Want to know all the best things to do in Boracay with kids? We have you covered! Below, you’ll find our favorite family-friendly attractions and activities.
Once a full-on party island, Boracay has changed in recent years. Thanks to a six-month shutdown in 2018 – when the island underwent extensive environmental rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements – the famous white powdery shores are pristine again.
So, of all the 7,600+ islands of the Philippines, why is Boracay so special? I had the same questions and delayed visiting with my family for a long time, assuming it was probably spoiled by commercialism. But eventually we all succumbed to the charm of Boracay.
For sure, the almost four-kilometer-long White Beach is awesome, but we’ve seen long empty stretches of beach around Palawan and Coron. Yet there’s something truly stunning in the way the treeline is close to the shore at Boracay, how the palm trees seem to reach out towards the setting sun.
Ah, the sunsets. Heavily praised in magazines, they are simply astounding. Fiery red skies reflect across the ocean as local paraw (boats) silently sail off into the horizon. Exotically beautiful.
Is Boracay indicative of the rest of the Philippines? In so many ways it’s not. And yet, is it worth visiting? Yes!
Not least for the gentle sloping shore that’s ideal for water activities and a joy for anyone not overly confident at swimming in the sea, for the best mix of restaurants you’ll find on any “desert island”, great hotels, swimming pools and – a must do in Boracay – thrilling island hopping adventures.
And most importantly, did our kids – 12 years old – enjoy themselves? Oh yes… because there are many fun things to do in Boracay.
Below, you will find everything you need to know about the best places to visit in Boracay for your ultimate family holiday!!
Top 14 Best Things To Do In Boracay With Kids
Go Island Hopping
Island Hopping is one of the most popular things to do in Boracay and definitely worth having on your to-do list.
There are many must-see spots around Boracay and the nearby islands…
- Crocodile Island – an uninhabited island, 15 minutes from White Beach and a popular snorkeling spot
- Puka Beach or Balinghai Beach – serene beaches for sunbathing and beach fun, with Puka Beach in our opinion one of the most beautiful places in Boracay
- Crystal Cove Island – a small private beach with two caves, trekking, kayaking and more fab snorkeling
- Magic Island – famed for its epic cliff diving with 5 platforms up to 10 meters above the Visayan Sea
- Carabao Island – a quiet gem of an island
- Ariel’s Point on Panay Island – known for cliff diving, kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Spend a half or full day touring around Boracay and to neighboring islands. Relax on white sand beaches, at hidden-away coves, or explore little islands with your guide. Experience some of the top snorkeling spots in the Philippines where you’ll see colorful corals and unusual marine life such as moray eels and reef fish.
Most trips come with a lunch – BBQ seafood and buffet-style. And remember to negotiate (barter!) with your boatman, confirming you visit all the places you want to see, that snorkeling equipment and lunch is included, and if there are any extras, as some islands/beaches have an entrance fee.
We spent a day on a catamaran cruising to Carabao Island with lush green hills and a long sandy coastline, dotted with small villages. A far cry from buzzy Boracay, and a nice change for a day.
However you decide to travel, make sure to take along your sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, a change of clothes and a camera to record what is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.
Click here to book your island hopping adventure now.
Stroll Along White Beach
The famous four-kilometer stretch of coast that is White Beach is postcard-perfect. With powdery white sand, turquoise-blue water and towering palm trees, it’s fair to say that this beach is the main tourist attraction in Boracay.
Regularly voted one of the Best Beaches in Asia, White Beach is so lengthy it’s been split into “stations” so visitors can more easily locate accommodation or restaurants.
The main attraction is, without doubt, the pure soft sand and the epic beauty of the beach itself. The generally shallow, calm water can make White Beach particularly appealing to families, although conditions can vary.
The best times to take a walk are early morning when you’re most likely to find it quieter, or with the masses at dusk when it feels as though everyone is at the shoreline. This creates a great atmosphere as the sun drops over the horizon, the paraw sailboats depart for evening cruises and locals and tourists play sports, such as volleyball or soccer. The beach, especially at this time of day, emits a friendly vibe that leaves a lasting impression.
Station 1, where the beach is slightly wider, is usually the most popular for beach activities. The sand is reportedly the finest here too, with most of the luxury resorts at this end of White Beach making it generally a quieter area. You’ll also spot Willy’s Rock – one of the most famous things to see in Boracay.
