Getting to Cuyo
Milagrosa and Montenegro Shipping Lines operate routes between Puerto Princesa, Cuyo, and Iloilo two to three times a week. Montenegro Lines usually publish their upcoming schedule on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/montenegroinc/
Otherwise, latest schedule information should be confirmed at the port.
MV D'Asean Journey (run by JV Serrano Shipping Line) operates a weekly service between Coron and Cuyo. After stopping in Coron for day, the ferry travels onwards to Manila (and vice versa in the opposite direction), so this is an option for anyone wishing to take a ferry directly between Manila and Cuyo.
All ferry schedules can change frequently and at short notice, especially during periods of extreme or unpredictable weather. Enquire at the port directly for the latest information.
Passenger ferries are a popular choice for kiteboarders coming to Cuyo, due to their generous luggage allowance (usually somewhere around 80kgs) and lower fares, but are not recommended to those with limited time or tight schedules. The ferry schedules are notoriously unreliable, and delays of several days at time are not unusual. Current departure dates and times should be confirmed at the port with the operators directly.
About the Ferries...
- All ferries to Cuyo operate overnight. Journey times vary depending on the conditions, the particular ferry in service, and your direction of travel, but can be anywhere from 12 up to 30 hours
- Long delays prior to departure (possibly up to several days) are common. Plan to travel well in advance of any flights or other important engagements. Delays are especially frequent during typhoon season
- Drinks (including chilled beer, hurrah!) and snacks can be bought on board all of the ferries, although the range is limited (mostly instant noodles)
- Ticket options vary depending on the operator, but they're typically divided into Economy, Deluxe, and Tourist. Economy tends to be in the lower decks close to the heat and noise of the engine, while the deluxe decks are open air but higher up so quieter and cooler. Tourist class is usually within an enclosed air conditioned area which can get extremely cold. Deluxe class is usually the most comfortable
- Tickets can generally only be purchased at the port prior to departure. Tickets can sometimes sell out, especially around Christmas and Holy Week (Easter), so arrive early if possible
- Passengers are assigned a bunk bed with plastic covered mattress each, but pillows and blankets are not provided. Passengers in the air-conditioned section especially should bring a blanket or some warm clothing as it can get very cold
- Journeys can sometimes be rough, particularly during extreme weather, so bringing a supply of seasickness tablets is advisable. Seasickness tablets are cheap and readily available from most Philippine pharmacies
Flights to Cuyo are no longer available :o(