
Boracay doesn’t rank among the world’s best islands for nothing. This top destination is home to some of the most incredible seaside views in the Philippines, which is reason enough to drop by and visit. Plus, it’s home to a number of fantastic restaurants, bars, and other eating and drinking spots, making it a solid destination for foodies.
Boracay Island’s pristine blue waters, fine white sand, and uninterrupted ocean views are unparalleled, more than cementing it as part of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. But while those natural gems are more than enough to explain its high tourism intake, a great view isn’t enough to make an island one of the top islands for years running.
So what explains Boracay Island’s enduring popularity? For one, Boracay’s charms definitely aren’t limited to the view and the food. It’s not much fun visiting an island paradise if all you can do is swim and relax, after all.
Luckily, there are tons of things to do in Boracay. Not only is it the site of fantastic natural vistas like the world famous Boracay sunset, as well as a ton of great food spots and hotels, it’s also got a ton of fun activities for casual beachgoers, families, and adventurers alike.
For an island only seven kilometers long, you’d be surprised at just how there are so many things to do in Boracay. If you aren’t satisfied with just swimming or relaxing in the sunshine, then here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Boracay. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, or someone who likes to take it a little bit easier, there’s sure to be any number of attractions in Boracay for you.
White Beach
Probably the best place to start when it comes to things to do in Boracay is the famous White Beach. White Beach is home to Boracay’s most famous sights, and is the hub around which most of the tourist population revolves. This is where you’ll find Boracy Island’’s different stations, from Station 1 to 3, and where the biggest resorts, restaurants, and shopping centers are found.
With such a range of things to do, it’s no wonder that White Beach is the place to be on the island. This is often where most people will start out their days, as it’s likely that this is where your accommodation is located. The best thing about White Beach is that there’s always something to do as soon as you step out of your room. Here are a few of our top picks of things to do in Boracay Island’s most popular area.
Enjoy the Views

Boracay is the jewel of the Visayas because of its turquoise waters and fine white sand, so if you’re looking for something to do then enjoying the view is the first place to start. Whether you’re heading out for an early jog on the sand, enjoying the tropical sun, or looking to unwind and watch the famous Boracay sunset, White Beach is where you need to be.
The view of the water from the sand is nearly uninterrupted, making it the perfect vantage point for some of the region’s most famous views. There’s no better spot to enjoy the light sparkling on the blue waters, or the intense colors of the Boracay sunset.
Pub Crawl

Once you’ve finished with your day in the crystalline waters of Boracay, it’s time to unwind. White Beach is home to most of the pubs and bars on Boracay, with the busiest area Station 2 serving as the hub. There’s no better way to extend your day of fun by going on a pub crawl and enjoy Boracay’s famous nightlife. Going on a pub crawl is one of the top things to do in Boracay if you’re of drinking age, so be sure to pencil it into your plans.
Many of the bars and establishments in White Beach offer drink and food promos, with long happy hours that sometimes extend until 2 or 3 in the morning. There’s even an actual Boracay PubCrawl group that will take you around Boracay’s many watering holes and introduce you to some new spots and friends.
Water Sports

Boracay has been touted as one of the top water sports destinations in the Philippines, especially for casual fun lovers. It’s not hard to see why: just wander a little ways along White Beach and you’ll find a ton of kiosks and services offered by both hotels and tourist companies alike. Enjoying the surf is one of the best things to do in Boracay, and there are family- and beginner-friendly options, as well as more exciting fare.
Tourists can pick from fun, group activities like banana boat riding, scuba diving, and jetskiing, to solo sports like stand up paddling, wind surfing, and kite boarding. Because Boracay is known for its water sports options, you can even opt to get discounts for activities on coupon sites like Klook. Make sure to get in contact with your hotel or tourist guides for discounted tour packages as well, so you get the full Boracay experience with all of the benefits.
Parasailing

