About The Dive: Great dive in Diniwid today. The dive site has a lot of soft corals and hard corals on the shallow part as well as on the slope. We saw lots of Golden Damsels, different types of Anemonefish and some small shrimps. A large school of Yellowback fusiliers swam over the top of our group.We were lucky to spot 3 Green turtles through out the dive as well which we all enjoyed.
About The Dive: Camia is a great wreck Dive where we saw different types of macro life as well as some of the bigger fish.
Visibility was around 15 meters and almost no current.
We were greeted by shaded batfish on our descent at the mooring line.
Top of the wheel house we had a lot of activity with yellow fusiliers and Trevallys.
We spotted 3 different types of flatworms also on the wheel house.
About The Dive: Boracay island in the Philippines is a great spot to do the open water course and become a certified scuba diver. It has lots of different dive sites which give the student to experiment differents dive during the course.
Angol point is a great site in Boracay because we can stay shallow and still see lots of coral and marine life. The top of the reef is around 5 meters and there is huge boulders corals who are very old. Around these you can spot nudibranches, small eels and ribbon eel, shrimps and small crabs. As well as clown fish, damsell fish, trumpet fish and small puffer fish.
It is always fantastic to scuba dive on Angol point.
Boracay is celebrated worldwide for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and laid-back island vibe. Whether you’re looking to relax, dive into crystal-clear waters, or enjoy some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets, Boracay has a beach for every kind of traveler. This guide will take you through the best beaches on the island and what each has to offer, from famous shorelines to hidden gems.
White Beach Boracay
1. White Beach
Overview: White Beach is Boracay’s most iconic and popular beach. Known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it stretches over 4 kilometers, making it one of the longest beaches on the island. Divided into three sections—Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3—each area offers a unique experience.
Station 1: The most tranquil and upscale area, Station 1 is where you’ll find luxurious resorts, spacious beachfronts, and stunning views. It’s perfect for those seeking a quieter, more exclusive beach experience.
Station 2: This is the central hub of activity, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping areas. Station 2 is ideal if you want to be close to nightlife and entertainment.
Station 3: Known for its relaxed vibe, Station 3 offers a laid-back atmosphere, budget-friendly accommodations, and fewer crowds—ideal for those looking to enjoy White Beach’s beauty in a more peaceful setting.
Why Visit: White Beach is perfect for everything from sunbathing to snorkeling, beach volleyball, and romantic sunset strolls. Its proximity to restaurants, shops, and dive centers makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the island.
Bulabog Beach, Boracay
2. Bulabog Beach
Overview: Located on the opposite side of White Beach, Bulabog Beach is Boracay’s premier spot for water sports, particularly during the windy season (November to April). Its steady winds and calm waters make it a favorite among kite surfers and windsurfers. During the off-season, the beach becomes quieter, offering a serene escape with a unique charm.
Activities: Bulabog Beach is a water sports enthusiast’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities to try kite surfing, windsurfing, and parasailing. If you’re new to these sports, there are plenty of schools and rentals available on the beach.
Why Visit: If you’re interested in trying something adventurous, Bulabog Beach is the place to be. It’s also a beautiful spot for watching the sunrise, offering a different experience from the sunset views on White Beach.
Puka Shell Beach
3. Puka Shell Beach (Yapak Beach)
Overview: Puka Shell Beach, also known as Yapak Beach, is located on the northern tip of Boracay. It’s named after the unique crushed Puka shells that make up the sand, giving it a distinctive, coarser texture compared to White Beach. Puka Beach is less developed, making it a quieter, more natural escape.
Activities: This beach is ideal for beachcombing, picnics, and taking in the peaceful scenery. While swimming here can be slightly rougher due to stronger waves, the clear waters and surrounding natural beauty make it a must-visit.
Why Visit: If you want to experience Boracay’s raw, untouched beauty away from the crowds, Puka Shell Beach is the perfect spot. Its secluded feel and picturesque setting make it an excellent choice for relaxation and quiet reflection.
