Shore Diving

While some of the dive sites are fairly close to the beach, most operators prefer to access them by boat. The Coral Garden is an ideal training dive, and attracts a large number of sergeant majors, butterflyfish and batfish. It is also very popular with snorkelers.Upon your exploration, invertebrates, clown fish, lion fish, seahorses, ghost pipe fish are among the wildlife you will see while diving in Boracay.

Boat Diving

Within a 10 minute boat trip from White Beach, divers will have the option to choose between 30 different dive sites, suitable for beginners through to advanced. There is a good variety of soft and hard corals, and most fish of the South Pacific exist here. While most of the dive sites have gentle slopes and shallow coral, the northern and southern tips of the island are home to steep drop-offs and vertical walls. There are two wreck dives, near the island and night dives are nearly always possible.

Wreck at Boracay, Credit

Angol Point (5 – 12m) is a favorite dive site for beginners and snorkelers, with leather corals, anemones, sea stars and sea cucumbers covering the reef. This is also a prime spot for night dives.

At Balinghai (8 – 40m) there are two walls that run parallel two each other, with sharks and tuna swimming between them. Lionfish, triggerfish, bannerfish and puffers are also common.

Sea Snake, Credit

Camia (18 – 30m) a 30m long cargo boat that was sunk to become an artificial reef. It has attracted a vibrant fish population, with high numbers of red bass, Bluefin trevallies, scorpion
fish, trumpet fish, squid and pygmy seahorses.Numerous sites cater towards advanced divers with their deep walls and strong currents.

Crocodile Island, Lapu Wall and Yapak are among the most challenging sites, and receive the best reviews. Sharks and stingrays are occasionally seen here.

How to Get There

Boracay is accessed by ferry from the Caticlan Jetty Port on Panay Island in the municipality of Malay, Aklan. There are two international airports in the region which you can fly into: Kalibo International Airport and Godofredo P. Ramos Airport. From either one, you can take a taxi, bus or private vehicle to the port where a boat will transport you to the island. Once on the island, a motorized tricycle will take you from the jetty port to your lodge.

Boracay Airport, Credit

Where to eat & drink

Given that there are 300+ lodges and resorts on Boracay, there is also a decent number of restaurants to choose from, serving anything from Italian to Greek to Spanish food.

Places like Jonah’s Fruit Shake and Snack bar give visitors of what the island used to be like, before the mass development of tourism. With fantastic shakes and a handful of light meals, this is a great spot for an afternoon snack. Aria Restaurant by contrast, serves up fantastic Italian food in a trendy dining room with great opportunities for people watching. Cyma offers authentic and Greek food for a decent price, but receives rave reviews all the while.

Sunset at Boracay, Credit

The nightlife in Boracay is infamous, with much of the activity revolving around clubs and bars that line White Beach. The most popular bars are generally located near boat stations one and two, while boat station three has a more laid back atmosphere. Bom Bom Bar is a relaxed spot popular with artists and musicians keen to soak up some live music in this local-
style atmosphere. Déjà Vu by contrast is a modern styled bar with a disco that begins in the late evening. Cocomangas is very popular with a younger crowd and is famous for its 15-shot challenge.

Other Activities

Boracay primarily lures visitors to the island with its stunning white sand tropical beaches, and aquamarine waters. The 4km long White Beach is the most well-known, with much of the island’s activities revolving around its powder white shores. If looking for a bit of isolation, Puka and Baling Hai Beaches are somewhat quieter beaches only a short distance from town. Quad bikes are readily available for rent, if interested in spending a day circling the island and the vast shoreline.

Bulabog Beach is among the best kitesurfing destinations in all of Asia, and draws in tons of surfers on a windy day. Whether you want to try your hand at kite surfing, or simple watch them from the beach, this is a great spot to visit. Parasailing and cliff diving are also popular activities here.

If looking for some rest and relaxation, there is a wide variety of spas across the island, catering to all budgets. There is also an 18-hole 72-par golf course.

Sailing in Boracay, Credit

The Bat Cave is another popular on-land activity. Here, you visit a cave on the western-end of the island. The cave is home to numerous bats and several snakes – and caution should be exercised when visiting. Descending into the cave does require you to go down a fairly steep entrance into the dark cave. Locals will willingly take you on the tour for a tip.

A hike up Mount Luho is likely the best way to get a view of the entire island and the surrounding ocean. The 100m climb can be done on foot, by ATV or on a tricycle.

If traveling with children, some dive operators that offer Bubblemaker courses, in addition to beach dives and Junior OW Courses. 

Family Activities and diving for Children 

Bubblemaker courses, beach dive, Junior OW courses, great and safe beaches, many activities, water sports, festivals.

Tips

Street vendors in Boracay can be somewhat aggressive. Firm bartering is strongly recommended when visiting the handicraft stalls. It is also important to establish a price with any informal tour guides prior to going to the Bat Caves with them.

There is a clinic and a hospital on the island, however serious medical emergencies are best treated on the mainland in Kalibo.

Be sure to book flights early if traveling in high season. Flights from Manila to Caticlan are often fully sold out during this period. An alternative is to fly into Kalibo and Roxas from which you can travel by road to Caticlan port.

Yapak wall, Credit