Boracay could also be small, however it’s filled with sights that vacationers of all ages can get pleasure from. However not all guests have sufficient time or cash to expertise all of them. Generally, you’ll have to select. One of the vital widespread dilemma is choosing between a Boracay island hopping tour (by boat) and a Boracay land tour (by e-trike).

Let me preface this by saying that when you’ve got adequate funds and days, please be a part of each excursions. Whereas they share one or two stops, these are two distinct experiences, presenting completely different sides of the island. That mentioned, every has its personal execs and cons.

When you have simply sufficient time and finances for only one, which must you take: the island hopping tour or the land tour? On this article, we’ll get all the way down to the nitty-gritty of every exercise, so you would make a greater, extra knowledgeable determination.

BORACAY ISLAND HOPPING TOUR Itinerary & Costs

Though it’s doable to constitution a personal boat for island hopping, the costs are steep. Therefore, most island hopping packages are group excursions, which implies you’ll be sharing the boat with different vacationers. Together with the remainder of the group, you’ll be following a set itinerary and you will need to respect the schedule.

Island hopping in Boracay takes a whole day. In our case, we boarded the boat at round 8:00 AM and was again at White Seaside at 4:00 PM. The leaping off level is both at Station 1 (close to Astoria) or Station 3.

It often prices PHP 800-900 (USD 14.30-16.10) per particular person, inclusive of buffet lunch and use of swim masks (with out the snorkel) however unique of entrance charges. Sure, among the stops gather an entrance charge, which isn’t coated by the essential tour charge.

Right here’s a abstract of the small print:

• Length: Full Day, round 8 hours
• Worth: P800-900 (inclusive of buffet lunch)
• Leap-off level: Station 1 or 3

There are numerous methods to e-book an island hopping tour. It’s provided by tour operators and touts at White Seaside. However for those who really feel extra snug transacting on-line otherwise you don’t need to take care of touts on the seashore, chances are you’ll e-book with Klook, too!

✅ CHECK RATES OF ISLAND HOPPING TOUR HERE!

Both method, you’ll be becoming a member of a gaggle with different vacationers and the itineraries are very comparable. However the lunch and snorkeling stops differ relying on the operator.

Beneath was our itinerary adopted by our most up-to-date island hopping tour, which we booked with a tout at Station 2.

Cease 1: Puka Seaside

Puka Seaside glazes the northern tip of Boracay. This was a serene scene, however now a bit crowded, too, principally as a result of it’s rather more accessible lately. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless much more peaceable than Station 2 of White Seaside.

We got solely 40 minutes to remain right here. One of many actions that you could be get pleasure from right here is crystal kayaking, however I discourage you from doing it when on this tour. It takes 15-20 minutes, which can burn half of your time at Puka Seaside. If you happen to actually need to attempt a crystal kayak, do it on one other event. Use your restricted time exploring the seashore as a substitute.

By way of composition, Puka is a blended seashore. Some components are strewn with effective sand, however others have shells, which might be why it’s referred to as Puka. It encompasses a broad berm, which slopes dramatically into the waves, which might get fairly tough at instances, so watch out when swimming.

Cease 2: Snorkeling Web site

Each island hopping tour additionally makes a cease at a snorkeling web site, which varies relying on the tour operator. Some boats moor off the coast of Crocodile Island, Tambisaan Seaside, or in our case Balinghai Seaside, close to the so-called Station Zero.

You don’t have to go snorkeling; it’s non-obligatory. However for those who select to do it, you’ll must pay PHP 45 (USD 0.80) snorkeling charge. No must pay this for those who’re staying on the boat.

Don’t neglect to put on a life jacket. The present generally is a bit further at instances. Higher secure than sorry.

Cease 3: Lunch

The lunch cease varies from operator to operator, nevertheless it’s often buffet-style (limitless). We had been dropped at Shingley Piknikan restaurant, near Tabon Port in mainland Caticlan. It was okay. Typical Pinoy fare, principally grilled and fried. However don’t count on something above common when it comes to taste or presentation.

Cease 4: Crystal Cove

Entrance Payment: P300

Often known as Laurel Island or Tiguatian Island, Crystal Cove is a 2-hectare resort finest recognized for its lookouts and caves. The location can be dotted with a number of picture spots, some extra Instagram-worthy than others. There’s additionally a swimming spot.

By the way in which, Crystal Cove prices a P300 entrance charge. If you happen to choose to not enter, you’ll be able to spend the allotted hour simply chilling on the seashore. A small retailer sells coconuts for PHP 100 a chunk and banana que (skewered deep fried bananas) for PHP 35 per stick.

From Crystal Cove, you would additionally spot Magic Island.

Cease 5: Magic Island*

Entrance Payment: P250

Sure, with asterisk as a result of to at the present time, I’m nonetheless undecided if excursions usually make a cease right here. The touts promoting island hopping packages often embody it within the listing of websites to be visited, however we didn’t set foot right here. We solely obtained to see it from Crystal Cove. I’m undecided if it wasn’t actually part of our itinerary or our boat simply skipped it as a result of we ran out of time.

Anyway, Magic Island is best-known for its cliff leaping platforms. In case your group stops right here, an entrance charge of PHP 250 have to be settled per particular person.

That’s about it. After over an hour at Crystal Cove, we had been ferried again to White Seaside. You might choose to get off at Station 3 or Station 1.

Breakdown of Bills

An island hopping tour would usually value you PHP 1245 (USD 22.30) per particular person. That’s assuming you’re coming into Crystal Cove and skipping Magic Island like we did. Right here’s the breakdown:

• Fundamental island hopping tour with lunch: PHP 900 (USD 16.10)
• Snorkeling charge: PHP 45 (USD 0.80)
• Crystal Cove entrance charge: PHP 300 (USD 5.40)
• TOTAL: PHP 1245 (USD 22.30)

Clearly, this doesn’t embody any further meals bills.

LAND TOUR Itinerary & Costs (E-Trike or Multi-Cab)

A Boracay land tour entails chartering an e-trike or a multi-cab to take you across the island. It’s typically referred to as “Island Tour” however on this article, to keep away from complicated it with island hopping, let’s simply name it “land tour”.

In contrast to island hopping excursions which comply with a set itinerary, land excursions provide you with full management of your time. Drivers have a steered itinerary however in the end it’s nonetheless as much as you. If you wish to skip a cease otherwise you want to keep longer at one other, it’s your name. In any case, you’re paying by the hour. Sure, by the hour.

Listed below are the Boracay land tour charges. These costs are PER VEHICLE, NOT PER PERSON.

• E-Trike Tour
  P500 per hour
  Most of 4 passengers
• Multi-cab Tour
  P700 per hour
  Most of 10 passengers

As you’ll be able to see, for those who’re a part of a giant group, you’ll find yourself saving quite a bit for those who prepare a multi-cab tour as a substitute of an e-trike. That’s what we did. We had been a gaggle of 9 (9), and the multi-cab might accommodate as much as 10 pax. The very best half, we’re all collectively in only one automobile.

Most drivers provide a land tour service. You might merely hail an e-trike or multi-cab within the streets. However if you need referrals, these are the drivers that we employed and their corresponding contact numbers:

• E-TRIKE: Kuya Ambro
  +63 943 1304164
• MULTI-CAB: Kuya Bong
  +63 939 823 8198

I’m not affiliated to them in any method. We simply loved their service.

Beneath is Kuya Bong’s steered itinerary, which we adopted on our final Boracay journey.

Cease 1: Lugutan Mangrove Park

Generally referred to as Boracay Mangroves, the Lugutan Mangrove Park covers an hectare of shallow waters in Barangay Manoc-manoc, south of Bulabog Seaside. It was opened to the general public in 2012 with 2000 mangroves. I’m certain the quantity has grown quite a bit since.

A wood boardwalk loops by and across the mangroves, making it a improbable picture spot. It’s additionally a fantastic breather from the same old seashore sights.

Entrance Payment: FREE. However registration is required. One consultant can register for the remainder of the group on the desk throughout the street from the mangroves.

Cease 2: Bulabog Seaside

Entrance Payment: FREE.

Not too far-off from the mangroves lies Bulabog Seaside. In contrast to White Seaside, Bulabog isn’t blanketed with effective white sand. Its mattress is far coarser, rockier, and principally coated in seagrass. However it’s nonetheless fairly scenic. Vacationers drop by for IG-worthy snaps, particularly across the coconut timber. One tree particularly has been a favourite amongst guests.

An enormous BORACAY signage now stands on the entrance to the seashore, which can be a fantastic picture spot.

Cease 3: Sinagpa Seaside, Lambros Level and Diniwid Seaside

Entrance Payment: FREE.

Sure, three in a single.

Sinagpa Seaside refers back to the slender stretch separating White Seaside from Diniwid Seaside. It was additionally my first time listening to the identify Sinagpa. Based on Kuya Bong, the time period is used principally by locals.

