Boracay is the summer destination for Filipinos and intrepid travelers who find their way in this island paradise.

Boracay is a developed tourist destination unlike any other place in the Philippines. There are bars, high-end resorts, restaurants, a mall, and souvenir shops along white beach. But despite the island’s developed façade, visitors can still enjoy nature’s natural wonder.

A Rundown Of Boracay Activites

Boracay has been dubbed as one of the world’s best beaches because of its fine, white sand, and alluring beauty. The tropical island has transformed into the perfect tourist destination in a decade’s time. Airlines, international and local, have opened flights to the nearest port in Caticlan and, a bit further out, in Kalibo. The many airlines transporting passenger to and from Boracay have kept the small island busy year round.

As a tourist haven, Boracay has plenty of attractions and things to do for the tourist and intrepid traveler. Here are some of the things you can do while in Boracay:

Ariels Point

One of the most exhilarating activities you can do on the island is cliff diving. The most popular spot for cliff diving is in Ariel’s Point. Jump off a cliff as low as 5 meters or as high as 15 meters! Down a few drinks that is included in the package to muster enough courage to jump off a cliff 15 meters high. Get to meet other travelers who enjoy this riveting activity whether they are from the other side of the world.

*Rates for cliff diving in Ariel’s Point are at P1600 per person that includes buffet lunch, boat transfers, unlimited drinks, and full use of facilities.

Island Hopping

A visit to any island in the Philippines would be incomplete without island hopping. Island hopping is one of the most popular activities in Boracay. Aside from lounging around and beach bumming in White Beach, visit Puka Beach, Tambisaan Beach, and Crocodile Island during an island hopping adventure. Most tours come with lunch. Booking an island hopping tour costs around P1000 to P3000 per boat; it is best to travel with friends to save money.

Scuba Diving

The Philippines has one of the most diverse underwater ecosystems in the world, Boracay’s waters are no different. Have your breath taken away by beautiful and colorful corals and be greeted by all sorts of marine life as you dive beneath the turquoise waters of Boracay. For beginners, a diving course with one dive costs P3500, the session lasts 3 to 4 hours. For diving license holders, a dive costs P1600.

Beach Bumming & Sunset Viewing

One of the best things (and free) things you can do while in Boracay is lounge around its fine, white sand beaches and watch the sunset. Despite the commercialism and droves of tourists coming and going, you can still see and enjoy vestiges of Boracay’s natural beauty. The calm and clear waters are perfect for swimming whether you are trained for the Olympics or have little to no knowledge of any swimming strokes. With bars and restaurants close by and plenty of activities, Boracay’s White Beach is the ideal place for swimming for all kinds of travelers.

Aside from beach bumming on White Beach, Boracay’s iconic sunset is a must-see. The red hues outline the traditional paraws that flutter about the beach’s waters are a sight to behold. With drink on hand and the fine, white sand between your toes, the sunset and its explosion of colors will complete your stay on the island.

Parasailing

If jumping off a cliff isn’t enough of a thrill ride for you, try flying above the waters instead. Parasailing is one of the exciting activities you can try while in Boracay. Strap on a parachute and get ready to be whisked away by a speedboat during your holiday on the island. Fly high above the beach’s waters and get a bird’s eye view of the island. Parasailing can cost you P750 to P2500 per person depending on the size of your group.

Paraw Sailing

A paraw is a traditional outrigger boat that has two sails. Ride the paraw and learn how to navigate the waters of Boracay. Let the wind take you to the most scenic spots on the island. You can also catch the breathtaking sunset of Boracay aboard a paraw. The rates for paraw sailing range from P1000 to P1500 per person.

ATV Riding

If you are itching to get on a four-wheeled ATV, Boracay provides this activity for you! Ride an ATV and get on the dirt roads to discover the natural wonders that Boracay has to offer. Visit beaches or go up the highest point on the island, Mount Luho. Dismount from the ATV to get a breathtaking view of the island’s beaches such as Bulabog and Lapuz-Lapuz. You can rent an ATV for approximately P1000 per unit.

Pub Crawl

Boracay’s charm isn’t just the beautiful and tantalizing beaches. Once the sun sets, Boracay is the perfect place to party and have fun. The numerous restaurants and bars lining the shore of White Beach caters to everyone who wants to have fun. Join the pub crawls, make new friends, and drink till you can’t drink anymore. Pub crawls are a great way to meet travelers from different parts of the world. Watch fire dances or dance the night away in the Philippines’ party island.

Pigging Out

So you’ve tried the pub crawls and jumped off a cliff, don’t miss out on the scrumptious food that Boracay has to offer. The island has a wide selection of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine from Italian to Filipino to Japanese. You can eat all sorts of seafood and courses from different parts of the globe when you spend your holiday in Boracay.

Boracay is the complete package when it comes to a holiday on a tropical island. Boracay has plenty to offer all kinds of travelers seeking various activities. The many restaurants and bars provide all sorts of food and entertainment for travelers looking for night life or culinary adventure.

Boracay is recognized as one of the best beaches in the world. The recognition comes as no surprise because of its fine, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and natural beauty.

