Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Boracay, Philippines

One of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Visayas, located 350 kilometers south of Manila, is the stunning island of Boracay. This location serves as a picturesque retreat for honeymooners, a key destination for kite surfers, and a dream locale for all types of travelers.

Only 7 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, one can quickly grasp the layout of this dog bone-shaped island. Boracay boasts 13 beaches, each surpassing the last in beauty. The two primary beaches—White Beach and Bulabog Beach—are connected by a 1-kilometer path that features shopping, dining options, and accommodations.

Travelers can fly into either Kalibo Airport or Caticlan Airport on the island of Panay. From the airport, public transport or a brief taxi ride to the ferry terminal is available. Many hotels offer services that include pickup and ferry tickets. Expect to see numerous locals selling boat tickets at the airport; simply follow their direction. You will then be transported to Cagban Jetty, where you will board a ferry to Boracay, officially commencing your vacation.

Let us delve into the top activities in Boracay:

1. Ariel’s Point

Overcome your fear of heights during a full day of cliff diving and aquatic sports. A longtail boat will transport you and other adventure-seeking travelers to Ariel’s Point, from where you will ascend the rocky steps to the main deck, marking the beginning of your fun-filled day.

There are 3 diving planks available, ranging from 3 meters to 15 meters. Start with a gentle Pencil Dive to avoid making excessive noise upon entering the water.

If you prefer to enjoy the water without diving, you can climb the cliff using a bamboo ladder. Sign up for Ariel’s day pass, which includes snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding, along with a lunch buffet and an open bar for some added courage.

2. White Beach

Boracay’s main beach, known as White Beach, features powder-soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and refreshing coconuts.

This 4-kilometer stretch is divided into three sections: Boat Station 1, Boat Station 2, and Boat Station 3. Hotels and restaurants utilize these boat stations as reference points. Station 1 is recognized as the upscale area; Station 2 is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops; and Station 3 offers a more tranquil environment away from nightlife. Choose according to your preference.

3. Kite Surf on Bulabog Beach

This beach’s strong winds make it a kite surfer’s paradise. Throughout the day, you can witness kite surfers catching impressive air. Visit one of the many kite surfing establishments along the shore to acquire lessons and equipment.

Even if you do not plan to surf, Bulabog Beach is conveniently located just 1 km from White Beach, making it an easy stroll if you are interested in observing kite surfers in action.

Another advantage is that accommodations here are generally more affordable compared to the opposite side of the island!

4. Puka Shell Beach (Yapak Beach)

Situated on the northern part of the island, Puka Shell Beach offers a level of privacy often absent from other well-known beaches. This is perhaps due to its less vibrant sand or the limited availability of food and beverages that results in fewer tourists than White Beach.

You will find no more than a few guesthouses and cabanas available for relaxation at Puka Shell Beach. Engage in sand play to uncover shells and crabs, take a leisurely walk, or enjoy a quiet swim while relishing the tranquility.

5. Diniwid Beach

Head over to Diniwid Beach to discover its appealing accommodations right by the water! You can observe catamarans sailing in and out of the turquoise waters from your window. With large coral rock formations to climb and charming cabanas to relax under, this beach offers a wonderful experience.

While not the largest beach on the island, it provides a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing, which is the essence of your visit, right?

6. Zipline Boracay

Experience breathtaking views of the entire island without the need for strenuous hiking! Visit the zipline park, where a cage-like gondola will elevate you. Harnessed on your belly, you will ascend at high speeds down to the bottom.

This is a brief zipline, allowing you to enjoy this thrilling adventure without dedicating an entire day to it, while also reveling in stunning coastal views.

7. Ride the Zorb

Have you ever encountered zorbing? Here’s how it works: a large plastic ball sits atop a steep hill. A person climbs inside, is secured, and is then propelled down a slope, rolling through grass paths like an outdoor bowling ball while bouncing around inside. Meanwhile, friends await at the bottom, ready to be struck by the enormous rolling zorb. It’s sheer madness.

You can participate in this exhilarating activity at Zipline Boracay, whether just for the zorb or as part of a package with the zipline.

8. Go Island Hopping

Join an all-day, 6-hour island hopping expedition aboard a classic catamaran, staffed by a professional captain and attentive crew.

Most island tours visit common destinations such as Balinghai Beach, Crystal Cove, Crocodile Island, West Cove, and Puka Beach.