Not satisfied with what you can do in the sea and on the sand? It might be time to think about going higher— much higher. Boracay’s calm, pristine waters and relative seclusion make it a great place for more adventure-minded folk to try parasailing, which is one of the most popular things to do in Boracay. Floating in the sky under a giant parachute may not be everyone’s idea of fun, but the experience is definitely unforgettable.
Parasailing can be done solo, but individual prices are lower if you go as a pair. It gets you an unparalleled view of Boracay Island and its surrounding waters, and depending on how fast your speedboat goes, you can even end up touching the sky and water as you go. The experience generally lasts for around 15 minutes, but anybody looking for a bit of excitement will tell you that they’re 15 minutes well spent.
Beyond White Beach
While White Beach may be the quintessential Boracay experience, it’s definitely not the only exciting spot on the island. Most tourists like to center their activities on that stretch of beach, but a little more exploring will take you to a Boracay that’s not often seen by the typical tour package.
Boracay Island’s location makes it a great starting point for some exciting activities. Some of the best things you can do in Boracay are found beyond the fine white sands of White Beach, and if you venture out then you’re sure to enjoy attractions that will make any vacation worth the investment.
Boracay is also home to several beaches like Diniwid and Bulabog Beach, where you can explore more of the sights and sports. Stepping off the beaten path is sure to get you a vacation experience like no other, with sights and sounds that not every tourist is able to experience. Below are only a few of the dozens of activities that you can enjoy in Boracay and surrounding islands.
Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy

If you’ve ever wanted to be a mermaid and enjoy the fantastic tropical waters in the Philippines, then you’re in luck. Not only is Boracay home to some of the best white beaches in the world, it’s also home to the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy, where you can make all your mermaid dreams come true. Learning how to swim like a mermaid may not be high on your list of things to do in Boracay, but it’s definitely worth the try.
The Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy is the premiere place to learn ‘mermaiding’, a type of swimming that involves wearing a costume mermaid tail and swimming in it. Mermaiding is a modern and artistic swimming technique that’s been gaining ground in recent decades. While it certainly looks pretty, it’s also a lot more work than you think, requiring proper training and technique in order to execute safely and effectively.
The PMSA allows you to take courses in mermaiding. If you’re a beginner, you’ll start from the basic level 1 course where you’ll learn breathing techniques, basic strokes, and how to swim with the tail on. You can even take pictures with your camera once you’re done with the lessons. Level 2 is a bit more advanced, teaching technical skills like underwater tricks, self-rescue tips, breath-holding techniques, proper use of snorkeling gear, and more.
Level 3 is the performer course, where you’ll learn about the more complex and difficult aspects of mermaiding like free-diving, more elegant strokes, using weight belts to sink deeper into the water, and other sophisticated techniques for performance-level mermaiding. There are also shorter courses, which allow you to learn scuba techniques, or simply try on the tail and different poses. It’s fun, unique, and a great photo op if you’re a mermaid lover visiting Boracay.
Island Hopping

While Boracay is a little ways away from some of the denser water traffic in the region, it’s still close by some amazing smaller islands. One of the top things to do in Boracay is to go on an island hopping tour. You can book this with your hotel, tour guide, or simply walk up to one of the many tourist companies parked along White Beach to make a reservation.
Depending on the type of tour, you’ll be brought to a variety of different beaches and islands in the vicinity of Boracay. Top island hopping destinations, however, include Magic Island, Crocodile Island, and Crystal Cove Island, so be sure you cover those three spots when you go.
Magic Island is surrounded by the clear, sapphire blue waters that make the Boracay area famous, but that’s not the only thing it has going for it. It’s also a famous cliff diving site, and home to five different diving platforms ranging from 3 meters to 10 meters in height. If you like a bit of adventure, this is a definite must-go, as you can pick and choose which platform to start from, and work up to higher ones as you go along.
Crocodile Island is so-called because of its distinctive shape, which resembles a crocodile’s head. It’s also one of the top marine biodiversity attractions in the area of Boracay. No, you won’t be seeing any crocodiles, but you’ll definitely see an array of brightly colored fish and corals of different species. If you’re a sea life or snorkeling lover, this is absolutely the place to be.
Crystal Cove Island, originally known as Tiguatian Island, is named so because of the unique crystal formations found on the island. It’s also incredible Instagram-worthy, with tons of fantastic spots to walk around and snap pictures of. The rate for traveling to Crystal Cove usually includes buffet lunch, so it’s a good spot for relaxing before moving on to the rest of your adventure.
Cliff Diving at Ariel’s Point

