Boracay
Photo: Maksim Grigorev / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
November to May (dry amihan season, 25-32°C). December-February is peak. June-October has southwest monsoon (habagat) with rain and rough seas on White Beach side
Language
Filipino (Tagalog), Aklanon, English
Currency
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Time Zone
PHT (UTC+8)
Airport
Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, Caticlan (MPH) — 2 km from Caticlan Jetty, then 15-min boat to island. Kalibo International (KLO) is 1.5 hours by bus
Population
~40,000 permanent residents on a 10 km² island
Climate
Tropical maritime, avg 26-32°C year-round. Two seasons: dry amihan (Nov-May) and wet habagat (Jun-Oct)
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — tourist-oriented island with police presence; watch for petty theft and drink-spiking at bars
Top Highlights
White Beach
A 4-km crescent of powder-white sand divided into three stations. Station 1 (north) is quieter with upscale resorts. Station 2 is the main hub with restaurants, bars, and D'Mall. Station 3 is budget-friendly and laid-back. The sand is so fine it stays cool underfoot even in midday sun. Sunset hour is magical — the entire beach faces west. Free access.
Island Hopping & Snorkeling
Standard island-hopping tours (PHP 1,500-2,500 / ~$27-45 per person) visit Crocodile Island, Crystal Cove (PHP 200 entry), and snorkeling spots with sea turtles and coral. Private bangka charter: PHP 3,000-5,000 for 4-5 people. Most include snorkel gear and BBQ lunch on a beach. Magic Island and Tambisaan Beach are less-touristy alternatives.
Ariel's Point Cliff Diving
A full-day adventure excursion to a private cove 30 minutes from Boracay with cliff diving platforms at 3, 5, 8, 10, and 15 meters. PHP 2,500-3,500 (~$45-63) includes boat transfer, unlimited food and drinks, kayaking, and snorkeling. Open November to May only. Book through any beach tour operator. The 15m jump is genuinely terrifying — the 5m is perfect for first-timers.
Puka Beach
A quieter, more natural beach on the northern tip of the island, named after the puka shells that wash ashore. Coarser sand and stronger waves than White Beach — good for body surfing. Fewer vendors, no loud music. Tricycle from White Beach: PHP 100-150 (~$2-3). Small restaurants serve fresh seafood. Best at sunset when day-trippers leave. Allow half a day.
Helmet Diving
Walk on the seafloor wearing a diving helmet that pumps air from the surface — no certification needed. You can feed fish by hand and see coral up close. PHP 800-1,200 (~$15-22) for 20-25 minutes. Available at Crocodile Island and Bulabog Beach. Good for non-swimmers and children (minimum age 10). The fish feeding creates a frenzy — fun but not great for the reef.
Bulabog Beach Kite & Wind Surfing
The east-facing beach catches strong habagat winds (June-October) making it one of Asia's top kiteboarding spots. IKO-certified schools (Funboard Center, Hangin) offer 3-day beginner courses from PHP 15,000-20,000 (~$270-360). Gear rental for experienced riders: PHP 2,500-3,500/day. During amihan season (November-May), Bulabog is calm and good for paddleboarding.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Boracay Itinerary
Arrival on Boracay
Fly to Caticlan (MPH), take the boat across, and step onto the world-famous White Beach.
Arrive Caticlan Airport(30 minutes)
Flights from Manila (1 hr, PHP 2,500-6,000). Show proof of accommodation to board the boat — required since 2018 rehabilitation
Boat to Boracay and transfer(45 minutes)
Caticlan-Boracay boat PHP 100, terminal fee PHP 100, environmental fee PHP 75. Tricycle to hotel PHP 50-100
Check into White Beach station(30 minutes)
Station 3 budget: Frendz ($15-25). Station 2 mid-range: Red Coconut ($60-100). Station 1 luxury: Shangri-La ($300+)
First White Beach sunset(1.5 hours)
The entire 4km beach faces west. Walk south to north as the sun drops. The sand is so fine it stays cool underfoot. Free. Magical. No wonder it's famous
Island Hopping & Snorkeling
Standard island-hopping tour — Crocodile Island, Crystal Cove, and sea turtle snorkeling spots.