Gone are the days when Boracay was a virgin island that hardly got any visitors, but despite the crowds and many developments sprouting out of the woodwork, the island still has a rustic charm that one won’t see in popular tropical destinations such as Kuta in Bali and Phuket in Thailand.

Best Time Time To Travel To Boracay

Changing Seasons

Boracay’s immense popularity has made it the vacation destination not only for local tourists looking for some sun and sand, but also foreign tourists who want the same. Boracay’s popularity has made finding cheap flights a daunting task you must book several months in advance just to sniff a cheap flight that takes you directly to Caticlan. The island is busy year-round, even if it is rainy or shoulder season.

Rainy Day Getaway

The rainy season won’t deter beach lovers from going to Boracay. Despite the storm signals and rains, Filipinos and foreigners alike go to Boracay to get their daily dose of vitamin sea. Boracay is still busy and bustling with activity even in rainy season. The fine, white sand and majestic sunset are far too irresistible to miss, even when the weather is gloomy. But finding your own cozy spot on the island is easier when you visit during rainy season. Find a spot with a few people while you think about and do nothing on Puka Beach, or just gaze at the paraws’ silhouette amidst the island’s golden sunset.

Summer Fun

The best time (albeit most crowded) to visit Boracay is during the summer. Despite the deluge of people heading to Boracay, this island paradise is still at its most beautiful during the summer months of March to early June. The blue waters, breathtaking sunsets, powdery white sand, and dozens of activities all make Boracay the summer vacation destination in the Philippines. The crowds, the pub crawls, the pumping music, and the infamous LaBoracay, are the vessels that pump blood into the island’s beating heart. The bigger crowds make it easier to make new friends to help you get another drink in during pub crawls or muster enough courage to take the 10m to 15m plunge in Ariel’s Point.

Christmas & New Year’s Mayhem

The Philippines has an extended Christmas season as soon as November starts all the way till the first few weeks of January. What better way to spend the holidays than spending a night, two, no a week in the Philippines’ premier island destination. The Christmas season, a few days before Christmas Eve till a few days after New Year’s, is peak season in Boacay, loads of tourists looking to soak up some sun, sand, and get a glimpse of Boracay’s iconic sunset.

Boracay Must-Dos

Cliff Diving

For adrenaline-junkies, Boracay has the ultimate activity — cliff diving! Take the plunge from 10 feet all the way up to more than 50 feet in Ariel’s Point. This exhilarating activity will help you wash away all the stress and worries you have.

Sunset Watching

Boracay has an iconic and unforgettable sunset. The shadows of paraws serve as the foreground to an explosion of orangey red sunset. Watch the sun go down as you sip your favorite drink with loved ones in tow.

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is a fun and exciting extreme sport that combines a little bit of paragliding and wakeboarding. Ride across Boracay’s azure waters as you shift from gliding on water to soaring to dizzying heights.

Beach Hopping

If you’re tired of white beach (or of the crowds) head out to Puka Shell, Diniwid, and/or Bulabog Beach. These beaches offer vestiges of life before Boracay became the most popular island destination in the Philippines.

No matter the season, Boracay is an ideal getaway for family and friends. Whether you are chilling by the beach, or putting on your daredevil hat by cliff diving in Ariel’s Point, Boracay is a must-visit island paradise year-round.

Festivals in Boracay

Boracay isn’t just about the powdery sand, clear blue waters, or the many activities. There are festivals that showcase the island’s spirit before the crowds came.

Ati-Atihan Festival

The Ati-Atihan Festival is celebrated in the month of January. The festival honors Santo Nino and is also a reflection of the pre-Christian traditions and culture of the Ati people who live on the island. The Atis apply paint on their bodies and wear traditional costumes as they dance and march to the music of beating drums all while carrying figures of Santo Nino and other saints. Locals and tourists alike can join in on the celebration.

Boracay Sand Lantern Festival

If you think ice sculptures are cool, Boracay has its own version — the Boracay Sand Lantern Festival. The festival celebrates creative zeal by allowing artists to create their own sand castles using the island’s fine, white powdery sand.

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat racing is fast-becoming a popular sport on the island. The Boracay Dragon Boat Festival pits the best rowers against each other to discover the best team. Teams are put to the test as they unite to win the ultimate prize.

Yapak Fiesta

Yapak translates into ‘walking barefoot’. The Yapak Fiesta is a local cultural celebration wherein ancient traditions and folklore are celebrated by the Boracaynons. The highlights of the fiesta are parades and dances that showcase ancient traditions.

Boracay Food Festival

The Boracay Food Festival is one of the most anticipated festivals on the island. The food fest showcases scrumptious national specialties and delectable regional dishes for foodies. The showcase is accompanied by music and dancing. The culminating event of the festival is a cooking competition similar to the popular show ‘Iron Chef’. Watch culinary experts duke it out to create the best tasting dishes on the island.

Travel isn’t just about seeing beautiful places it is also experiencing something different. Boracay isn’t just about the pub crawls, the sunsets, and the powdery sand beach, the island has festivals that show its unique culture. Boracay has a nice mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities and cultural festivities to quench the thirst for travel.