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Boracay, Philippines - Things to Do in Boracay

Things to Do in Boracay

Boracay, Philippines - Complete Travel Guide

Boracay is a small tropical island in the Philippines renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. Located in the Western Visayas region, this 7-kilometer-long island has become one of Asia's premier beach destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually with its picture-perfect coastline and world-class resorts. The island's crown jewel is White Beach, a 4-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. Despite its small size, Boracay offers diverse experiences from adrenaline-pumping water sports and island hopping adventures to serene sunset sailing and beachfront dining. The island underwent a major rehabilitation in 2018, emerging cleaner and more sustainable while maintaining its reputation as a tropical paradise. Today, Boracay perfectly balances relaxation with adventure, offering everything from luxury spa treatments and fine dining to kitesurfing, cliff diving, and vibrant beach parties that continue well into the night.

Top Things to Do in Boracay

White Beach Relaxation and Water Activities

Spend time on Boracay's famous White Beach, stretching 4 kilometers of powdery white sand divided into three stations. The beach offers perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports including parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. Station 2 is the most developed with restaurants and bars, while Station 1 offers a more upscale, quieter atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Beach activities can be booked directly with operators on the beach - prices are negotiable and typically range from $15-50 depending on the activity. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best experience and lighting, avoiding the crowded midday hours.

Island Hopping and Snorkeling Adventure

Explore the surrounding islands and hidden beaches around Boracay through organized island hopping tours. These typically include visits to Crystal Cove Island with its caves and grottos, Crocodile Island for snorkeling among colorful marine life, and Magic Island for cliff jumping and swimming. Tours usually include snorkeling equipment and a traditional Filipino lunch on the beach.

Booking Tip: Book through reputable tour operators for $25-40 per person including lunch and equipment. Choose tours with smaller groups (8-12 people) for a better experience. Best weather conditions are typically from November to April.

Sunset Sailing and Paraw Experience

Take a traditional paraw (outrigger sailboat) ride during sunset for one of Boracay's most iconic experiences. These colorful sailboats with their distinctive sails offer a peaceful way to watch the famous Boracay sunset while enjoying the ocean breeze. Many tours include refreshments and photo opportunities with the stunning backdrop of the setting sun over the horizon.

Booking Tip: Book sunset sailing tours for $20-35 per person, with departures typically 1 hour before sunset. Reserve in advance during peak season and choose operators that provide life jackets and experienced sailors. Weather conditions can affect availability.

Adventure Sports and Kitesurfing

Experience Boracay's thrilling adventure sports scene, particularly at Bulabog Beach on the island's eastern side, known as the kitesurfing capital of Asia. The consistent trade winds from November to April create perfect conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The area also offers cliff diving at Ariel's Point and various other extreme sports.

Booking Tip: Kitesurfing lessons cost $60-80 for beginners with certified instructors, while equipment rental is $40-50 per day. Book lessons in advance during peak wind season (December-March). Ensure operators are IKO certified for safety.

Mount Luho Sightseeing and ATV Adventure

Visit Mount Luho, Boracay's highest point at 100 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the entire island and surrounding waters. The journey can be combined with an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) adventure through the island's interior, passing through local villages, coconut plantations, and off-road trails. The viewpoint features observation decks and souvenir shops.

Booking Tip: ATV tours to Mount Luho cost $15-25 per person for 1-2 hours, including safety equipment and guide. Book during late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Choose operators that provide helmets and safety briefings.

Getting There

Boracay is accessible via Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (also known as Caticlan Airport), located on the mainland just 10 minutes from the island. Major airlines including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and PAL Express operate direct flights from Manila (1.5 hours), Cebu (1 hour), and other major Philippine cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Kalibo Airport (1 hour from Manila) and take a 1.5-hour bus or van ride to Caticlan jetty port. From Caticlan, a short 10-15 minute boat ride brings you to Boracay island, with boats operating regularly throughout the day.

Getting Around

Boracay is small enough to explore on foot, especially along White Beach where most attractions and accommodations are located. Tricycles (motorized three-wheelers) are the primary mode of transportation around the island, with fixed rates ranging from 15-50 pesos depending on distance. E-trikes (electric tricycles) are also available as an eco-friendly option. For exploring the beaches, many visitors simply walk along the shoreline, while bicycles and motorcycles can be rented for more adventurous exploration of the island's interior and less accessible areas.

Where to Stay

Station 1 (White Beach North)
Station 2 (White Beach Center)
Station 3 (White Beach South)
Bulabog Beach
Diniwid Beach
Puka Beach

Food & Dining

Boracay's dining scene ranges from beachfront barbecue stalls serving fresh seafood and traditional Filipino dishes to upscale international restaurants with ocean views. Station 2 offers the highest concentration of dining options, from budget-friendly local eateries serving chicken inasal and fresh fish to fine dining establishments offering Italian, Japanese, and fusion cuisine. Don't miss trying the island's famous chori burger, fresh mangoes, and seafood barbecue available from beach vendors. Many restaurants offer beachfront dining with tables literally on the sand, creating a magical atmosphere especially during sunset. The D'Mall area in Station 2 is the main dining and shopping hub with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Philippines

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Boracay is during the dry season from November to April, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and perfect beach weather with temperatures around 25-30°C. December to February offers the most comfortable temperatures and is peak season, though it's also the most crowded and expensive period. March to May can be quite hot but still offers excellent beach conditions. The wet season from June to October brings heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas, making many water activities impossible, though accommodation rates are significantly lower and the island is less crowded.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations well in advance for the peak season (December-February) as the island gets extremely crowded and prices increase significantly
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen can damage the coral reefs, and consider bringing extra as international brands are expensive on the island
Explore beyond White Beach - visit quieter Puka Beach in the north for a more secluded experience and Diniwid Beach for stunning sunset views with fewer crowds

Explore Activities in Boracay