Looking for the best Boracay activities 2023? I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide!
Boracay Island is the most talked-about island in the Philippines and it’s easy to see why.
Pristine white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, buzzing nightlife, and an array of fun-fuelled Boracay activities are just some of the reasons why you must visit this tropical haven in the central Philippines!
In this guide, I have put together the ultimate list of 15 BEST Boracay Activities and I’ve also included a list of the Best Beaches of Boracay!
15 BEST BORACAY ACTIVITIES
Let’s jump right in and discover the best activities in Boracay. From going parasailing to discovering the hidden parts of the island, you’re in for a treat!
PARASAILING BORACAY
One of the best things to do in Boracay is go on a parasailing ride.
Parasailing Boracay will give you one of the best views of the whole island, particularly of its coastline. It is definitely one of the most adrenaline-packed activities in Boracay!
You can opt to go on a single or tandem parasailing ride during your Boracay trip and witness the beaches in Boracay from a birds-eye perspective.
SCUBA DIVING
Scuba diving is one of the most popular Boracay activities. It’s not only one of the favorite activities in Boracay, but it is also one of the best scuba diving spots in the Philippines.
Therefore, I recommend you include a diving experience on your Boracay tour. You will witness the diverse underwater world right off the best beaches in Boracay.
Even if you are a beginner you can go on a scuba diving adventure as you’ll be guided by a PADI-certified divemaster, who will teach you everything you need to know.
Before you jump into the water you’ll get a scuba diving video instruction, an in-depth lecture, and a presentation to familiarize yourself with all necessary scuba diving skills.
When you’re ready you’ll jump into the shallow water so you can put the newly learned theory into practice.
Later on, you’ll get the chance to hop on a boat and explore the coral reefs and underwater world right off some of the best beaches in Boracay.
This whole experience will without a doubt become one of the most memorable activities during your stay here.
UFO & HURRICANE WATERSPORTS
One of the most adrenaline-filled activities in Boracay is to join a UFO and Hurricane watersport trip.
During this exciting Boracay adventure, you’ll be seated on an inflatable spaceship that is being towed along the best beaches of Boracay as fast as 30kph.
You’ll be provided with all the necessary safety gear and all you need to do is enjoy your time on one of the greatest activities in Boracay.
JET SKIING – BEST BORACAY ACTIVITIES
By now you would have noticed that most Boracay activities involve water sports activities.
Another activity that you should put on your Boracay itinerary is a jet ski ride along one of the most popular beaches in Boracay.
A qualified local English-speaking instructor will make you feel safe on your jet ski while you experience an unforgettable adventure above the turquoise water on the beaches of Boracay.
The jet ski adventure lasts 30 minutes, which is more than enough to enjoy!
BELLA ISA SPA EXPERIENCE
Looking to pamper yourself during your Boracay trip? Why not add a luxurious spa treatment at one of the best spas in Boracay (Bella Isa) to your list of things to do in Boracay?
There are different treatments available at Bella Isa ranging from full body massage with natural oils and elixirs, hand and foot reflexology treatments, or relaxing hand and foot spa.
Bella Isa Spa is located at one of the most beautiful beaches in Boracay which means you’ll be able to experience your spa treatment with the most stunning views.
One of the most unforgettable spa treatment experiences is the Hilot Spa Experience – a traditional Filipino treatment comprising the healing art of Ventosa cupping with a soothing combination of oil and Swedish massage and a warm banana leaf treatment.
The Bella Isa Spa Treatment is an amazing body and soul experience that you should definitely add to your list of activities to try!
BORACAY ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
A Boracay Island Tour will take you to some of the most beautiful beaches with the most turquoise water and diverse sea creatures close to Boracay.
The Boracay Island Tour includes a visit to Magic Island for a cliff diving experience, the popular Crystal Cove with local artifacts on display, and finally a delicious grilled buffet lunch on a beautiful beach along the way.
Despite being a group tour, you’ll have the flexibility to enjoy a secluded beach and take a dip in the ocean or snorkel around the reef for as long as you want!
PARAW SAILING EXPERIENCE
A Paraw is a small boat that you will see a lot on the popular beaches of Boracay. The main characteristics of the boat are similar to a sailing boat with two outriggers.
It is mainly made out of wood and bamboo, it has two logs on either side of the shallow hull to keep the balance and a large sail.
The Paraw sailing boat is a great cultural activity in Boracay.
A Paraw sailing boat can fit up to 10 people which means you can go on this amazing Boracay adventure together with your friends or family and discover the beautiful sunset on this traditional boat.
