3 days in Boracay

Day by day

1. Day 1: White Beach and Island hopping

   White Beach, Island hopping and D'Talipapa market, then D'Mall in the evening.

   1. Morning

      White Beach

      The island's west-coast beach runs for about 4 km of fine, pale coral sand and shallow turquoise water, divided informally into Stations 1, 2 and 3.

   2. Late morning

      Island hopping

      Book through an accredited operator, wear reef-safe sunscreen and bring water shoes for rocky landings.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Fruit shakes

      Shake stands along the White Beach path and in D'Mall.

   4. Afternoon

      D'Talipapa market

      A covered wet market near Station 2 where you buy fresh fish, prawns, crab and shellfish at the stalls and take them to surrounding 'paluto' restaurants, which cook them to order for a fee.

   5. Evening

      D'Mall

      Use it as a meeting point and for browsing in the evening; prices for souvenirs are often lower in the side alleys.

2. Day 2: Willy's Rock and Sunset paraw sailing

   Willy's Rock, Sunset paraw sailing and Puka Shell Beach, then Station 2 in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Willy's Rock

      Visit at low tide in the morning for easy wading and clear photos before the crowds.

   2. Late morning

      Sunset paraw sailing

      Paraw are traditional Visayan double-outrigger sailboats; passengers sit on nets stretched between the hull and outriggers as the boat skims along White Beach.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Calamansi muffins

      Cafés along White Beach, especially around Station 2.

   4. Afternoon

      Puka Shell Beach

      Go in the morning, take water and shade, and check the sea before swimming, as currents can be strong in the habagat season.

   5. Evening

      Station 2

      The main strip of bars, live-music venues and late-opening restaurants along the beach path and in D'Mall.

3. Day 3: Mount Luho viewpoint and Kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach

   Mount Luho viewpoint, Kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach and Scuba diving, then Station 1 in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Mount Luho viewpoint

      The island's highest point, about 100 metres above sea level, has an observation deck with 360-degree views over White Beach, Bulabog and the neighbouring islands.

   2. Late morning

      Kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach

      Book lessons with a certified school, and come in December to March for the most consistent wind.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Chori burger

      Snack stalls along the White Beach path and in D'Mall.

   4. Afternoon

      Scuba diving

      Dive shops along White Beach run boat dives to sites such as Crocodile Island and the reefs and walls off Yapak, with soft corals, reef fish and turtles.

   5. Evening

      Station 1

      Cocktail bars and resort lounges for a quieter evening.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Station 1 keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Station 2 ($$$) suits first-timers, nightlife, food lovers, budget and shopping. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 19–24 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.4 hours in December to 12.8 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Boracay
• 2 days in Boracay
• 5 days in Boracay

Questions travellers ask