Review · Boracay Activities

Boracay UFO Adventure

★ 5.0 · 6 reviews From $16

Operated by Purple Diaries Travel and Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Hold on tight, Boracay is about to get strange. The UFO Adventure combines a short speedboat tow with the comic wobble of an inflatable flying saucer, giving you a fast, splashy view of the coast. I like the low price of $16 per person and the friendly local escort provided by Purple Diaries Travel and Tours. My main caution is the brief 15-minute ride, since the fun ends quickly even if the speed makes it feel longer.

I also like that the experience keeps things simple: you get a life jacket, an English-speaking guide, and a clear meeting point near Yellow Cab and Tiger Sugar. The ride may suit you best if you want a quick burst of excitement between beach time and other Boracay activities, not a full afternoon on the water.

Key details before you book

Boracay UFO Adventure - Key details before you book

  • A 15-minute inflatable UFO ride: You sit in an air-filled circular boat while a speedboat pulls you across Boracay’s waves.
  • Coastal views from the water: The ride gives you a moving view of Boracay rather than the usual beach-level perspective.
  • Fast turns and rebounds: You can expect whirling, coasting, and bouncing across the waves rather than a calm cruise.
  • A $16 price point: The cost is modest for a dedicated water activity, especially if you want a short add-on to a beach holiday.
  • A central meeting point: Find the Purple Diaries guide near Yellow Cab and Tiger Sugar, holding a GetYourGuide sign.
  • Basic safety gear included: Life jackets are supplied, while you should bring sunscreen, water, and a towel.

Why the UFO ride works as a Boracay side adventure

Boracay UFO Adventure - Why the UFO ride works as a Boracay side adventure

Boracay offers plenty of reasons to stay near the sand, but the UFO ride gives you a quick way to get out on the water without committing to a long sailing trip. You are not signing up for an entire day of boat travel. Instead, you get a concentrated burst of speed, spray, and movement.

The inflatable UFO is the star of the show. Its round shape creates a different ride from a banana boat or ordinary towable raft. As the speedboat pulls it forward, the UFO can coast, wobble, rebound, and swing across the wake. That makes the experience playful as well as fast.

I would describe the ride as shared excitement rather than a private thrill ride. You are part of a small group on one inflatable craft, holding on together as the boat moves over the waves. That can make the experience funnier and less serious, though it also means you have less control over the pace or direction.

The setting helps. Boracay’s coastline is best known from the beach, but the water gives you a fresh angle. During the ride, you can look back toward the shore as the UFO skims away from it, then watch the coast shift as the speedboat changes direction.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Boracay.

Meeting the guide near Yellow Cab and Tiger Sugar

Boracay UFO Adventure - Meeting the guide near Yellow Cab and Tiger Sugar

The stated meeting point is near Yellow Cab and Tiger Sugar. Look for a Purple Diaries guide holding a GetYourGuide sign. This is useful because the activity does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

The listed starting location is Astoria Boracay, and the route returns there. Keep the meeting instructions handy on your phone, especially if you are not already familiar with the area. The guide escorts you to the activity area, which removes some of the guesswork once you have found the correct person.

The guide service is one of the better parts of the experience. The English-speaking staff are there to guide you through the activity, and the available feedback gives particular credit to the team for being kind, helpful, and reassuring. That matters for a ride built around speed. You want clear instructions before the boat starts moving.

Do not arrive expecting hotel transportation. You are responsible for getting to the stated meeting area. This is a small point, but it affects the real cost and convenience of the activity if you are staying away from Astoria Boracay.

What happens before the speedboat leaves

Boracay UFO Adventure - What happens before the speedboat leaves

Once you meet the guide, you are escorted to the activity area. The activity includes a life jacket, so you should expect to put one on before boarding the inflatable UFO.