Island hopping tour(6 hours)
PHP 1,500-2,500/person including snorkel gear and BBQ lunch. Crocodile Island, Crystal Cove (PHP 200 entry), and 2-3 snorkeling stops. Sea turtles at some sites
Crystal Cove island exploration(1 hour)
Two caves and a viewpoint. Worth the entry fee for the rock formations and clear water
BBQ lunch on a beach(1 hour)
Grilled fish, chicken, and rice on a secluded beach. Included in tour
Dinner at Smoke Resto, Station 2(1.5 hours)
Ribs, steaks, and cocktails. PHP 400-800. Views over the beach path
Ariel's Point Cliff Diving
Full-day excursion to a private cove with cliff diving from 3m to 15m heights.
Ariel's Point excursion(8 hours)
PHP 2,500-3,500 all-inclusive. Boat transfer (30 min), unlimited food and drinks, kayaking, snorkeling, and cliff jumping at 3, 5, 8, 10, and 15m. Nov-May only. The 15m is genuinely terrifying. The 5m is perfect for first-timers
Evening walk along the beach path(1 hour)
The beachfront path from Station 1 to 3 is lined with restaurants, bars, and massage parlors. The energy after dark is infectious
Puka Beach & Rest
Visit the quieter northern beach, then enjoy a free afternoon — the rest day every island trip needs.
Tricycle to Puka Beach(30 minutes)
PHP 100-150 from White Beach. Northern tip of the island. Named after puka shells that wash ashore
Puka Beach morning(3 hours)
Coarser sand, stronger waves — good for body surfing. Fewer vendors, no loud music. Small restaurants serve fresh seafood. Best at sunset but morning is quietest
Lunch at a Puka Beach restaurant(1 hour)
Grilled squid and garlic rice. PHP 200-400. Fresh and simple
Free afternoon on White Beach(3 hours)
Rent a beach lounger (PHP 100-200), swim, read. No agenda
Dinner at Kasbah, D'Mall area(1.5 hours)
Mediterranean-Filipino fusion. PHP 400-700. Good cocktails and beachfront seating
Water Sports & Nightlife
Morning water activities, evening dive into Boracay's famous nightlife.
Parasailing(30 minutes)
PHP 2,000-3,000. 15-minute flight over White Beach. Tandem available. The view from above shows the island's perfect crescent shape
Helmet diving at Crocodile Island(1 hour)
Walk on the seafloor feeding fish. PHP 800-1,200. No cert needed. Good for non-swimmers and kids (min age 10)
Lunch at D'Talipapa Market(1.5 hours)
Buy fresh seafood at the market then pay a nearby restaurant to cook it (PHP 100-200 cooking fee). Giant prawns, lobster, and crabs. The freshest meal on the island
Sunset happy hour(1.5 hours)
Spider House perched on rocks — the most unique bar on the island. Craft cocktails and cliff views. PHP 200-400 for drinks
Nightlife at Station 2(3 hours)
Epic Bar, Exit Bar, Summer Place. Beach bonfires and DJ sets. Cocktail buckets on the beach. Party runs until 2AM curfew
Sunrise & Bulabog Beach
Catch sunrise on the east coast, then explore Bulabog Beach — Boracay's wind sports hub.
Sunrise at Bulabog Beach(1 hour)
The east-facing beach catches the sunrise — a completely different Boracay from White Beach. Tricycle PHP 50 from White Beach
Stand-up paddleboarding on Bulabog(1.5 hours)
Calm during amihan season (Nov-May). Gear rental PHP 500-800/hour. Or try kiteboarding lessons (PHP 15,000-20,000 for 3-day course) during habagat season (Jun-Oct)
Lunch at Lemoni Cafe(1 hour)
Popular brunch spot near D'Mall. Eggs Benedict, smoothie bowls. PHP 300-500. Queue on weekends
Last White Beach afternoon(3 hours)
Final swim, final sand between your toes, final sunset. Take it all in
Farewell dinner at Mañana, Station 2(1.5 hours)
Mexican-Filipino fusion. Tacos, burritos, and margaritas. PHP 400-700. Lively atmosphere
Departure Day
Final morning on the island. Boat to Caticlan and fly home.
