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Drone Use in Boracay (2026 Guide): How to Fly Legally Without Getting Fined or Confiscated

By Miles O’Neil

Problem: Most travel blogs give outdated or incomplete advice about flying drones in Boracay. People rely on “tips,” fly anyway, and end up getting stopped, fined, or having their drone confiscated.

Solution: This guide is based on the actual Municipal Ordinance No. 362 of Malay, Aklan—not guesswork. If you follow this, you’re operating on real law, not rumors.

Drone Use in Boracay 2026 Guide

The Law That Controls Drone Use in Boracay

Drone use in Boracay is governed by:

This ordinance is the key document most people never read—and it clearly explains why drones are heavily restricted.

What the Ordinance Actually Says (Simplified)

1. You Cannot Fly Freely

The law is clear:

No person may operate a drone without approval from the local government.

That means:

  • No casual flying
  • No “quick shots”
  • No exceptions for tourists

👉 If you didn’t get approval, you are already violating the ordinance.

2. You Need BOTH Registration and Permit

According to the ordinance:

This applies to:

  • Recreational use
  • Commercial use

👉 This alone already kills the idea that “tourists can just fly small drones.”

3. There Are Actual Fees Defined in Law

The ordinance states:

  • ₱500 – Registration fee
  • ₱1,000 – Special Permit to Control (SPC)

👉 Total baseline: ₱1,500 per use/event

This matches the ₱1,300–₱1,600 range people mention online—but now you know the real source.

4. Permits Are Only for “Special Purpose”

This is critical.

The ordinance says permits are issued for:

  • Advertising
  • Weddings
  • Parties / beach events
  • Concerts
  • Sports coverage

👉 Translation:

Drone use is NOT meant for casual tourism.

This explains why:

  • Tourists get denied
  • Permits feel “hard to get”

Because legally, they’re meant for events—not random flying

Strict Operating Restrictions (Most Important Part)

Minimum Distance From People

The ordinance states:

  • You cannot fly within 30 meters of a person not involved in the operation

Think about that:

👉 White Beach = impossible to comply during the day

Altitude Limit

  • Maximum altitude: 200 feet (≈61 meters)

This is stricter than CAAP’s usual 400 ft rule.

No Flying Over Populated Areas

The law clearly says:

  • Avoid populated areas unless approved

👉 Again, White Beach fails this condition.

No Controlled Airspace (Without CAAP Approval)

You cannot operate:

  • In controlled airspace without CAAP clearance

Boracay is near Caticlan Airport

👉 This alone can make most flights illegal without CAAP approval.

Penalties (This Is Where People Lose)

The ordinance clearly states:

  • Fine: ₱2,500
  • Possible cancellation of permit
  • Drone can be confiscated

👉 This is not a warning. It’s enforced.

Step-by-Step: How to Fly a Drone in Boracay Legally

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Ask yourself:

  • Is this for a wedding?
  • A paid shoot?
  • A documented event?

If not, your chances of approval drop significantly.

Step 2: Register Your Drone

Go to Malay LGU and:

  • Register your drone
  • Pay ₱500

Step 3: Apply for SPC (Special Permit to Control)

Submit:

  • Purpose of flight
  • Date and time
  • Location
  • Event documentation (if applicable)

Pay:

  • ₱1,000

Step 4: Check CAAP Requirements

If your flight involves:

  • Airport proximity
  • Controlled airspace
  • Professional filming

You must coordinate with CAAP.

Step 5: Follow Operational Limits

You must:

  • Stay below 200 ft
  • Keep 30m away from people
  • Avoid crowded areas
  • Follow all imposed conditions

Step 6: Carry Your Documents

Always have:

  • Permit
  • Registration
  • ID

Reality Check: Why Tourists Still Can’t Fly

Even if you follow all steps, here’s the truth:

  • Boracay is crowded
  • Airport proximity applies
  • Permits are event-based

👉 Result:

Most tourists cannot legally fly drones in Boracay.

Why Insta360 Became Popular Instead

Because of these restrictions, creators switched to:

  • 360 cameras
  • Invisible selfie sticks
  • Ground-based filming

No permits. No airspace issues.

Biggest Misconceptions (Now Debunked)

“Small drones don’t need permits”

False. The ordinance applies to regulated UAVs regardless of size.

“You can fly early morning without permit”

Still illegal. Less enforcement ≠ legal.

“White Beach is okay if careful”

Not compliant with:

  • 30m rule
  • Population restriction

“CAAP rules are enough”

Wrong. Local LGU rules are separate and enforced.

Best Case Scenario for Drone Use

You can realistically fly if:

  • You’re covering a wedding
  • You have LGU permit
  • You have CAAP clearance (if needed)
  • You operate in controlled conditions

Worst Case Scenario

You:

  • Fly casually
  • Get reported
  • Get stopped

👉 Outcome:

  • ₱2,500 fine
  • Drone confiscated

Final Verdict

Drone use in Boracay is not tourist-friendly. The law is clear, strict, and enforced.

If you want to fly legally:

  • You need permits
  • You need purpose
  • You need compliance

If you don’t:

👉 Expect consequences.

Download the Municipal Ordinance here.
For further inquiries with regard to processing special permit and the corresponding fees, kindly contact directly our Business Permit and Licensing Office at (036) 288-8748 or email [email protected].

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