Making the most of Boracay
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The Philippine government on July 16, 2024, launched the ‘cruise visa waiver,’ making entry into the country easier and seamless for visa-required foreigners vacationing on board cruise ships. Eligible foreigners may apply for the waiver at the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) e-services portal at
The port is located at Caticlan, Boracay's main entry, and exit port. This is a tender port. Only small cruise ships are able to dock here.
From there, a 25-minute ride from motorized outrigger boat from Caticlan Jetty Port will bring you to White Beach.
The Island of Boracay is shaped like a dog bone. It is 8 km long, and 1 km wide at it's narrowest. White Beach and Bulabog beach are the primary and secondary tourism beaches, both located opposite of each other.
Printable map to take along.
Boracay is a tropical island in the Philippines, an hour flight from Manila. White Beach with its white sand and crystal clear blue water is consistently voted as one of the world's best beaches.
Boracay is best known for its beautiful long white sand beaches. Most people come to see White Beach, the commercial center of the island.
Getting around
There are all kinds of activities on the island, most famous for the diving, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.
Most visitors opt for motorized tricycles, which act as the island's taxis and make up most of its traffic. Mountain bikes are also available for rent at several locations along White Beach, which is off limits to motorized vehicles.
To explore around the island, rent a native sailboat (paraw) or motorized outrigger (banca) and visit the many beaches of Boracay. There are literally dozens of companies offering this service. But book directly, do not use "brokers"!
Food and shopping
There are many fantastic restaurants on White Beach with food from around the world. Boracay is above else famous for its nightlife, with pubs and bars of all kinds that are jumping until very late at night.
Money
The local currency is the Philippine peso.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted in major establishments throughout the big cities of the Philippines. ATMs are available.
Staying connected
Most Filipinos speak English well, no matter their level of education.
Boracay has several cafes which offer free WiFi for customers along White Beach, at the Tourist Information Center, and in D'Mall. A half hour is 25-40PHP, one hour is 50-75 PHP. Connections are not very fast, but sufficient to email home. Free WiFi can be found at many cafes and hotels.