Some people might say that Boracay is overrated. But if you ask us, this island remains to be one of the best destinations in the country, captivating travelers from all over the world.
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Its powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets are still the perfect components of a tropical paradise. And aside from the world-famous white beach, there’s a ton of must-try activities here. You can go beach hopping, enjoy thrilling water activities, and experience the island’s nightlife. You can also go for a more relaxing route — just lounging by the shore and indulging in some of the most delicious cuisines on the island. There is something for everyone!
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So when planning your trip, there’s a lot of things to consider. This is especially true when it’s your first time or it’s been a while since your last Boracay trip. In this article, we’ll focus on the things you shouldn’t do when going to Boracay. Here are some of the mistakes that you should avoid to make your trip hassle-free and fun!
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
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1. Bad Timing
Not all months offer the same experience in Boracay — some are definitely better than others! When planning your trip, consider these three key factors:
Weather
Crowds
Algae Bloom
The ideal time to visit is November to May, which falls within the dry season. The months of February to May are particularly sunny, but they also mark Boracay’s peak season, meaning bigger crowds and higher prices, especially during Holy Week.
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See the algae in the water? This pic was taken in late March (a few years ago)
Another thing to keep in mind is that Boracay’s famous White Beach experiences algal blooms from March to May, peaking in April and May. When we visited in early March 2024, there was only a little algae, but by early July, it was almost completely gone. If you prefer a quieter experience with great weather, consider traveling between November and January, but avoid the Christmas and New Year rush.
Should you avoid June to October? Not necessarily! While this period is part of the rainy season, it doesn’t mean constant downpours. In fact, unless there’s a typhoon, Boracay remains a year-round destination with plenty to do. Just be mindful of the weather forecast and adjust your expectations accordingly.
2. Not Booking Accommodations in Advance
We all know that booking early usually means cheaper rates. But in Boracay, that’s not the only reason to secure your stay ahead of time. While no longer mandatory when traveling to Boracay, confirmed booking at an accredited hotel or resort is highly recommended, as staff at Caticlan Port may occasionally check and ask to see it.
Luckily, Boracay offers countless accommodation options — from high-end resorts to budget-friendly stays perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out our LIST OF ACCREDITED BORACAY RESORTS AND HOTELS! In addition, here are some of the top-rated resorts in Boracay based on online user reviews:
Search for more Boracay Hotels!
3. Not Considering PWD and Senior Companions
Boracay is a great destination for all ages and is relatively easy to explore. However, it’s not without challenges, especially for elderly and PWD travelers. If you’re traveling with senior citizens or persons with disabilities, it’s essential to be mindful of their needs.
Getting to Boracay involves multiple steps, especially if you’re DIY-ing your trip. From the airport, you’ll need to take a tricycle to the jetty port, where you’ll line up multiple times. Public boats often have narrow gangplanks that can be tricky to walk on, even for those without mobility issues. That said, it’s still manageable as staff members are usually available to assist, and we’ve even seen wheelchair users successfully board.
For a smoother experience, consider booking a transfer package. These packages offer a more convenient and hassle-free journey with fewer queues and better assistance. They’re widely available both onsite and online, making them easy to arrange for a more comfortable arrival.
✅ BOOK CATICLAN AIRPORT TO BORACAY TRANSFER HERE!
✅ BOOK KALIBO AIRPORT TO BORACAY TRANSFER HERE!
4. Paying Higher E-trike Fares
E-trikes, or electric tricycles, are the primary mode of transportation in Boracay. You’ll often see them cruising along the main road or waiting for passengers. However, if you’re not familiar with the fare system, you might end up paying more than you should.
There are two types of e-trike trips in Boracay. The first one is the shared ride, sometimes called an individual ride. These trikes follow a set route, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. Sometimes, you’ll be riding with others; other times, you may have the trike to yourself. For this type of trip, you pay an individual fare.
