Getting to Boracay
The only airport that serves Boracay directly is Caticlan Airport (officially Godofredo P. Ramos Airport). Don't book flights to Kalibo: it adds a two-hour bus ride, while Caticlan gets you to the island in about 40 minutes. Fly into Caticlan.
The Journey: Plane to Hotel
Boracay is an island, so your airport isn't on it. Getting to your hotel is a small multi-step journey, and it's more bureaucratic than you'd expect:
- Land at Caticlan Airport (MPH).
- Short van or tricycle ride (5–10 minutes) to the Caticlan Jetty Port.
- Pay the required government fees and buy a ferry ticket.
- A 10–15 minute boat ride across the strait to Boracay's port.
- A tricycle or van ride (15–30 minutes) from the port to your hotel.
Expect roughly ₱300 (environmental), ₱150 (terminal), and ₱50 (ferry) per person as of 2026, paid separately from transport, with some form-filling and document checks along the way.
These services bundle every step above (the van to the jetty, all the fees, the ferry crossing, and the ride to your hotel door) into one pre-paid booking. A representative meets you at the airport holding a sign with your name, fast-tracks you through the fee process, and hands you off at each stage.
Southwest Tours
Serves both Kalibo and Caticlan airports, with tiered options (Premium, Economy, and Value), frequent daily schedules, and English-speaking staff. A solid, established choice; Premium or Economy both work well depending on how much comfort you want.
MyBoracayGuide
Handles the whole trip door-to-door (van, fees, ferry, and e-trike) with reps in white uniforms meeting you at the airport. Go with Standard (roughly ₱950–₱1,050 per person, all-inclusive); Budget excludes the fees and First Class is the private upgrade.
Check your hotel first. Many Boracay resorts already include (or offer) airport transfers as part of your booking, sometimes with a private van or a smoother port experience. Only book a standalone transfer if your hotel doesn't already provide one.
Where to Stay
Boracay's main event is White Beach: a four-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand divided into three “Stations.” Knowing them helps you pick where to stay.
The Three Stations
- Station 1 (north): the widest, quietest sand and the upscale resorts. Best for luxury, honeymooners, and relaxation.
- Station 2 (center): the lively heart of the island, with D'Mall shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and tour operators. If you can only pick one area, this is it: everything is walkable.
- Station 3 (south): quieter and more budget-friendly.
Depending on what you are looking for, here are the hotels that tend to win people over:
The Lind Boracay
A sleek five-star boutique resort on a prime stretch of Station 1 beachfront, with several pools (the rooftop infinity pool is the standout), a spa, and a complimentary shuttle from Caticlan Airport.
Discovery Boracay
A Station 1 icon: Travel + Leisure has ranked it among the top hotels in the world. Polished all-suite accommodations and excellent restaurants right on the quietest stretch of beach.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay
Set on its own private beach away from the crowds: great for travelers who want resort seclusion and a self-contained feel while still being on the island.
Henann Regency Resort & Spa
A large, reliable four-to-five-star property with big pool complexes and beachfront dining. A great “everything at your doorstep” pick.
Coast Boracay
A stylish beachfront hotel right in bustling Station 2, with loungers on the sand (a genuine rarity in Boracay). Fun, central, and walkable to everything.
Mandarin Bay Resort & Spa
A five-star beachfront resort in Station 2 with what's billed as the longest swimming pool in Boracay, plus a full-service spa. Central to everything, but on a calmer stretch of the beach.
Ferra Hotel and Garden Suites
A well-reviewed, affordable four-star just off the beach: a favorite for travelers who want comfort and good service without a luxury price tag.
Rates and availability shift a lot by season, so compare Booking.com, Agoda, and the hotel's own site before locking anything in.
Getting Around
Boracay is small and easy to navigate once you're settled in.
The Beachfront Path
White Beach has a pedestrian pathway running its full length, connecting all three stations. Most of what you'll want (restaurants, shops, D'Mall, bars) is an easy walk along this path.
E-trikes
For anything beyond walking distance (crossing the island, heading to your resort, reaching quieter spots), e-trikes are it. Short shared rides cost very little per person; you can hire one privately for a bit more. Agree on the fare before you get in.
The Main Road
A single main road runs the length of the island behind the beach (the beachfront path itself is car-free). Traffic can be slow at peak times, so build in a little buffer if you're catching a boat or heading to the airport.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus
A tourist bus loops the island with numerous stops, running roughly from early morning to late evening. It's handy if you're staying farther out or want to skip negotiating e-trike fares.
Things to Do
Boracay's calm, clear water makes it a paradise for beach and water activities. The best conditions are during Amihan season (roughly November through May), when the west-side water is clearest and steadiest, covering the whole dry, breezy stretch most visitors come for.
Island Hopping & Snorkeling
A boat tour to spots like Crystal Cove, Puka Beach, and Magic Island, usually with snorkeling and lunch included. Almost everyone does this one, and it's a great way to see the coastline.
Paraw Sailing
A ride on a traditional Filipino outrigger sailboat, most magical at sunset. Calm and scenic, not a thrill ride. Don't confuse it with parasailing.
Parasailing
Lovely coastline views from up high. Mornings tend to have steadier winds.
Helmet Diving (Aquanaut)
An air-fed helmet lets you walk on the seabed and breathe normally, with no swimming skill required.
Scuba Diving
Several long-established dive shops offer everything from intro dives for beginners to certified fun dives.
Kitesurfing
Boracay's east side, Bulabog Beach, is a world-class kitesurfing spot during the windy Amihan months, with several schools offering lessons for beginners.
Cliff Jumping at Ariel's Point
A popular full-day trip to a coastal spot with multiple cliff-jumping platforms, plus kayaks and snorkeling, with boat transport included.
Book through your hotel's tour desk or a vetted platform, not the freelancers on the beach. Klook, GetYourGuide, and Viator cover most activities; Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours is a solid local operator; for scuba diving try Victory Divers or New Wave Divers, and for kitesurfing at Bulabog, Freestyle Academy or Isla Kitesurfing.