Activities

Diving is extremely popular around Boracay. The waters surrounding Boracay have excellent sites for beginners and experienced divers alike. The waters are packed with vibrant fish and reefs, wreck sites, caves and canyons. There are 30+ great dive sites within 30 minutes of Boracay, and 30 quality dive shops on the island. Diving is year round, although the best diving is considered to be January to June. PADI (no licencse required) Discovery Dives are 2,600-3,200 PhP, and PADI open water certification courses are 10,000-12,500 PhP. Other courses available are advanced open water, advanced plus, rescue through dive master, as well as drift diving, night diving, cave diving, deep diving, and wreck diving... just to name a few!

Kiteboarding is one of the most popular watersports on Boracay, with a growing community devoted to this extreme sport. During the November to March season, Bulabog Beach is transformed into Asia's best kiteboarding beach, due to the unique wave breaking reefs and ideal wind situations. There are numerous competitions and events here as well. The kiteboarding scene that has sprung from these conditions is rapidly increasing in popularity, and people are coming here from all over the world. Introductory courses are 5,750 PhP for a one day introductory course, and 14,400 PhP for a three day full IKO L1 course. Equipment rentals then are available at any of the six shops along Bulabog beach, and are very reasonably priced.

Sailing Getting out into the waters around Boracay is beautiful way to see the island. The Paraw is a simple sailboat that will cost you 350-500 PhP an hour, depending on your negotiating skills. It will take you around the island, where you can stop off at many of Boracay's 12 beaches for a swim, snorkel or picnic. Many of these beaches are deserted, some accessable only by boat. The Paraw will come with an experienced captain, some snorkel gear, and is definitely the best way to get out and enjoy the sunset. The best way to get a boat is to approach the sailors directly on the beach and avoid the vendor's commissions. Ahoy!

Spa and Massage There are many ways to treat yourself to a relaxing spa or massage on Boracay. For the budget traveller, there are many independant women that will walk down the beach and offer massages right on the sand. (300 PhP). There are also numerous massage stations on the footpath (350 PhP). There are some hotels that have massage houses on the beach that also offer quality massages (350-400 PhP). If you are looking for a spa, then there are some Spa's such as Caesar's on the main road (800 PhP), Madarin Hotel Station 1 White Beach including facials and bodywraps (1,500 PhP+/Hour), Surfside Yasuragi Spa Station 3 directly on the beach - massage, and wet and dry saunas (from 1,000 PhP+) as well as Danaru Spa near Bulabog Beach (1,500 PhP/2.5Hour). For the Royal Treatment, see the Mandala Spa (3,000-10,000 PhP).

Parasailing One of the more unique ways to see White Beach is by parasail while being pulled by a motorboat. The view from 100+ meters in the air is spectacular. It takes a minute or two of ascent to get to that height, and you remain there for ten to fifteen exhilerating minutes. Parasail rides are usually done a safe distance of about a kilometer out from White Beach. You can get these rides through Diamond Watersports Station 1, Mandarin Hotel Station 2, or Seraph Hotel Station 2 to name a few. Rides typically cost 1,800 to 2,500 PhP per person.

Speedboats & Jet skis can be rented at various places around the island. The Speedboats come with a guide who will drive the boat, or once you are out at sea, let you drive. The speedboats cost 3,000 PhP/hour, but drinks and beers are provided. Jet Skis are also available. They are parked out on floating rafts away from the crowds. A boat will ferry you out to the raft, where you can rent them for 2,500 PhP/half hour. Jet Skis are most fun when you have a few friends also out with you. Ride responsibly!

Helicopter Adventures  and rides are available from the Boracay Heliport near Cagban Port. The helicopter is a R44 Raven - for three passengers plus the pilot. They have Caticlan to Boracay transfer service (2,750 PhP/person), as well as White Beach tours (3,500 PhP/person), and Island Tours (5,300 PhP/person). They also have inter-island tours, sunset tours, and charter flights. Captain Jack is an experienced pilot, and an air tour of Boracay is a great experience. Phone 036-288-4356. Link

Skimboarding has come to Boracay in a big way. Skimboarding is a clean and cheap sport, and has become popular along White Beach. The locals teach visitors the basics. It's fun and easy to learn, but takes time and practice to master. It makes for a fun afternoon, and is great exercise. You can rent skimboards for 200 PhP per hour, and they will show you how to use it. There are skimboard shops all down White Beach. Some good guys operate the shops in front of Red Coconut Hotel Station 2, and in front of True Home Hotel Station 1