Best beaches to visit in Boracay: our top picks

Boracay is a small island - around 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) long and 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) across at its widest point. Even with its size, it’s got a surprising range of beaches, and is one of the best islands in the Philippines.

The island’s shape plays a big role in how each beach feels. The west coast faces the Sulu Sea, so the water there is usually calmer and great for swimming. The east coast, open to the South China Sea, tends to be windier, which is why you’ll see kiteboarders and windsurfers out there. Here are the best beaches in Boracay. 

White Beach (Stations 1, 2, 3)

White Beach is the main stretch of sand in Boracay, running just over 2.5 miles (4km) along the island’s west coast and is often regarded as one of the best beaches in the Philippines. It’s split into three stations. Station 1 is the most spacious and tends to have the higher-end resorts. Station 2 is where most of the action is—restaurants, bars, and the D’Mall shopping area. Station 3 is quieter, with more budget places and a slower pace.

The sand here is soft, the water is calm and clear, and the beach gradually slopes into the sea, making it easy to wade in. Since it faces west, it’s one of the best places on the island to catch the sunset. You’ll see people swimming, having drinks right on the beach, or walking the length of the shore between stations.

How to get to White Beach

From Caticlan Jetty Port, take a tricycle to your chosen station—Station 2 is the most central. It’s about a 10–15 minute ride. If you're flying into Kalibo, it’s a longer trip: a shuttle van or bus to Caticlan (1.5–2 hours), then a boat to Boracay. Once you’re on the island, you can get around easily by foot or tricycle.

When to visit White Beach

If you’re looking for some quiet, early morning (around 6–8 AM) is a good time—fewer people and cooler temperatures. Midday is good for sunbathing, but it gets hot. Late afternoon (4–6 PM) is the most popular time to head to the beach, when the sun starts to go down and people gather to watch it set over the water.
 

Puka Shell Beach (Yapak Beach)

Puka Shell Beach is on the northern tip of the island and has a different feel than the other Boracay beaches. The sand here is coarser, mixed with crushed puka shells, and it’s surrounded by cliffs and thick greenery. It’s about half a mile (800m) long and feels more remote.

The waves can be stronger, so it’s better for confident swimmers. It’s also generally less crowded. If you’re here around dusk, you might see Boracay’s flying foxes (fruit bats) coming out from the trees. The view from the shore takes in the Sibuyan Sea and nearby islands.

You won’t find many built-up facilities here, but near the entrance there are a few small eateries, souvenir stands, and loungers you can rent. You might see locals selling cold drinks or coconuts, but it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and water if you’re staying for a while. See our Philippines travel tips for more advice.

How to get to Puka Shell Beach

You can reach it by tricycle from White Beach in about 15–20 minutes (expect to pay around PHP 150–200 one way). Some drivers will wait or you can arrange a time for pickup. Puka is also part of most island-hopping tours. If you’d rather go at your own pace, renting a motorbike or bike and heading north on the main road works just as well—there are signs along the way.

When to visit Puka Shell Beach

December to April is generally the best window to go, when the wind is calm and the water is clearer. If you have snorkel gear, there’s marine life to see near the rocky parts along the edge of the beach.
 

Diniwid Beach

Diniwid Beach is a small, quiet cove just beyond the northern end of White Beach Station 1. It’s about 650 feet (200 meters) long, framed by cliffs and hills, which makes it feel more tucked away. Coming here is one of the best things to do in Boracay. The sand is soft, the water is calm, and it’s a nice break from the busier areas of the island. A few hillside villas and boutique places are set into the cliffs. 

The water here is usually clear and good for swimming. There’s some coral offshore too, so bring a snorkel if you’re curious. Since the beach faces west, you still get sunset views, but with far fewer people around. There are a handful of casual restaurants and bars by the sand, and while there isn’t a huge selection, what’s here is worth stopping at.

How to get to Diniwid Beach

There’s a narrow clifftop path connecting this Boracay beach to White Beach—takes around 10 to 15 minutes on foot and has great ocean views. Or you can grab a tricycle from anywhere on the island for about a 5 to 10 minute ride (PHP 100–150).

When to visit Diniwid Beach

It’s usually quiet, but weekday mornings are the calmest. During Amihan season (December to February), the beach is protected from the wind, so the water stays calm even when it’s rougher elsewhere.
 

Bulabog Beach

Bulabog Beach runs along the east side of Boracay, directly across the island from White Beach. It’s the center of the island’s water sports scene—kiteboarding and windsurfing especially. The bay is shallow, and an offshore reef helps create good wind conditions, especially during the Amihan season. Wind speeds during that time tend to stay around 17–29 mph (15–25 knots), which draws a global crowd of kiteboarders.

You’ll see people setting up gear early in the morning and the sky full of colorful kites by midday. Even if you’re not into water sports, it’s fun to watch from the shore. There are a bunch of kite schools here, and most are great: offering lessons, gear rentals, and places to store your stuff if you’re riding. It's easily one of the best things to do in the Philippines.

