Diving in Boracay

Boracay is a tiny patch of paradise about seven kilometers long and only one kilometer wide at its narrow midriff. It is surrounded by the finest white sand beaches you will ever see. The main beach, or White Beach as it is commonly known, is located on the western side of the island. It is about four kilometers long and it is where most establishments are located.

Boracay is located off the northwest corner of Panay—a large triangular island in the Philippines. It is part of the province of Aklan which is famous for its piña cloth and Ati-atihan Festival. Boracay’s largest villages or barangays are Manoc-manoc, Balabag and Yapak. The total land area is approximately 1,000 hectares.

Walking along the White Beach of Boracay is a treat for the senses. There's the spectacular aquamarine waters fringed by talc-like sand on one side, and then there's the parade of shops, restaurants and resorts on the other. Here you will find everything you need to make your stay on Boracay Island comfortable and memorable. A myriad of activities is available for those who wish to do more than laze around in the sun. Bike excursions, sailboat tours, horseback riding, jet skiing and massages can be arranged. And of course, there’s scuba diving.

Boracay offers excellent and varied dive sites all around the island, from deep walls to coral reefs full with nudibranchs, and other small critters.

The majority of dives are boat based and local dive sites (of which there are about 20) are all within 10-40 minutes journey time from the Centre. Perhaps the best known site is Yapak on the north end of the island. Yapak is a wall starting at 30 metres deep and divers reach it on an exhilarating free drop after a negative entry. Currents along the wall attract the bigger fish and sightings of sharks, tuna and turtles are common.

By contrast, Crocodile Island and Laurel Island at the south end of the island are shallow wall and reef dives with beautiful corals and abundant marine life which are perfect for macro photography. Running along the west coast of Panay is a series of connecting steep walls and these are visited almost daily.

The beach dive is good for novices and check out dives but at night it is a great place for critter searching. Bring your camera!

Travel to Boracay

Boracay Island is located off the north-western tip of Panay Island, Philippines. Boracay is world famous for its beaches and is usually the first place mentioned when talking about Philippine vacation spots. scuba diving, snorkeling & sunbathing and sailing in a slender hulled boats called Paraw are common attractions.

The tourism industry has been built on the reputation of White Beach, a 3.5km stretch of palm fringed sand that is surely the best in Asia and it really is as beautiful as it is claimed to be. Running the whole stretch of the beach, but well hidden by the palms are a series of restaurants, bars, resorts, dive shops and houses. In fact it’s pretty much like a global village has been put into the middle of the Pacific.

Boracay is more than White Beach though and scattered all around the island are a number of very pretty sandy coves and beaches which you will often have to yourself. The pace of life on the island is slow or as busy as you want it to be but you will find it very difficult to get to bored! The island is perfect for sports enthusiasts and you can kiteboard and windsurf, play tennis or go horse-riding, there is the famous 18 hole championship golf course and of course Scuba Diving.

After the warm day in the water or on the beach, the best way to round things off is by having a quiet drink watching the sun go down .The evening brings a different kind of island and Boracay becomes the host to a great nightlife. There is a very relaxed easy going vibe on the island and the restaurants and bars have contributed to the feel. You can eat really cheaply here or splash out on the most memorable of meals and usually you will find yourself sitting under the stars wherever you are. Some of the larger bars have a reputation for big tunes and will often keep the dancing going until the very late (or early!) hours.

The ride in the Paraw is fast and a lot of fun if you don't mind getting wet. At night there is plenty to with numerous clubs and bars scattered along the beach. The Lenten and Christmas seasons are the most popular times to visit because of the fiestas.