Boracay Station 2 activities are numerous with this being the center of the beach where the water is still very shallow and the busiest area. Here you’ll find mid-range resorts, the majority of restaurants – mainly around D’Mall – and a mixed assortment of tourist and local shops, ATMs, etc.
The path here can get particularly busy in the evening as a lot of people visit the restaurants and bars, with the nightlife kicking off around 9pm.
Boracay Station 3 is notably more peaceful. You’ll find backpacker-style accommodation (suitable if you’re planning a Boracay budget itinerary) and a couple of AirBnB rentals at this end of the beach.
There is plenty of green vegetation which provides more shade and gives a quieter feel compared to other stretches of the shoreline. But, this being Boracay, a few bars and clubs are scattered around here too!
Though split into Stations, there are no obvious boundaries between them as you stroll the sandy beachside White Beach Path walkway. And you can easily spend a half day meandering between the stations – where motorized vehicles are prohibited – stopping for souvenir purchases, hair-braiding, henna tattoos, ice-creams and more!
Immersing your family in the chilled and funky vibe of White Beach is a quintessential part of your visit to the island. Forget your walking shoes, grab flip-flops or – better still – go barefoot, discovering glorious White Beach!
Address: Balabag, Malay, Aklan
See The Amazing Sunsets Of Boracay
Time your walk well along White Beach and you’ll end the afternoon at a beachside cafe or bar at Station 2. Settle down on the decking with colorful cocktails and refreshing milkshakes for the kids, and get ready for the show!
And quite the show it is, as dusk brings on the most insanely beautiful sunsets, time and time again. Oranges, reds, purples, pinks… The entire horizon appears on fire. You’ve seen beautiful sunsets before, but truly Boracay’s sky leaves you speechless as it reflects out across the Visayan Sea.
Almost everyone comes to the beach to watch, strolling the shoreline, playing frisbees, or sitting in groups with cameras held aloft waiting to capture the technicolor horizon.
A quietness descends across the beach as colors fill the sky, with day turning slowly into night.
There are, of course, alternative places to visit to capture the famed views, and if you’re staying for a few nights try to visit Manoc-Manoc (chicken) Beach. At the southernmost point of Boracay this is a great place for watching the sunset and it’s a simple stroll from White Beach.
Check Out Bulabog Beach
Boracay has many beaches beyond White Beach, definitely enough to keep you busy for a few days! And one that stood out to us is Bulabog Beach.
Nicknamed the “Adventure Sports Capital of Boracay”, Bulabog Beach is home to one of the most famous water sports centers across Asia, and thus when the wind blows, the bay is filled with those who love to kitesurf and windsurf!
When we went in October the wind was blowing well and we enjoyed watching the surfers pull off some impressive tricks! There’s also a cool vibe cropping up, with some reggae bars along the shoreline, but mostly the area seems still under development.
The beach itself arches around the long bay, and is, again, soft white sand. Swimming is possible but not as safe or as fun as at White Beach for families, and this side of the island is more prone to large quantities of seaweed.
November to April is the prime surfing time, due to the Amihan seasonal winds bringing northeasterlies. So if you or your kids fancy giving it a try, aim for these months. You’ll find many water sports centers along the shoreline offering equipment rentals and lessons for absolute beginners, or even lessons for proficient surfers looking to improve their skills.
Our kids had a go and rated this as one of their favorite Boracay activities.
Other water sports on offer here include jet skiing, parasailing and water-sled rides. There are many terrific Boracay water sports activities.
Click here for more details on parasailing on Boracay.
Address: Opposite White Beach at the east coast, Malay, Aklan
Relax At Diniwid Beach
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, we recommend escaping the busier parts of Station 1 and walking just 10 minutes over to Diniwid Beach.
A small strip of white sand, surrounded by a handful of hotels and lush green hills spotted with a few villas, Diniwid is a quieter alternative to White Beach.
This is a paradise spot if you’re looking to escape with the children for some quieter beach time.
Address: North of White Beach Balabag, Malay, Aklan
Shop Your Heart Out At D’Mall
Boracay’s open-air shopping mall, close to Station 2 in the middle of White Beach, is a rather fabled part of the island. This main hub of White Beach is home to the majority of restaurants and bars along the famed party-strip. Many a story has started or ended at D’Mall!