Observe the concrete walkway and it’ll lead you to a rocky cliff with a pure opening. That is what most vacationers are extra aware of. It’s referred to as Lambros Level. Behind it’s a picture of the Virgin Mary, a cliff-jumping web site, and the attractive Diniwid Seaside!

Cease 4: Keyhole

Entrance Payment: FREE.

The Keyhole, additionally referred to as Cujo’s Keyhole, is a pure arch positioned close to Boracay newcoast in Barangay Yapak. Though the roads that result in it are inside personal property, vacationers on e-trike or multi-cab tour are allowed entry.

You may need to queue up right here, however use the ready time to admire the adjoining seashores: Lapus-Lapus Seaside and Ilig-Iligan Seaside. A few of the smaller coves now function personal seashores of Newcoast.

A guard is in cost in maintaining issues so as. Guests are solely allowed as much as a sure line. Some components are cordoned off for security causes.

There’s not a lot to do right here aside from taking a pic with the enduring arch within the background. If you happen to’re not into selfies and pictures, this may not be your cup of tea. However because it was near our subsequent cease, we selected to drop by anyway.

Cease 5: Puka Seaside

Entrance Payment: FREE.

Sure, Puka Seaside is a part of mainland Boracay, so additionally it is accessible by land. If something, getting right here by land is a lot better. In contrast to on island hopping excursions with a strict time restrict, for those who go to by e-trike or multi-cab, you’ll be able to keep for so long as you need. And we suggest staying for not less than an hour right here!

If you happen to really feel such as you’ll be spending A LOT of time at Puka Seaside, you’ll be able to finish the tour proper right here. Simply take public transportation (shared e-trike) in your method again to your lodge. However for those who’re in for only a fast go to, you’ll be able to ask the driving force to attend for you after which take you again to your lodge after.

Whereas it’s now not the tranquil house it was, it’s nonetheless a fantastic place to sit back. You possibly can laze on a mat that you may “borrow” from enterprising locals. I say borrow in citation marks as a result of they place the mats within the shade and allow you to use them free of charge, however you’re anticipated to order drinks from them. You possibly can order from their menu of juices, shakes, and cocktails. Some additionally provide crystal kayak providers at a a lot decrease price, PHP 150 per 15-20 minutes. At White Seaside, it often prices PHP 250 for a similar length.

Souvenirs and trinkets are additionally less expensive right here than the shops at White Seaside! And in case your tummy is grumbling at this level, you’ll be glad to know that its entrance is flanked by eateries and road meals kiosks.

Breakdown of Bills

We spent 5 (5) hours doing the land tour, greater than an hour of which was spent at Puka Seaside. At PHP 700 per hour, the overall value was PHP 3500. We had been a gaggle of 9, so we paid PHP 388.89 per particular person. (Though I truly paid for every thing as a result of this was my deal with to my household.)

It might nonetheless go decrease for those who’re a celebration of 10 as a result of the per-person price would fall to solely PHP 350.

• Land Tour for 10 pax (5 hours): PHP 3500 (USD 62.70)
• Entrance Charges: NONE
• Crystal kayak at Puka Seaside: PHP 150 for 15-20 minutes (USD 2.70)
• Drinks at Puka seashore: Round PHP 200 (USD 3.60)

Which is best?

The land tour is a a lot better deal than the island hopping tour for 3 major causes:

• Affordability. Land tour is less expensive, at solely PHP 125 per particular person if utilizing e-trike, a lot a lot decrease than the PHP 900 fundamental charge for an island hopping tour. The land tour stops are additionally accessible for FREE, whereas most stops on the boat tour prices an entrance charge.
• Flexibility. On land tour, you might have full management of your itinerary and time, versus island hopping excursions that implement a strict schedule and restricted time per cease.
• Consolation and accessibility. The island hopping tour is rather more exhausting and difficult for seniors and PWDs. It’s fairly troublesome to board the boat particularly when the waves are robust. Multicabs and e-trikes are a lot friendlier to vacationers with mobility points.

So sure, when you’ve got time and finances for only one exercise, I like to recommend doing the land tour. However in any other case, attempt to expertise each excursions!

And once more, for those who resolve to e-book an island hopping tour, you would assist this weblog by reserving it utilizing the Klook hyperlink beneath!

✅ BOOK ISLAND HOPPING TOUR HERE!

High Boracay Inns for Teams/Household

Touring with household or barkada? Right here’s an inventory of properties in Boracay which have rooms that may accommodate teams of 4 or extra.

Seek for extra Boracay Inns!

Updates Log

2023 11 9 – First up