Eco-Tourism & Safety Policies
Platform guidelines governing island excursions and sustainable tourism in Lianga Bay.
1. Maritime Safety and Passenger Manifests
Every tourist vessel departing the Bretania mainland port must strictly adhere to the following safety criteria:
Every passenger must wear an approved life vest before boarding and maintain it throughout the entire sea crossing between islands.
Motorized outrigger bancas must never exceed their registered passenger capacity as certified in their MARINA vessel franchise.
2. Environmental Stewardship & Marine Conservation
The 24 islands of Bretania are recognized as vital biodiversity sanctuaries. To protect this fragile marine ecosystem, visitors and operators are expected to adhere to environmental standards:
Clean As You Go (CLAYGO) & Zero Plastic Waste
Single-use plastic bags and styrofoam containers are strictly prohibited on all island tours. All trash generated must be brought back to the mainland for proper sorting.
No Coral Touching or Sand/Shell Harvesting
Stepping on live coral formations, anchoring boats in coral beds, and collecting white sand or marine organisms as souvenirs is unlawful and subject to local fines or platform ban.
3. Weather Advisories & Sea Gale Protocol
Passenger safety supersedes all tour itineraries. In cases where the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) or the Philippine Coast Guard issues a Gale Warning or Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal:
- Immediate Dispatch Suspension: All boat departures from the Bretania mainland pier are immediately suspended until the Coast Guard officially lifts the sea advisory.
- Emergency Recall: Vessels currently at sea will be directed by radio dispatch to immediately return to the designated sheltered mainland cove.
- Rescheduling & Refunds: Any tour or accommodation booking interrupted or cancelled due to sea gale warnings is eligible for a full rescheduling or 100% refund without penalty.
4. Regulated Boat Tariffs and Island Hopping Circuits
Motorized boat rates for island-hopping activities follow standardized operator association guidelines and maritime safety practices. Panaw displays and encourages compliance with the official rate matrix as a courtesy to guests and hosts, but operators remain independently responsible for adhering to safety regulations. Panaw does not set, enforce, or hold regulatory authority over boat rates.
Report Violations
To report maritime violations, excessive tariffs, or environmental abuse, contact local authorities or the Philippine Coast Guard.