Boracay boat fares rise as fuel costs bite

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Boat fares for passengers traveling between Caticlan and Boracay Island in Aklan will temporarily increase starting April 16, according to the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

Under the new rate matrix, regular passengers will pay PHP 60 per trip, up from PHP 50.

Discount card holders will be charged PHP 50 per trip.

Senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities will pay PHP 45 per trip.

The cooperative said the increase is provisional and will be rolled back once fuel prices stabilize, citing the impact of tensions in the Middle East on global oil prices.

Earlier, the cooperative also raised chartered boat rates effective March 26, setting daytime trips at PHP 2,000 and nighttime, or graveyard, trips at PHP 2,500.

“This adjustment is necessary due to the continuous rise in fuel prices, maintenance costs, and other operational expenses,” the cooperative said.

Meanwhile, ferry fares between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island will also increase beginning April 7, according to announcements from local officials and ferry stakeholders.

A standardized fare of PHP 40 will be implemented for regular passengers on the Iloilo-Guimaras route.

Students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities will continue to receive a 20% discount, bringing their fare down to PHP 32.

On March 30, the Maritime Industry Authority issued Advisory No. 2026-15 to domestic maritime transport operators, including those serving short sea routes, outlining contingency measures to manage the impact of rising global fuel costs on the shipping sector.

Under the directive, shipping operators are required to observe a weekly required rate adjustment mechanism that allows a maximum increase of up to 30% from the base rate as of March 27.

The 30% ceiling includes the earlier 20% cap set by the regulator on March 6.

Operators must notify MARINA and the public at least three days before implementing fare increases through publication or postings in ports, vessels and ticketing offices.

The advisory also requires corresponding fare reductions when fuel prices ease, and MARINA warned that violations, including overcharging beyond prescribed limits, may result in administrative sanctions.