BORACAY ZIPLINE ADVENTURE & ATV TOUR
Boracay Zipline Adventure and ATV Tour is the perfect way to explore the beautiful island of Boracay.
This tour combines two of the most popular activities on the island, ziplining and ATV riding. With this tour, you will get to experience a thrilling ride through the air as you zip across the island’s lush jungle canopy.
You will also get to explore the stunning beaches and countryside on an ATV, taking in all of the sights and sounds that make Boracay so special.
This tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience for any traveler looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure!
Click on the button below to see these activities in Boracay and the price.
DUALTRON E-SCOOTER RIDE IN BORACAY
Experience the thrill of touring Boracay on a Dualtron electric scooter! With the top-of-the-line e-scooter brand, you can explore and enjoy the island in a fun and eco-friendly way.
Visit Mt. Luho, Newcoast Village, Savoy Beach, and other local attractions with ease. The Dualtron experience is perfect for those who want to get around quickly while still enjoying the sights.
Plus, it’s a pretty inexpensive tour, which is excellent for all budgets.
Still thinking about it? Make sure to book early as these tours sell out quickly during the peak season!
BORACAY HELICOPTER TOUR
A Boracay helicopter tour will give you the unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Boracay Island with its stunning landscape, white sands, and turquoise water, from high above.
Make sure you bring your camera along to capture the beauty of the island from the sky as you embark on one of the most exciting Boracay activities!
BORACAY INLAND TOUR
One of the most popular activities is an inland tour, which takes you through the island’s lush landscapes and stunning beaches.
The tour includes stops at some of Boracay’s best places like Ilig Iligan Beach and Mount Luho.
You’ll have 30 minutes in each location, which is enough to snorkel, take lots of photos, and roam around the hidden parts of Boracay beyond White Beach.
All in all, the Inland Tour is one of the best activities in Boracay you should consider during your visit!
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (SUP)
There are many Boracay water activities to enjoy when visiting. You can choose from a variety of different activities in Boracay that will let you explore the waters of Boracay such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Stand-up paddleboarding will give you another opportunity to discover the still waters around Boracay Island.
An experienced instructor will teach you how to be able to sit, stand, and lie on your back on a stand-up paddleboard so that you can make the most out of this experience and enjoy your paddle around one of the most beautiful beaches in Boracay.
BORACAY SUNSET CRUISE
The sunsets in Boracay are some of the best sunsets in the Philippines. A different way to experience the sunset is by cruising on a boat along the waters of Boracay Island.
During the 2-hour cruise, you will get to see the beautiful beaches of Boracay as you watch the sky turn pink, orange, and red.
You will also be able to enjoy water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming while you are on the cruise. Can you think of a better activity in Boracay?
HELMET DIVE EXPERIENCE
The Helmet Dive Experience is one of the most popular and new activities in Boracay.
The helmet dive experience will allow you to go for a stroll underwater with a helmet on your head that will let you breathe underwater.
This experience is a perfect activity for anyone who is a beginner swimmer or doesn’t do scuba diving.
At the beginning of the day, you will get to ride on a speed boat to the dive location.
Once you get there an instructor will go with you through a safety briefing and finally, you’ll get to put on the oxygen-pumped helmet.
When you’re ready you can walk into one of the most beautiful beaches in Boracay and witness the beautiful underwater world and coral reef.
KITEBOARDING DISCOVERY COURSE IN BORACAY
This tour will take you to the beautiful Bulabog Beach, located on the east side of Boracay Island.
Here, you’ll learn all about kiteboarding with experienced instructors who will teach you the basics.
You’ll be provided with all the necessary equipment such as a kiteboard, harness, wetsuit, and safety gear. The course also includes video analysis so that you can get feedback on your technique and improve your performance.
After completing the course, you’ll be able to confidently tackle more advanced kitesurfing challenges!
Did I mention that you’ll get an internationally recognized certificate from the International Kiteboarding Organization?!
Don’t miss your chance, this is an amazing Boracay activity you should add to your itinerary.
BEST BEACHES OF BORACAY
Now that you know what the 15 best activities in Boracay are, it’s time to discover the best beaches of Boracay!
PUKA BEACH
Puka Beach is not as popular as White Beach on Boracay, however, it is far from all the crowds in Boracay’s three stations making it one of the best beaches in Boracay.
The best way to get to Puka Beach is by tricycle or by habel habel. Another option is to take a day tour from White Beach which will likely include a stop at Puka Beach.
Puka Beach is different from any other beach in Boracay because of the abundance of crushed ‘Puka’ shells mixed with the white sand and corals.
