Tablas Island Travel Guide: How to Get There, What to Do, and Where to Stay
July 1, 2025
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Tablas Island Travel Guide: How to Get There, What to Do, and Where to Stay

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Tablas Island Travel Guide 2025: How to Get There, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Published: June 2025 | Romblon Travel Guide | Updated: Aug 2025

🌴✨ Tablas is remote, quiet, and blissfully underdeveloped. It's perfect for travelers who want something more than just sunbathing—those looking to explore, move, and discover a version of the Philippines that feels real, raw, and local. With empty beaches, winding coastal roads, and friendly villages, Tablas offers an authentic island experience far from the crowds. 🏍️🌊

Where is Tablas Island? Tablas is the largest island in Romblon Province, Philippines, just across the water from Caticlan (Boracay). It sits between Mindoro and Romblon Island, with main ports at Looc and Santa Fe.

How do you get to Tablas from Caticlan? Go to Caticlan Jetty Port → buy a ticket to Looc or Santa Fe → ride the ferry (≈60–90 mins) → take an e‑trike or van to your stay. Total DIY cost is usually ₱350–₱500 per person.

How to Get to Tablas Island (from Caticlan & Boracay)

  1. Reach Caticlan Jetty Port. From the airport, take an e‑trike (₱50–₱100) or walk 7–10 minutes.
  2. Buy ferry ticket to Looc or Santa Fe. 2–3 departures daily; arrive 1 hour early, weather dependent.
  3. Board the ferry. Crossing takes ~60–90 minutes.
  4. Disembark on Tablas. Take an e‑trike/van to your accommodation or rent a motorbike.
Ferry from Caticlan Jetty Port to Tablas Island in Romblon, Philippines
Traditional ferries connect Caticlan to Tablas several times daily

Tablas Quick Facts (2025)

  • • Route: Caticlan Jetty Port → Looc or Santa Fe (Tablas)
  • • Typical total cost (DIY): ₱350–₱500 per person
  • • Boat time: 60–90 minutes (weather dependent)
  • • Frequency: 2–3 boats/day; arrive 1 hour early

From Caticlan Port:

⚠️ Always confirm schedules in advance, especially during bad weather

🧭 What to Do in Caticlan While Waiting

If you're catching a ferry to Tablas and have time to spare at Caticlan Jetty Port, here's how to stay comfortable, well-fed, and prepared. If you're flying to Boracay first, see our Caticlan→Boracay transfer guide.

Caticlan Jetty Port - gateway to Tablas and Boracay
Caticlan Jetty Port - gateway to Tablas and Boracay

🍽️ Food & Snacks Nearby

  • Mang Inasal: Local favorite for grilled chicken and unlimited rice
  • Mister Donut: Quick snacks, hot dogs, and iced coffee
  • Sotera Café: Chill spot just outside the terminal (Facebook)
  • Café Liberica: Strong coffee and meals along Jetty Port Road
  • Shenzi's Café: Cozy atmosphere with great pasta and sandwiches
  • Palay Kitchen-Lounge: Filipino-Asian fusion a short trike ride away
Mang Inasal restaurant logo Mister Donut menu and prices Caticlan cafes and shops

🛒 Convenience & Essentials

  • 7-Eleven: Inside port area for drinks, snacks, and power banks
  • Sari-Sari Stores: Outside the port for fruit, water, and local snacks
  • Watsons Pharmacy: Right outside terminal for seasickness pills and sunblock

💳 ATMs at the Port

  • BPI ATM: PHP 20,000 max withdrawal
  • Other ATMs: Landbank, Metrobank, RCBC (PHP 10,000 limit)

💡 Travel Tip: Stock up on water, cash, and medicine before boarding. Options are limited on Tablas!

Top Things to Do in Tablas Island

  • Agmanic Beach – wide, quiet white sand; great for photos and swimming.
  • Looc Marine Refuge – snorkeling sanctuary with fish pens and clear water.
  • Gorda Point Lighthouse – short hike to views and a pocket beach.
  • Puro Island – 10‑minute banca ride from Guintigbasan; snorkel and hike the viewpoint.
  • Binucot Beach (sunset) – classic golden hour spot near Ferrol.
  • Kiwi Dive (San Agustin) – intro and night dives; best Nov–May.
  • Full island loop by motorbike – coastal road, villages, coves; allow 6–8 hours.

