Boracay Island Hopping | Pick-up at the Hotel

Exploring Boracay with an Island Hopping Tour: What You Need to Know

If you’re visiting Boracay, a day of island hopping should be on your list. For just $28 per person, this 4.5-hour tour offers a chance to explore some of the area’s most beautiful spots, including Crocodile Island, Puka Beach, and Magic Island, all with the convenience of hotel pickup.

What really draws us to this tour are its inclusions: a delightful BBQ lunch featuring seafood and fruits, and the free use of snorkeling gear, making it easy to enjoy the clear waters. The fact that it includes hotel pickup and drop-off is a big plus, removing the hassle of figuring out transportation. On the flip side, the small mention of coordination issues in some reviews hints that you might need to be patient if things don’t go perfectly.

This experience suits travelers who want a budget-friendly, organized way to see Boracay’s best spots without the stress of planning every detail. If you’re comfortable with group tours and are curious to snorkel, swim, and enjoy some beach time, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $28, it offers good value considering the inclusions.
• Highlights: Visits to Crocodile Island, Magic Island, and Puka Beach.
• Includes: Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and a seafood BBQ lunch.
• Duration: 4.5 hours, operating from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm daily.
• Potential Drawback: Some reviews mention coordination issues.
• Best for: Travelers seeking a convenient, budget-friendly way to explore Boracay’s islands.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at Boracay Island Hopping

When we think about island hopping in Boracay, the image of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and sun-kissed beaches naturally comes to mind. This tour, offered by Boracay Travellers’, aims to deliver just that, with a bit of convenience thrown in through hotel pickups. For $28, you get a 4-5 hour boat excursion that takes you to a handful of neighboring islands, perfect for those wanting a low-stress introduction to Boracay’s coastal wonders.

The Logistics: How It All Comes Together

The experience kicks off with hotel pickup, which is included in the price. The tour guides are well-oriented and friendly, and they meet you either at your hotel lobby or reception—a small but crucial detail that keeps things smooth. Expect to be picked up roughly one hour before the tour starts, giving you some buffer time to relax before heading out onto the waters.

Once aboard the boat, you’ll cruise for around 4.5 hours, stopping at several noteworthy sites, including Crocodile Island, Puka Beach, Magic Island, and Crystal Cove. Expect to spend time swimming and snorkeling, with free gear provided. This is a great way to cool off and admire the vibrant marine life that the Philippines is famous for.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Two elements really shine here. First, the BBQ lunch is a highlight—featuring seafood like prawns or crabs depending on availability, along with fruits. For many travelers, a good meal truly enhances the experience, turning what might be a simple boat ride into a memorable feast. Second, the visit to Puka Beach provides a quieter, less commercial beach experience, perfect for relaxing after snorkeling or beachcombing.

A Few Considerations

While this tour offers solid value, some reviews point out coordination issues—notably, one traveler mentioned it “needs more coordination with the staff”. This might mean that timing or communication could be less than perfect on some days. Plus, there are fees for snorkeling sites and entrance fees at certain islands, which are not included in the base price, so you need to budget around Php 50 for snorkeling and additional entrance fees if you plan to visit certain islands like Magic Island or Crystal Cave.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for budget-conscious travelers who want a convenient way to see multiple islands without the hassle of independent planning. It’s also great if you’re interested in snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying a good seafood meal in a relaxed, group setting. Family groups with children over 7 can also enjoy this, especially since the child rate is half the adult price.

The Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Start with Hotel Pickup: The tour begins early in the morning, with a pick-up from over 84 designated locations. The guides are usually friendly and familiar with the route, but be prepared for possible slight changes in the schedule or stops due to weather or safety considerations.

Crocodile Island: The first stop is often the renowned Crocodile Island, named for its jagged shape. Here, snorkeling is prime, with plenty of marine life to admire. The waters are usually calm, making it suitable for beginners and children.

Puka Beach: Next, you’ll visit Puka Beach, famous for its white sand and laid-back vibe. It’s a less crowded alternative to White Beach and perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or just soaking up the sun.

Snorkeling & Swimming: The tour includes stops for swimming and snorkeling at sites like Ilig-Iligan Beach or near Crocodile Island. You might find the snorkeling gear handy to explore the vibrant underwater world, which is often a highlight for travelers.

Magic Island: Known for cliff jumping, Magic Island offers a fun, adrenaline-filled break. It’s an adventurous spot, but keep in mind that some sites like Magic Island have entrance fees of Php 250.

Crystal Cove: The last notable stop is Crystal Cove, famous for its clear waters and caves. You can enjoy a swim here, but note there’s a Php 300 entrance fee. It’s a lovely spot for photos and relaxing after a busy morning.

Return to Boracay: After a full morning of exploration, the boat returns to Station 3, where you’ll be taken back to your hotel.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

This tour captures the essence of Boracay’s island life, because it combines snorkeling, beach visits, and local seafood in one day. We loved the opportunity to snorkel at Crocodile Island—the waters are vibrant, and the marine life diverse. Plus, the BBQ lunch adds a tasty touch to the outing, often cited as a highlight despite the basic setting.

However, the experience is not without its small frustrations. One reviewer noted that “Island hopping needs more coordination”, which might translate into occasional delays or confusion. It’s wise to manage expectations and be flexible if the schedule shifts.

What We Think Works Well

• The hotel pickup makes it easy, especially in a busy tourist spot like Boracay where transportation can be tricky.
• The free snorkeling gear is a nice touch, allowing you to explore without extra costs.
• The lunch with seafood and fruits offers good value, especially considering the tour price.
• Visiting less crowded spots like Puka Beach offers a more authentic, relaxing experience away from crowded White Beach.

What Could Be Better

• The coordination and communication could be improved for smoother transitions.
• The extra fees for certain islands and snorkeling sites can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.
• The small group size might be a con for those seeking a more private or luxurious experience, but it keeps costs down.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

If you’re traveling on a budget and want a well-organized way to explore Boracay’s surrounding islands, this tour offers a good introduction. It’s ideal for families with children, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy snorkeling and beach hopping. For those seeking a relaxing, straightforward day with decent food and marine adventure, this really hits the spot.

If you’re okay with some minor inconveniences and want to maximize your island experience without breaking the bank, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes a boat ride for 4-5 hours with a group, island hopping on neighboring islands, swimming, snorkeling with free gear, a seafood BBQ lunch, and hotel pickup.

What are the starting times?
Operating hours are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, so you’ll want to check availability to confirm your precise departure time.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, snorkeling site fees of Php 50 are not included, and entrance fees at Magic Island (Php 250) and Crystal Cove (Php 300) are extra.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 7 can join at a 50% discount, making it a family-friendly option.

How does hotel pickup work?
You’ll be picked up at your hotel or resort by a guide, roughly an hour before the tour start time. Provide your hotel details when booking for smooth pickup.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Final Thoughts

This Boracay Island Hopping tour offers a balanced mix of marine adventure, scenic beaches, and delicious local food at an accessible price point. It’s perfect for travelers who want a convenient, guided experience without extra hassle or expense. While not perfect—some coordination hiccups might occur—the overall value and authentic stops make it worthwhile.

You’ll come away with a handful of memorable spots, snapshots of marine life, and a belly full of seafood. This tour caters well to those who enjoy snorkeling, beach relaxation, and sampling local flavors in a group setting. If you’re looking for a well-rounded day of exploring Boracay’s waters and shores, this tour hits the mark.

Happy island hopping!

You can check availability for your dates here: