Top 15 Best Things to Do in Boracay

Boracay, Philippines has been named one of the best beaches in the world by CNN, Travel + Leisure Magazine, and the New York Times.

The soft, white sand isn’t made from pulverized stone, but from finely crushed shells that have been washed up from the nearby coral reefs. That is why they’re softer and smaller than most of the beaches in the world—you feel like you’re walking on silk!

Boracay has also recently gone through a massive clean-up effort and was temporarily shut down for a year to allow the eco-system to recover. Now, its waters are almost clear and clean as when it was a hidden island known only to locals. It’s the perfect time to visit this island paradise! Here is what to do in Boracay to make the most of your experience 

Best Activities to do in Boracay

Enjoy the White Beach

What to do in Boracay? Well, some people prefer not to do anything at all. Just kick back and relax on the beach. Soak in the sun, or dive into the cool, refreshing waters. The beach is lined with a row of coconut trees that offer plenty of shade.

The Boracay waves are quite gentle, and the water extends for several feet before gradually becoming deeper. It’s safe for even young kids can safely swim (although of course, they should never go near the water unattended).

On the main beach, there’s a giant sand sculpture that welcomes all visitors, so be sure to stop by there when you take a stroll along the shoreline.

Try the water sports

Boracay offers many water sports and activities. You can ride on a banana boat, rent a jet ski, or go paddleboarding. Your hotel concierge can hook you up with the local clubs, but you may get a cheaper rate by asking the local boatmen who hang around the side of the beach. They can refer you to somebody they know, and the cost of tipping them is a lot lower than any commission that the hotels add to booking the water sports for you.

As much as possible, book your water sports in the morning or the late afternoon. The sun in Boracay can be quite strong from 10 am to 3 pm, and the glare from the water will spoil your fun.

Ride a glass-bottom boat

This is one of the best things to do in Boracay! The boat can take you to the nearby islands, and during the ride, you can see the fish through the glass bottom.

You can choose which island to visit (each have their own charms, like small caves or pretty grottos).

Most rides will include a detour to a part of the beach which has a lot of fish. Bring lots of bread. The fish will come flocking to you, and you will have fun feeding them.

Some boat rides will include bringing you to a floating restaurant. Pre-book a table at these small “dining boats” and enjoy a private lunch in the middle of the ocean.

Try windsurfing and kitesurfing

Looking for an adrenalin rush? Visit Bulabog Beach, which is one of the top places to do windsurfing and kitesurfing! This is one of the top things to do in Boracay if you’re bored from just swimming and lounging by the beach.

Explore Boracay’s crystal clear waters

As they say in Disney’s Little Mermaid, it’s time to go under the sea. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, and helmet diving. There are basic lessons for beginners or extensive diving tours for more experienced divers.  

Visit Ariel’s Point

This is one of the top things to do in Boracay! Ariel’s Point is an eco-adventure paradise that is just 45 minutes away from Boracay. There are many activities that everyone will enjoy. You can go kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding.

You can join the boat cruise that takes you around the island. Most packages include a buffet lunch with grilled seafood and barbecue and an unlimited flow of drinks.

We suggest setting aside one day to enjoy Ariel’s point, if only for this one unique experience: cliff-diving off its peak, into the cool crystal waters below. You’ll feel like you’re flying through the air!

Unleash your inner mermaid

This is great for kids (and the kids-at-heart). The Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy lets you rent a mermaid (or merman) tail. Aside from the adorable photo-ops, you can even take a mermaid swimming lesson.

But we have to warn you that it’s not as easy as it looks. You’ll give your upper body a workout, and the tail can be quite heavy. Nevertheless, it’s a unique experience and a great “tail” to tell when you get home.

Go island hopping

While the white beaches get the most media attention, there are actually 17 other beaches in the area—each with its own unique charms and amazing views.

Join an island-hopping tour that will take you to Puka Beach (where you might even spot flying foxes!), Magic Island, Crocodile Island, and more.

Some of the other beaches in Boracay (like Bulabog, Diniwid, and Tambisaan just to name are few) are accessible by tricycle or a rented van.

Climb Mt. Luho

If you enjoy hiking, head for the mountain trails of Mt. Luho. This is the highest peak in Boracay and will give you a 360 view of the entire island.

If you prefer to go there in comfort you can also rent a van or tricycle that can take you near the top. The rest of the climb is fairly easy, even if you’re aren’t in the best physical shape.

Book a relaxing spa experience

After a long day of swimming and sightseeing, treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment. The spas in Boracay offer all types of massages, body scrubs and body wraps, and facials.

You can even find outdoor spas that have private huts by the beach. You can get treatment while listening to the sound of the waves — one of the best things to do in Boracay! 

Go on a food trip

Boracay has several restaurants clustered together, each offering their own delicacies and specialty dishes.

Be sure to check out the Merly’s BBQ Boracay Chori & Longga burger, which is made of the traditional Filipino sausage meat, and Real Coffee & Tea’s calamansi muffins. Calamansi is the local lemon, which is sweeter and has a more delicate tartness. They’re to die for!

Enjoy the nightlife

Boracay is a city that never sleeps! The bars and restaurants here are open until dawn. It’s the ultimate beach party.

Some establishments are particularly known for having really exciting parties. For example, Mad Monkey Hostel has a Booze Cruise, beer tournaments, and themed parties like Reggae Night.

You can also sign up for a Boracay PubCrawl, which will take you to the places with the best cocktails and micro-breweries. This often includes free or discounted drinks, and the chance to make friends from all over the world.

Get a henna tattoo

Boracay is home to many talented henna tattoo artists. Their stalls are right on the beach walk so that you can get a tattoo any time! They can copy any design you show them, or you can pick one from their portfolios.

The tattoo artists are credited and follow safety and hygiene practices. Go ahead and get one—it’ll look really cool with your beachwear.

Join a Boodle Fight

No, it’s not that kind of fight. Boodle Fights are actually culinary feasts: the food is laid out on banana leaves that are spread across the table, and everyone just freely gets what they want.

Typically you pick a Boodle Fight Package, which includes a selection of grilled seafood and meats, local delicacies and side dishes, and lots and lots of rice. You can also order stews, soups, and appetizers.

Try to go to a restaurant by the sea, so you can enjoy this culinary feast al fresco. And the best accompaniment to Boodle Fights is a cold glass of San Miguel Beer, a proudly Philippine beer that has been named one of the top 10 beers of the world.

Get Souvenirs at D’Mall

A short walk down the beach is D’Mall, a cluster of stalls and boutiques. You can find beachwear, t-shirts, trinkets, and souvenirs like magnets and key chains.

The stalls also sell beach essentials like sunscreens, mosquito repellent, and other essentials. It’s also cheaper to buy bottled water and soda here than in the beach-side restaurants.  

When shopping at the stalls, always try to haggle especially if you’re buying several items.  Most stalls only accept cash.

And don’t spend all your money on cheap souvenirs. While most of the stalls have mass-produced items, there are a few that sell high-quality local crafts. This includes artisan leather and silver, stunning wood carvings, and even paintings by local artists. Save some of your shopping budgets to bring home one of these high-quality pieces.

These are just some of the best things to do in Boracay. Choose which ones you think you’ll enjoy the most—or, spend your entire holiday lounging by the ocean and enjoying the fantastic view. It’s YOUR vacation, so the best thing to do in Boracay will always be whatever makes you happy.