Things To Do
in Boracay

Boracay is a small tropical island in the Philippines renowned for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. The long stretch of White Beach forms the visual heart of the island, lined with bars, restaurants, and markets that come alive at sunset. The island blends resort-style comforts with relaxed beach life, offering both relaxation and water-based adventures.

Visitors should practice responsible tourism to help preserve its beauty for future generations.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and White Beach Exploration
morning
:

Touch down in Boracay and feel the warm tropical breeze as you make your way to your beachfront accommodation. Drop off your bags, slip on flip-flops, and head straight to White Beach for a leisurely stroll along its powdery shores. Sample a fresh coconut water from a beachside vendor and let the calming waves set the pace for your getaway.

afternoon
:

Settle into a beach chair under a colorful umbrella and enjoy a light lunch of local seafood ceviche and grilled corn from nearby stalls. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or rent a kayak to explore the shoreline at your own pace. Watch parasailers drift high above as you relax and soak in the sun.

evening
:

As the sun dips below the horizon, head to one of the beachfront restaurants for a sumptuous dinner of grilled fish and fresh tropical fruit salads. Sip on a signature cocktail while listening to the gentle rhythm of acoustic guitar from live performers. End your first night with a leisurely moonlit walk along the sand, feeling the sand between your toes and the promise of adventures ahead.

day 2
Island Hopping Adventure
morning
:

Rise early and fuel up with a tropical fruit platter and strong local coffee before boarding a traditional outrigger boat for your island-hopping tour. Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise toward the first stop at Puka Shell Beach, famous for its delicate shells and quieter ambiance. Snap photos of the stunning cliffside views while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

afternoon
:

Lunch is served on a floating bamboo raft by crystal-clear waters at Crocodile Island, where you can snorkel among vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. Let the warm sun energize you as you swim with schools of colorful fish and discover hidden underwater caves. Afterward, head to Magic Island for an adrenaline-pumping cliff jump or simply lounge on the sunbaked rocks.

evening
:

Return to White Beach in time to catch a fiery sunset painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Share stories with fellow travelers at a beach bar over fresh grilled prawns and ice-cold San Miguel beer. Wrap up the evening under the stars with a casual beach bonfire and live acoustic performances.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee$2-5
🚖Taxi/Tricycle ride within town$3-7
🏖️Beach chair/umbrella rental$5-10
🍺Local beer$2-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • World-class white-sand beaches and clear waters
  • Vibrant dining, nightlife, and market scene
  • Crowds and higher prices during peak season
  • Environmental pressures on the island demand responsible tourism
  • "Kumusta?" - Hello / How are you?
  • "Salamat" - Thank you
  • "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
  • "Saan ang ...?" - Where is the ...?
  • "Paki-tulong po" - Please help

Places to Visit in Boracay

Visit one of these nice places.

Willy's Rock, Station 1

Iconic rock formation just off the sand, particularly photogenic at sunset.

Mt. Luho Viewpoint

Highest point on the island offering sweeping panoramic views of the coastline and inland areas.

Diniwid Beach Cliffs

A quieter cove with dramatic cliffs and golden-hour light for landscape shots.

Crocodile Island Snorkel Spot

Clear turquoise water, vibrant coral heads, and colorful reef life near the island’s reef edge.

Puka Beach Sandbar

Less crowded shoreline with shells, long sandy stretch, and sea views.

Culinary Guide

Food in Boracay

Boracay’s cuisine highlights fresh seafood, Filipino classics, and international fare, all enjoyed with views of the sea or from lively markets.

Boracay Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kinilaw

Filipino ceviche—raw fish cured in vinegar, lime, onions, chili, and coconut or ginger.

Must-Try!

Chori-Pa

Garlic fried rice with chorizo; a hearty crowd-pleaser often found at local eateries.

Adobo

Savory marinated meat dish, commonly served with steamed rice.

Inihaw na Isda

Grilled local fish served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Seafood Platter

Freshly caught seafood presented as a shareable feast.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Talipapa Market

Wet market where you pick seafood and have it cooked at nearby stalls.

