Friends, Welcome! Boracay looks tiny on a map and enormous in memories. This seven-kilometer stunner stacks powdery beaches, turquoise shallows, and breezy adventures into easy days.

Fly to Caticlan (best) or Kalibo (budget), hop a short transfer to Cagban Jetty, and you're minutes from palm shade and warm water. Below: what to do, what it costs, and how to flow island-smart.

Arrival Tips

From Caticlan Airport, trike to the port ($2–3, 5–10 minutes), environmental/terminal fees ($2–3), ferry to Cagban ($1–2, 10–15 minutes), then e-trike to your stay ($3–6). From Kalibo, shared vans run $8–12, 1.5–2 hours to the port. Many hotels bundle transfers—ask when booking.

White Beach

Four kilometers of soft sand and calm water split into Stations 1–3. Station 1 skews quieter and upscale; Station 2 is shopping/food central; Station 3 feels mellow and leafy. Sunbed sets run $6–10/day; coconut stalls $1–2. Go early for mirror-flat water; return at dusk for cinematic sunsets.

Bulabog Wind

Just 1 km across the island, Bulabog Beach is the kite hub (best winds roughly Nov–Apr). Beginner lessons start around $80–120 for a half day, gear included. Not riding? It's still a fun watch, and accommodations here are often 15–25% cheaper than White Beach.

Puka Shell

Northside Puka Beach trades crowds for space. Fewer shops, more sky. Bring water, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. Trike from Station 2 is $4–6 one-way; loungers $4–6 if available. Great for unhurried swims and shell-spotting along the tideline.

Diniwid Pause

A compact cove with guesthouses steps from the sea. Expect coral rock outcrops, gentle wading, and a laid-back pace. It's a short coastal walk from Station 1 at low tide; otherwise a quick trike ($2–3). Ideal for slow mornings and photo stops.

Zipline Views

No hike required: ride the cable car up, then fly down face-first on a harness. The course is short, the vista wide. Package prices hover around $20–30; set aside an hour including transfers and setup. Kids and first-timers usually love it.

Zorb Ride

Roll downhill in a giant inflatable for 30–45 seconds of pure giggles. It's silly, safe, and surprisingly scenic. Expect $10–15 per run; combo tickets with the zipline can save 10–15%. Wear swimwear or quick-dry clothes.

Island Hop

Join a shared catamaran or bangka for 5–6 hours of snorkeling and sand time. Common stops: Balinghai, Crystal Cove, Crocodile Island (named for its shape), and Puka. Tours are $18–30 with buffet lunch (think grilled chicken or fish, salads, tropical fruit) and gear. Bring small bills for marine fees ($1–2 at some sites).

Parasailing

For a quick adrenaline-plus-panorama fix, go tandem parasailing. Walk-up spots are easy; rides cost $25–35 for 10–15 minutes in the air, total boat time 45 minutes. Morning flights are smoother; sunset flights are stunning.

Mermaid Class

Slip on a monofin tail and learn dolphin-kick basics, breath control, and safe posing. It's playful, photos are included, and classes welcome all ages who can swim. Expect $25–40 for a 60–90-minute session.

Scuba & Freedive

April–June brings warm water and 30–50 m visibility. Intro dives run $45–65 (1 dive); Open Water courses $320–420. For breath-hold fans, a beginner freedive day course is $90–150 covering safety, equalization, and technique. Currents are usually mild—great for learners.

Ilig Iligan

Hire a trike from Station 2 ($4–6, 15 minutes) to this quieter arc of sand. You'll find simple bamboo loungers, clear water, and a no-rush vibe. Pack snacks and plenty of water; vendors are limited.

Crystal Cove

A 20-minute hop from the main island, this small stop mixes pocket beaches with quirky trails and sea-cut tunnels. Entrance $3–5; allow 1–2 hours within a day tour. Wear sturdy sandals for cave steps, and keep your camera handy.

Ariel's Point

Day trips bundle boat transfers, buffet lunch, and cliff jumps from roughly 3–15 m (plus kayaking and snorkeling). Prices run $45–60. Start on lower platforms, keep arms tight on entry, and skip jumps if swells are high—there's plenty else to do on site.

Cook Local

Join a Filipino cooking class with a quick market run, then prep two mains, an appetizer, and dessert. Typical menus feature chicken or fish adobo, vegetable sides, and mango sweets. Classes cost $35–55, last 3–4 hours, and include recipes to take home.

D'Mall Finds

Between White and Bulabog, D'Mall strings together open-air lanes of swimsuit shops, flip-flop stands, beach toys, and souvenir stalls. Expect fair pricing, with room for gentle haggling on handicrafts. For snacks, grab fresh fruit shakes ($2–3), noodles ($3–5), or seafood rice bowls ($4–7).

Massage Time

From beachside huts ($8–12/hour) to serene villas ($40–70 for 90 minutes), massage is part of the Boracay rhythm. Signature blends often mix Swedish strokes, light stretching, and gentle lymphatic work. Book evening sessions after salt and sun; hydrate well before and after.

Stay & Move

- Where to stay: Station 1 for quiet and space ($90–220 resorts), Station 2 for center-stage ($60–120 mids), Station 3 for value and greenery ($40–90).

- Getting around: E-trikes are everywhere ($2–6 typical fares). Many lanes are walkable; bring comfy sandals.

- Season: Dry months (Nov–May) are prime; shoulder weeks (late May/early June) mean fewer crowds and warm water.

Gentle Reminders

Use reef-safe sunscreen, skip touching corals, and pack out what you bring in. Card is accepted widely, but small bills speed up island life. For popular tours, morning departures are calmer and cooler.

Wrap-Up

Boracay rewards both planners and wanderers—soft-sand mornings, water-bright afternoons, and memory-rich detours in between. Which will you claim first: a glassy-calm swim at sunrise, a wind-pushed glide on Bulabog, or a mermaid-fin photo and a mango shake to toast the day?