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at some more exciting activities in Boracay, then you should head on over to Ariel’s Point. Recognized as one of the most beautiful cliff diving spots in the world, it’s home to several different cliff diving platforms, some ranging from an easy 3 meters to high adrenaline platforms around 13 to 15 meters in height.
This is one of the perfect attractions for thrill-seekers around Boracay, and you can even combine cliff diving with different activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and much more. Sportier tourists and adrenaline junkies will absolutely rank cliff diving high on their list of things to do in Boracay, so if this sounds like you then make sure you don’t miss out.
Ariel’s Point offers some of the best views of neighboring Antique, as well as the area’s sparkling blue waters. The sea around the island is filled with colorful fish like pufferfish and porcupine clownfish, or you can just take the day off and lounge on the beach. Usual tours to Ariel’s Point offer lunch, and unlimited free drinks, so make sure you take advantage of the benefits.
Worried about safety? Never fear. Booking a tour to Ariel’s Point also comes with lifeguard surveillance, and they have first aid and safety training so you can have your fun and peace of mind. The cliff diving experience is absolutely one of a kind, so there’s no reason to miss out on a bit of fun and adventure— especially at one of the most beautiful cliff diving spots in the world.
Scuba Diving, Helmet Diving, and Snorkeling

Pristine blue waters and a thriving marine ecosystem make Boracay the ideal destination for all water lovers— and what better way to enjoy all of that then to get up close and personal through scuba diving and snorkeling? Snorkeling is another high ranking item on the list of things to do in Boracay. It’s easily available in nearly any beach or resort in Boracay, and you can rent snorkeling masks and other equipment at most swimming spots.
Scuba diving is a little more complex, and requires proper training. If you’re worried that you didn’t have time to learn the techniques before coming to Boracay, never fear. There are several scuba diving courses available in Boracay, from basic lessons to more advanced ones like the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. Calypso Beach & Dive Resort is a great place to brush up on scuba techniques, and it offers a range of different lessons for all skill levels.
If you’re an advanced scuba diver, you can then explore some of the diving attractions around Boracay Island. The Camia shipwreck is a great option for this. Sunk in 2001 as a fish attraction site, it’s one of Boracay’s premiere diving destinations. It’s home to bluefin trevallies, red bass, and a shoal of batfish.
It’s also got several varieties of soft and hard corals, which are home to a wide variety of colorful fish. The Boracay current can get a little strong around the wreck, so this is definitely a trip for more advanced divers, but if you have the skills then you definitely won’t want to miss out.
Not a licensed diver, but still want to get up and personal with the marine life of Boracay Island? Try the aquanaut helmet diving activity. Helmet diving is a great option for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, as it allows you to walk on the ocean floor and see the fish and other marine life up close. You’ll be taking a speedboat out with your instructor and guide to the diving platform, and the experience will last about 20 minutes— more than enough time to enjoy the biodiversity of Boracay.
Yacht Cruise

Want to relax in style? Try taking a cruise on a luxury yacht and enjoying the sights and waters of Boracay from there. Yacht cruises are great options for big groups who want to take it a little bit easier. Whether you’re taking your family out for a tranquil cruise, treating a significant other to romance on the water, or gearing up for a fun yacht party with your friends, a yacht cruise is one of the best things to do in Boracay if you want to make great memories.
When you book your cruise, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and brought to the nearby port. Once you board your yacht, you can sit back and relax while a skilled captain tours you around Boracay’s beautiful waters. You can go snorkeling and explore the crystalline seas, or simply lay back and enjoy the sun and breeze on the deck.
The yacht cruise comes with a ham and cheese plate, as well as free alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. If you want more sumptuous fare, you can coordinate with your tour regarding bringing food on the boat. The cruise will last around an hour, and will bring you around famous spots like White Beach and the front of the Shangri-La Resort on the northern tip of Boracay Island. Book your cruise by late afternoon for a one-of-a-kind view of Boracay’s famous sunset on the waters.
Bulabog Beach

