Boracay may only be a small island in the Philippines, but boy is it one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. A beach lover’s paradise; featuring picture-perfect beaches, great weather and stunning scenery, Boracay is one of the top spots in our travel bucket list. While relaxing on the golden sand by the aquamarine waters, sipping on a tropical drink, and reading a gripping mystery novel sounds quite perfect to me, a trip to Boracay is incomplete without a bit of island hopping. It is one of the best ways to experience what the island is all about and to discover the undiscovered.
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Numerous companies offer a variety of packages, so pick one that suits your schedule and fits your budget! Tours range from about 3 to 6 hours, with stops in a couple of islands, and a few under water excursions, with the option to add on lunch, if needed. They cost around Php 500 to around Php 900 - give or take - per person. If you can pick the places you get to visit, & the activities you get to enjoy, here are some musts!
The first stop on most island hopping adventures is usually Crocodile Island - named after its crocodile-like shape. It is well-known for its pristine setting, post-card perfect beaches and fascinating marine life and corals in the water that surround it. While here, scuba diving or snorkeling is a must. Don’t forget your underwater camera, you’ll most certainly regret it if you do! Also watch out for the floating ice cream and coconut vendors, and treat yourself to something nice and cool.
The Crystal Cove Island Resort is another stop on island hopping tours. Spread across an area of 2.5 hectares, the island is popular amongst locals and tourists alike, as it is a great destination for day trips. It is home to a beautiful beach, as well as two coves, and offers visitors the opportunity to swim, snorkel, explore and pose for plenty of pictures! The kids are also sure to enjoy feeding the countless colorful fish here, so take along some bread! If your island hopping package does not include lunch, take some snacks with you, as Crystal Cove has several picnic areas.
Looking to partake in some cliff-jumping while in Boracay? Head to Magic Island! What better way to enjoy the crystal-clear waters than to jump right in? Once you make your way to the rock ridge, you will see numerous wooden diving boards. Pick the one at the height you’re most comfortable with, and be sure to make a splash!
Another common island hopping stop, Puka Beach is renowned for its white sand mixed in with an abundance of beautiful Puka shells. It is fairly deserted, the surroundings tranquil and incredibly picturesque, and thus makes for a relaxing getaway.
Carabao Island is not a common stop for an island hopping daytrip but I think it is an absolute must-visit. For those looking to get away from the crowd beaches, and the touristy spots, the charming island of Carabao is the place to be. While the beaches may not have white-sand, like the ones in Boracay and the islands mentioned above, they are serene, wonderfully unexplored, and most importantly, unspoiled by tourism.
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