Beaches · Boracay · Philippines
The best beaches in and near Boracay
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best-known beach is White Beach (On the doorstep of Stations 1, 2 and 3). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
The beaches
On the doorstep of Stations 1, 2 and 3 · Swimming, families and sunsets
1.White Beach
The famous 4-km west-coast beach of fine pale sand and calm, shallow water in the amihan season.
About 15–20 minutes by e-trike from Station 2 · Quiet beach days
2.Puka Shell Beach
A quieter northern beach of coarse sand and shell fragments, with deeper water and stronger waves.
About 5 minutes on foot from Station 2 · Kitesurfing and windsurfing
3.Bulabog Beach
The east-coast beach where kitesurfers and windsurfers gather from November to April; calmer in the habagat season.
About 10 minutes on foot from Station 1 · Couples and sunset drinks
4.Diniwid Beach
A small cove north of Station 1 with clear water, cliffside resorts and quiet sunsets.
About 20 minutes by e-trike from Station 2 · Solitude
5.Ilig-Iligan Beach
A secluded northeastern beach with limestone, small caves and few facilities.
About 15 minutes by e-trike from Station 2 · Snorkelling
6.Tambisaan Beach
A small southeastern beach near a fishing village, with a reef close to shore for snorkelling.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| February | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| March | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| April | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| October | 29°C (84°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| November | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for couples, luxury, beach and first-timers
Station 1
The northern section of White Beach has the broadest sand and the calmest atmosphere, with mid-range and upmarket resorts, beachfront restaurants and the Willy's Rock grotto in the shallows. D'Mall is a 10–15 minute walk south, and Diniwid Beach is reached along a path over the headland.
- Good
- Widest sand and best swimming; Calmer evenings than Station 2; Walk to restaurants
- Watch out
- Most expensive section; Beachfront rooms book out early in peak season
- Nearby
- Willy's Rock, Diniwid Beach, D'Mall
Getting to the beaches
- Ferry — Boats cross from Caticlan Jetty Port on the mainland to Cagban Port on Boracay in about 15 minutes, running frequently through the day.
- Boat — Banca outrigger boats run island-hopping and snorkelling trips, and paraw sailboats offer sunset sails from White Beach.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in February–May. The busiest of those is April, so book early.
Beach safety
Boracay is generally safe and relaxed. The main risks are the sea and sun: follow flag warnings, especially at Puka and during the habagat season, watch for sea urchins on rocky areas and use strong sunscreen. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded Station 2 at night. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Boracay have beaches?
Yes: White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, Bulabog Beach, Diniwid Beach, Ilig-Iligan Beach and Tambisaan Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Boracay?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Boracay?
White Beach: The famous 4-km west-coast beach of fine pale sand and calm, shallow water in the amihan season.