Last White Beach walk(1 hour)
Sunrise or early morning — the beach is empty and pristine before the crowds. One more photo of that impossible sand
Boat to Caticlan(30 minutes)
PHP 100 boat, PHP 100 terminal. Allow 3 hours total from hotel to airport departure
Fly from Caticlan to Manila(1 hour)
Connect to international flights. Or fly directly from Kalibo (KLO) if booked — cheaper flights but add 1.5 hr bus
14-Day Boracay Itinerary
Arrival on Boracay
Fly to Caticlan, boat across, step onto White Beach.
Arrive Caticlan(30 minutes)
Manila 1hr. Show accommodation proof for boat
Boat and transfer(45 minutes)
PHP 275 total fees. Tricycle PHP 50-100
Check in(30 minutes)
Station 3 budget ($15-25), Station 2 mid ($60-100), Station 1 luxury ($300+)
First sunset(1.5 hours)
4km west-facing beach. Sand stays cool underfoot
Island Hopping
Crocodile Island, Crystal Cove, sea turtle snorkeling.
Island hop tour(6 hours)
PHP 1,500-2,500. Snorkel gear and BBQ lunch included
Crystal Cove(1 hour)
PHP 200 entry. Caves and viewpoint
Dinner at Smoke Resto(1.5 hours)
PHP 400-800
Ariel's Point
Cliff diving 3-15m at a private cove. All-inclusive.
Ariel's Point(8 hours)
PHP 2,500-3,500. Unlimited food/drinks, kayaking, snorkeling. Nov-May only
Puka Beach & Rest
Quieter northern beach, then lazy afternoon.
Puka Beach morning(3 hours)
PHP 100-150 tricycle. Puka shells, body surfing, no crowds
Puka Beach lunch(1 hour)
Grilled squid. PHP 200-400
White Beach afternoon(3 hours)
Lounger, swim, read
Dinner at Kasbah(1.5 hours)
PHP 400-700
Water Sports
Parasailing, helmet diving, and D'Talipapa seafood market.
Parasailing(30 minutes)
PHP 2,000-3,000
Helmet diving(1 hour)
PHP 800-1,200. No cert needed
D'Talipapa Market lunch(1.5 hours)
Buy seafood, pay PHP 100-200 cooking fee. Freshest meal on island
Spider House sunset(1.5 hours)
Cliff bar. PHP 200-400
Nightlife Station 2(3 hours)
Epic, Exit, Summer Place. 2AM curfew
Bulabog & Sunrise
East coast sunrise and wind sports.
Bulabog sunrise(1 hour)
East-facing beach. Different Boracay
SUP on Bulabog(1.5 hours)
PHP 500-800/hr
Lunch at Lemoni Cafe(1 hour)
Brunch. PHP 300-500
Dinner at Mañana(1.5 hours)
Mexican-Filipino. PHP 400-700
Scuba Introduction
Discover scuba dive — no certification needed.
Discover scuba dive(3 hours)
PHP 2,500-3,500. Pool training then reef dive with instructor. Perfect for first-timers
Dinner at Real Coffee & Tea(1 hour)
Station 1. Famous calamansi muffins. PHP 200-400
Carabao Island Day Trip
Boat to the quiet neighboring island — no tourism, authentic fishing village.
Boat to Carabao Island(45 minutes)
Public boat from Caticlan PHP 100-150. Or hire private bangka PHP 2,000-3,000
Carabao Island exploration(4 hours)
Walk the single road, visit the beach (often empty), and eat at the one or two local restaurants. This is what Philippine islands looked like before tourism
Lunch at a local eatery(1 hour)
PHP 100-200. Rice, fish, and vegetables. Simple and fresh
Rest Day
Nothing planned. Two weeks of island life demands a full stop.
Beach lounger day(4 hours)
PHP 100-200 lounger rental. Swim, read, exist
Lunch at Jonah's Fruitshake(45 minutes)
Station 1 institution. Mango shakes PHP 100-150. The best on the island
Massage on the beach(1 hour)
PHP 300-500 for one hour. Ubiquitous on White Beach
Dinner at Aplaya(1.5 hours)
Beachfront dining. PHP 400-700
Cooking Class & Culture
Filipino cooking class and a deeper look at island culture.