Expect a day filled with snorkeling, diving into the water from the boat, sunbathing on the deck, and disembarking to explore various locations. A lunch buffet featuring fresh mango, grilled chicken, sides, and beverages will keep your energy sustained.

Tours of this nature are available throughout the island, offered by hotels, tourist information desks, or by local vendors distributing flyers.

9. Parasail

From any lounge chair or barstool on White Beach, you can gaze upon the water and observe parasails launching travelers into the sky, as a large parachute is towed behind a swift speedboat. Not only is it exhilarating to ascend into the air at high speeds, but the views of the island from above are truly remarkable.

There is no necessity to arrange a parasail excursion days in advance, as multiple operators are prepared to assist you throughout the day. Simply approach the beach, and you will be offered a tour without needing to inquire.

10. Boracay Pub Crawl

Looking to meet new individuals on the island? Interested in discovering the best pubs this paradise has to offer? The Boracay Pub Crawl is an ideal opportunity.

This vibrant event has been successful for nearly a decade, continuously evolving without diminishing its allure. Join the tour as you visit five bars, partake in games, and enjoy beverages at each venue. The pub crawl’s motto, “turning strangers into friends,” rings true; you will gain companions for the duration of your stay and new allies for your adventures.

11. Bat Caves

When you embark on a Bat Cave adventure, you can expect more than merely bats and caves. To reach the bat caves, you will traverse a beautiful jungle environment. Following a well-trodden dirt path, you will arrive at a man-made cave carved into the cliff centuries ago, which has since become a refuge for bats. Hundreds can be seen clinging to the cave’s roof, occasionally fluttering about.

Some tours offer boat transport to the bat caves should that be your preference.

12. Steampunk Boracay Bite Club Burgers

Arrive with a hearty appetite. The burgers at Bite Club Burgers are undoubtedly the juiciest and most delectable available, not only on this island but throughout the country.

The menu operates under a “build your own burger” concept, allowing customers to select their buns, cooking preferences, toppings, and a variety of sauces like Cheddar Cheese Cream or Hickory Smoked Barbeque Sauce.

Bite Club Burgers also offers different burger sizes, including the substantial Triple X burger, which weighs in at 1lb, large enough for 2-3 people to share. Order if you dare!

13. Tirta Signature Massage

You have never experienced a massage as relaxing, detoxifying, and soul-refreshing as the one offered at Tirta Signature Massage. Their 1.5-hour signature massage combines various massage techniques: Swedish Massage, foot reflexology, therapeutic aroma massage, and a process called “lymphatic drainage,” where pressure is applied to your lymph nodes to release toxins. Afterward, return to reality while enjoying a cup of homemade ginger tea.

This massage is particularly suited for couples, as it takes place in a romantic villa setting, complete with an outdoor bathtub and rain shower. The surrounding atmosphere features a koi pond, soft music, and lush greenery. It is a truly exquisite experience.

14. Filipino Cooking Class

Depart with more than just a Boracay tote bag; acquire cooking skills that will last a lifetime! Participate in a morning cooking class, accompanying a Filipino chef to the morning market to gather fresh ingredients for the kitchen.

Learn to prepare two main dishes, an appetizer, and a dessert. The most enjoyable aspect is that you will get to savor your creations for lunch! Most of these classes also include complimentary beers or soft drinks to accompany your meal.

Moreover, participants will often receive either a printed or digital cookbook to preserve Filipino culinary traditions.

15. Do Some Shopping

Handicraft stores and clothing retailers line the walkway between White Beach and Bulabog Beach. This open-air market, commonly referred to as ‘D Mall,’ features souvenirs such as paintings, jewelry, and the ever-popular Boracay refrigerator magnet. Numerous shops offer essential beachwear, including flip-flops, bathing suits, and clothing items, as well as beach accessories like floating rafts and buckets for building sandcastles.

Additionally, you will discover various Western foods such as French fries and sandwiches, alongside ‘lechon,’ a roasted whole pig that is a local delicacy.

16. Learn to Freedive

Freediving is essentially the art of diving down into the ocean while mastering breath control and retention for extended periods. It may sound intimidating, even impossible, but with highly skilled and passionate instructors, you may surpass your expectations regarding your physical abilities.

A variety of shops on the island provide freediving courses, teaching techniques that enable you to dive without scuba gear, explore depth limits, and learn more about this exhilarating activity. You can enroll in either a beginner or an advanced freediving course.

