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 introduced its “cruise visa waiver” on July 16, 2024, simplifying entry for visa-required foreign nationals holidaying aboard cruise ships. Applications can be made through the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) e-services portal.
Caticlan is Boracay’s principal entry and exit port. It is a tender port where only small cruise ships can dock.
A 25-minute motorized outrigger-boat journey from Caticlan Jetty Port takes visitors to White Beach.
Boracay has a dog-bone shape, measuring 8 km long and 1 km across at its narrowest. White Beach is its primary tourism beach, with Bulabog beach the secondary one directly opposite.
A printable map is available to take along.
Boracay is a Philippine tropical island, one hour by air from Manila. White Beach’s white sand and crystal-clear blue water are consistently voted among the world’s best beaches.
The island is best known for its beautiful, long white-sand beaches. Most people visit White Beach, Boracay’s commercial center.
Getting around
The island offers all kinds of activities, notably diving, kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Motorized tricycles are the usual visitor choice and serve as island taxis, making up most traffic. Mountain bikes can also be rented at several places along White Beach, which motorized vehicles cannot use.
To see the island, rent a native sailboat, or paraw, or a motorized outrigger, or banca, to visit Boracay’s many beaches. Dozens of companies provide this service, but book direct rather than using “brokers”.
Food and shopping
White Beach has many excellent restaurants serving food from around the world. Boracay is also famous for its nightlife, with every sort of pub and bar active until very late at night.
Money
The Philippine peso is the local currency.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted by major establishments in Philippines’ big cities. ATMs are available.
Staying connected
Most Filipinos speak English well regardless of education level.
Along White Beach, at the Tourist Information Center and in D’Mall, several cafés provide customer WiFi. A half hour costs 25-40PHP and one hour 50-75 PHP. Connections are not very fast but are adequate for emailing home. Free WiFi is available at many cafés and hotels.