For beach lovers who want to explore more than the famous white sands, Bulabog Beach is absolutely the place to be. This beach is located on the other side of Boracay from White Beach, and is one of Boracay’s top attractions due to unique activities like kite surfing, fly fish rafting, paraw sailing, and wind surfing.
Windsurfing rates start at Php 2600 for a children’s introductory class and Php 3200 for adults, and equipment rental starts at Php 700 for an hour for beginners and kids. There are also options for more advanced windsurfers, with an advanced class at Php 4000 excluding equipment, and Php 1000 for a set rental for experienced windsurfers. If you’re planning to stay the whole day in the area, you can save a bit more with the Php 2200 whole day set rental for beginners and Php 3200 for advanced windsurfers.
Kite surfing is also available for Php 3000 for a starter lesson and Php 6600 for a single, whole-day course. If you’ve kite surfed before, rentals start at around Php 1400 for a complete set, and Php 2700 for the whole day. You can even try activities like parasailing, stand paddling, or even hope on a fly fish raft with a group.
Paraw sailing is a local activity also available at Bulabog Beach that you have to try at least once, and involves hopping on traditional sailboats and going around Boracay Island. While Bulabog Beach may not be as famous as White Beach, it’s absolutely got some of the best things to do in Boracay.
Mt. Luho Trek

Boracay isn’t just for beach lovers. While climbing a mountain sounds surprising for an island paradise, it’s a unique option for things to do in Boracay. Tourists who are tired of the beach can head on over to the Mt. Luho trek for some easy hiking. Mt. Luho is the highest point on Boracay Island, and a short climb to the three viewing decks allows you to get a fantastic panoramic view of Boracay’s many beaches and sights.
The first view deck is Stoy Mount Luho Viewpoint, which has a bamboo and wooden bridge that you can cross and snap pictures on. The second view deck is Mount Luho View Deck, which is popular for its three levels, including a café and a heart-shaped diorama facing Boracay Beach.
The last viewing deck is called Happy Planet. Perfect for thrill seekers, it has a cable car and zipline rides that bring a little more fun into your hike. It also gives you access to another one of Boracay Island’s mountains if you want to extend your trek, making it a great choice for nature and sports lovers alike.
Helicopter Tour

If you’ve got deep pockets and aren’t satisfied with the typical things to do in Boracay, then you might want to think about going for a helicopter ride. Like parasailing, the helicopter ride lasts around 15 minutes, and there are three different packages that you can choose among, depending on your plans and budget.
Going on a helicopter tour definitely isn’t on your usual list of activities for Boracay, but it’s absolutely a must-try if you love astonishing views. Your helicopter tour agent will usually pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the helipad, where you can get a quick view of Boracay before mounting the helicopter.
The helicopter offers an incomparable view of Boracay and its surrounding islands, as well as famous spots like White Beach, Puka Beach, Bulabog Beach, Diniwid Beach, and even Tambisaan Beach located on the other side of the island. Your pilot will even add in helpful commentary about these spots, as well as take you around nearby islands like Magic Island and Crystal Cove Island.
For tourists who want something more than the typical tropical paradise experience, this is far and above the most unique activity you can do in Boracay. However, because the helicopters are limited, you need to make sure that you book your slot in advance to avoid missing out, so get in touch with your hotel or tour operator to find out more.
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Don’t just limit yourself. While there’s no shame in kicking back and enjoying the sand and surf, you can definitely spice up your trip by exploring any of the activities listed above, and much more. From island hoping to parasailing to even a yacht cruise, there’s no way tourists and visitors are going to get bored on vacation.
Whether you’re a young family looking for fun things to do with kids, a group of young adventurers, or a thrill-seeking and adventurous couple, there’s definitely something for you to do on Boracay Island. Get in touch with your hotel, tour guide, or any of the several tour companies available on Boracay to get an overview of your options. Whatever you choose, there’s honestly no better place for it than Boracay.

James Gonzales is a Filipino-American travel enthusiast and writer currently based in the Philippines. After living and working in New York for 10 years, James decided he wanted to see more of the world and leave the city behind. In the course of saving up for what would become an epic trip across Asia, he wrote about previous traveling experiences for various travel websites and publications based in the Lower East Side.
James focused on journeying through the Philippines in the hopes of understanding his roots, and began Daydreaming in Paradise to share his thoughts and experiences. He’s always looking for like-minded travelers to trade stories and swap tips with, and he hopes you’ll join him on his journey.