🏍️ The Riding Experience

Looc and Santa Fe ports are about an hour apart by scooter. Both offer nearby transport, but you'll want to rent a motorbike to truly explore (PHP 800-1000/day).

Arriving in Santa Fe

Where to Stay in Tablas Island

All options below are on or near the beach with easy access to nature. Continuing to Boracay? Check Where to stay in Boracay: Station 1 vs 2 vs 3 vs Bulabog.

1. Tablas Point (Santa Fe)

Quiet, beachfront, and minimalist. Great for disconnecting. Facebook | Map

Tablas Point beachfront accommodation

2. Tablas Seaview Resort (Ferrol)

More hotel-style with great sunsets and solid Western food. Facebook | Map

Tablas Seaview Resort exterior Tablas Seaview Resort sunset view

3. Aglicay Beach Resort (Alcantara)

Remote and peaceful with jungle surroundings. Good for hiking and swimming. Facebook | Map

Aglicay Beach Resort beach view Aglicay Beach Resort jungle surroundings

🏍️ Motorcycle rentals: Ask us for local contacts or email ilawilawvilla@gmail.com

🌊 What to Do: Day by Day

🌄 Day 1: Settle in and Relax

Unplug, breathe, and enjoy the stars at night. No nightlife, no McDonald's—just nature and quiet.

Tablas Island sunset view

🚗 Day 2: Full Island Loop (6-8 hours by bike)

Stops & Highlights:

  • Agmanic: White deserted beaches (Map)
  • Guintigbasan: Mountain viewpoint (Map)
  • San Agustin: Lunch stop + resupply (Map)
  • Gorda Point Lighthouse: Hike down to beach and lighthouse (Map)
  • Mahabang Baybay: Causeway to Biaringan Island (Map)
  • Binucot Beach: Sunset swim spot (Map)
Agmanic Beach white sand Guintigbasan Mountain viewpoint Gorda Point Lighthouse and beach on Tablas Island

Gorda Point Beach

🏝️ Puro Island Mini-Adventure

Base: Guintigbasan village (Map)

  • • Ask local fishermen for a boat to Puro Island (10 mins)
  • • Snorkel (bring your own gear) or swim
  • • Hike to the viewpoint
  • • Chat with locals (only ~100 people live there)
Puro Island beach and clear water Puro Island secluded beach

🤿 Diving and Snorkeling

Kiwi Dive Resort (San Agustin) offers fun dives, intro dives, and night dives. Best season: November to May (PHP 1,800-2,200 per dive). Facebook

🌿 Bonus Stops

  • Looc Bay Marine Refuge: Snorkeling sanctuary
  • Busay Falls: Freshwater break
  • Local eateries: Try anything with coconut, fish, or banana

🌟 Final Tips

  • • Always carry water, sun protection, and cash (few ATMs)
  • • Download maps offline before arriving
  • • Don't expect perfect Wi-Fi or nightlife—expect raw beauty

Tablas isn't for everyone. But if you're up for the ride, it might be your favorite island yet. Thinking of a long stay? See homes for sale in Boracay.

📍 Caticlan Port Location

Tablas boat in Caticlan Jetty Port
Boats waiting at Caticlan Port for the journey to Tablas Island

Tablas Island FAQs

What is the boat schedule from Caticlan to Tablas?

Expect 2–3 departures daily to Looc or Santa Fe. Arrive at least one hour early; schedules can change with weather.

How much is the boat to Tablas Island?

Plan ₱250–₱400 for the boat fare. If coming from the airport, add an e‑trike (₱50–₱100) to the port.

What is the best month to visit Tablas?

December–May offers calmer seas and best visibility for diving. June–November has more rain and occasional weather delays.

Is Tablas good for first‑timers?

Yes if you like quiet beaches, motorbike loops, and fewer crowds. It’s more rustic than Boracay—bring cash and offline maps.

Where is Tablas Island located?

Tablas is in Romblon Province, Philippines, across the water from Caticlan (Boracay). The main entry points are Looc and Santa Fe ports.

Is Tablas part of Boracay?

No. Tablas is a separate island in Romblon. It’s reached by ferry from Caticlan, the same gateway used for Boracay.

Tablas Island travel guide 2025, how to get to Tablas from Caticlan, Tablas Island tourist spots, things to do in Tablas Island, best beaches Looc Santa Fe Ferrol, where to stay in Tablas Island, Tablas Romblon itinerary.

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