Boracay Island Hopping + Helmet Diving and UFO w/ Premium Lunch

Boracay packs a lot into one morning. This half-day boat trip combines three beach and reef stops, a buffet lunch, snorkeling, an underwater helmet activity, and a UFO inflatable ride for $98 per person. I like the variety, and I like that the boat, guide, safety gear, lunch, and main activities are bundled together.

I also like the chance to see quieter Ilig Iligan Beach, marine life near Crocodile Island, and the more famous Puka Shell Beach in one outing. The main drawback is value: the tour lasts only four to five hours, and you still pay separately for the snorkeling fee, optional island entrances, and transport to the meeting point. The maximum group size is listed as 100, so I would not assume a truly intimate boat ride.

Quick facts about the Boracay morning tour

• Three different coastal settings: You visit Ilig Iligan Beach, Crocodile Island, and Puka Shell Beach, with about 30 minutes at each listed stop.
• Several activities included: Snorkel gear, a life jacket, helmet activity, UFO ride, hot kawa, boat transport, and buffet lunch are part of the package.
• Optional stops cost extra: Crystal Cove Island and Magic Island Boracay are not included in the price, and entrance fees are paid on site.
• The meeting point is central: You start and finish at Astoria Boracay Boat Station 1 at 8:00 a.m.
• The group may be sizable: The tour is described as small-group, but the stated maximum is 100 people.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund, while ordinary cancellation is non-refundable.

What $98 buys you on Boracay

At $98, this is not the cheapest way to see Boracay’s shore. The price makes more sense if you plan to use the included activities and lunch rather than treating the boat ride as simple transportation.

You receive boat transport, a local guide, life jacket, snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, hot kawa, the helmet activity, and the UFO ride. That bundle saves you from arranging each item separately, which is useful if you have only one free morning on Panay Island.

The price is less appealing if you mainly want to sit on a beach. The scheduled stops are short, about 30 minutes each, and two of the listed locations have extra admission costs. You also need to pay the snorkeling fee of PHP 40 per person, and pickup and drop-off are not included.

I would bring cash for the PHP 40 snorkeling charge and for any optional entrance fees. The exact cost of Crystal Cove Island and Magic Island Boracay is not provided, so ask before committing to those stops.

The package includes a premium lunch, described as a buffet of international and local dishes. That gives the day a practical rhythm, especially if you want a meal included rather than searching for food between activities. Still, the word premium tells you little about the menu, so I would treat lunch as a useful inclusion rather than the main reason to book.

Meeting at Astoria Boat Station 1

The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. at Astoria Boracay Boat Station 1 in Barangay Balabag, Malay, Aklan. You return to the same meeting point at the end.

Because hotel transfers are excluded, you need to arrange your own way to the station. The supplied information does not provide a pickup area, transfer schedule, or hotel transfer price. If you are staying away from Station 1, allow enough time to reach the boat station before 8:00 a.m.

The mobile ticket is convenient. You should have your booking confirmation ready on your phone, since confirmation is issued at the time of booking. The tour provider is CTPH TOUR.

The advertised duration is four to five hours. That is a compact schedule, not a full-day cruise. You can expect the morning to move quickly, with several activity changes and limited time at each stop.

Ilig Iligan Beach: the quiet first stop

Ilig Iligan Beach is described as one of the remotest beaches on Boracay Island. It stretches for almost a kilometer and has grainy white sand with views toward several small islets.

The beach can be reached by motorbike, a short hike, or a tricycle charter costing PHP 250 per hour. By boat, you get a much easier introduction to this less accessible part of Boracay. The listed stop lasts 30 minutes, which is enough for a quick swim, photos, and a little sun, but not enough for a slow beach morning.

I like this stop because it gives the tour a quieter opening. Boracay is known for its famous shoreline, but Ilig Iligan offers a different feel, with fewer access routes and a more remote setting.

You should keep your expectations realistic. Thirty minutes goes quickly once you account for getting off the boat, putting on gear, and returning to the boat. If your priority is a long swim or a peaceful stretch of sand, this schedule may feel rushed.

Crocodile Island and the snorkeling fee

Crocodile Island gets its name from its shape when viewed from a distance. The uninhabited rocky outcrop is surrounded by clear water and marine life, making it the tour’s main snorkeling setting.

Snorkel gear and a life jacket are supplied. The tour also lists kayaking as a possible activity around the island, though kayaking is not included among the stated inclusions. I would confirm whether a kayak is available and if it carries an extra charge before planning around it.

The snorkeling fee is PHP 40 per person and is not included in the $98 price. That is a small cost, but it is exactly the kind of charge that can surprise you if you arrive without local currency.

The listed stop is 30 minutes. That gives you a short look below the surface, but you will not have unlimited time to search the reef. The water is described as clear and full of marine life, yet actual visibility and conditions depend on the weather.

The helmet activity adds another way to get into the water without relying only on a mask and snorkel. The provided information does not explain the depth, operating setup, age limits, or time allowed, so ask the guide for those details before paying or participating.

Puka Shell Beach and the northern coast

Puka Shell Beach, also called Yapak Beach, sits on the northern part of Boracay. Tall coconut trees line the shore, and a tropical forest begins just beyond the beach.

This is the most recognizable beach stop on the schedule. It gives you a chance to walk on sand, swim, or simply enjoy the northern coast without arranging a separate visit. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, so you should pick one main goal before arriving.

I would choose swimming and photos over trying to do everything. If you want a long walk along the beach, the time limit will feel tight. If you use the stop for a quick shoreline break between boat activities, it fits the schedule well.

