Beaches - Boracay
The absolute main attraction that sets Boracay apart from other vacation spots are its amazing beaches. White Beach is around 4 kilometers long and covers 2/3 of the central west coast of the island and is the heart of island activity. Sunbathing, volleyball, skim-boarding, sand castle building, seeing and being seen – this is the place to do it.
From November to April, White Beach is great for swimming due to few winds and calm waters, while the east coast is windy with rougher water making it ideal for wind surfing. From June to October this situation is reversed with the winds coming from the other direction.
White Beach is widest to the north (station 1)and many of the higher priced establishments are located here. The middle section of the beach (station 2) is both the physical and commercial center of the island.
The southern section (station 3) is quieter and less developed and most of the budget offers are to be found here.
Although you’ll find everything you need or want at White Beach, there are other beaches where less is more if you really want to get away from the crowds.
The following beaches are located clockwise from White Beach.
Diniwid Beachis small and surrounded by low cliffs where resort houses are located. There is a coral garden reachable from this cove making it the best spot to trying snorkelling without need of a boat.
Balinghai Beach is only 200 meters long, located north of White Beach and reached by a short but beautiful walk that includes one of the better views of the island.
Punta Bunga Beach and Banyugan Beach are the northern most beaches of the east coast. Quiet, small and close together, the terrain is hilly until it flattens out north of Banyugan.
Puka Beach is app. 800 meters long, covers most of the northern side of the island and is the public option to get away from the crowds. Like at White Beach, it has clear green waters and the sand tends to be less fine but just as white. Its name comes from the Puka shells that are often found here. There are few places to eat here so consider bring supplies and one should best arrange to get picked up again if using tricycle transportation.
Ilig-Iligan Beach is on the east coast with a number of coves and inland from here is some of the last remaining jungle and a couple of caves one can visit.
Bulabog Beach (app. 2,5 km length) is located at the center of the east coast. It lacks the romance of the setting sun over the ocean as experienced at White Beach. But from the early months of the year till June, dependable winds make it the ideal place for wind surfing and kite boarding. Other activities done here are jet ski, parasailing, and various types of boating. With all of these boats, boards, skis and sails buzzing around, it makes swimming out a ways rather intimidating.
Tulubhan Beach and Tambisaan Beach are small quiet with a number of coves.
Manoc Manoc Beach is at the southern tip of Boracay across from the Caticlan Boat Jetty on Panay Island. The village here is mainly a busy transit point for boats bring in supplies. Despite the heavy boat traffic, windsurfers and kite boarders sometimes use this beach as it constantly windy.
