Crossing Tabon Strait
Banca to Boracay Island

At the moment, crossing Tabon Strait by boat is the only legal way to get into the Island of Boracay. Outrigger boats, called "bancas" will ferry you across between the jetty ports of Caticlan and Cagban.

One Entry, One Exit Policy

The jetty port at Caticlan is your access point into Boracay Island.

From there you ride on motorized outrigger boats or "bancas" to cross the Tabon Strait.

This strait separates Boracay Island from the mainland of Panay.

These boats used to dock at one of three boat stations along White Beach.

New Boarding Procedures at the Caticlan Jetty Port

Effective from February 15, 2007, bancas are allowed to load and unload passengers only at the Boracay Jetty Port at Cagban in Barangay Manoc-Manoc.

This jetty port is located at the southern tip of the island.

Passengers, tourists and guests going to Boracay Island now embark at the Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal.

They will have to undergo security checks, go through inspection, and submit for port clearance.

Rationale for the New Boarding Procedures

A Provincial Ordinance (local statute) was recently passed to implement these new procedures.

The Governor of Alan Province, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said that the ordinance is for the security of tourists and residents.

This will ensure a more systematic, orderly, safe and comfortable mode of transport from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Island and return. (Source: PIA website at www.pia.gov.ph)

Arriving in Boracay

At the Cagban Jetty Port terminal in Boracay, motorized tricycles will be waiting to take you to your hotel or resort which is just a few minutes away.