17. Ilig Iligan Beach

Take a tricycle taxi from Station 2 on White Beach to reach the idyllic Ilig Iligan Beach. This hidden gem remains relatively unknown to tourists, providing ample space and attentive service for your enjoyment!

The shoreline is lined with a few grass hut cabanas and bamboo lounge chairs. Unroll your towel, order a fresh coconut from local vendors, and thoroughly appreciate this serene escape. The sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters lend an enchanting quality to this locale, leaving one to wonder why more tourists do not flock here.

18. Go Scuba Diving

Visit the island between April and June for an opportunity to experience some of the most exceptional diving of your life. During this period, the water temperature is pleasantly warm, and visibility ranges between 30-50 meters. With a tropical coral reef housing more diversity than any other region, you can expect to encounter sharks, tunas, rays, along with countless colorful fish.

The island has an abundance of dive shops offering similar packages and visiting comparable dive sites, allowing you to explore multiple options for the best deals.

With mild ocean currents, Boracay serves as an ideal location for beginners seeking to complete their open water diving certification.

19. Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy

Your dream of becoming a mermaid can come true on Boracay. Slip into a mermaid tail, transforming your legs into graceful scales that enable smooth movement through water while turning your feet into powerful fins propelling you to extraordinary depths.

The Mermaid Swimming Academy promises a fun, creative, and enjoyable experience that will surely leave you with a smile. Certified mermaid instructors from the International Mermaid Swimming Instructors Association will teach you how to swim, pose, and move like a mermaid, along with providing ample opportunities for photographs.

20. Island Nature Tour

Boracay Adventures Company provides an insightful look into the island’s wildlife through a 2-hour tour. You will explore inaccessible areas that are otherwise beyond reach on foot. The tour includes a visit to the highest mountain on the island, granting incredible vistas that reveal the island’s unique outline.

A wildlife center, housing freshwater crocodiles, spiders, birds, and monkeys, will also be included in your visit. Tour guides will highlight fascinating flora and fauna, sharing interesting facts about the island’s biodiversity. The tour concludes at Puka Shell Beach, where you can witness a beautiful sunset.

21. Willy’s Rock

Unique geological features such as Willy’s Rock contribute to Boracay’s distinctiveness. From Station 1 on White Beach, you will observe a large volcanic rock a short distance from the shore, often frequented by visitors. Upon closer inspection, locals have crafted stairs into the rock, which is adorned with a sizable Catholic statue.

Photographers are drawn to Willy’s Rock due to its peculiar structure, making it an ideal subject for stunning photographs. Additionally, enchanting photo opportunities arise at sunset when the rock casts a magical shadow over the water.

22. Crocodile Island

Rest assured, this island is devoid of actual crocodiles! Approaching the island, you will notice its shape and texture resemble that of a large crocodile, largely due to its vegetation. Surrounding the island is some of the finest snorkeling to be found in Boracay. The reef remains intact as it has evaded construction, making it a tranquil paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts.

23. Crystal Cove Island

Located just 20 minutes from the mainland, Crystal Cove Island features pristine white sandy beaches, unique huts, play areas, and scattered sculptures. As you arrive, it may resemble an abandoned tropical camp due to the dilapidated structures, which contribute to its charming character.

While there, you can engage in snorkeling or investigate some of the island’s caves that house fascinating crystal formations. Some caves lead to dead ends, while others serve as passageways that link to different parts of the island; hence, it is an experience worth undertaking.

24. Smoke Hookah

Kasbah Moroccan Restaurant provides cozy seating directly on the beach, where you can indulge in hookah while enjoying the sunset. The staff are knowledgeable regarding the various hookah flavors and are happy to suggest combinations. They are also diligent in maintaining the coals, ensuring they remain consistently heated.

You can also order exquisite Moroccan dishes, including delectable mezze plates. The establishment offers an array of cocktails, beers, and often features live music.

25. Fusion Sports Bar

Experience a lively atmosphere at Fusion Sports Bar, where you can eat, drink, socialize, and relax. The culinary offerings here, notably their chicken wings, are excellent. After a long day in the sun, unwind on beanbag chairs while watching a movie on the projector.

The bar features large flat screens showcasing sports events round-the-clock, best enjoyed with a bucket of beer. Beer pong and billiards tables create a vibrant and social atmosphere. Join for poker night to meet new people or come to BBQ night, where they serve whole roasted pig (lechon).

The owners frequently mingle with guests, adding a personal touch to the experience.