After living here for five years, I’ve tried just about every activity Boracay has to offer — some multiple times, some I’ll never do again, and some that have become part of my regular routine. This isn’t a generic list of “top 10 must-dos.” It’s an honest ranking of what’s actually worth your time and money, starting with the absolute best.
1. Traditional Paraw Sailing at Sunset
The paraw boats — those outrigger sailboats with the bright sails — are iconic Boracay. A sunset paraw sailing trip is about as close as you can get to a mandatory Boracay experience. The boats heel over at dramatic angles, you’re sitting right on the edge with your feet in the water, and when the sun starts to drop behind the horizon, the whole sky goes orange and pink.
Book directly with the boat operators on the beach — it’s cheaper than through hotels or third-party sites. Sunset slots fill up fast during peak season.
2. Island Hopping with Snorkeling
An island hopping tour with snorkeling stops hits multiple spots and includes lunch. You’ll typically visit Crystal Cove’s limestone caves, snorkel around coral reefs, stop at quiet beaches, and swim in water so clear you can see 20 feet down.
You don’t need to book an expensive boat tour to snorkel — the reef off Puka Beach is accessible from shore — but the full island hopping experience shows you parts of Boracay’s coastline you’d never see otherwise. Bring your own snorkel gear if you can. The rental equipment is often scratched, leaky, or both. A decent full-face snorkel mask makes a huge difference.
3. Cliff Jumping at Ariel’s Point
This is the one activity I keep doing even though I’m not sure why I keep doing it. Ariel’s Point is about 45 minutes by boat, and there are platforms at 3 meters, 5 meters, 8 meters, and 15 meters. I’ve done the 8-meter jump exactly once. The locals doing backflips off the 15-meter platform make it look easy. It isn’t.
Free-flow food and drinks are included, there’s snorkeling around the area, and you can kayak or paddleboard between jumps. It’s an all-day thing — you leave around 10am, get back around 4pm.
4. Scuba Diving (Discovery Dive or PADI Certification)
The diving here isn’t Palawan or Siargao level, but for beginners or casual divers, it’s solid. Crocodile Island and Yapak have the best sites — you’ll see schools of jackfish, lionfish hanging around the coral, occasional sea turtles. Book a discover scuba diving experience if you’ve never tried it.
If you’re serious about diving and want to get certified, Boracay’s actually a great place to do your PADI Open Water course. For experienced divers, fun dives at Crocodile Island and Yapak are available. The conditions are generally calm, the instructors are experienced, and you’ll finish with a certification that’s valid worldwide.
The visibility varies wildly depending on the season and recent weather. After a storm? Give it a day or two. During dry season (January-May)? Usually crystal clear.
5. Kiteboarding at Bulabog Beach
If you’re here during the November-to-April season and you see those colorful kites dancing across Bulabog Beach, that’s where you want to be. The consistent cross-shore winds make it one of the best learning spots in Asia. Book a kiteboarding discovery course — even if you’ve never done it, you’ll be up on the board faster than you think.
I learned here three years ago, and now watching the pros do their tricks at sunset is one of my favorite ways to end the day. The wind usually picks up around 10am and stays strong until late afternoon.
6. Massage & Spa
Beach massages are everywhere — you’ll be asked about every five minutes on White Beach. The quality is hit or miss. For a proper spa experience, I have a whole guide to massage and spa options, but my quick recommendation: for budget, try Bella Isa Spa or check prices at D’Mall. For luxury, Upperhouse Spa at The District or Mandala Spa are excellent.
A 60-minute massage runs ₱500-800 on the beach, ₱800-1,500 at a standard spa, and ₱2,500+ at high-end spas.
7. Parasailing Over White Beach
Look, I know parasailing is touristy. I resisted it for my first year here. But when you’re 300 feet up, just you and the harness and that ridiculous view of the whole island spread out below you — it’s worth it. Solo or tandem parasailing takes about 15 minutes, and most operators offer photos/videos.
Best time? Early morning before the crowds, or late afternoon when the light is better for photos. Avoid midday unless you want to stare directly into the sun.
8. Carabao Island Day Trip
If Boracay’s getting to you and you need somewhere even quieter, Carabao Island is a 20-minute boat ride away. It’s what Boracay was 20 years ago — hardly any development, a few guesthouses, empty beaches. Come for the day or stay overnight.
9. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP lessons are everywhere, but the best time to do it is early morning when the water’s like glass. By mid-morning, boat traffic turns White Beach into a washing machine. Head to Diniwid Beach if you want calmer conditions later in the day.
Some resorts include SUP board use for free, so check before you rent.
10. Fire Dancing Show
Boracay’s fire dancing performances happen nightly along White Beach, but the show at Red Coconut Beach Hotel is one of the most professional. Poi spinners, fire breathers, and dancers perform right on the sand while the sun sets behind them. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also genuinely impressive watching someone juggle flaming batons while doing backflips.
The free shows on the beach are hit or miss — sometimes it’s a couple of guys with torches, sometimes it’s a full production. The ticketed shows guarantee quality and usually include a drink.
11. Mainland ATV Adventures
ATV tours on the mainland take you through rural villages, rice fields, sometimes up to viewpoints. It’s a completely different side of the Philippines from beach resort Boracay. You’ll get dusty, muddy depending on recent rain, and you’ll see how most Filipinos actually live.
12. Sunset Cruises
If you want something with a bit more room and less heeling than the paraw boats, sunset cruises include drinks, snacks, sometimes paddle boarding or swimming stops. The party boat cruises can get loud and crowded — great if that’s your scene, less great if you wanted something romantic.
13. Jet Skiing
Rent a jet ski and you can either stay close to shore or, if the operator trusts you, head out toward the horizon where the water changes from turquoise to deep blue. The 30-minute option is usually enough — your arms will know it by the end.
Pro tip: Negotiate. The posted prices are rarely the final prices, especially if you’re booking multiple activities or going during off-peak hours.
14. E-Trike Land Tours
E-trike land tours show you parts of the island you won’t see walking along the beach path. Dead Forest (a mangrove area), Mount Luho viewpoint, Puka Beach — it’s a good way to orient yourself if it’s your first time here.
15. Nagata Falls Jungle Trek
If you need a break from sand and saltwater, the Nagata Falls jungle trek on the mainland is a proper adventure. You’re hiking through actual jungle — muddy trails, river crossings, the works — to reach a waterfall where you can swim in fresh water. It’s a half-day trip with transfers included.
Fair warning: this isn’t a paved nature walk. Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops), bring a change of clothes, and expect to get wet and dirty. That’s the whole point.
16. Helmet Diving (Sea Walking)
This one’s pure tourist activity, but if you can’t scuba dive or don’t want to deal with a mask and breathing through your mouth, helmet diving gets you underwater. They put a weighted helmet on you, you walk along the ocean floor, and fish come to eat the bread they give you. It’s cheesy. It’s also kind of fun in a “I can’t believe I’m doing this” way.
17. Crystal Cove Island
Island hopping tours usually include Crystal Cove, which has these limestone caves you can explore and a couple of small coves for swimming. The island itself is fine — the real appeal is the boat ride and swimming in the clear water between stops. Pack reef-safe sunscreen; the Philippines takes marine protection seriously these days. Stream2Sea Sport SPF 50 is what I use.
18. Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours are expensive and quick (usually 10-15 minutes), but if you’ve got the budget and want the aerial perspective, it’s spectacular. You can see how small Boracay actually is from up there, plus all the surrounding islands and the contrast between White Beach and the rest of the coastline.
19. E-Scooter Tours
E-scooter rides are a fun way to cover more ground than walking but with more freedom than a guided tour. You can zip around to different beaches and viewpoints at your own pace.
20. Motag Living Museum
Want to see what Boracay life was like before the resorts? The Motag Living Museum guided tour takes you through traditional Ati village life — the indigenous people who were here first. You’ll see traditional houses, learn about native plants and their uses, and understand the island’s history beyond “it became a tourist destination.”
It’s not a big glossy museum. It’s a small community-run project that deserves support, and you’ll learn things about Boracay that 99% of visitors never discover.
21. Banana Boat & Flying Fish Rides
The flying fish/UFO rides and banana boat are fun if you’ve got kids or if you’re in that “let’s do everything” mood. They’re inflatable tubes pulled by a speedboat, designed to bounce you around and occasionally throw you off into the water. Bring a waterproof phone pouch because you will get soaked.
22. Crystal Kayak Photo Ops
These clear kayaks are literally just for photos. You paddle out to a spot with a nice background, someone takes pictures of you from the water, you paddle back. Book a crystal kayak experience if Instagram matters to you. Skip it if you’re here for actual kayaking.