For short distances, the fare is only P15, with rates increasing based on the distance traveled. Discounts are available for students, senior citizens, and PWDs.
The second option is the special trip, where you charter the entire e-trike for a private ride. Since the driver won’t pick up other passengers, this costs more. Below are the approved fares for special or chartered rides.
Here’s the approved e-trike fare in Boracay:
REMINDER! Some drivers may overcharge or assume you want a special trip. To avoid this, let the driver know you prefer a shared ride so they can pick up other passengers. However, if you’re wet from the beach or carrying a lot of bags, consider booking a private ride to be considerate to others.
5. Accepting Free Buffet Lunch/Dinner
As you walk along White Beach, you’ll encounter many vendors offering activities like island hopping, crystal kayaking, paddle boarding, massages, and hair braiding. But one of the most tempting offers you might come across is a Free Buffet Lunch or Dinner.
It’s hard to turn down free food — especially a buffet. But like most free things, there’s a catch. This is a marketing strategy designed to make you more open to their actual offer: a club membership. Before or after the meal, you’ll typically go through an orientation, briefing, or even a tour of the property. While they won’t force you to join, expect a persuasive pitch.
It’s not necessarily a mistake to accept. It’s really up to you. If you’re curious, you can hear them out. But if your time is limited and you’d rather be enjoying the beach or other activities, it’s best to skip it. The entire presentation and discussion with the agents can take over an hour and a half.
Just remember: you can always say NO.
6. Ignoring Warning Flags
When you’re at the beach, enjoying the beauty of nature, always prioritize safety.
Along the shore, you’ll notice beach warning flags. These should tell you how safe it is to swim in the area at that specific time. Here are the different flag colors and what they indicate:
Green: The water is calm, and it’s safe to swim.
Red or Red with a White Line: Do not swim! The waves are dangerous.
Yellow: Swim with caution.
Purple: Dangerous marine life is present in the area.
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: if you don’t know how to swim, avoid deep areas. When snorkeling, always wear a life vest. And if you’re joining water sports, listen carefully to the guide’s instructions and follow the safety rules.
7. Overlooking the Rules at White Beach
After the island reopened in 2018, there are a lot of things that are no longer allowed at White Beach. These rules were put in place to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
NO smoking
NO drinking of alcohol
NO illegal drugs
NO pets
NO littering
NO loud music
NO fire dancing
NO pitching of umbrella
NO beach beds/chairs
Violating these rules has a corresponding punishment.
8. Collecting Sand as a Souvenir
Another strictly enforced rule in Boracay is the prohibition on taking home sand. It might be tempting because of how stunningly fine and white Boracay’s sand is, but it’s not allowed!
If you’re caught collecting or bringing home sand, whether on the island, mainland, or at the airport, you could face a ₱2500 fine, jail time of 1 to 3 months, or both.
So don’t do it. Empty that vial and simply enjoy the beauty of Boracay’s sparkling white sand — right where it belongs.
9. Flying Drones
Flying drones for personal use is not allowed in Boracay. If you’ve seen drones on your past visits, that is because they’re only permitted for professional use — but with strict regulations.
To fly a drone, you must secure a special permit, specifying the exact time and location for the flight. There’s also a permit fee. Before the pandemic, it was ₱1300 per day, though the rate may be different now. If you know, please sound off in the comment section!
Additionally, the number of drones allowed per day is limited. If you fly a drone without a permit and get caught, you could face a fine much higher than the permit fee.
10. Departing the Island Too Late
Leaving Boracay is never easy. No matter how long we stay, it always feels too short. Who would want to leave paradise so soon?
But when it’s time to go, you need to plan your trip back to the airport. It’s simple: you just trace your steps back. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you’ll need to pay the terminal fee again at Cagban Port or Tambisaan Port, on top of the ₱50 boat fare. Discounts still apply for students, seniors, and PWDs.
Second, boats are less frequent at night. If your flight is late at night or early morning, allow plenty of time for travel to avoid missing it.
