From Manila, flying to Virac is still the simplest and fastest option.
From the Bicol region, combining the road journey with the ferry via Tabaco can be a good alternative.
To explore the island freely, renting a car or scooter is often the best option.
Local transport is available, but it can be slower depending on connections.
Before you arrive, message us so we can help you choose the easiest way to reach L’Astrolabe.

Travelers on a scenic road in Catanduanes on the way to L'Astrolabe — In Catanduanes, the journey already feels like part of the adventure before arriving at *L'Astrolabe*.

Getting to Catanduanes by plane

The fastest way to reach Catanduanes from Manila is to take a flight to Virac Airport. The route is operated by Cebu Pacific.

This option is especially convenient because the flight lands in Virac in the morning. You can therefore enjoy the rest of the day on the island, check in at your accommodation or start exploring right away.

Early morning departure from Manila via Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
About one hour of flight time to Virac Airport, in the south of Catanduanes Island.
Ideal option if you want to make the most of your time on the island.

Official flight information and booking

Once you arrive in Virac, you can continue by bus, van, jeepney, tricycle or private transfer to reach your accommodation or the east coast of the island. If you are also planning activities during your stay, check our guide 👉 what to do in Catanduanes.

Cebu Pacific plane at Virac Airport on Catanduanes Island — Flying to Catanduanes remains the fastest option from Manila.

Getting to Catanduanes by ferry

You can also reach Catanduanes by ferry from Tabaco, in the Bicol region. This option often appeals to travelers who prefer to avoid flying, travel with more luggage, or embrace a more slow travel approach and discover the region gradually.

The idea is simple: first travel overland to Tabaco, then board a ferry to Catanduanes. Depending on the available crossings, you may arrive either at San Andres Port or Virac Port.

A good option if you are already exploring the Bicol region before heading to Catanduanes.
From Tabaco, you may enjoy spectacular views of Mayon Volcano, one of the most iconic landscapes in the Philippines.
The ferry is the transport option most commonly used by locals, offering a more authentic glimpse into everyday island life.
A more slow travel experience, ideal if you want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Best planned with a bit of flexibility in your schedule.

Arrival at San Andres Port

If you arrive in San Andres, you can check the 👉 Regina Shipping Lines (RSL) page for updates and practical information.

Arrival at Virac Port

There is also a ferry connection between Tabaco and Virac, notably through Silangan / Cardinal Silangan Shipping, depending on the vessel in service.

Tickets and vehicles

Booking conditions may change depending on the company and the route in service. For foot passengers, tickets are often purchased directly at Tabaco Port. However, if you are traveling with a car or another vehicle, it is strongly recommended to contact the company in advance to check availability and reserve your slot.

Ferry connecting Tabaco to Catanduanes in the Philippines — Reaching Catanduanes by ferry is often the most affordable option. Photo: Regina Shipping Lines

How to reach L’Astrolabe from Virac or from the port

L'Astrolabe is located in the municipality of Baras, on the east coast of Catanduanes, near Puraran Beach, more precisely in Barangay Cagiscan. Once you arrive on the island, several options are available to reach the ecolodge, depending on your budget and preferred level of comfort.

From Virac

Tricycle: the easiest way to reach the bus or jeepney terminal from the airport
Local bus: schedules are shared on the Catanduanes Island Express page
Jeepney or shared van
Private transfer available on request

Please note: if you travel by public transport (bus, jeepney or van), the stop is usually in the village of Puraran. From there, you can take a tricycle for the last few meters to L’Astrolabe.

From a ferry port

If you arrive by ferry, you can continue to Virac, or sometimes directly to Baras, by local vehicle, van or connecting transport, depending on the port of arrival and what is available that day.

Travel times on the island

If you arrive by ferry at San Andres Port, allow about 30 minutes by road to reach Virac, then roughly another hour to get to L’Astrolabe.
If you arrive by plane, the ecolodge is about a one-hour drive from Virac Airport.

The easiest option is to message us before you arrive so we can help you choose the best route based on your arrival point in Catanduanes.

Important: check-in at L'Astrolabe is by reservation only. Please contact us on Messenger before your arrival so we can help you prepare your transfer.

Exact location of L'Astrolabe

You can easily find L'Astrolabe on Google Maps . GPS coordinates: 13.69074, 124.38858.

Location map of L'Astrolabe in Baras on Catanduanes Island

Zoomed map showing the location of L'Astrolabe in Baras, Catanduanes

How to get around Catanduanes

Once on the island, you can get around in several ways depending on your itinerary and the level of freedom you want.

Bus

The bus is a practical way to travel between different parts of Catanduanes. It is a good option if you are looking for simple and affordable local transport. For routes on the island, you can check the Catanduanes Island Express page, which regularly shares routes and useful updates.

Jeepneys and vans

Jeepneys and shared vans are widely used on the island. They are useful for inter-town travel and for getting from Virac to other municipalities.

Tricycle

The tricycle is ideal for short distances, last-mile connections, or local trips from a bus station, port or town center.

Renting a car

If you want to explore Catanduanes at your own pace, renting a car offers an excellent level of comfort. It is especially convenient if you want to combine surf spots, beaches, waterfalls, villages and scenic roads.

For a reliable car rental contact, you can reach 👉 Papadan Bagay, someone we trust.

Renting a scooter

A scooter is often the most flexible way to explore Catanduanes and discover its beaches, villages and coastal roads. It is best suited to travelers who are comfortable with local driving conditions and occasionally uneven roads.

There are no real scooter rental agencies on the island: most rentals are arranged directly with local residents. If you would rather avoid looking for one after you arrive, we can help you reserve a scooter in advance.

Scooter riding along a scenic coastal road in Catanduanes, Philippines — Exploring Catanduanes by scooter along its spectacular coastal road.

Just contact us on Messenger before your stay. To plan your route around the island, you can also check our guide 👉 what to do in Catanduanes.

Practical tips before you go

Allow some extra time if you are combining several types of transport on the same day.
Check the weather forecast if you are traveling during the rainy season or when sea conditions may be rough.
Avoid an overly tight schedule if you choose the ferry option.
Contact your accommodation before arrival to organize the final leg of your journey.
To plan the rest of your stay, also check our guide about what to do in Catanduanes.
If you are visiting for the surf, explore our guide to surfing in Catanduanes, Philippines.
If you are searching for a peaceful nature stay, see our guide on where to stay in Catanduanes.
Foreign travelers should also complete the mandatory eTravel Philippines form before arriving in the Philippines.

FAQ – How to get to Catanduanes

How do you get to Catanduanes from Manila?

You can reach Catanduanes either by flying to Virac or by combining a land journey with a ferry via Tabaco.

What is the fastest way to get to Catanduanes?

Flying to Virac is generally the fastest option from Manila.

Can you get to Catanduanes without flying?

Yes. You can reach the island by traveling to Tabaco first and then boarding a ferry to Catanduanes.

Can you visit Catanduanes without a car?

Yes. The island can also be explored by bus, jeepney, van and tricycle, although a car or scooter gives you more freedom.

How do you get to L'Astrolabe from Virac?

From Virac, you can come by bus, jeepney, van or arranged transfer depending on availability.

Prepare your arrival at L’Astrolabe

Want to confirm the easiest option based on your arrival point on the island? Message us before your trip so we can help you prepare your arrival in Baras.