I feel like Boracay, Philippines is one of those places you either know, or you inadvertently sleep on. Surprisingly, more people than I’d anticipated have actually heard of Boracay before, though most are either Filipino, have friends who are, or live toward this side of the world. Boracay is such a beautifully hidden gem though, and I’m so glad we made the time to spend three days in Boracay before we move to Alaska. Today, we’re sharing what to do in Boracay with family!

What to Do in Boracay with Family

First and foremost, Boracay is known for its beaches and watersports. This petite island is basically a watersports haven with something for all ages. That’s what appealed to us. Naturally, the incoming typhoon interfered with most of our plans to enjoy the watersports Boracay has to offer, but that doesn’t mean that the weather will interfere with yours!

While Boracay is often hailed by honeymooners and couples looking for a picturesque escape, it’s actually a great place to visit with children, as well. Our kids are 8, 7, and 4 years old, and we all had plenty to see, do, and explore together.

18 of the Best Boracay Activities

Boracay has a little bit of everything you’d expect in a beachgoer’s getaway. Think: snorkeling, all the swimming you can handle, SCUBA, and more. But there’s more to Boracay than meets the eye, and there are plenty of things that adventure lover’s will love. Here are some of the best things to do with family:

1. Visit Puka Beach in the north of Boracay to watch the flying foxes (fruit bats!)
2. Spend a day at the eponymous White Beach in central Boracay
3. Take a land tour to see Willy’s Rock, the different beaches, and even the mangrove
4. Snorkel the shallow reefs
5. Hop aboard a charter for an island-hopping tour & visit places like Magic Island, Crystal Cove, and Crocodile Island
6. Banana boat rides
7. Jet-skiing
8. Paddleboarding
9. Experience Paraw Sailing, a locally-made outrigger vessel with two sails
10. Crystal kayak too see the seas teeming with marine life
11. Submerge and try helmet diving to explore the world underwater
12. Windsurf, kiteboard, or parasail from Bulabog Beach
13. Scuba or freedive with one of the many on-island providers
14. Spend an afternoon or evening at D-Mall, an outdoor mall with local shops, artisans, and foodstuffs
15. Get a massage (for cheap!)
16. Head to Diniwid Beach to watch the sunset with fewer crowds
17. See Boracay from above and explore Mount Luho
18. Go cliff diving at Ariel’s Point

While some of these activities are better-suited for older families, plenty of these activities work well for youngster’s, too. For example, cliff diving at Ariel’s Point has something for everyone. Simply jump in the sea, or go bold and jump from one of the 13-meter platforms. Think of Boracay as a choose-your-own-adventure sort of escape.

How to Book Your Boracay Adventures

There are a number of ways you can plan what to do in Boracay. You could go our route and fly by the seat of your pants. What I mean by this is that there are hundreds of tour provider’s and private charters advertising their offerings on the various beaches. We’d booked a few excursions through private charters we met on Diniwid Beach. But, like I said, the typhoon canceled out all those plans. If you’re looking to be a little more organized in your approach to travel though, here are five great tour groups and charters who can help you plan your adventure!

• Dive Scotty – If you’re looking to snorkel around the beauty of Crocodile Island, you won’t want to miss this provider! They also offer island tours and freediving adventures.
• My Boracay Guide – We actually used them for our ferry-to-villa transfers, and they were amazing! They’re also a great go-to for arranging tours with various providers.
• Boracay Adventures Travel ‘n Tours – This is basically a one-stop shop for booking everything from watersports to spas, transfers, and more.
• Boracay Scuba Dive – Start basic and explore, dive with pros, or even get certified on-island. This is your go-to for a professional diving experience.
• PhilippinesTravelPackage.com – These is a professional travel company that offers specific packages and can help your book or customize the perfect experience for you.

Basically, the sky (or the sea, as it were) is the limit for you in the Philippines! I really hope we have the opportunity to go back again someday so we can explore more and not be interrupted by the typhoon!