I had a similar experience in the late 80's and we didn't even make it onto the boat, as they wouldn't give us a set price. Very nearly ended up in fisticuffs and you know what comes next in the Philippines!
A few years later i met the wife and we ended up living 30mins from the Falls. I always swore that i'd never do the boat trip. Anyway, my niece and her boyfriend were over staying with us last November and it was on their bucket list of things to do in the Philippines. Being the best uncle in the whole world, i agreed to go with them and it turned out to be a great day. The boat trip is now organized much better (1,250 per person) and you no longer have to deal with every Tom, Dick and Harry.
The views going up to the Falls are spectacular and the boatmen work hard for their money to get you to the final destination. When you get to the Falls, there is a bamboo raft that takes you underneath. You will get soaked but well worth it