Diniwid Beach
4. Diniwid Beach
Overview: Just a short walk north of White Beach, Diniwid Beach is a smaller, quieter beach with a relaxed vibe. Its hidden location makes it a favorite among locals and travelers who prefer a more intimate, less crowded beach experience.
Activities: Diniwid is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in beautiful views of the island’s rugged cliffs. There are also several beachfront bars and restaurants offering cozy spots to enjoy food and drinks with a view.
Why Visit: Diniwid Beach is a great escape if you want a quieter beach day but still want to be close to the action on White Beach. The beach offers a unique perspective on Boracay’s coastline, and it’s a fantastic spot for sunset views.
Ilig-Iligan Beach
5. Ilig-Iligan Beach
Overview: Ilig-Iligan Beach is a hidden gem on Boracay’s northeast coast, known for its serene environment and natural beauty. The beach is lined with lush green hills and clear blue waters, making it one of the most picturesque spots on the island. It’s less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Activities: Ilig-Iligan is popular for snorkeling, thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. You can also rent kayaks to explore the coast or hike through nearby trails to enjoy more of Boracay’s untouched beauty.
Why Visit: For those interested in snorkeling and escaping the busier beaches, Ilig-Iligan Beach offers a chance to reconnect with nature and explore Boracay’s marine life. Its secluded location means you’ll often have the beach to yourself, perfect for those seeking a true tropical paradise.
Tambisaan Beach
6. Tambisaan Beach
Overview: Tambisaan Beach is one of the less-visited beaches in Boracay, making it a tranquil spot to escape the crowds. Located on the eastern coast, it’s a popular place for locals and a great spot for those who want a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path beach experience.
Activities: This beach offers some of the best snorkeling on the island, thanks to its close proximity to vibrant coral reefs. Swimming, beachcombing, and simply relaxing on the shore are popular activities here.
Why Visit: Tambisaan Beach is perfect for those looking to explore Boracay’s underwater life without the busier crowds found at other beaches. The crystal-clear water and thriving marine ecosystems make it a fantastic snorkeling destination.
Balinghai Beach
7. Balinghai Beach
Overview: Hidden away on Boracay’s northern coast, Balinghai Beach is a small, private beach surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation. Accessible by boat or a steep staircase, Balinghai feels like a secluded paradise, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Activities: Visitors to Balinghai Beach can enjoy swimming in the clear blue waters, relaxing on the sand, or dining at the beachside restaurant that overlooks the cove. Balinghai is also a popular spot for paddleboarding and snorkeling around the nearby rocks.
Why Visit: If you’re looking for a beach with a sense of exclusivity, Balinghai Beach is an excellent choice. It’s the perfect place to unwind in a secluded setting, away from the more frequented beaches.
Poolside at Tulubhan Beach
8. Tulubhan Beach
Overview: Located near Bulabog Beach, Tulubhan Beach is another hidden gem that remains relatively quiet and secluded. The beach is lined with palm trees and has shallow, calm waters, making it a safe choice for families or anyone looking for a relaxing swim.
Activities: While Tulubhan Beach doesn’t offer extensive water sports or beach activities, its serene atmosphere makes it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a peaceful day by the sea.
Why Visit: For a low-key day in a natural setting, Tulubhan Beach is a wonderful option. Its calm waters and laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for those wanting a quiet, relaxed beach experience.
Final Thoughts
Boracay’s beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering something for everyone, whether you’re looking for action-packed water sports, peaceful snorkeling, or a secluded spot to unwind. Each beach has its own charm, from the lively energy of White Beach to the serene beauty of Ilig-Iligan Beach.
No matter which beaches you choose to visit, remember that Boracay’s natural beauty is something to cherish and protect. Following eco-friendly practices, like using reef-safe sunscreen and avoiding single-use plastics, helps preserve these stunning beaches for future visitors.
So pack your sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and a sense of adventure as you set out to explore the incredible beaches of Boracay!
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!