Puka Shell Beach also gives the day some variety. Ilig Iligan is remote, Crocodile Island is focused on water and marine life, and Puka offers a broad beach with coconut trees and forest behind it.

Crystal Cove and Magic Island: tempting extras

Crystal Cove Island and Magic Island Boracay are optional. Neither entrance fee is included, and you pay on the spot.

The schedule lists about 30 minutes for each optional stop, but it does not make clear whether both can be added to the same outing or how the timing works with lunch and the included stops. I would ask the guide or operator about the order, total extra cost, and whether choosing one means giving up time elsewhere.

Crystal Cove is the better choice if you want an additional island setting. Magic Island is the better choice if you are interested in adding another organized stop to an already activity-heavy morning. That distinction is only a practical way to think about the options, since the supplied details do not describe specific activities at either location.

These extras can improve the day if you want more stops and do not mind paying more. They can also make the schedule feel crowded. Since the core tour already includes three beaches or reef areas, lunch, snorkeling, a helmet activity, and a UFO ride, I would not add both without first confirming the timetable.

Helmet activity, UFO ride, and hot kawa

The package includes an underwater helmet activity and a UFO inflatable ride. These are the tour’s most playful features, especially for families or groups who want more than swimming and beach time.

The UFO is an inflatable ride pulled or guided on the water, although the supplied details do not explain its exact format, speed, or duration. You should expect a fun group activity rather than a quiet sightseeing stop.

The helmet activity appeals to people who want to look underwater without relying entirely on standard snorkeling gear. It may also suit participants who feel more comfortable with a helmet than with a snorkel, but the operator does not provide enough information to confirm suitability for every person.

A hot kawa is included as well. In the Philippines, kawa refers to a large vessel traditionally associated with bathing or warming experiences. Here it is listed as part of the package, but no timing or setup details are provided, so ask when it takes place and what you should bring.

The life jacket is included, which is important given the number of water activities. You should still listen closely to the guide’s safety instructions, particularly if the sea is rough or you are moving between several activities in a short period.

Lunch and the pace of the morning

The buffet lunch includes international and local cuisine. That is useful after snorkeling and water activities, since you do not need to leave the group to find a meal.

The schedule does not state exactly where or when lunch is served. It may be arranged during the boat route or at one of the stops, but you should confirm the timing if you have dietary needs or want to plan your activity time carefully.

A buffet offers choice, but the provided details do not list vegetarian dishes, seafood options, drinks, or allergy arrangements. If any of those matter to you, contact CTPH TOUR before booking.

The pace is the key issue. With three listed 30-minute stops, optional locations, water activities, lunch, and boat movement, this is designed as a sampler. I like that you can see several parts of Boracay in one morning, but you will not get a long, unhurried stay at any single beach.

Group size and the small-group question

The tour is presented as a small-group experience, with more attention from the guide. At the same time, the maximum number is listed as 100 participants.

Those details do not fully match. A group of 100 could require a large boat, several activity rotations, or separate guide assignments. I would ask how many people are expected on your date and how the group is divided for snorkeling, the helmet activity, and the UFO ride.

This matters because the value of a water tour depends heavily on organization. A well-managed large group can work, but a small boat with fewer participants usually means less waiting and more personal guidance.

The only published assessment gives the experience a 3 out of 5 rating and describes it as very average, while also praising the kindness and politeness of Filipinos. That is a fair warning to keep expectations moderate. The tour offers a lot, but it should not be confused with a private cruise or a carefully paced luxury excursion.

Who will enjoy this Boracay tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a one-morning introduction to Boracay’s beaches and reefs, especially when you value convenience over long beach stays.

It suits:

• First-time visitors with limited time
• Families and groups who want several activities in one booking
• People who enjoy snorkeling, inflatable rides, and water-based fun
• Visitors who want lunch included
• Anyone who prefers a planned route instead of arranging boats and activities independently

I would be more cautious if you want quiet beaches, long swims, a private atmosphere, or full control over your schedule. Independent visitors may prefer arranging a boat and choosing fewer stops, particularly if they already know which beach they want to visit.

You should also think about the fixed cancellation terms. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you can also receive a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the $98 package?

Book this tour if you want a busy, convenient Boracay sampler with lunch and several included activities. The strongest value comes from using the snorkeling gear, helmet activity, UFO ride, and buffet rather than treating the outing as a simple boat transfer.

Think twice if your priority is a calm island day. The four to five-hour schedule is short, extra fees remain, and the possible 100-person group makes the small-group promise worth checking.

My practical advice is simple: ask CTPH TOUR how many people are booked, how the optional stops fit into the schedule, what the helmet activity involves, and what lunch includes. If the answers suit you, the tour is a sensible way to cover several Boracay highlights in one morning. If not, spend your $98 on a slower, more focused outing.

FAQ

How much does the Boracay island-hopping tour cost?

The listed price is $98 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four to five hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 a.m.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at Astoria Boracay Boat Station 1, Boracay Island, Barangay Balabag, Malay, Aklan, Philippines.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off transfers are not included.

Which stops are included in the main route?

The listed main stops are Ilig Iligan Beach, Crocodile Island, and Puka Shell Beach.

Are Crystal Cove Island and Magic Island included?

No. Both are optional, and their entrance fees are paid on the spot.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and a life jacket are included, but the snorkeling fee of PHP 40 per person is not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with international and local cuisine is included.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed if you cancel or request an amendment. Weather-related or minimum-participant cancellations may qualify for a new date or a full refund.