Lower Priority Activities (But Still Worth Considering)
These activities aren’t bad — they’re just more niche or situational than the top 22.
23. Snorkeling from Shore at Puka Beach
Free alternative to boat tours. The reef is accessible right from Puka Beach and you’ll often see more fish than on guided tours. Just bring your own gear.
24. Beach Volleyball
Pick-up games happen regularly on White Beach, especially late afternoon. Join in or start your own game.
25. Yoga Classes
Several resorts and studios offer beachfront yoga sessions at sunrise. Check with your hotel or look for signs along the beach path.
26. Photography Tours
Some operators offer photography-focused tours that take you to the best spots at the best times of day for photos.
27. Night Swimming/Bioluminescence
During certain times of year, the water glows with bioluminescent plankton. Ask locals when conditions are right — it’s magical but unpredictable.
What You’ll Need
If you’re planning multiple water activities, invest in a few things that’ll make your trip better:
- Rashguard — The sun here is no joke. Even with sunscreen, you’ll burn if you’re snorkeling or paddleboarding for more than 20 minutes.
- Waterproof dry bag — For island hopping, boat tours, anything where your stuff might get wet or sandy.
- Quick-dry microfiber towel — Hotels provide towels, but having your own compact one is useful for beach days and activities.
- Portable charger — You’ll be taking photos and videos all day. Phone batteries don’t last.
How to Actually Book Activities
- On the Beach Guys with laminated cards will approach you constantly on White Beach. You can book through them, and the prices are negotiable. Just be clear about what’s included and get a receipt.
- Online in Advance GetYourGuide is reliable and offers free cancellation on most activities. You pay a bit more than booking directly, but you have recourse if something goes wrong.
- Through Your Hotel Usually the most expensive option, but the most convenient if you don’t want to deal with negotiating or finding operators on the beach.
- My Approach I book anything that needs advance planning (helicopter tours, Ariel’s Point, dive courses) online ahead of time. Everything else I book on the beach when I see operators I recognize and trust.
When to Do What
November-April (Dry Season)
- Kiteboarding (Bulabog Beach faces east and gets the wind)
- Island hopping (calm seas)
- Snorkeling and diving (best visibility)
- Everything water-based
May-October (Wet Season)
- Spa and massage (indoor activities for rainy days)
- E-scooter tours (between rain showers)
- ATV adventures on the mainland (muddier = more fun for some people)
Any Time
- Sunset sailing (works year-round)
- Cliff jumping at Ariel’s Point
- Parasailing
- Beach massage
What I Skip (And Why)
- Mermaid Swimming You put on a mermaid tail and swim around in a pool. It’s for kids and Instagram. Adults get bored after five minutes.
- Fish Spa The one where tiny fish nibble dead skin off your feet. Hygiene concerns aside, it’s just… weird. And not particularly effective.
- Flyboarding Expensive, difficult to actually get up on, and you spend most of your time falling into the water. If you’ve never done it, maybe try it somewhere cheaper first.
Final Thoughts
You can’t do everything in one trip, and you shouldn’t try. I’ve been here five years and I’m still discovering things. Pick 3-4 activities that genuinely interest you, leave room for spontaneous decisions, and don’t feel pressured to check boxes just because everyone else is doing it.
The best experiences I’ve had here weren’t the ones I planned. They were the unexpected conversations with boat operators, the random sunset I stopped to watch because the light was perfect, the beach I wandered to because I got lost on the path.
Do the activities. But also leave space for Boracay to surprise you.
More Activity Guides
For specific details on different types of activities:
- 17 Epic Things to Do in Boracay — My curated list of the absolute best
- Best Water Activities — Everything from jet skiing to hydrofoiling
- Diving & Snorkeling Guide — Where to go, what to see
- Kiteboarding & Parasailing — Wind sports detailed guide
- Helmet Diving Explained — Is it worth trying?
- Cliff Jumping at Ariel’s Point — What to expect
- Cruises & Sailing Options — Sunset sails to party boats
- Massage & Spa Experiences — From beach massage to luxury spas
- Best Island Day Trips — Beyond Boracay’s shores
Planning Your Trip:
- When to Visit Boracay — Weather and seasons guide
- Where to Stay — Hotels for every budget
- Getting Around — Transportation options
- Boracay’s Beaches — Beyond White Beach
- Nightlife Guide — After the sun sets