All 24 Beaches in Boracay: The Real Deal
Look, I’ve been living on this island for years, and I’m tired of seeing the same old “Boracay has the best beach in the world” articles that only talk about White Beach. Don’t get me wrong – White Beach is incredible. But Boracay has 24 beaches, and most of them are spectacular in their own way.
So here’s the honest truth about every single beach on this island, from someone who’s actually been to all of them (multiple times).
The Station Thing Everyone Gets Confused About
First, let me clear up this whole “station” business because it confuses everyone.
Years ago, boats used to drop tourists directly on White Beach at three different spots called Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. In 2006, they moved all the boats to a proper port at Cagban Beach for safety reasons. But here’s the thing – everyone still uses these stations as landmarks. Your hotel will tell you it’s “near Station 2,” locals give directions using stations, and even Google Maps shows them.
So even though the actual boat stations don’t exist anymore, they’re still very much alive in how we talk about Boracay. It’s just how things work here.
White Beach: Yeah, It Really Is That Good
What everyone talks about, and they’re not wrong
I’ve traveled to a lot of tropical islands, and White Beach still takes my breath away sometimes. Four kilometers of sand so fine it feels like flour between your toes. The water is this impossible shade of turquoise that doesn’t look real in photos.
The beach changes personality as you walk along it:
Station 1 is where the fancy resorts are. The sand is whitest here, the beach is widest, and everything costs more. It’s beautiful but can feel a bit sterile if you’re looking for authentic island vibes.
Station 2 is chaos in the best possible way. This is where you’ll find most of the restaurants, bars, and shops crammed into the shortest stretch of beach. It’s loud, busy, and full of life. If you want to party until sunrise, this is your spot.
Station 3 feels more like old Boracay. It’s quieter, cheaper, and has more character. The backpackers and long-term travelers tend to hang out here.
Bulabog Beach: For When You Want Adventure
The other side of the island that tourists often miss
Walk or ride to the eastern shore and you’ll hit Bulabog Beach. The sand here isn’t as fine as White Beach – it’s more golden and a bit coarse – but that’s not why you come here.
This is wind sports heaven. From November to April, the trade winds are consistent and strong, making it perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Even if you’re not into those sports, it’s fun to watch the pros flying across the water.
The vibe here is completely different from White Beach. It’s more relaxed, less touristy, and you’ll see local fishermen working alongside the kite surfers. The sunrises are incredible too.
The Hidden Beaches Most People Never Find
Here’s where it gets interesting. Most tourists stick to White Beach and maybe Bulabog, but there are 22 other beaches scattered around the island. Some are tiny coves you can only reach by boat, others require a bit of hiking, and a few are right there but somehow everyone walks right past them.
Puka Beach is probably the most famous of the “hidden” beaches, though it’s not really hidden anymore. It’s on the northern tip of the island, about a 15-minute tricycle ride from White Beach. The sand here is coarser and more natural-looking, mixed with tiny shells and coral fragments. It used to be covered in puka shells (hence the name), but tourists took most of them over the years.
What I love about Puka is that it feels wild. There are no big resorts, just a few small shops and restaurants at the entrance. The beach itself is undeveloped, with just coconut palms and casuarina trees for shade.
Diniwid Beach is my personal favorite for a quiet afternoon. It’s a small cove just north of Station 1, accessible by a short walk along the rocks (be careful at high tide). The water here is usually calmer than White Beach, and there are only a handful of small resorts, so it never gets crowded.
Ilig-Iligan Beach is where I take friends who want to snorkel. It’s on the northeastern part of the island, and you either need to take a boat or hike through some rough terrain to get there. But the coral reefs here are some of the healthiest around Boracay, and the fish life is amazing.
The Complete List (Because I Promised)
Okay, here are all 24 beaches. Some are spectacular, some are just okay, and a few are really only interesting to locals or marine biologists:
The Famous Ones:
- White Beach (Stations 1, 2, 3) – The main attraction
- Bulabog Beach – Wind sports central
- Puka Beach – Natural and wild
The Really Good Hidden Ones:
- Diniwid Beach – Peaceful cove near Station 1
- Ilig-Iligan Beach – Best snorkeling on the island
- Crystal Cove Beach – Island hopping destination with caves to explore
- Lapus-Lapus Beach – Exclusive resort beach (Fairways & Bluewater)
- Tambisaan Beach – Advanced snorkeling spot
The Smaller Local Beaches:
- Banyugan Beach – Good for snorkeling, bit secluded
- Canyon Cove Beach – Dramatic rock formations
- Mayumi Beach – Pretty but small
- Manggayon Beach – Local fishing area
- Balinghai Beach – Romantic spot with cliff views
- Bingling Beach – Quiet and calm
- Dumdum Beach – Very secluded
- Punta Bunga Beach – Northern tip, peaceful
The Working Beaches:
- Lugutan Beach – Where boats arrive from Caticlan
- Cagban Beach – The main port area
- Tulubhan Beach – Local fishing community
- Manoc-Manoc Beach – Another fishing village spot
- D’Talipapa Beach – Near the seafood market
The “Beaches” That Are More Like Coves:
- Sugod Beach – Rocky, more for exploring than swimming
- Punta Rosa Beach – Small cove with coral
- Crocodile Island Beach – Actually near a small islet
Real Talk: Which Beaches Should You Actually Visit?
If you’re here for a week or less, honestly, you don’t need to see all 24 beaches. Here’s what I’d recommend:
Must-see: White Beach (obviously), Puka Beach, and Diniwid Beach. These three will give you the full Boracay experience.
If you have extra time: Bulabog Beach for the different vibe and good sunrise, Ilig-Iligan for snorkeling.
If you’re staying longer: Start exploring the smaller beaches, especially if you like having places mostly to yourself.
Getting Around to Different Beaches
Walking: You can walk between White Beach, Diniwid, and some of the northern beaches at low tide.
Tricycle: This is how you get to Puka Beach and most other spots. Negotiate the price first.
Boat: Some beaches like Ilig-Iligan and Crystal Cove are easier to reach by joining an island hopping tour.
Motorbike: If you’re comfortable riding, this gives you the most freedom to explore.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
- Bring water shoes for rocky beaches like Tambisaan and some of the smaller coves
- The northern beaches can get rough waves during certain times of year
- Some “beaches” are really just small strips of sand that aren’t great for swimming
- Always ask locals about current conditions before heading to remote beaches
- Respect private resort beaches – don’t just walk through someone’s property
The Bottom Line
Boracay’s beaches are diverse, and each one offers something different. White Beach deserves its reputation, but don’t let that stop you from exploring. Some of my best memories on this island happened on beaches most tourists never even know exist.
Just remember – this is a small island with limited resources. Take care of these places so they’re still beautiful when you come back.