Puka Beach stretches for 800 meters which means there is enough space for everyone to relax and hang out at the beach and it’s one of the best things to do on Boracay!
There are two parts to Puka Beach, one is on the far-left side and the other one is on the right side by the entrance to Puka Beach.
On the left, you will find a wide beach which is surrounded by a lot of green nature and tall palm trees.
On the right side, there is a small beach that has a very thin shoreline and that can only be visited during low tide.
The BEST Hotel in Boracay
Need a place to stay? Shangri-La Resort is conveniently located in Boracay.
Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Shangri-La Resort is a great option.
There are a few cliffs right next to shore which makes it a great place to find some spots in the shade when you need added protection from the sun.
You can rent beach chairs from the locals if you want but otherwise, there are plenty of spots to simply lay with your towel on the beach without having to pay a fee.
Puka Shell Beach is truly one of the best beaches of Boracay!
There are no clubs, resorts, and hotels around Puka Beach which makes it one of the most tranquil and authentic beaches in Boracay.
If you feel like a coconut, a drink, or a snack there are a couple of local vendors around, but it is recommended to bring your own picnic as they might charge you tourist prices.
At Puka Beach you can go for a stroll along the shoreline, go for a swim, or have a snorkeling adventure.
There is also a line-up of tall palm trees close to the shore which makes for a good Instagram-worthy photo!
Kayaking and paddleboarding are other popular Boracay activities at Puka Beach.
If you’re looking for a quiet and romantic place to watch the sunset then Puka Shell Beach is definitely the best option.
DINIWID BEACH
Diniwid Beach is around the corner from White Beach. Since Diniwid Beach hides behind a cliff wall, not many visitors that come to Boracay even know that it exists although it is possible to access it by foot from White Beach.
There is a concrete walkway along the cliffs that will take you from White Beach to Diniwid Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass by some small beaches and some rock pools where local kids are jumping from.
You’ll also walk past a statue of the Virgin Mary which is one of the emblems of Catholicism in Boracay.
What makes Diniwid Beach so unique is that it is surrounded by hills, rocks, and cliffs which makes it look like a little magical cove on Boracay Island.
There are plenty of small to mid-range resorts along the beachfront and along both hillsides if you wish to rent a room here for a night or two.
The water at Diniwid Beach appears to be even clearer than at White Beach perhaps because of the white sand bay that surrounds the water and its lush green hillside on either side.
It is a great beach for those that want to get away from the crowds at White Beach and in my opinion one of the best beaches in Boracay.
There are a couple of viewing platforms located at each of these beaches in Boracay which is accessible to the public in case you want to enjoy the view from above Diniwid Beach.
WHITE BEACH BORACAY
White Beach is the most popular beach in Boracay. The main attraction of White Beach is simply its beautiful clear water, wide beach, and sugary white sands.
There are also many hotels, restaurants, bars, and all types of water sports which can be found at White Beach in Boracay.
Many tourists like to swim here since the water is very calm and flat.
Early morning and early afternoon would be the best time to visit White Beach Boracay if you want to have the beach to yourself.
During the late afternoon and evening, most tourists come for a stroll along the beach walk or to enjoy happy hour cocktails at one of the bars.
Sunset time is when it gets most crowded at White Beach Boracay as every man, woman, child, and dog comes down to the shoreline to admire the sky turning purple, orange, and red.
Must Read: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
White Beach is divided into Stations 1, 2, and 3. However, when you’re walking along the beach you won’t notice the division of the beach into 3 parts.
If you get to White Beach by entering through Station 1 that is where you’ll find Willy’s Rock, one of Boracay’s famous landmarks.
There are also several luxurious beach resorts located on this end of the beach since the beach is wider here than in other stations.
At Station 2 you’ll find a lot of mid-range resorts and it is more crowded here since it is the center of the beach.
D’mall which is one of the biggest shopping malls in Boracay is also located in the middle of Station 2.
Station 3 hosts most budget accommodations and backpackers’ hostels.
It is one of the quietest stations and is surrounded by a lot of green nature which makes it one of the most peaceful stations.
BULABOG BEACH
Bulabog Beach is located on the eastern side of Boracay Island and is home to most of the water sports in Boracay.
If you’re looking to escape the busyness of White Beach, then Bulabog Beach is where you’ll want to go.
Bulabog Beach is a short 5-minute walk away from D’Mall which is located in the center of Boracay Island.
From May to October, it is the water sports center of Boracay and from November to April, you can enjoy the best kiteboarding and windsurfing experience of Boracay at Bulabog Beach.
