Boracay Island is a major tourist destination in the Philippines, and for good reasons. It is full of natural beauty, inspiring beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. Although it may be small, spanning just 10.32 square kilometers, the island offers a wide range of attractions that draw visitors from far and wide. And today, we’ll tell you all about it.

In this post, we’ll share:

• What to do in Boracay Island
• How to reach Boracay Island
• The best month to visit Boracay Island
• Boracay travel requirements in 2023

Ready? Let’s get started.

What to Do in Boracay Island

There are countless activities you can enjoy on this dream island. Yet, in this section, we’ll provide you with a quick overview of them.

Some of the most popular activities in Boracay include:

• Enjoying the beaches
• Scuba diving and observing fantastic marine life
• Cliff-jumping at Ariel’s point cliff
• Hop around the surrounding islands (we recommend booking a tour)
• Getting beachside professional massages
• Engaging in water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and flyboarding
• Mount Luho Viewpoint (the highest peak in Boracay; you can hike or ride a motorbike to the summit)

Let’s take a closer look at all the beaches you can visit in Boracay, what you can do on each of them, and the current beach rules.

Beaches in Boracay Island

Boracay is known for its awe-inspiring beaches. White Beach is the most popular destination given its prime location in the center of the island and outstanding beauty.

White Beach is divided into three sections:

• Station 1: Here you’ll find most resorts and hotels
• Station 2: Here you’ll find restaurants, coffee shops, clubs, and shops.
• Station 3: You’ll find lots of greenery here.

However, it’s worth noting that White Beach tends to be the most crowded due to its popularity. Fortunately, there are several other nearby white sand beaches that offer a more serene and relaxed atmosphere, making them great alternatives for those seeking a less crowded beach experience.

Besides the White Beach, some of Boracay’s beaches include:

• Puka Shell Beach: the second most visited beach after White Beach
• Balinghai Beach: small private beach owned by Balinghai Resort. Non-guests can access the beach by paying an entrance fee that includes consumable food from the restaurant.
• Bulabog Beach: great for beach sports like windsurfing, parasailing, and kiteboarding.
• Cagban Beach: This beach is the main port of the island, but you can find quiet spots to relax.
• Crocodile Beach: located in the southeast part of Boracay, this beach is full of marine life and a great spot for underwater activities like snorkeling.
• Diniwid Beach: located close to White Beach’s station 1, this beach has amazing cliffside views.
• Iligan-Iligan Beach: This spot has the same white sand feature as White Beach, and it has some picturesque limestone islets that can be explored. Besides, it’s an amazing place for snorkeling.
• Manoc-Manoc Beach: Here you’ll find a lot of locals; however, it might not be as picturesque as other beaches.
• Tambisaan Beach: Near the shore, you can find coral gardens and reefs. So, this is an ideal spot for snorkeling!
• Tulubhan Beach: Scattered along the beach, you’ll find local villages whose inhabitants rely on the sea to gather seafood. It is a good destination for a tranquil getaway.

Boracay’s Beach Rules

In order to maintain the cleanliness of its beaches, Boracay has implemented certain regulations, which include:

• Eating and drinking on the beach isn’t allowed
• Pets are banned
• Single-use plastics on the beach are prohibited
• You can’t build sandcastles or sand structures on the beach without prior approval from the appropriate authorities.

The Best Month to Visit Boracay Island

The best months to visit Boracay Island are from November to May, during the dry season. This is also the peak season in the Philippines, so you’ll find a lot of visitors.

During these months, you can enjoy a wide range of activities. The White Beach remains calm, providing a good opportunity for swimming, lounging, and enjoying the beach. On the other side of the island, you’ll find strong winds that create favorable conditions for windsurfing and surfing.

It’s worth mentioning that you can still enjoy Boracay during the rainy season (from June to October). You’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds. Most days will be sunny; however, there are chances of typhoons.

How to Reach Boracay Island

As you may already know, the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands. So, you’ll hardly find roads or trains that connect them. The only way to reach Boracay Island is by plane.

There are two airports close to the island:

• Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (also known as Caticlan Airport)
• Kalibo International Airport

Reaching Boracay from Godofredo P. Ramos Airport

The closest airport to Boracay Island is Caticlan Airport, which is located just 7 kilometers away. After landing, you’ll need to reach Caticlan Jetty Port, which is just a 10-minute walk from the airport. From there, you can board a boat to Boracay, which typically costs around 4 USD. You’ll reach Boracay in 15 minutes.

Moreover, as Caticlan Airport is small, there may not be many flights landing here, and airfares may be higher than at Kalibo International Airport.

Reaching Boracay from Kalibo International Airport

Flying to Kalibo International Airport is generally cheaper. In fact, most promo fares are applied to flights landing here. However, it is worth noting that this airport is the farthest from Boracay Island, approximately 60 kilometers away. Upon arrival, you’ll need to embark on a bus or van ride that typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Caticlan Jerry Port. From there, you can take a 15min. boat ride to reach beautiful Boracay.

Travel Requirements for Boracay 2023

The Philippines has recently updated its COVID travel requirements for inbound travelers. Now, fully vaccinated travelers can enter the country by presenting a certificate (in English) as proof of vaccination. Meanwhile, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals must present a negative PCR test taken 24 hours before their departure. It is also mandatory for all travelers to register on the eTravel Platform at least 72 hours prior to their flight.

To sum things up, here’s all the documentation you’ll need to travel to the Philippines:

• A valid passport
• Return ticket
• Vaccination certificate against COVID or a negative PCR test
• Registration for an eTravel card

Need a COVID test before your next trip to the Philippines? No matter where you are, find testing locations near you with our international directory.