Boracay Island Hopping with Crystal Cove and Snorkelling

Crystal Cove Island

Crystal Cove is a small rocky islet just off the southeastern tip of Boracay, a short boat ride from the main island. Paths and stairways lead through tropical gardens to lookout points over the sea, and down to two small coves where waves have carved caves into the limestone. At low tide you can climb down into the caves and see the light shining through the water inside.

Allow about an hour on the islet to follow the trails and take photos from the viewpoints, which overlook Boracay and the mainland of Panay. Many visitors ask whether Crystal Cove is worth visiting; for its views, its caves and its calm compared with the busy beaches, it is one of the favourite stops of any Boracay island hopping trip. Wear sandals with a good grip for the steps.

Snorkelling Stops around Boracay

The boat stops at one or two snorkelling spots chosen by the crew according to the day's sea conditions, often near Crocodile Island, a small rock named for its shape, or over the shallow coral gardens along the coast. Here you can see hard and soft corals, giant clams in places and schools of colourful reef fish in water that is usually warm and clear.

Snorkelling gear is included, and a small snorkelling area fee is paid locally. Life jackets are available for anyone who wants extra confidence in the water. Please do not stand on or touch coral and do not feed the fish; the reefs around Boracay are recovering well since the island's environmental rehabilitation, and careful visitors help keep them that way.

Magic Island and the Island Coastline

Depending on the route and the weather, the trip may pass Magic Island, a small islet with wooden platforms for jumping into deep blue water. Entry to Magic Island is optional and paid locally if you choose to go ashore, and the crew always decides whether jumping is safe on the day.

Along the way you see different sides of Boracay: the quiet bays of the east coast, rocky headlands and the green hills of the interior, including Mount Luho, the island's highest point. This mix of open sea, small islands and coastline is what makes a Boracay island hopping tour such a good way to understand the geography of the island in a few hours.

Bulabog Beach and Practical Tips

The trip starts from Bulabog Beach on the east side of Boracay, across the narrow middle of the island from White Beach. From November to April, when the northeast wind blows, Bulabog is the island's kitesurfing and windsurfing beach, and the colourful sails make a lively sight. Most hotels are a short tricycle ride away.

The best time for island hopping is the dry season from December to May, when the sea is calm and visibility is good. From June to November, rough seas or typhoons can change the route or cancel trips for safety. Lunch includes grilled meat that may contain pork and is not halal-certified; fish, vegetables and fruit are always served, and you can tell us about your dietary needs in advance.