Filipino cooking class(3 hours)
Learn adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare. PHP 1,500-2,500 including meal. Several operators on the island
Boracay Butterfly Garden(1 hour)
Small but well-maintained. PHP 200 entry. Located near Bulabog
Sunset sail(2 hours)
Traditional paraw sailing boat sunset trip. PHP 500-800/person. The original Boracay activity — wooden outrigger boats at golden hour
Inland & Viewpoints
Explore beyond the beach — inland viewpoints, jungle paths, and local life.
Mount Luho viewpoint(1.5 hours)
The island's highest point. PHP 100 entry. 360-degree views of White Beach, Bulabog, and surrounding islands. Short walk from the road
Tricycle tour of the island(2 hours)
PHP 300-500 for a full island loop. Pass through the non-tourist side — local homes, schools, and the real Boracay
Lunch at a roadside local restaurant(1 hour)
Not beachfront — half the price. PHP 100-200 for Filipino dishes
Diniwid Beach afternoon(2 hours)
Hidden beach north of Station 1. Walk from the main beach around the rocks. Quieter, rockier, more secluded. Some lounge chairs available
Dinner at The Sunny Side Cafe(1 hour)
Popular cafe. Good smoothie bowls and light meals. PHP 300-500
Kite or Windsurf Day
Try kiteboarding or windsurfing on Bulabog Beach.
Kiteboarding lesson(3 hours)
PHP 5,000-7,000 per session at Funboard Center or Hangin. Best during habagat (Jun-Oct) but available year-round with varying conditions
Or: Windsurfing(2 hours)
PHP 2,000-3,000/session. Easier for beginners than kite
Dinner at Nonie's(1.5 hours)
Station 3 seafood. Fresh and affordable. PHP 200-400
Last Beach Day
Final full day. Revisit favorites, say goodbye.
Last island hop — Magic Island(4 hours)
Less touristy alternative. Cliff jumping and reef snorkeling. PHP 1,500-2,000
D'Talipapa farewell lunch(1.5 hours)
One more market seafood feast
Last White Beach sunset(1.5 hours)
Full circle. The same impossible sand and golden sky
Departure Day
One last morning walk, then boat to Caticlan and fly home.
Early White Beach walk(1 hour)
Empty beach at dawn. One more photo
Boat to Caticlan(30 minutes)
PHP 275 total. Allow 3 hours hotel-to-airport
21-Day Boracay Itinerary
Arrival on Boracay
Fly to Caticlan, boat to the island, first White Beach sunset.
Arrive Caticlan(30 minutes)
Manila 1hr. Accommodation proof required for boat
Boat and transfer(45 minutes)
PHP 275 total. Tricycle PHP 50-100
Island Hopping
Crystal Cove, Crocodile Island, snorkeling.
Island hop(6 hours)
PHP 1,500-2,500. BBQ lunch
Crystal Cove(1 hour)
PHP 200
Ariel's Point
All-day cliff diving 3-15m.
Ariel's Point(8 hours)
PHP 2,500-3,500 all-inclusive. Nov-May
Puka Beach
Northern beach and relaxation.
Puka Beach(3 hours)
PHP 100-150 tricycle
Water Sports & Nightlife
Parasailing, helmet diving, market, party.
Parasailing(30 minutes)
PHP 2,000-3,000
Helmet diving(1 hour)
PHP 800-1,200
Bulabog & Sunrise
East coast and wind sports.
SUP(1.5 hours)
PHP 500-800
Rest Day
Nothing. Beach. Book. Sleep.
Jonah's Fruitshake(45 minutes)
Mango shake PHP 100-150
Beach massage(1 hour)
PHP 300-500
Scuba Introduction
Discover scuba — no cert needed.
Discover scuba(3 hours)
PHP 2,500-3,500
Carabao Island
Quiet neighboring island — no tourism, real fishing village.
Boat to Carabao(45 minutes)
PHP 100-150 public or PHP 2,000 private
Explore island(4 hours)
One road, empty beach, one restaurant
Local lunch(1 hour)
PHP 100-200
Cooking Class
Filipino cooking and paraw sunset sail.
Cooking class(3 hours)
PHP 1,500-2,500. Adobo, sinigang, kare-kare
Butterfly Garden(1 hour)
PHP 200
Paraw sunset sail(2 hours)
PHP 500-800. Traditional outrigger at golden hour
Inland Exploration
Mount Luho, tricycle island tour, Diniwid Beach.