About The Dive: Great deep dive on the wreck this morning. On the outer reef we saw a few Bluefin Trevallys. We got to spend sometime watching a juvenile Bearded scorpionfish walking on top of the wreck. To extend our bottom time we did a short swim to the shallow reef. There we saw some Hairy Squat Lobsters, Spotted Porcelain Crabs and lots of tropical fish
About The Dive: This site is great on the shallow part as well as the outer reef. We reached a maximum depth of 24 meters on the outer reef. We drifted in medium current and saw some schools of Yellowfin Snappers and Twospot Snappers. Once we reached 100 bar we came up shallow and were greeted by a Hawksbill Turtle feeding on the corals
5 Signs You’re Ready to Get Your Advanced Open Water Certification in Boracay
Boracay’s clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life make it an ideal location for divers looking to advance their skills. If you’ve completed your Open Water Diver certification and are eager for a new challenge, the Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) course is a great way to enhance your underwater abilities and explore more of what the ocean has to offer.
This post highlights the key signs that you’re ready to take the next step in your diving journey by pursuing an Advanced Open Water certification. From gaining confidence underwater to feeling the pull of adventure, here’s how to know if it’s time to level up your diving experience.
1. You Want to Explore Deeper Dive Sites
One of the major reasons divers pursue the AOWD certification is the opportunity to explore greater depths. With Open Water certification, divers are generally limited to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet), but the Advanced Open Water course allows you to dive as deep as 30 meters (100 feet).
In Boracay, this depth increase means gaining access to deeper dive sites like Yapak and Camia Wreck. At these depths, divers encounter a wider range of marine life, including larger fish species, reef sharks, and more intricate coral formations. If you find yourself yearning to go beyond 18 meters, the Advanced Open Water course is a natural next step.
2. You’re Ready to Expand Your Skills
The Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about expanding your skillset and gaining new experiences. The course consists of five dives, two of which are mandatory—the Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation dive. These core dives teach essential skills for exploring deeper waters and navigating underwater terrain confidently.
Alongside these two core dives, you’ll also get to choose three elective dives, tailored to your interests. In Boracay, popular choices include:
Night Diving: Experience the underwater world in a whole new way as nocturnal creatures come to life.
Drift Diving: Boracay has several sites with currents, providing an ideal environment to learn drift diving techniques and enjoy the thrill of moving with the water.
Fish Identification: This dive helps you better understand the reef’s inhabitants, making each dive even more enjoyable as you learn to recognize different species.
If you’re excited to learn new techniques and want to build your confidence underwater, the Advanced Open Water certification is a great choice.
3. You’re Ready for More Adventure and Specialty Dives
Are you craving new experiences underwater? The Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to let divers try out specialty dives and explore a wider range of environments. Boracay offers a variety of sites that are perfect for specialty dives, including wrecks, night dives, and unique ecosystems that aren’t accessible with only Open Water certification.
For instance, the Camia II Wreck is a favorite among advanced divers. This former fishing vessel rests at around 30 meters and has transformed into an artificial reef, teeming with marine life like lionfish, sweetlips, and sometimes even larger pelagic species. With an AOWD certification, you can explore wreck sites and challenge yourself to try dives that go beyond the basics, all while learning alongside experienced instructors.
If the thought of drifting along currents, navigating wrecks, or exploring the underwater world at night excites you, you’re ready to move to the next level and gain advanced skills.
4. You Want to Improve Your Underwater Navigation Skills
Navigation can be one of the trickiest aspects of diving, but it’s a critical skill that all divers should feel confident in. As an Open Water Diver, you’ve likely followed guides or relied on visual landmarks to orient yourself. However, being able to navigate independently is a valuable skill, especially if you’re interested in exploring less-frequented dive sites.
During the Advanced Open Water course, the Underwater Navigation dive provides hands-on experience with navigation techniques. You’ll learn how to use a compass effectively, recognize natural landmarks, and manage distances underwater. These skills can improve your confidence and make you a more self-reliant diver.
Boracay’s dive sites, with their distinct coral formations and sandy patches, provide an ideal setting to practice navigation. After this training, you’ll feel more confident exploring both familiar and new dive sites, knowing you have the skills to find your way underwater.