These days, again thanks to the island’s new attitude – aiming to be pristine clean both at the beach and on the island – the paths of D’Mall are much improved, with better drainage and wider walkways. Stroll the lanes listening to reggae wafting on the breeze and relax in the mellow island vibe.
Trendy surfer/beachwear shops stand next to general stores (7-Eleven, BudgetMart, etc), unique stores promote wedding and party trinkets, others offer styling services if you’re off to a club, and souvenir shops seem to be at every corner!
Tattoo parlors open late into the night, along with massage shops promoting relaxing foot treatments. And various travel & tour companies tempt you with day tours or holiday extensions to other parts of the Philippines.
D’Mall is a maze of small colorful and noisy lanes, car-free and safe for kids to run around. They’ll be begging for henna tattoos, to have their hair braided or to have their caricature drawn. And once in the middle of the lanes you’ll find a small ride – a Ferris Wheel with carriages – that takes kids up to the top of the palm trees!
Among the shops are the mouth-watering restaurants – Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines tempt you, along with many locally-themed eateries. (Plus – whether a positive or not – there are McDonald’s and Jollibee outlets on the island too.)
We stayed for six nights and ate a different cuisine every night at D’Mall. And the food is good – tasty and large amounts of it. With some magnificent ice-creams sold along the lanes to really finish the night off with a treat.
Address: D’Mall de Boracay, Station 2, Malay, Aklan
Witness A Fiery Performance Of Fire Dancers At Night
Jokingly labeled as the “Fire Dance Capital of the Philippines”, Boracay offers free evening entertainment that is sure to delight children of all ages.
Fire dancing, which entails swinging a tethered pair of poi balls set alight, is the most popular night activity in Boracay. Best viewed from a distance, you can usually catch an impromptu display from the balcony of a White Beach restaurant while you enjoy dinner.
Many fire dancers put on displays at beaches across the island, wearing colorful costumes that twirl as they dance, and spin flaming objects to funky tunes. Great fun!
Take Pictures At Willy’s Rock
Probably Boracay’s most photographed landmark, the iconic Willy’s Rock is a volcanic rock formation that has small steps cut into it leading up to a shrine. Set right at the end of White Beach at Station 1 – and named after the nearby Willy’s Beach Club Hotel – this rocky plateau stands in shallow water just off the beach.
Best visited at low tide, the rock’s shape is often compared to a battleship, with the shrine as its mast. Cameras at the ready as the darkening silhouette of the rock is especially dramatic against the setting sun.
Address: Balabag Off White Beach, Malay, Aklan
Taste The Local Food
If the beaches of Boracay aren’t enough to entice you, the food will! And there are some awesome options…
Aria Cucina Italiana Boracay is an awesome pizza choice – with salads accompanying their woodfire baked pizzas.
The Sunny Side Cafe is a great pick for a brunch-style breakfast. This all-day breakfast joint has plenty of comfort food, including the Boracay classic Chori Burger and its Bacon and Mango Grilled Cheese. You’ll be dragging the family away from here.
Looking for something healthier? Check out Nonie’s at Station 3. There is delicious and healthy cuisine here, with local dishes such as Bistek Tagalog (beef steak Filipino style) and Bao Sliders.
For a yummy BBQ experience there’s Spicebird. Its Piri-Piri Chicken is a signature dish, with sauces ranging from Garlic & Lime to the spicy Hotbird.
If you fancy something a little fancier, try Lemoni Café and Restaurant within D’Mall Plaza, which serves breakfast, cakes and a range of international dishes.
Moving along to Station 1, check out BarLo Restaurant at Two Seasons Boracay. Their famous Four-Cheese Pizza should keep the family happy, and perhaps try a side order of something more local such as Oyster Sisig (sizzling plate). Delicious.
But if you’re just in the mood for a snack, well there’s another long list of options! Start out at HaloMango at Station 2 of D’Mall. As the name suggests, mango features heavily on the menu!
Jonah’s Fruit Shake & Snack Bar is perhaps one of the most famous eateries on the island – almost always jam-packed with tourists and locals. Possibly it’s the freshness of the ingredients or the wide selection of fruit combinations that pulls people in… but whatever it is, it works! Just don’t be surprised that your drink is rather sweet-tasting, regardless of the flavor.