Bulabog Beach, similar to White Beach has some of the most turquoise water found on the island, however, the beach on this side is much narrower.
Bulabog Beach is fringed with tall coconut palm trees swaying over the 2.5km long stretch of sand and it also faces east, making it one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Boracay!
Once you get to Bulabog Beach you’ll feel like you’re on a completely different island as you are away from the hustle and bustle of the other main Boracay tourist spots.
There are a few resorts and hotels at Bulabog Beach and the beach is protected on this side of Boracay Island by an offshore reef.
BORACAY ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS
Here are some useful travel tips to know when planning a trip to Boracay Island.
HOW TO GET TO BORACAY
Boracay Island is located in the central region of the Philippines.
There are only two ways to get to Boracay, one is by plane and the other by ferry.
BY PLANE:
There are daily flights to Boracay arriving at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH) in Caticlan, connecting domestic travelers from many destinations within the Philippines.
The most common flight routes are from Manila to Boracay and from Cebu to Boracay.
BY FERRY:
There are many ferries operating in and out of Boracay Island and the easiest way to book is online in advance.
The most popular route is the ferry from Manila to Boracay which departs Batangas Port around 9 pm and arrives in Boracay the following morning at around 6 am.
Visit the 12Go Asia website to search and book all of your transportation within the Philippines.
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CATICLAN AIRPORT TO BORACAY ISLAND:
When you arrive at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport Caticlan you have two options for reaching Caticlan Jetty Port to take the boat over to Boracay Island.
Option 1: Tricycle
As soon as you step foot out of Caticlan Airport there will be dozens of tricycles waiting to transfer you to Caticlan Jetty Port.
The cost of the tricycle ride is 35 pesos and it takes around 10 minutes to reach the port.
Option 2: Shared Van Transfer
If you prefer a bit more comfort and hassle-free transfers, you can book a shared van that includes door-to-door service from Caticlan Airport to your hotel in Boracay.
At Caticlan Jetty Port, each passenger heading over to Boracay must go through a security screening and show proof of their accommodation booking confirmation.
If you don’t have this ready to present to the officials, you may be denied entry to Boracay Island.
Each passenger must also pay the following fees:
- Terminal Fee: 150 pesos
- Environmental Fee: 300 pesos (150 for Filipinos)
- Boat ticket: 370 pesos
BEST TIME TO VISIT BORACAY
The best time to visit Boracay, weather-wise, is between April and July when temperatures are hot and there is barely any rainfall.
This is also high season in Boracay, so expect to see many tourists during these months.
I recommend planning your Boracay trip on the shoulder months of the high season between November and March which sees a bit of rainfall but usually only lasts for a couple of hours and the rest of the day is sunny.
Try to avoid the typhoon season in Boracay which is between August and October.
WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY
Boracay Island has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend.
Luxury: Shangri La’s Boracay Resort & Spa
Shangri La Boracay is a luxurious secluded hideaway located on the northwestern tip of the island featuring a private beach, 2 outdoor swimming pools, multiple restaurants/bars, and a relaxation spa.
There are twin rooms, king rooms, deluxe rooms, family rooms, and villas available to choose from.
Each one is spacious, modern, comfortable, and fitted with air-conditioning, a private pool/hot tub, flat screen TV, and a balcony.
Buffet breakfast and van transfers are also included for all guests. Perfect place to stay for couples, families, and friends!
Mid Range: Ferra Hotel & Garden Suites
Ferra Hotel is centrally located in station 2 and within walking distance to D-Mall, nearby cafes and bars, White Beach, and Bulabog Beach.
Ferra Hotel features a rooftop pool and a bar with incredible views, an in-house restaurant serving up lunch and dinner options, free wifi, and van transfers from the port.
The rooms are modern and fitted with a flat-screen TV, large bed, minibar, and private bathroom.
Perfect place to stay for couples, friends, and families!
Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel Boracay
The best budget accommodation for solo travelers visiting Boracay. Mad Monkey Hostel is situated in station 2 and close to the best beaches, D-Mall, cafes, and the buzzing nightlife area.
Choose from either a dorm room, double room, or triple room which has air-conditioning, a balcony, and pool views.
Go for a dip in the pool and grab a beer at the bar, there is always something at Mad Monkey hostel Boracay!
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN BORACAY, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
MAP OF BORACAY
WHAT TO PACK FOR BORACAY
When visiting the Philippines and planning what to do in Boracay 2023, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!
Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!
Quick-Dry Travel Towel
The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!
Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
More Philippines Travel Guides
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FINAL THOUGHTS – ACTIVITIES IN BORACAY
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
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Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
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THANKS FOR READING
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