Diving in Boracay

Most dive sites around Boracay are located only a few minutes away from the tropical island. Boracay is a great diving spot for beginners and certified divers alike.

Introductory dives in Boracay are usually done at Angol Point, with a maximum depth of 12m.

If you’d like to experience wall diving in Boracay, try diving at Punta Bunga. If you are a more experienced diver, you may want to try diving at Crocodile island, but beware of strong currents.

If you are into deep diving, the Balinghai and Yapak dive sites offer depths of 40m (130 ft.). For drift diving head across to Channel Drift where you will swim through canyons and crevices.

Boracay Diving schools

Most dive schools are located on White Beach, on the western part of the island. White beach is the tourist heart of Boracay and is divided in three parts, Station 1 up north, Station 2 in the center and Station 3 in the south.

Dive schools in Boracay offer courses from beginner level all the way through to Pro professional training, as well as fun dives for those who are already certified divers.

Dive schools in Boracay work with different diving organizations, offering PADI certification courses, SDI, CMAS or SSI diving courses.

Boracay

The paradise island of Boracay in the Philippines offers postcard-worthy white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the ideal place to discover scuba diving in one of the island’s many dive sites.

Getting to Boracay

If you are flying in, you may get a flight to Caticlan Airport or Kalibo Airport. Although the latter can accommodate bigger airplanes making flying and landing safer, it is a bit further away from Boracay.

From either airport, you then have to reach Caticlan Jetty Port. There are many minivans and taxis outside each airport to take you there.

From Manila, you can buy a combo ticket including road transport to Batangas or Roxas and boat ticket from there to Caticlan.

Whether you arrive by flight or road, you will have to go through the coastal village of Caticlan to get to Boracay.

The total cost of a one-way ticket, including terminal fee and environmental tax, should be about 200PHP.

Accommodation in Boracay

White Beach is the main area of Boracay and this is probably where you will stay. Up north, near Station 1, you’ll find luxury resorts and hotels catering to high-end tourists and families.

Most youngsters will stay around Station 2 for its upbeat nightlife, shopping and cheap accommodation. Station 3 is the quietest part of White Beach. It offers mid-range accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay on White Beach, head east to Bulabog Beach. Less developed than the west coast, it offers reasonably priced quiet rooms.

Cost of living in Boracay

Budget accommodation in Boracay starts around 1500PHP/night. Mid-range rooms can cost anywhere between 2000PHP/night and 6000PHP/night, while higher-end resorts will charge a minimum of 6000PHP/night.

Like many tourist destinations, prices also depend on the season. If you are traveling during low season, you may be able to bargain for a nice discount.

As for food, a Filipino breakfast usually costs around 150 Pesos. Beer costs about 50 Pesos while cocktails start at 150 PHP.

For getting around, use Tricycles which act as the island’s taxis. Short rides are about 20PHP per person, while longer rides may be priced around 40PHP.

Others activities in Boracay

If you are not into scuba diving, the island is renowned for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Most kitesurfing schools on Boracay will be found on Bulabog Beach.

You can also enjoy a boat trip, especially at sunset, or you can head for a Filipino massage at one of the many Boracay Spas.