And let’s finish with Coco Mama. Coconut ice cream with mango slices, served in an eco-friendly coconut shell. Grab that, head to the beach for the sunset and fire-show… Classic Boracay!
Fun Boracay Water Activities
Go Parasailing
Parasailing in Boracay is available from many beaches around the island, including White Beach.
Get strapped into your harness and watch as the colorful parachute opens behind you and slowly – surprisingly gracefully – pulls you back and upwards into the sky. And once you’re over the initial thrill of being so high, enjoy the epic views of beautiful Boracay.
Click here for more details on parasailing on Boracay.
Enjoy A Banana Boat Ride
Let’s hit the water again and ride the bouncy banana! Hold on tight as you’re pulled across the clear water, on what my kids thought was one of the best Boracay activities. And, of course, prepare to get wet as half the fun is tumbling off the inflatable!
We all rode this multiple times during our stay as it was so much fun.
Click here to book a banana boat ride now.
See Underwater Wonders While Snorkeling And Scuba Diving
Boracay underwater activities are centered on snorkeling and scuba diving.
Snorkeling should definitely be in your Boracay itinerary. First off, pick up a mask and snorkel from any of the dive shops – usually rented for as little as US$5 a day.
Crocodile Island was probably the best spot we found and is incorporated in most island-hopping trips (like this one). It can get a little busy but it is worth it.
Angelfish, banded sea snakes, cornet fish and moray eels can be found among rather beautiful corals. And no, we didn’t spot any crocodiles!
Balinghai Cove was another favorite point of ours. Again, you’ll find a healthy reef with varied marine life, including small sea life such as anemones and sea urchins. Check out Angel Point too, full of sea cucumbers and starfish – a firm favorite for our kids.
Another popular activity is scuba diving. Though we didn’t partake, we saw the dive boats coming and going, and heard some glowing reports from divers we met over dinner. If you have teens, you may want to give this a go.
You’re in for a treat of dive sites:
- You’ll find around 25 dive sites off the island, all accessible by a short boat ride, meaning multiple dives in a day are easily possible.
- There are shallow dive spots, ideal for beginners, with colorful reef life and corals where turtles join you on your reef exploration.
- More challenging dive sites – such as Yapak and Camia – take you deeper. In the stronger currents you’ll hope to see pelagic fish such as barracudas, trevallies and even reef sharks.
- And for those interested in macro photography, check out Crocodile Island and Laurel Island, where you should find tiny critters such as nudibranchs, pipefish and brilliant corals.
Diving can be enjoyed all day and even at night directly from the beach!
For adults, click here to book a dive now for experienced divers or here for beginner divers.
Kids can find a diving class here.
Learn Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
One of the most popular Boracay activities all our family had a go at was SUP. And it’s fair to say that the kids were much better than the adults!
You’ll find operators at White Beach all day long offering to rent out SUPs, but we found the best time to try was early morning before breakfast or late in the afternoon, just before the glorious sunset.
You can stand, sit, lie down (or fall off, as I was more prone to do!) on the SUP. The local instructor will help you with a few pointers or just leave you alone to have fun. And this is where the wonderful shallow shoreline of Boracay comes into play – making you appreciate how the island is so perfect for water sports.
Stand up, fall in, stand up and try again… all great family fun!
Paraw Sunset Cruise
I’ve saved one of the best activities in Boracay until last… A paraw is a traditional Philippine double-outrigger sailboat, and in Boracay the paraws feature a large crab-claw sail and a smaller triangle-shaped foresail. At the end of the afternoon, paraws head out from White Beach for sunset cruises, all the boats start out together from one end of White Beach.
Paraws, with colorful sails, glide into the Visayan Sea, and take their front-row seats for the coming sunset.
For those left behind on the beach, the beauty of the tens of paraws only adds to the epic sunset views.
Bob up and down on the calm ocean, listening to the creaking of the bamboo boat and the wind in the sails. Relax and take in the stunning island views as you glide along Boracay’s white-sand coast. Epic.
I think this is where I really fell for the charms of Boracay!
Click here to book a sunset cruise now.
Top Things To Do On Boracay Island Map
Best Place To Stay In Boracay
Now you’ve compiled your Boracay itinerary, it’s time to figure out where to stay! With so many accommodation options – for such a small island – consider the activities you most want to do and – budget dependent – perhaps look initially at hotels nearest to those.
