Getting There in Boracay
Part of the Boracay travel guide — see every topic in All Boracay Guides.
Boracay is a small island off the northern tip of Panay, in the central Philippines. There is no airport on the island itself. All visitors arrive on the mainland first and take a short boat ride across. This guide explains the two airports, the boat crossing, the fees you pay on the way and the rules for arrival.
Flying to Caticlan
The closest airport is Caticlan, officially called Godofredo P. Ramos Airport. It is only a few minutes by road from the boat jetty, so it is the fastest way to reach the island. Flights come mainly from Manila, Clark and Cebu. The airport is small, and flights can sell out or cost more in the busy season. Book early if you want to fly here. From the airport, take a tricycle or a shuttle to Caticlan Jetty Port. Many hotels can arrange a transfer for the whole trip.
Flying to Kalibo
Kalibo International Airport is larger and has more flights, including some international routes from other Asian cities. It is about one and a half to two hours from Caticlan by road. Buses and shared vans wait outside the airport and take you to the jetty. Many companies sell a package that includes the van, the boat and the transfer to your hotel. Flights to Kalibo are often cheaper than to Caticlan, but the trip takes longer. Allow extra time if you have a tight schedule.
The boat crossing
From Caticlan Jetty Port, small boats cross to Cagban Port on Boracay. The crossing takes about 15 minutes. Before you board, you pay a terminal fee, an environmental fee and the boat fare. You can pay the fees online in advance through Boracay iPass and show the QR code at the port. When the southwest wind is strong, usually from about June to October, boats may use other ports on both sides. From the port on Boracay, e-trikes or hotel vans take you to your hotel. The whole trip from Caticlan Airport to your hotel can take less than an hour.
Hotel booking rule
Since Boracay reopened in late 2018, visitors are expected to stay in hotels that are accredited by the Department of Tourism. At the Caticlan jetty, staff check your hotel booking and ID before you board. Book your room before you travel, and check that the hotel is accredited. When you register online with Boracay iPass, you also give the name of your hotel. Most large booking websites show this, or you can ask the hotel directly. Rules can change, so check the latest guidance from the local government before your trip.
Getting around the island
Boracay is small, about seven kilometres long, and easy to get around. E-trikes are the main transport. Shared rides on the main road are cheap, and you can also hire one for a private trip. Agree on the price first. Walking along White Beach is often the easiest way to move between Stations 1, 2 and 3. Some areas have bike or scooter rental, but traffic on the main road can be heavy. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept cash, and many larger places accept cards.
Getting There at a glance
| Getting there | Fly to Caticlan (closest) or Kalibo (about 1.5 to 2 hours by road), then a short boat ride |
|---|---|
| Hours | Boats run from early morning until evening; check the last crossing time |
| Cost | Terminal fee, environmental fee and boat fare paid at Caticlan; check current amounts |
| Best time | Book flights early for November to May and holidays |
| Bring | Hotel booking confirmation and ID |