I'm at the Isle of Ashes a second time to do the Verhoffin ruins. And the guy next to the boat doesn't have a dialogue option that would allow me to leave (see attached).

I did a quick search, and his boat is supposed to be working:
https://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/534190-might-and-magic-ix/faqs/16415
Other websites mention him too.


(I tried different days of the week).

The book that was used the first time you were on the Island does nothing.

I can escape using Town Portal or Lloyd's Beacon, but what if I couldn't use those spells. Any idea what's the reason behind the travel dialogue not appearing?

Well, I figured it out. That's the only boat guy that only operates during daylight hours. And unlike the shops, if it's night he doesn't tell you he's closed; the dialogue option doesn't appear at all.

Thanks ;)