Finding the best water activities in Boracay is one of the great ways to explore and enjoy the island. Whether you’re traveling with your family or friends or even going solo, you have different options to experience the pristine waters of one of the best beaches in the world that is Boracay.
Home to many beautiful islands, the Philippines is a stunning archipelago. The beaches in Boracay are among the most visited in the country for both local and international tourists. You might have heard of White Beach, Puka Beach, Bulabog Beach, Diniwid Beach, and Ilig-iligan Beach. These are only some of the beaches that you can explore in Boracay and there is more. Having crystal clear waters and powdery white sand, these places offer amazing opportunities for the best water activities in Boracay.
Best Water Activities in Boracay
Water activities in Boracay are definitely for everyone. With several options to choose from, there will be something for the kids or for the entire family, if you want to have fun with your friends, or even if you want to try something romantic or thrilling with your special someone.
Not only will the fabulous beaches give you amazing photographs or videos when you try some of the best water activities in Boracay, the underwater scene and the sunset in the island are both unmatched giving you alluring natural backdrop you can only imagine in paradise.
Below are the most popular and crowd favorite water activities in Boracay.
• Island Hopping
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
• Parasailing
• Paraw sailing
• Banana Boat Ride
Make sure to book your water activities in Boracay from reputable operators. Above anything, you want to be safe while enjoying and having fun. You can find a lot of groups online offering different packages so choose wisely. Remember that Boracay is not a cheap destination so be cautious of offers that are too good to be true.
Top Water Activities in Boracay
Island Hopping
When you say Boracay water activities, you’ll often hear about island hopping. While the White Beach seems to be the center of attraction, there are several other islands you can explore. One of the best ways to do this is to go on an island hopping.
If you’re in a large group, you can opt for a private Boracay island hopping tour. If not, you can also join the island hopping tour with other guests. This means you will share the boat ride with other joiners.
Boracay island hopping itinerary usually includes visit to Coral Garden, Magic Island, Puka Beach, and Crystal Cove Island Resort. The island hopping is completed for around four hours including lunch.
In Coral Garden, you can go snorkel. If you have snorkeling gears, better bring them to avoid borrowing or renting. If you want more thrill you can go cliff diving in Magic Island. Puka Beach is one of the favorite islands where you can try crystal kayak. It’s also nice to just relax here. Another island you can enjoy is Crystal Cove Island Resort. Note that Crystal Cove is privately owned and you have to pay an admission fee for you to enter the place. This fee is usually not included in the tour package because you can opt not to go inside.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Chilling and enjoying the waters of White Beach? You might as well do paddleboarding. Gliding along the calm waters while appreciating the stunning scenery in front of you can be really relaxing.
Parasailing
Feeling a little more adventurous? You can try soaring high above the water when you go parasailing. When you do, don’t forget your action camera to capture your experience.
Paraw sailing
Fancy watching the sunset? How about riding a sailboat or a paraw boat while cruising the calm waters of Boracay? Seeing these boats sail when you’re on the shore is definitely a sight to feast on. But riding the paraw boat yourself is a one-of-a-kind experience. Paraw sailing is definitely one of the must-try water activities in Boracay.
Banana Boat Ride
Do you want some adrenaline rush with your friends or family members? Then go ride the banana boat! The ride may only last for around 15 minutes but it will give you the adventure you’re looking for as you cruise the waters of Boracay for as fast as 30kph. You might fall from the banana boat ride but don’t worry because safety measure and gear are in place. Make sure not to carry anything with you or wear any accessories as they might get lost during the activity.
UFO Inflatable Ride
Just like the banana boat ride, you can ride a UFO inflatable for some thrilling Boracay water adventure!
Kayaking
Kayaking or paddling your way through clear waters is one of the easy and fun water activities in Boracay. But have you heard of the crystal kayak? People have been drawn to getting the crystal kayak with a guide. Aside from rowing with your guide, he’ll take some photos of you. Most people really do the crystal kayak for a photo-op opportunity. The guides are expert in getting you those double-tap worthy shots. Don’t worry if you’re camera shy, they can also teach you how to pose. It can just be challenging when the water is not so calm and you have to sit or move around the kayak for the photos.