D’Mall street stalls

Casual grills and snacks along the beachfront promenade.

Market stalls near Station 3

Fresh fruits, street snacks, and casual eateries.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is tropical year-round with a warm-to-hot profile. Bottom-line temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (24–35°C), with humidity high most of the year. The island experiences distinct wet and dry seasons and is sometimes affected by tropical storms. Sun protection and hydration are essential most days.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Beach etiquette

Keep beaches clean, avoid loud behavior at night near residential areas, and respect local life and vendors.

Dress code

Casual beachwear on the sand is fine; cover-ups when away from the beach and in town streets; shoes recommended in some eateries.

Respect for locals

Ask before taking close-up photos of people; support local businesses and avoid littering.

Safety Guide

Safety

Typical safety concerns include petty theft in crowded areas and strong ocean currents; swim at designated beaches and heed lifeguards. Use reputable tour operators for boat trips and water activities. Carry water, apply sunscreen, and keep valuables secure; beware of scams or overly aggressive vendors in busy areas.

Tipping in Boracay

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants often add a service charge; if not, 10-15% is customary for good service. Small tips to guides and staff are appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; many places also take debit/credit cards and some mobile wallets, especially in resorts and larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Nov–Feb)

Dry season with pleasant temperatures; peak crowds and higher prices, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Late Dry Season (Mar–Apr)

Very sunny and hot; stay hydrated, seek shade, and use strong sun protection.

Wet Season (May–Oct)

Occasional heavy showers and tropical rain; seas can be rougher, but there are fewer crowds and better deals.

Shoulder (Oct–Nov)

Quieter period with occasional rain; good for discounts and a more relaxed visit.

Nightlife Guide

Boracay at Night

Boracay’s nightlife centers on White Beach with beachfront bars, live music, and occasional fire shows. Stations 1 through 3 offer a mix of laid-back lounges, modern clubs, and casual beachside spots, with dancing, sunset views, and late-night eats favored by both locals and tourists.

Hiking in Boracay

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mt. Luho Trail

Trail to Boracay's highest viewpoint with sweeping views of the island and ocean.

Puka Shell Beach Trail

Scenic route to a quieter beach with views of the coast and sea life along the way.

Airports

How to reach Boracay by plane.

Kalibo International Airport (KLO)

Main gateway for many Boracay visitors with multiple domestic and some international flights; transfer to Caticlan via land and short boat ride.

Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH) - Caticlan

Closer island airport with shorter transfer to White Beach; serves domestic flights and some regional routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

The White Beach area is highly walkable with a continuous beachfront promenade; sidewalks exist but some sections can be crowded and uneven, especially at sunset. Internal travel between stations is easy on foot, by tricycle, or by electric shuttle; longer distances may require a short ride.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Tourists

Mix of domestic and international visitors spanning families, couples, backpackers, and luxury travelers.

Locals

Residents, fishermen, and market vendors who support the tourism-driven economy.

Expats

Long-term travelers and workers who stay seasonally or year-round in resort areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

The most popular sport among locals and visitors; spontaneous games and courts are common around resort areas.

Kite surfing/Windsurfing

Bulabog Beach is known for wind sports when conditions are favorable, especially in season.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic on Boracay is limited to tricycles, electric shuttles, and pedestrians; peak times at sunset can be congested around White Beach and boat landings. Public transport is minimal outside the main beach areas; consider rental options or organized tours for longer hops.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Boracay.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many spots offer veggie dishes; ask for no fish sauce or meat stock and look for tofu, veggie stir-fries, or pinakbet-style options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

On-island healthcare includes clinics and a hospital (Boracay Medical Center and other clinics); for more serious emergencies, care can be accessed on the mainland in Kalibo or via airlift to larger cities; plan ahead if you have ongoing medical needs.

Discover Philippines

Read more in our Philippines 2025 Travel Guide.

Philippines Travel Guide