Guimaras sits just across the Iloilo Strait from Iloilo City, and the crossing is part of the fun. Most visitors take one of the small passenger boats that leave all day from the Iloilo-Guimaras Ferry Terminal in Parola, Iloilo City Proper, next to CityMall Parola.
Two routes. Boats from Parola go either to Jordan wharf, the island's main port, or to MacArthur's Wharf in Santo Rosario, Buenavista. Either crossing takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Older guidebooks send travellers to Ortiz wharf; that terminal stopped serving Guimaras in 2020, so head for Parola.
Fares (approximate, check locally). Since April 2026 the regular daytime fare has been about ₱40 per person, or about ₱32 for students, senior citizens and persons with disability. Trips after 8 p.m. cost a little more. Boats run from early morning until about 9 or 10 p.m., but the Coast Guard suspends trips in bad weather and last trips can be cut short, so leave a margin on your last day.
Bringing a vehicle. Roll-on, roll-off ferries for cars and motorcycles cross from the Iloilo River Wharf in Lapuz to the RoRo port in Hoskyn, Jordan, in about 30 minutes.
Reaching Iloilo City first. Iloilo International Airport is in Cabatuan, about 24 km from the city, with flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao and other cities. Fastcraft from Bacolod arrive at the Lapuz terminal, and long-distance ferries from Manila also call at Iloilo.
Getting around the island. Stop at the tourism assistance desk a few steps from the Jordan wharf landing: the staff can point you to accredited guides, tricycle drivers and vans. Jeepneys run between the larger towns but not often, so most visitors hire a tricycle for the day, or a multicab or van for a group. Agree the route and the price before you set off.
One rule to remember. Do not bring mangoes into Guimaras. To keep pests out of the orchards, national quarantine rules in force since 1993 ban bringing mango fruits and seeds onto the island, and a provincial ordinance backs them up. Officers at the ports may confiscate mangoes from outside. Buy your mangoes on the island instead.
Salamat, and enjoy the crossing.