Mount Luho(1.5 hours)
PHP 100. Highest point. 360 views
Island tricycle tour(2 hours)
PHP 300-500 full loop
Local roadside lunch(1 hour)
PHP 100-200
Diniwid Beach(2 hours)
Hidden. Secluded. Walk from Station 1
Kiteboarding Day
Bulabog kite/windsurf session.
Kite lesson(3 hours)
PHP 5,000-7,000 at Funboard or Hangin
Dinner at Nonie's(1.5 hours)
Station 3 seafood. PHP 200-400
PADI OW Day 1
Start Open Water certification.
Theory and pool(6 hours)
PHP 15,000-18,000 for 3-day course. Multiple shops available
PADI OW Day 2
Open water dives 1-2.
PADI OW Day 3
Certification complete.
Rest Day
Post-certification recovery. Full beach day.
Certified Reef Dive
Dive the reefs as a certified diver.
Two-tank reef dive(4 hours)
PHP 3,000-4,000. Yapak reef for big fish (sharks, rays), Crocodile Island for coral. New perspective as a diver
Magic Island & Cliff Jumping
Alternative island hop to less-visited Magic Island.
Magic Island tour(5 hours)
PHP 1,500-2,000. Cliff jumping and reef snorkeling. Less crowded than Ariel's Point
Tambisaan Beach(2 hours)
East coast beach. Local vibe. Fresh seafood stalls
Free Day
Three weeks earns total freedom. Do whatever calls.
Your choice(8 hours)
Re-dive, re-beach, re-party, re-island hop. Or lie in a hammock reading. This is your island now
Last Boracay Day
Final sunrise, final sunset, final everything.
Final sunset(1.5 hours)
Twenty sunsets. Each one different. This one you'll remember longest
Departure Day
One last walk on that impossible sand.
Dawn White Beach walk(1 hour)
Empty beach. Just you and the sand
Fly to Manila(1 hour)
Connect to international. Or stop in Manila for a day
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of 157 countries get 30-day visa-free entry to the Philippines. Return/onward ticket required. Passport must be valid for 6 months. No special permits for Boracay beyond the standard tourist requirements. Since the 2018 rehabilitation, all visitors must show proof of accommodation to board the boat from Caticlan.
transport
Getting to Boracay
Option 1: Fly to Caticlan (MPH) — quick boat ride to island. Flights from Manila (1 hour, PHP 2,500-6,000). Option 2: Fly to Kalibo (KLO) — cheaper flights but add 1.5-hour bus to Caticlan jetty. The Caticlan-Boracay boat costs PHP 100 plus PHP 100 terminal fee and PHP 75 environmental fee. On the island, tricycles are PHP 10-100 per trip depending on distance.
Budget
Station 3 Is the Budget Sweet Spot
White Beach Station 3 has budget accommodation from PHP 800-1,500/night (~$15-27) for basic but clean rooms. Station 1 luxury resorts (Shangri-La, Discovery Shores) run PHP 15,000-30,000+ ($270-540+). Eating cheap: look for Filipino restaurants on the main road (not beachfront) — PHP 100-200 per meal vs. PHP 500-1,500 on the beach. D'Mall has overpriced tourist food — skip it for meals.
Local Customs
Post-Rehabilitation Rules Are Strict
After the 2018 closure and cleanup, Boracay enforces strict environmental rules: no smoking on the beach (PHP 5,000 fine), no drinking or eating on the sand, no beach bonfires, no sandcastle building (they block cleaning vehicles), and a cap on daily visitors. Respect these rules — they saved the island from environmental collapse.
Safety
Watch Your Drinks at Night
Boracay has an active nightlife scene along Station 2 (Epic, Exit Bar, Summer Place). Drink spiking occasionally occurs — never leave your drink unattended. Stick to established venues. Budget cocktail buckets on the beach are often made with cheap liquor. The party runs until 2AM (strict curfew since rehabilitation). Solo female travelers should take normal precautions.
Jellyfish Season Warning
Box jellyfish are present in Boracay waters, especially during the wet season (June-October). Stinger suits or rash guards offer protection. If stung, douse with vinegar (not fresh water) and seek the beach lifeguards immediately. Most stings are painful but not dangerous. The island's lifeguard stations carry vinegar and first aid supplies.
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