Dreaming of powdery sand, glass-clear water, and golden sunsets? This Boracay travel guide covers the island’s best beaches, top things to do, nightlife spots, when to go, how to get around, where to eat, costs, and a simple 3-day itinerary—so you can plan with confidence and enjoy more island time.

Beaches & Coastal Highlights

White Beach (Stations 1–3) is Boracay’s showstopper—4 kilometers of sugar-fine sand where most resorts, bars, and restaurants line the shore. For quieter vibes, head to Puka Beach (north end) with its wilder, shell-speckled shoreline, or slip into smaller coves like Diniwid and Ilig-Iligan for fewer crowds and calm water. Windsports lovers should check the east-facing Bulabog Beach, the staging ground for kitesurfing and other water activities during the amihan (northeast monsoon) months.

Best Things to Do in Boracay

• Island hopping: Snorkel over coral gardens and stop at islets like Crystal Cove and Crocodile Island. Expect half-day and full-day tours with lunch options.
• Paraw sunset sailing: Glide along White Beach on a traditional outrigger sailboat for front-row sunset views.
• Diving or helmet diving: Beginners can try helmet dives; certified divers can explore reefs and macro life with local operators.
• Viewpoints & ziplines: Seek panoramic island views from elevated lookouts before ziplining down to the beach.
• Day trips: Consider nearby Carabao Island for quieter beaches and great snorkeling.

Want to expand your route beyond Boracay? See our Philippines island hopping guide for sample clusters and booking tips.

Nightlife & Sunset Scene

Boracay’s evenings start mellow—mocktails at Station 1, happy hours in Station 2, chilled lounges in Station 3—then ramp up to DJ sets, beachfront parties, and occasional themed nights. If you prefer low-key, claim a beanbag on the sand for acoustic sets and fire dances while the sun melts into the Sulu Sea.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (roughly November–April) brings sunnier skies and calmer seas—ideal for island hopping, paraw sailing, and beach days. Wet season (June–September) can deliver frequent showers and rougher water, though you will find lower rates and fewer visitors. For seasonal context, see PAGASA’s monsoon advisories and recent updates such as the 2025 Southwest Monsoon notices (termination and PDF).

Where to Stay & How to Get Around

Stay by station: Station 1 (upscale and wide beach), Station 2 (central, busiest, near D’Mall), Station 3 (more relaxed). On the east, Bulabog suits wind-seekers. Farther north in Yapak, you will find quieter, cliff-framed resorts.

Getting there: Fly to Caticlan (MPH)—officially Godofredo P. Ramos Airport—then transfer by boat to the island; airport details. Kalibo (KLO) is a larger, often cheaper gateway about 1.5–2 hours by land to the jetty port.

Getting around: Walk the beachfront path, hop on (e-)tricycles for short rides, or use hotel shuttles. Many resorts and cafes cluster around D’Mall, making foot travel easy.

Food & Local Eats

Boracay’s dining spans casual seafood shacks to chef-driven beachfront rooms. Try calamansi muffins with island coffee at breakfast, boodle-style seafood platters for lunch, and sunset grills or modern Filipino plates at dinner. Station X’s food hall and stalls are great for groups craving variety, while Station 1 and 2 lineups serve everything from fresh oysters to crabs and kinilaw.

Costs, Fees & Reservations

• Island fees: Expect terminal and environmental charges at the jetty. Rules and amounts can change—verify via the official Aklan Boracay iPass or Boracay iPass before you go.
• Daily costs (typical): Mid-range meals PHP 300–600; tricycle hops PHP 20–200 depending on route; sunset paraw shares PHP 800–1,500; island-hopping tours vary by inclusions.
• Reservations: Peak months (Dec–Feb, Holy Week, long weekends) sell out. Book lodging and key tours at least 2–4 weeks ahead.

3-Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1: White Beach & Sunset

• Arrive via Caticlan, check in near Station 1–2.
• Beach time at White Beach, D’Mall stroll for snacks and gear.
• Paraw sailing at sunset; beachfront dinner and live music.

Day 2: Island Hopping & Viewpoints

• Island-hopping with snorkel stops and picnic lunch.
• Late-afternoon viewpoint or zipline, then Station 2 for dinner.
• Choose between lounge bars or a DJ-led beach party.

Day 3: North Shore & Chill

• Morning at Puka Beach or Diniwid for fewer crowds.
• Cafe-hopping and souvenir run; spa or foot massage.
• Final sunset and seafood feast before departure.

Responsible travel: Boracay enforces environmental rules (e.g., limits on smoking/drinking on the beach and littering). These reforms began after the 2018 rehabilitation; read background coverage here and here. Follow posted guidelines and choose reef-safe sunscreen.

Pro tip: If your trip spans seasons, check recent PAGASA advisories and confirm any fee or entry updates via Aklan’s official portal before you travel.