Things to Do in Boracay
Boracay, Philippines - Complete Travel Guide
Boracay is a small tropical island paradise in the Philippines' Western Visayas region, renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The island's crown jewel is White Beach, a 4-kilometer stretch of pristine coastline divided into three stations, each offering different vibes from budget-friendly to luxury. Despite being just 7 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide at its narrowest point, Boracay packs an incredible variety of experiences, from world-class water sports and vibrant nightlife to serene sunsets and romantic beachfront dining.
Once a quiet fishing village, Boracay has transformed into one of Southeast Asia's premier beach destinations while maintaining its laid-back island charm. The island underwent a major rehabilitation in 2018, emerging cleaner and more sustainable than ever. Today, visitors can enjoy everything from kitesurfing and island hopping to spa treatments and fire dancing shows, all set against the backdrop of some of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Top Things to Do in Boracay
Island Hopping Adventure
Explore the surrounding islands and hidden coves around Boracay on a traditional paraw sailboat or speedboat. Visit Crystal Cove Island with its caves and viewpoints, Crocodile Island for snorkeling, and Magic Island for cliff jumping and more underwater adventures.
Booking Tip: Book through your hotel or local operators for ₱1,500-2,500 per person for a full-day tour. Morning departures (9-10 AM) offer calmer seas and better visibility for snorkeling. Look for operators that include lunch, snorkeling gear, and entrance fees.
Water Sports Activities
Boracay offers world-class conditions for various water sports, with Bulabog Beach being the kitesurfing and windsurfing capital. Try parasailing for aerial views of White Beach, jet skiing for adrenaline rushes, or stand-up paddleboarding for a more relaxed water experience.
Booking Tip: Water sports are best from November to April when winds are strongest. Kitesurfing lessons cost ₱3,000-4,000 for 2 hours, parasailing ₱2,500-3,000 for 15 minutes. Book directly on the beach or through certified operators with proper safety equipment and insurance.
Sunset Sailing Experience
Experience Boracay's legendary sunsets aboard a traditional paraw sailboat, gliding along White Beach as the sky transforms into brilliant oranges and pinks. These iconic sailboats with their distinctive sails have become synonymous with Boracay's romantic appeal.
Booking Tip: Sunset sails cost ₱500-800 per person for 1-2 hours and depart 1 hour before sunset. Book early in the day as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Choose operators near Station 2 or 3 for the best sunset views and smoother boarding.
Beach Activities and Relaxation
Spend leisurely days on White Beach enjoying beach massages, building sandcastles, beach volleyball, or simply lounging under umbrellas. The beach offers different atmospheres from the party scene at Station 2 to the quieter luxury resorts at Station 1.
Booking Tip: Beach massages cost ₱300-500 per hour - negotiate prices and choose therapists with clean equipment. Beach chairs and umbrellas rent for ₱200-400 per day. Visit early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon for the best beach photos and cooler temperatures.
ATV and Zipline Adventures
Explore Boracay's interior on an ATV tour through jungle trails, visiting local villages and viewpoints, or get your adrenaline pumping on zipline courses with views over the island. These activities offer a different perspective beyond the beaches.
Booking Tip: ATV tours cost ₱1,500-2,500 per person for 2-3 hours, zipline adventures ₱800-1,200. Book in the morning to avoid afternoon heat and rain. Choose operators with proper safety gear and insurance, and wear closed shoes and comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Getting There
The most common route to Boracay involves flying into either Kalibo Airport (1.5 hours away) or Caticlan Airport (10 minutes away), followed by a boat transfer to the island. From Kalibo, take a bus or van to Caticlan jetty port (₱200-300), then a 15-minute boat ride to Boracay (₱30). From Caticlan Airport, it's a short tricycle ride to the jetty port. Direct flights operate from Manila (1.5 hours), Cebu (1 hour), and other major Philippine cities. International visitors typically connect through Manila or Cebu. The boat transfer is mandatory as no planes land directly on Boracay island.
Getting Around
Boracay is small enough to walk along the beach, but various transportation options make getting around convenient. Tricycles are the main form of transport for longer distances or to reach different beaches, costing ₱50-150 depending on distance. E-trikes (electric tricycles) are environmentally friendly alternatives available in some areas. Motorbike rentals are popular for exploring the island independently (₱500-800 per day), though traffic can be congested during peak hours. For short distances, walking along the beach path is pleasant and free, connecting all three stations of White Beach.
Where to Stay
Station 1 (Luxury and quiet)
Station 2 (Central hub and nightlife)
Station 3 (Budget-friendly)
Bulabog Beach (Water sports)
Diniwid Beach (Secluded)
Ilig-Iligan Beach (Off the beaten path)
Food & Dining
Boracay's dining scene ranges from beachfront seafood grills to upscale international restaurants and local Filipino eateries. Station 2 offers the most dining variety, from budget-friendly local joints serving adobo and fresh seafood for ₱200-400 per meal to high-end restaurants with international cuisine costing ₱1,000-2,000 per person. Don't miss the famous Jonah's Fruit Shake, beachside barbecue stalls for fresh catch of the day, and D'Mall for diverse food court options. Many resorts offer excellent breakfast buffets, while beachfront dining provides romantic sunset dinner experiences. Local specialties include kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), grilled seafood, and tropical fruit shakes.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Boracay is during the dry season from November to April, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, calm seas, and perfect beach weather with temperatures around 25-30°C. December to February offers the coolest and most comfortable weather, though it's also the busiest and most expensive period. March to May brings hotter temperatures but fewer crowds and better hotel deals. The wet season (June to October) sees frequent rain showers and rougher seas, with some water sports operators closing, but accommodation prices drop significantly. Avoid September and October when typhoons are most likely.
Insider Tips
Visit Puka Beach on the northern tip for a quieter, more natural beach experience with unique puka shell sand and fewer crowds than White Beach
Book accommodations well in advance for December-January and Holy Week (March/April) as the island reaches full capacity and prices skyrocket
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as Boracay is committed to environmental protection, and regular sunscreen can harm the coral reefs during water activities