5. You’re Eager to Dive with Confidence and Independence
Gaining confidence is one of the biggest benefits of advancing your diving certification. The AOWD course is structured to give divers more autonomy, allowing you to make your own decisions underwater and deepen your understanding of diving safety. This course emphasizes critical thinking and situational awareness, ensuring you’re prepared for a range of diving scenarios.
If you’re feeling increasingly comfortable underwater and find yourself wanting more independence, the Advanced Open Water certification will reinforce these abilities. By the end of the course, you’ll be better prepared to handle various dive conditions, such as currents, visibility changes, and deeper depths.
In Boracay, where dive sites range from relaxed reefs to more challenging deep-water spots, having the confidence to adapt and handle these different environments will make every dive more enjoyable. New Wave Divers Boracay provides expert guidance throughout the AOWD course, helping you master each new skill so you can dive with a renewed sense of confidence.
Why Choose Boracay for Your Advanced Open Water Certification?
Boracay is an ideal location to pursue your Advanced Open Water certification for several reasons. With its diversity of dive sites, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, it offers an environment where divers can truly immerse themselves in a variety of underwater experiences.
Rich Marine Life: From turtles and reef sharks to colorful corals and schooling fish, Boracay’s marine life makes every dive memorable. The deeper depths also allow for encounters with larger pelagic species, enhancing the thrill of the experience.
Experienced Instructors: With New Wave Divers Boracay, you’ll be guided by experienced instructors who know the local dive sites intimately. Their knowledge of the area ensures a safe, exciting, and personalized experience tailored to your level and interests.
Variety of Dive Sites: Boracay’s range of dive sites—from shallow coral gardens to deeper walls and wrecks—offers plenty of variety. Whether you’re practicing buoyancy on a reef or learning drift diving along a coral wall, Boracay provides an ideal backdrop for divers to grow and develop their skills.
Ideal Conditions: Boracay boasts warm, clear waters and moderate currents, creating favorable conditions for divers of all skill levels. These conditions make it an inviting location for divers to tackle new challenges and gain advanced skills in a comfortable, scenic setting.
Additionally, for divers coming from other parts of the world, organizing your trip to Boracay is straightforward with the help of a bespoke travel agency. They can assist with flights, accommodation, and ensure you have everything lined up to enjoy an unforgettable diving experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about scuba diving and looking to deepen your skills, the Advanced Open Water Diver certification is the perfect next step. Boracay’s diverse underwater landscapes, clear waters, and abundance of marine life make it an exceptional place to enhance your diving abilities.
With New Wave Divers Boracay, you’ll have the opportunity to train with experts in a stunning tropical environment, building your confidence and skills to tackle more advanced dive sites and explore the ocean in exciting new ways. So, if you’re feeling the call of the deep and ready to embrace more challenging dives, Boracay is the perfect place to take that next step in your diving journey.
Wish to know more about the diving in Boracay? Our team will be delighted to answer your questions and let us know why we should be your first choice when planning your dive vacation to the Philippines. We hope to hear from you soon!
About The Dive: This morning, we went to diniwid for a nice scuba diving session.
Only 7/8 minutes boat ride and you're there. In Boracay island in the Philippines Diniwid scuba dive site is the beginning of a nice wall that continues toward Balinghai.
The beginning of the dive was amazing as we encounter an hawksbill turtle just when we were reaching the wall. The gentle current made it a very pleasant drift dive and we could spot some beautiful nudibranch, a peacock mantis shrimp, a big piffer fish and at the end 2 beautiful turtles playing together.
What an experience!!!!
About The Dive: Today's dive at Friday's rock was amazing. So much life on the pinnacle!!!
We saw a peacock mantis shrimp, a beautiful scorpion fish, school of fusillier, striped catfish, marble grouper, trumpet fish mating and so much more. When scuba diving in boracay, don't miss that dive it's always amazing!!!
About The Dive: Boracay island in the Philippines is a great place for macro dive. We went scuba diving today to Laguna and spotted lots of macro, pipefish, nudibranch… And also red banded shrimp hiding in the reef. We also had a beautiful encounter with a sea Snake.
It was a very beautiful and very relaxing dive