Remember to keep in mind that it can get particularly busy around Station 2, but we found it an ideal base for our family trip as it’s so near to all the fun of D’Mall and ideal for beach activities.
Below, we’ve recommended one luxury, one mid-range and one budget hotel.
You can also find our full guide to the best Boracay family hotels here.
BEST – Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay Review
Our pick of family luxury hotels at Boracay, the Movenpick Resort & Spa features a stunning private beach at Punta Bunga, at the northern tip of the island.
Fully beach-facing, the resort offers 312 rooms of various sizes that all include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, personal safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms come with a spacious ensuite bathroom, and there’s complimentary WiFi throughout the resort.
The private and – in contrast to White Beach – quiet beach, is the highlight of your stay though the kids will probably spend all their time at the huge, multi-level swimming pool. There’s a wide selection of in-house restaurants – making it possible to dine at the hotel across your stay. A luxurious spa, a modern fitness center and even a Kids’ Club and playground.
Everything is thoughtfully covered to make your stay that little more enjoyable, including airport and boat transfers and massage service.
If you don’t mind being a little distance from the main hub of White Beach, Movenpick Resort & Spa is our favorite luxury option for families.
Click here for the latest prices.
MID-RANGE – Boracay Holiday Resort Review
Many activities are found in Station 2. Thus, consider staying at long-time favorite, Boracay Holiday Resort.
This 3-star hotel is a well-known family favorite, just a quick walk down the block from White Beach. A laid-back hotel, with friendly staff and a pool ideal for young or teenaged children.
Rooms come equipped with cable television, air-conditioning and mini-fridges. Some rooms come with terraces and balconies with pool views – be sure to inquire when booking.
Suites have living areas and pull-out sofas, while upgraded suites have kitchenettes and dining areas making it a real home-away-from-home setup.
A complimentary buffet breakfast (which can become repetitive) is served at the front of the hotel. There’s a small fitness center and a helpful concierge desk that can assist with arranging island tours, snorkeling equipment and beach towels.
The hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk, safety deposit boxes, luggage storage, shuttle services, and airport transfers.
We stayed here and found that the location was ideal for D’Mall and all the activities we enjoyed.
Click here for the latest prices.
BUDGET – Shore Time Hotel Annex Review
After you’ve read our long list of Boracay Island activities, you might reach the conclusion that your family will be spending most of the day and evening out of the hotel! So consider our budget option of Shore Time Hotel Annex and save your funds for all the fun activities above.
Less than a three-minute walk from White Beach (midway between Station 1 and 2) and D’Mall, the hotel is right in the heart of Boracay.
Rooms are fitted with air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Hot showers and free toiletries can be found in the ensuite bathrooms. Bedding is simple, either a standard double with a large double bed or a standard twin with two single beds, ideal for the children.
A 24-hour front desk helps you find your way around the village or assists in booking island tours. Luggage storage and a paid laundry service are also available.
There’s no in-house restaurant but you have the myriad of D’Mall restaurants almost on your doorstep.
Click here for the latest prices.
Click here to see all our recommendations for the best hotel in Boracay.
How To Get To Boracay
It’s easy to get to Boracay by bus, plane, ferry or car, although everyone will need to take a boat across from Caticlan.
The best way to get to Boracay is by taking a flight from Manila or Cebu to Caticlan. This option is the fastest and most convenient. Caticlan Airport (also referred to as Boracay Airport) is the closest airport to Boracay.
From the airport, you can ride a tricycle or van to the Caticlan Jetty. At the jetty, you can take a small boat (bangka) that will take you directly to the island.
If you need to take a bus to Caticlan, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices.
To see all the latest flights and prices, click here.
Or click here to see all the latest ferry ticket prices and schedules.
Read our full guide to exactly how to get to Boracay here.
Final Words
There are several versions of how Boracay got its name. One traditional Ati explanation says it comes from the Inati words bora, meaning bubbles, and bocay, meaning white—a reference to the island’s powdery white sand resembling bubbles. The name stuck and is a fair description of this stunning beach.
Whatever brings you to the island – epic water sports, family hotels, great dining options, the numerous activities or simply to view what is regularly referred to as one of the world’s most spectacular beaches… You and your family are guaranteed to have great fun!
Read our list of all the best Boracay hotels for family and find more Boracay Island guides here.