Accommodations along the beach are basic but convenient for anyone focused on being close to the water. Food-wise, there are a few casual spots where people hang out post-session.

How to get to Bulabog Beach

It’s just a short walk from Station 2—cut through D’Mall and keep going until you reach the other side of the island. It takes about 10 minutes. The beach runs along the main road, and there are a few paths leading down to the sand.

When to visit Bulabog Beach

Wind season runs from November to April. January and February usually have the strongest, most consistent wind, which is great if you’re already confident on the water. If you’re just starting out, try November or April when conditions are a bit gentler.
 

Ilig-Bulabog Beach

Ilig-Iligan Beach sits tucked away on Boracay’s northeastern coast, far from the crowds. It’s one of the more untouched parts of the island. You’ll see a mix of soft white sand and bits of coral underfoot, and the surrounding limestone cliffs and thick greenery make it feel more remote. There’s also a small patch of forest just behind the beach.

Since it’s harder to reach, fewer people make the trip out here. That gives it a laid-back, natural feel that tends to draw snorkelers and travelers looking to get away from the more built-up areas. The water is clear, and the coral just offshore is still in decent shape, so bring your snorkel. It’s easily one of the best beaches in Boracay.

There’s not much in the way of infrastructure—maybe a couple of local stalls selling drinks and snacks in peak season, but that’s about it. You’ll want to bring what you need: water, sunscreen, something to sit on, and any food or gear you think you'll want. See our Philippines travel health tips for ideas on what to pack.

How to get to Ilig-Iligan Beach

It takes a bit longer to get here than to the central Boracay beaches. The easiest way is by tricycle—expect to pay around PHP 200–300 for a one-way ride from White Beach, and plan for about 20 to 30 minutes. The last bit of the road gets rough, and you may need to walk a short stretch. You can also get here by joining an island-hopping trip.

When to visit Ilig-Iligan Beach

Dry season (November to May) is the best time to go, especially if you’re coming by land—roads are easier and the water tends to stay calmer. Try to arrive in the early morning, around 8 to 10 AM, for quieter conditions and clearer water before other swimmers stir things up.
 

Tambisaan Beach

Tambisaan Beach is on Boracay’s southeast coast, near the Manoc-Manoc and Bantud areas. It’s a quiet stretch about 500 meters long, with light sand and calm waters. People mostly come here for the snorkeling—there’s a healthy reef about 80 feet (25 meters) offshore where you’ll see corals and schools of fish without needing to go far.

The beach has more of a local feel compared to other parts of the island. You might see some fishing boats or locals coming and going, especially since Tambisaan serves as a seasonal jetty port. 

Along the shore, the coral changes every 160 feet (50 meters) or so, which keeps things interesting if you’re swimming or snorkeling along the length of the bay. Snorkel gear rentals are usually available from vendors along the beach. 

How to get to Tambisaan Beach

You can get here by tricycle in about 15 to 20 minutes from central areas like D’Mall. Be clear with your driver about going to Tambisaan, since it’s not one of the usual tourist stops. If you’re already on an island-hopping tour, you might be able to reach it by boat too. By land, follow the road south toward Cagban Jetty Port, then turn left just before reaching the port entrance—there’s a sign for the beach.

When to visit Tambisaan Beach

For the best snorkeling conditions, visit during the dry season (November to May) when the water is clearer. If you want to enjoy more of the shoreline, try to avoid going at high tide—some of the beach gets covered when the tide comes in.
 

Balinghai Beach

Balinghai Beach is a quiet little cove on Boracay’s northwestern side, tucked between rocky cliffs and thick vegetation. It disappears completely during high tide, then slowly comes back as the water recedes—so timing your visit is key. When the tide is low, you’ll find soft white sand framed by lava rocks and a peaceful, hidden-feeling setting.

The beach is part of Balinghai Beach Resort, where small cottages are built into the cliffs and surrounded by trees. There’s decent snorkeling just offshore, especially around the rocks. A lot of people come here in the late afternoon for beachfront meals, especially when the tide is out and you can actually sit on the sand.

The setup is simple but comfortable. There’s a small restaurant with both local and Western food, some loungers and chairs, clean bathrooms, and basic gear rentals. To access the beach, you’ll need to pay around PHP 500 at the entrance, which you can then use as credit at the restaurant.

How to get to Balinghai Beach

From White Beach or D’Mall, you can catch a tricycle—just ask for Balinghai Beach or Balinghai Resort. It’s about a 15–20 minute ride and usually costs PHP 150–200 one way. Once you’re there, you’ll pay the entrance fee and walk down about 150–200 stairs to reach the beach. The path is steep, so good footwear helps. 

When to visit Balinghai Beach

Since the beach disappears at high tide, check the tide charts before you go. You’ll want to arrive during low tide—there’s usually a 3–4 hour window when the sand is exposed and you can actually hang out on the beach.

