Ferry Timetables In Iloilo, Cebu, Guimaras, And Nearby Routes and the Seasons
Here’s a comprehensive guide on ferry timetables in Iloilo, Cebu, Guimaras, and nearby routes — and how they change between the Habagat (southwest monsoon) and the Amihan (northeast trade winds) seasons in the Philippines:
Amihan (Nov–Apr)
Calm seas, full timetables, reliable ROROs & bangkas.
Habagat (Jun–Oct)
Frequent rain, high winds; small boats affected—large RORO still mostly operational. Always call ahead.
Understanding Habagat vs. Amihan
Appreciating the beauty of the Philippines depends on timing. Typically, travelers should schedule their trips during the summer and avoid the other seasons altogether, primarily due to convenience and safety concerns. Then again, there are the rainy and stormy seasons you must contend with. Sea currents, route safety, and timetable reliability depend heavily on the season. Study ferry timetables and the weather for a hassle-free trip.
- During the Amihan (roughly November to March or April), you can expect dry, cooler northeastern trade winds and less turbulent waters in the Visayas.
- In the Habagat, which lasts from around June to October, you can expect hot and humid weather with heavy rainfall occurring frequently and windy southwest monsoon winds.
- The wind direction may abruptly change or shift back and forth before settling during transition periods (May and October).
Safety & Operational Tips
- Pre-departure check: Call ferry operators before travel during Habagat. Small bangkas are often the first to suspend.
- Flexibility matters: When boats cancel, expect delays, longer waits, or even one-day trip rescheduling during stormy months.
- Alternative planning: In extreme weather, consider ROROs or larger vessels rather than bangkas.
- Seasonal timing: Aim to travel in Amihan (Nov–Apr) for best sea conditions and predictability. Avoid Habagat peak (Jul–Sep), particularly if planning outdoor or island-hopping trips.
Seasonal Travel Planning Advice
- Amihan: Ideal for island hopping to Guimaras, Cebu, Bacolod — calm seas, frequent, stable schedules.
- Habagat: Stick to major RORO routes; monitor weather—travel mid-morning when winds are milder; have buffer days.
- Transitional months (May & Oct): Be extra cautious—and stay updated to date; wind switches may cause same‑day delays.
Final Takeaways
- The Iloilo–Guimaras route offers very frequent and quick service, but small boats are sensitive to southwest winds, while ROROs remain the most reliable option.
- Iloilo–Cebu: There are nightly RORO trips three times a week; the sea is calmer during Amihan but can be rough during Habagat.
- Safety first: Always double-check schedules during Habagat. Delays or cancellations may happen without much notice.
Best seasonal window
Route Timetables & Seasonal Changes
Iloilo ↔ Guimaras (Jordan & Buenavista)
- RORO ferries (FF Cruz/Montenegro) operate every 30 minutes from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a one-way journey time of 15 to 20 minutes and fares of approximately ₱35 to ₱50.
- Small bangkas to Buenavista depart every 15 minutes, with a 15-minute travel time and a fare of ₱30 to ₱40.
Before embarking on a boat, travelers must consistently verify the weather conditions first. During Habagat, strong SW winds may briefly suspend small wooden boats and delay ROROs; schedules become more conservative. In Amihan, calmer waters restore full schedules and morning/early evening stability.
Iloilo ↔ Cebu
- Trans-Asia: weekly ferry, departing Iloilo on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 6 p.m. and arriving at approximately 8:45 a.m. the following day; fare: ₱1,400–₱1,800
- Cokaliong: weekly departures from Cebu at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, with a travel time of approximately 12 hours and fares ranging from ₱1,400 to ₱1,800.
It’s prudent to note that during Habagat, rough seas in Verde Passage and off Mindoro cause cancellations or route adjustments to avoid rough patches. In Amihan, however, smoother seas yield on-time departures, and transit remains reliable.
Iloilo ↔ Bacolod
Although not within your scope, it is important to mention that OceanJet and Weesamexpress operate four daily flights (at approximately ₱450–₱800) between Iloilo and Bacolod, with a travel time of approximately 1–1.5 hours. These routes are similarly affected by seasonal roughness: calmer in Amihan; potential delays during Habagat rare but possible.
