Port Guide | Philippines | Dive Deep
Boracay
August C. W. | Editor
Published on 2025-06-14
Congratulations-you've just drifted into Boracay, the glittering jewel of the Philippine archipelago, whose beaches glow so white you'll suspect Photoshop was involved. Once a sleepy fishing haven, Boracay morphed in recent decades into Asia's favorite tropical playground, and after briefly closing down in 2018 for some much-needed TLC (think: environmental rehab meets island detox), it emerged refreshed, revamped, and ready to charm even the most beach-weary cynic. You're smart enough by now to expect sugar-soft sand underfoot and palm-trees preening photogenically overhead, but Boracay also brings quirky surprises-like how locals once depended on fruit bats (yes, bats) as a culinary specialty. Practical tip: book your accommodations now-not yesterday, not tomorrow-especially if you're landing in peak season, unless hammock-camping on the beach sounds like your idea of adventure. And once you've dumped your bags, shake off your sea legs at a beachside watering hole, or better yet, embark on a sunset sail-with a chilled San Miguel beer in hand and an irreverent toast to pirates, paradise, and paradise-seeking pirates everywhere.
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Notes from the Editor
Boracay is famous for its stunning beaches, particularly White Beach. The island is a popular tourist destination known for water sports, nightlife, and resorts. Travelers are advised to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
Where do cruise ships dock in Boracay?
Port Name Boracay
Country Philippines
Region Southeast Asia
Ship Terminal Cagban Port
Port Type Tender port
Accessibility Cagban Port is approximately 3 km from the White Beach area, accessible by tricycle or shuttle service.
What's the weather like in Boracay?
Best Season to Visit November to April (peak dry season)
Climate Tropical maritime climate with a distinct wet and dry season.
Weather Notes November to April is the dry season, making it ideal for visits. May to October is the rainy season and may experience typhoons.
Temperature Range 75F - 86F (24C - 30C)
High Temp 90F
Low Temp 70F
Average Temp 80F
What do I need to know about Boracay?
Language Filipino (Tagalog), English
Currency Philippine Peso (PHP)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population Approximately 37,000 (as of 2020)
Timezone UTC+8
How do I get around Boracay?
Tricycles, motorbikes, and shuttle vans are available for transportation. Some resorts also offer transfer services.
What are The Best Things to do in Boracay?
Discover what you should do while you're in Boracay.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
White Beach Stroll | Editor Highlight
August C. W. | Editor
Published on 2025-06-14
Best Time to Go
Evening
Cost
Free
Activity Level
Very Easy
Where to Book
Walk-In
If there's a beach stroll worth sacrificing your dignity to the selfie stick-wielding hordes, it's Boracay's White Beach. Famously powder-soft and white enough to make laundry detergent commercials blush, this strip of sand has starred on every influencer's Instagram feed, yet somehow still retains a hint of authentic charm-especially if you're savvy enough to slip out at sunrise, when the beach is mercifully free of hawkers selling yet another friendship bracelet. Historically, Boracay transitioned from a sleepy island paradise to a nightlife hotbed faster than Hemingway through a bottle of rum, but today it gently balances decadence with a dash of environmental awareness. Go early in the morning (after all, sunsets here are spectacular but so crowded they'd make Times Square look cozy), plan your stroll a day ahead, and bring around 500 pesos ($10 USD) for a spontaneously acquired coconut drink or grilled seafood skewer. Most important of all: wear sandals you won't miss, sunscreen strong enough to repel nuclear rays, and a hat that screams "I'm delightfully out of place." White Beach strolls may feel cliche, but strolling barefoot across these legendary sands as the gentle tide laps at your ankles and the whole sky melts into a surreal watercolor is undeniably worth every touristy moment-if only for the right to smugly announce to friends back home, "Well, when I walked Boracay's White Beach..."
White Beach Stroll
White Beach Path, Boracay
Walk along the world-famous White Beach, known for its powdery white sand and stunning sunsets.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
D'Talipapa Market
Station 2, Boracay
Explore a vibrant wet market, where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked to your liking.
Distance from Terminal: 2.8 miles
Boracay Helicopter Tour
Boracay Heliport
Get a bird's-eye view of Boracay's stunning beaches and landscapes with a helicopter tour.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Spider House Sunset Viewing
Diniwid Beach, Boracay
Relax at Spider House Resort for a unique sunset viewing experience.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Paraw Sailing
Station 1, White Beach, Boracay
Sail on a traditional outrigger boat during sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles
Boracay Kite Surfing
Bulabog Beach, Boracay
Experience one of the best kitesurfing spots in Asia with optimal wind conditions.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
Ariel's Point Cliff Diving
Aklan West Road, Malay, Aklan
Take a boat trip to Ariel's Point for thrilling cliff diving and other activities.
Distance from Terminal: 12 miles
Mount Luho View Deck
Mount Luho, Boracay
Hike to the highest point on the island for panoramic views of Boracay.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Tambisaan Reef Snorkeling
Tambisaan Beach, Boracay
Discover vibrant marine life and coral just off the beach.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
Bolabog Beach Watersports
Bulabog Beach, Boracay
Enjoy a variety of watersports like windsurfing and wakeboarding.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
Habagat Kiteboarding School
Bulabog Beach, Boracay
Learn kiteboarding with experienced instructors in perfect conditions.
Distance from Terminal: 3.5 miles
A Little Extra
Boracay Pub Crawl
White Beach, Boracay
Participate in a lively pub crawl to explore Boracay's vibrant nightlife.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
Zorb Park Boracay
Sitio, Pinaungon, Barangay Balabag, Boracay
Experience the thrill of zorbing down a hill on Boracay.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
Willy's Rock Formation
Station 1, White Beach, Boracay
Visit this iconic natural rock formation, a popular photo spot.
Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles
Ghost Activity - Horseback Riding at Fairways
Balabag, Boracay Island
Enjoy horseback riding along the scenic Fairways and Bluewater Resort grounds.
Distance from Terminal: 6 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Ati Village Experience
Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Interact with the indigenous Ati community and learn about their way of life.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
Yapak Crafts Village
Yapak, Malay, Aklan
Visit this craft village to see traditional weaving and craftsmanship.
Distance from Terminal: 4.5 miles
Philippines Regional Tip
Taking photographs of military installations or sensitive government areas. Possible detention or interrogation by local law enforcement.