Lapuz-Lapuz Beach (Fairways Beach)

Lapuz-Lapuz Beach, also called Fairways Beach, sits on Boracay’s northeastern coast inside the Fairways & Bluewater Resort. It’s a long stretch of sand backed by the island’s only 18-hole golf course, so the surroundings are a mix of manicured fairways and raw coastline. It’s not open to the public in the usual sense, so it stays quiet most of the time.

The beach faces east, so it gets early morning sun and calm water thanks to a reef just offshore. The swimming area is fairly protected, and because access is limited, it never feels too busy. It’s one of the best beaches in Boracay for families or anyone wanting a break from the crowds.

Guests staying at the resort have access to loungers, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. Staff can bring food and drinks directly to you on the beach. There are also pools and restaurants close by, all part of the same resort complex. If you’re not staying there, day passes are sometimes available, especially in the low season—but it’s best to ask ahead. See our guide to accommodations in the Philippines.

How to get to Lapuz-Lapuz Beach

If you’re staying at Fairways & Bluewater, there’s a shuttle that runs to the beach. If not, you can ask at the main entrance about day pass availability. From White Beach or D’Mall, a tricycle to the resort entrance costs around PHP 200–300 and takes 15–20 minutes.

When to visit Lapuz-Lapuz Beach

This beach is best in the early morning, between 6–8 AM, when the water is still and the light is nice. Mid-morning through early afternoon is good for swimming. If you’re coming later in the day, it’s quieter and cooler, though you won’t get sunset views from this side of the island.
 

Punta Bunga Beach

Punta Bunga Beach is a quiet stretch of sand on Boracay’s northwest coast near Barangay Yapak. It’s about three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km) long and framed by limestone cliffs and forested hills. The water here is usually calm, thanks to a reef just offshore, and the beach faces west, so you’ll get a front-row seat for sunset.

This beach sits just below high-end resorts like Shangri-La and Movenpick, which means it tends to stay quiet. It’s technically open to the public, but most people here are resort guests. That also means fewer beachside businesses and a more natural shoreline. If you’re not staying at one of the resorts, you won’t have access to their loungers or services—but the beach itself is fair game if you can reach it.

How to get to Punta Bunga Beach

For non-resort guests, the easiest way to get here is to take a tricycle from White Beach or D'Mall (PHP 200–250 one-way) and ask to be dropped near the closest public access path.

 It’s a bit of a walk from there, down narrow lanes through residential areas, and you may need to ask for directions. Some travelers have been allowed through resort checkpoints by explaining they’re headed to the public beach, but it’s not guaranteed.

When to visit Punta Bunga Beach

Late afternoon to early evening (3–6 PM) is a good time to go, especially if you want to catch the sunset. The light over the Sibuyan Sea is especially nice around then.

Tulubhan Beach

Tulubhan Beach sits on the island’s quieter eastern side, just below Bulabog Beach. It’s a working beach, where you’ll see local fishermen hauling nets or prepping their boats for the day. The sand is mixed with coral and the shoreline is rougher than Boracay’s western beaches, but it gives you a chance to see daily island life up close.

The coastline here is shaped by rock formations and shallow coves. During low tide, the water recedes and reveals tidal flats dotted with starfish. It’s not the best place for swimming, but it’s great for a slow walk and some quiet time away from the crowds.

How to get to Tulubhan Beach

It’s about a 10–15 minute tricycle ride from D’Mall or White Beach (PHP 150–200 one-way). You’ll head past Bulabog into a more local part of the island. Renting a bike or motorbike is also an option if you’d like to explore the area at your own pace. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.

When to visit Tulubhan Beach

Go during low tide if you want to walk out across the sand flats and see sea life up close. The experience is especially peaceful in the early morning or late afternoon.
 

Lagutan Beach

Lagutan Beach is tucked into the southeastern part of Boracay, near Manoc-Manoc. What makes it different is the mangrove forest behind the beach—an important natural area that protects the coast and supports all kinds of wildlife. The beach itself is small, but the focus here is more on nature than lounging around.

A raised wooden walkway runs through the mangroves, letting you explore the area without damaging the roots. It’s a good place to see birds, crabs, and mudskippers.

There aren’t many facilities, but that also means it stays peaceful. It’s best for travelers who are more interested in ecology, birdwatching, or just taking a break from the main beach scene. It’s one of the best beaches in Boracay for eco-tourism.

How to get to Lagutan Beach

Head toward the Manoc-Manoc area. Nearby hotels like Monaco Suites or Lingganay can help you get your bearings. You can take a tricycle or rent a motorbike or bike to reach it on your own.

When to visit Lagutan Beach

It’s easiest to explore in the dry season (November to May), when the paths stay dry. Early mornings (around 7–9 AM) are the best time to see birds and other wildlife.