The available details do not give a precise check-in time, group size, or full safety briefing. You should therefore allow enough time to find the guide and get ready rather than arriving at the last second. Check the available start times when booking, since the ride runs at scheduled times.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and water. A towel is particularly practical because the ride is across open water and the UFO may rebound through spray. Sunscreen matters even when a breeze makes the conditions feel cooler than they are.

You should also dress for getting wet. The supplied information does not specify changing rooms or storage arrangements, so avoid bringing anything you do not want exposed to water. Keep your plans around the ride flexible enough that a wet finish is not a problem.

The 15-minute UFO ride itself

Boracay UFO Adventure - The 15-minute UFO ride itself

The actual ride lasts 15 minutes. That sounds short, and it is, but towable water rides pack a lot into that time. You spend the session sitting or holding onto the inflatable UFO while the speedboat pulls it over Boracay’s waves.

The motion is not limited to going straight ahead. The experience is described as a mix of whirling, coasting, and rebounding. In plain terms, you should expect the UFO to move with the wake and respond to the boat’s turns. It may skim smoothly for a moment, then jolt or bounce as it meets the waves.

That changing rhythm is what makes the ride entertaining. A simple tow could become repetitive, but the UFO’s movement gives the speedboat’s route more character. You get moments of gliding mixed with sharper bursts of motion.

The ride also gives you a sense of flying over the water. It is not a true flight experience, of course, but the low inflatable craft and rushing air create that sensation. You can look toward the coast, feel the wind, and watch the water pass beneath you.

The ride has a humorous side too. A round inflatable shaped like a flying saucer is not a solemn piece of equipment. If you enjoy activities that are as funny as they are thrilling, this is a good match. The experience has enough speed to produce an adrenaline rush, but the UFO design keeps it lighthearted.

The Boracay coastline from the water

Boracay UFO Adventure - The Boracay coastline from the water

The coastal view is a major reason to choose this activity instead of a purely mechanical thrill ride. You are not confined to a platform or enclosed attraction. The boat carries you across open water, with Boracay’s shore visible as you move.

The view will change constantly because the UFO is being towed rather than anchored in one place. You may get a broad look along the coastline, then a closer sense of the water and wake as the speedboat turns. The supplied information does not promise a particular beach, landmark, or photo stop, so treat the scenery as part of the moving ride rather than a sightseeing cruise.

That distinction matters. If your priority is quiet photography, this may feel too active. Wind, spray, and bouncing make it harder to focus on a carefully framed picture. If you want a lively way to see the coast, the moving viewpoint is more rewarding.

I like that the ride adds variety to a Boracay day. You can spend part of your time on the beach, then see the same island from the water in a much more energetic way. The contrast makes the short activity feel worthwhile.

Is $16 good value?

Boracay UFO Adventure - Is $16 good value?

At $16 per person, the UFO Adventure is priced as an easy add-on rather than a major excursion. You get the 15-minute ride, a life jacket, and a local guide to escort you to the activity area. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so remember that the price covers the activity itself, not your transport to the meeting point.

The value depends on what you want from a water experience. If you want a long cruise, several activities, or a full day at sea, 15 minutes will not be enough. You would be paying for a compact thrill rather than a large tour package.

For a quick adrenaline hit, the price is appealing. It is low enough to fit alongside other Boracay plans, and the short duration makes it easier to schedule. You can add it to a beach day without giving up half your holiday.

The ride may also work well for groups with different energy levels. Someone who does not want a long boat trip may still be willing to try a 15-minute towable activity. On the other hand, anyone seeking a relaxed outing may find the speed and bouncing less appealing.

One useful detail is that you can reserve now and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking terms and starting times before you confirm, since the activity depends on availability.

Safety, comfort, and who should skip it

A life jacket is included, but this remains an active ride on moving water. You need to be comfortable holding on while the inflatable craft is pulled behind a speedboat. The ride is not designed as a quiet float.

The activity is specifically not suitable for pregnant women or people with recent surgeries. Those restrictions should be taken seriously because the ride includes bouncing, turns, and rebounds across waves.

The supplied information does not state a swimming requirement, minimum age, weight limit, or accessibility details. If any of those points affect your decision, ask the provider before booking rather than guessing.

You should also consider how you feel about being wet and jostled. Sunscreen, water, and a towel are listed as essentials, which gives you a clear idea of the conditions. Plan for an active session, not a dry sightseeing boat.

The guide support helps. The available comments praise the staff for being kind and reassuring, and that is valuable when you are trying a new water activity. A friendly briefing can make the difference between gripping the handles with a smile and spending the whole ride wondering what happens next.

What the feedback tells you about the experience

Boracay UFO Adventure - What the feedback tells you about the experience

The activity has a top rating from six verified bookings, so the sample is small but consistently positive. The strongest praise goes to two areas: the guides and the fun of the ride itself.

Kevin M from the United States described the guides as excellent and the ride as hilariously exhilarating. That combination captures the activity well. It is not only about speed. The inflatable UFO adds a silly, social quality that can make the experience memorable.

Ferdinand M also described it as a very fun experience, while Corazon from Australia gave it a full five-star rating. A booking from the United Kingdom noted that the ride lasted longer than expected and was fun overall. That comment is useful because the published duration is 15 minutes, yet the full activity may feel longer once meeting, preparation, and movement to the water are included.

A Philippine participant praised the kind staff and said the activity was exciting enough to encourage another visit. That is a strong sign that the company’s personal service is part of the appeal, not an afterthought.

You should still keep the small sample size in mind. A perfect rating from six bookings is encouraging, but it cannot answer every practical question, such as how the ride feels in different sea conditions or how large each group is.

Best time to fit the ride into your day

Boracay UFO Adventure - Best time to fit the ride into your day

Because the ride lasts only 15 minutes, you have room to place it between other activities. The exact starting times vary, so check availability before you build your schedule.

I would avoid treating it as your entire day on the water. The experience is better understood as a short, energetic break in a larger Boracay plan. Afterward, you can return to Astoria Boracay according to the stated route.

The activity also makes sense for people who want to sample water sports without making a large commitment. Fifteen minutes is long enough to find out if you enjoy the speed and bouncing, but short enough that you are not locked into a lengthy session.

Bring water for afterward. Even a short ride in sun and wind can leave you ready for a drink, and the activity instructions specifically recommend it.

Who will enjoy the Boracay UFO Adventure?

You should consider booking if you want:

  • A fast, playful ride rather than a quiet boat trip
  • A low-cost activity that fits into a busy beach day
  • A moving view of Boracay’s coastline
  • A shared experience with friends or family
  • A short introduction to towable water sports
  • A guide to help you reach the activity area

You may want to skip it if you prefer calm sightseeing, dislike being pulled over waves, or need a detailed accessibility plan that is not provided in the available information. Pregnant women and people with recent surgeries should not take part.

Should you book this UFO ride?

Book it if you want 15 minutes of fast, funny water action for $16. The combination of a low price, included life jacket, coastal views, and friendly English-speaking support makes it a practical Boracay add-on.

Before you pay, check the start time, confirm how you will reach the meeting point near Yellow Cab and Tiger Sugar, and plan to bring sunscreen, water, and a towel. If you accept that the ride is short and active, the UFO Adventure offers a lively change from the beach at a reasonable cost.

FAQ

How long does the Boracay UFO Adventure last?

The UFO ride lasts 15 minutes.

How much does the activity cost?

The stated price is $16 per person.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet near Yellow Cab and Tiger Sugar. Look for the Purple Diaries guide holding a GetYourGuide sign.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is the starting location?

The stated starting location is Astoria Boracay.

Where does the experience finish?

The activity returns to Astoria Boracay.

What does the price include?

The price includes a 15-minute ride on an air-inflatable UFO boat, a life jacket, and a friendly local guide to escort you to the activity area.

Is the guide available in English?

Yes. The activity has a live English-speaking guide.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with recent surgeries.

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