Scuba Diving
Exploring the island on another level means getting to try Boracay underwater activities, one of which is scuba diving. Whether you’re just discovering the sport for fun or you’re an avid diver, the rich underwater scene of the place will enchant you. There are also scuba diving schools if you want to take your diving certification.
Note that you don’t need to be a licensed diver to try scuba diving. Diving centers have programs for beginners (sometimes called discover scuba diving) where you will be guided by a licensed instructor during the entire dive and you don’t need to learn how to operate the gears being used. This is really good if you’re curious about scuba diving but you’re not sure yet if you can be serious about the sport.
Helmet Diving
One of the unique water activities in Boracay and another way to discover the island’s underwater scene is helmet diving. If scuba diving is a little too much for you or want to first get a feeling of how it’s like to be underwater, then helmet diving can be option.
Kitesurfing
Probably one of the coolest water activities in Boracay is kitesurfing. You can try it at Bulabog Beach which is just a few minutes away from the main beach that is White Beach. Like scuba diving, you can also take kitesurfing lessons. The kitesurfing season in the island typically runs from November to April with the peak season running from December to March when the wind is strongest.
Jet Ski
If you need more adrenaline rush, you can rent a jet ski and ride the clear waters of Boracay. Don’t worry if it’s your first time to try jet ski because you can get an instructor to guide you.
Best Time to Go to Boracay to Enjoy Water Activities
A good weather is essential to fully enjoy the water activities in Boracay. You may want to avoid the rainy season that usually lasts from June to November. Aside from the wet months, water activities may be disrupted by the swarm of jellyfish that often occurs between May and September.
Things to Bring when Trying Water Activities in Boracay
Make sure you’re prepared when trying the water activities in Boracay. Don’t forget to bring the following:
• Nice and comfortable swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Extra clothes
• Hats/caps
• Cash
• Towel
• Water bottle
• If you booked online, a copy of your voucher or proof of payment
• Snorkeling gear
• Aqua shoes
• Water proof camera/action camera
• Dry bag
Sample Boracay 3 days Itinerary with Water Activities
Day 1 Arrival + Check-in
09:25AM – ETD Manila
10:35AM – ETA Caticlan
10:50AM – Transfer from Caticlan airport to Boracay island
11:20AM – Arrival at Boracay Island, hotel check-in
11:30AM – Lunch
01:00PM Water Activities
Options:
• Parasailing
• Helmet Diving
• Banana Boat Ride
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• UFO Inflatable Ride
05:00PM – Swim and watch sunset at White Beach
06:00PM – Back at hotel, freshen up, and prepare for dinner
07:00PM – Dinner
Day 2 Island Hopping + Paraw Sailing
07:00AM – Breakfast
09:30AM – 02:00PM – Island hopping
02:00PM – 04:00PM – Free time, swim at White Beach
05:00PM – Paraw sailing, watch sunset
06:00PM – Back at hotel, freshen up, and prepare for dinner
07:00PM – Dinner
Day 3 Crystal Kayak + Check-out
07:00AM – Breakfast
08:00AM – Try crystal kayak, swim at White Beach
11:00AM – Lunch
12NN – Hotel check-out
12:30AM – Transfer from hotel at Boracay Island to Caticlan Airport
01:00PM – Arrive at airport and wait for flight
Other Activities You Can Do in Boracay
– Food Trip
– Land Tour
– ATV Ride
– Spa and Massage
– Hair Braid and Henna Tattoo
– Souvenir Shopping
Overall
Whether it’s your first time or you’re like one of the many people who keeps coming back to the island, you’ll never get bored with all the water activities in Boracay. When we initially visited the place, we get to try island hopping, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and crystal kayak. Although there’s a part of me who prefers to explore the less popular islands, I instantly love the waters of Boracay and the overall vibe of the island. Lucky if you can visit on days with lesser crowd but I finally understood why people just keep going back.
If it’s your first time, I recommend island hopping, parasailing, and paraw sailing. Some would compare island hopping and land tour when exploring the different beaches but even so, trying island hopping for yourself will make your Boracay experience sort of complete (if you know what I mean). Swimming and strolling at the beautiful White Beach are already amazing but you can opt for paddle board and crystal kayak/kayak.
