Boracay Island (Caticlan, Philippines)

Boracay Island (Philippines) is located approx 315 km (196 mi) south of Manila and at just 2 km (1 mi) off the northwestern tip of Panay Island. Boracay and its beautiful beaches have received numerous awards from travel media and tour agencies. In 2012 Boracay was awarded the world's best island by Travel+Leisure. The resort island was also ranked "world's best" in 2014 by Conde Nast Traveler.

The cruise port of Boracay Island is Caticlan Jetty Port (Malay municipality, Aklan province). Boracay's Air Juan airline service provides regularly scheduled domestic flights linking directly Manila with Subic Bay Freeport, Busuanga Bay, Puerto Galera and Boracay Island (Caticlan Airport). Air Juan's flights are direct (without passing through other airports) which allows tourists to arrive from Manila directly to their local hotels and resorts.

Boracay Island comprises the barangays (wards) of Balabag, Manoc-Manoc, and Yapak in Malay municipality, Aklan Province. Boracay is administered by the Philippine Tourism Authority and Aklan's provincial government. In 2010 Boracay Island had a population 28,370 people on a total area of 10.32 km2 (3.98 ml2)

Boracay is famous for its white-sand beaches, as well as for being one of the top destinations for relaxation in the world. It is also emerging among the world's top destinations for nightlife. Partly due to its weather and wind patterns, tourism in Boracay Island is at its peak during amihan season (from September/October through May/June). During amihan season, the predominant wind blows from the east. White Beach, the main tourist area on Boracay, is on the western side, sheltered from the wind.

Leisure activities on or near Boracay Island include scuba diving, cliff diving, diving helmet, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, horseback riding, and beach relaxation. The island is the site of a famous 18-hole par 72 golf course that was designed by Graham Marsh. As of 2010, Boracay Island has in excess of over 350 beach resorts that offer more than 2,000 rooms (from 5-star to budget accommodation). Boracay Island also boasts a wide range of bars, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs.

in 2018, due to environmental concerns, the Philippines closed Boracay Island to all tourists (including cruise ship). The destination was closed for 6 months (April through October). All scheduled visits to the island were redirected to Manila, Bohol Island and Subic (Zambales, Luzon Island). With affected Asian itinerary programs were the companies RCI-Royal Caribbean International and the GHK-owned Genting Cruise Lines (Star Cruises and Dream Cruises). However, in 2017, Boracay received 15 cruise ship calls.

In 2019, the cruise ship embargo to the island was renewed with strictly implemented closeout dates. The policy was renewed after photos and videos of vessels docking in Boracay surfaced on social media platforms. 2019's no-cruise dates were during Lent Season (March 6 through April 28), All Saints Day/Hallowmas (Nov 1), All Souls Day (Nov 2-3), October 26 through November 8, and November 23 through January 5 (2020).

Boracay Island cruise terminal