From Boracay: Mainland Off-Road ATV and Zipline Experience

From Boracay: Mainland Off-Road ATV and Zipline Experience

If you’re headed to Boracay but craving a taste of authentic adventure on the Philippine mainland, the Mainland Off-Road ATV and Zipline Experience in Catanduanes might catch your eye. For around $45 per person, this two-hour tour promises a blend of muddy ATV rides, a 300-meter zipline, and opportunities for river swimming or kayaking. The trip starts with a speedboat transfer from Boracay to the mainland, followed by an active exploration of Nabaoy River and the surrounding scenery.

What we really love about this tour is how accessible and straightforward it is—no complicated logistics, just a quick boat ride and then straight into some genuine outdoor fun. The friendly guides and safety briefing give you confidence, especially if you’re new to ATV riding or ziplining. Plus, the chance to relax in the kawa hot bath and snap some Instagram-worthy photos makes it a well-rounded experience.

On the downside, some travelers have found the ATV ride short and less exciting than expected, feeling that actual riding in circles or on muddy trails can be underwhelming. Also, the waiting times for certain parts of the tour can be lengthy—up to two hours in some cases—so patience and a sense of adventure are needed.

This tour suits active travelers who appreciate guided outdoor activities and don’t mind a bit of waiting. It’s especially good for those looking for a low-cost day trip that combines adventure with scenic beauty, even if it might not satisfy the thrill-seekers craving longer or more intense rides.

Key Points

• Accessible and convenient transfer from Boracay via speedboat
• Combines adventure (ATV, zipline) with relaxation (river swim, kawa bath)
• Guided experience with safety briefing and friendly guides
• Potential waiting times could extend the overall experience
• Cost-effective at $45, offering a variety of activities
• Not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain health conditions

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Mainland Off-Road ATV and Zipline Tour

When considering a tour that offers both adventure and scenic nature, this experience hits a few key marks. Starting from Boracay, we board a speedboat that whisks us across the water to the mainland of Catanduanes. The boat ride alone is a highlight—speeding over the waves, feeling the wind on your face, and getting a quick taste of the local scenery before the real fun begins.

Once on land, the tour kicks off with a safety briefing and basic instructions from guides who speak fluent English and are known for their approachable manner. This is especially important if you’re a novice, since ATV riding can seem daunting at first. The actual off-road ride lasts around 45 minutes, taking you through muddy trails and rough terrain.

Many reviews note that the ATV experience can be short and somewhat repetitive, with some travelers feeling it’s just riding in circles or on simple paths. One reviewer expressed disappointment, saying, “the ATV riding experience is short and has nothing to do with the photographs,” indicating that the ride might not match expectations set by promotional images. Still, the thrill of navigating through natural landscapes and muddy trails can be quite fun, especially after a brief safety orientation.

The zipline spans 300 meters and offers a different kind of adrenaline rush. It’s a quick, fun ride that provides wonderful views of the river valley and lush greenery. While some might find the zipline small—it’s only 300 meters—it’s enough to get your heart racing and offer a bird’s-eye view of the river and surrounding landscape.

Following the adrenaline activities, you’re invited to swim or kayak in the clear Nabaoy River. Many travelers find this part relaxing and refreshing. The calm waters make for a perfect break from the adrenaline rush, and kayaking allows you to explore at your own pace. The river is described as free access for swimming and kayaking, so there’s no extra charge here.

A particularly charming feature is the kawa hot bath—a traditional Filipino wood-fired hot bath—which makes for a perfect photo-op. It’s a relaxing way to wind down and enjoy the scenery.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews, such as one from Ines Cristina, highlight that the overall experience includes long waiting times—up to two hours before returning to Boracay—particularly if the boat is waiting to fill up. While the tour duration is advertised as two hours, the actual activity time can be less, with a good portion spent waiting in the heat, which can be frustrating.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $45 includes the speedboat transfer from Boracay to the mainland, the 30-minute ATV ride or 550-meter zipline, free access to Nabaoy River for swimming and kayaking, and the kawa hot bath for photos. Also included is a safety briefing and a friendly guide to escort you throughout the activities.

What’s not included are hotel pickups and drop-offs, which means you need to reach the meeting point at the Yellow Cab Boracay on Station 1. Also, food and drinks are not part of the package, so consider bringing snacks or eating before or after.

Transport logistics are straightforward, but keep in mind that during low tides, there’s a Php200 fee payable on-site for pickups at Cagban port for groups up to 8, which is waived during high tides. This is a minor fee but good to be aware of.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a fun, active day trip without spending a fortune. It suits those who are curious about off-road riding and ziplining, provided they’re okay with shorter rides and some waiting. It’s perfect for adventurous families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a low-key outdoor experience that balances thrill with beautiful scenery.

However, if you’re after longer, more intense rides or a more polished experience, you might find this tour a bit underwhelming. Also, those with health concerns, pregnant women, or travelers over 70 should avoid the activities—it’s not suitable for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For $45, you get a quick dose of adventure paired with beautiful river scenery and the chance to relax with a hot kawa bath. The guides’ friendliness and safety emphasis are a big plus, especially for newcomers. While some may find the activities shorter or less intense than expected, many travelers appreciate the accessibility and variety—from adrenaline to relaxation.

It’s a good option if you want a cost-effective way to experience mainland Philippines from Boracay and don’t mind some waiting or the possibility that the ATV ride might not be as long as hoped. The scenery, guides, and river access make it a memorable, if not overly adrenaline-packed, outing.

This tour is best suited for active, adventurous travelers who value guidance and scenic beauty over length or intensity. It offers a genuine taste of mainland life and nature, giving you a well-rounded snapshot of what Catanduanes has to offer.

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FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the speedboat transfer from Boracay to the mainland and back is included in the tour price.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead guarantees your spot, especially during peak seasons. You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for getting muddy and wet. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim afterwards.

Is it suitable for children?
This tour is generally geared toward adults or older children who can handle ATV rides and ziplining. Very young children or those with health issues may need to skip it.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, high blood pressure, or over 70 years old.

What’s the main highlight?
Many find the guides’ friendliness and safety instructions reassuring, along with the scenic river swim and kawa bath as a relaxing finish.

How long is the actual activity?
The activity is designed to last about two hours, but actual riding and activities may be shorter due to waiting times.

To sum it up, this tour offers an affordable, lively glimpse of mainland Philippine adventure with a touch of relaxation thrown in. It’s best for those who want to combine natural scenery with light adrenaline, all guided by helpful locals. Just be prepared for some waiting and manage expectations about ride length, but overall, it’s a solid choice for a quick, memorable day out from Boracay.

You can check availability for your dates here: