Quick Facts: Port of Caticlan | Philippines | Caticlan Jetty Port | Tender (anchored offshore) | ~10 km to White Beach, Boracay | UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
Boracay is one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated island destinations, and Caticlan is your gateway — a small mainland jump-off point where cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the jetty. The single most important planning tip: factor in tender time, the short pumpboat crossing to Boracay, and the terminal fee process — allow 45–60 minutes each way just for logistics.
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Port & Terminal Information
- Terminal: Caticlan Jetty Port (officially Tabon Jetty Port), the main embarkation point for all passenger traffic to Boracay Island
- Docking: Ships anchor offshore; you’ll ride a tender to the jetty, which adds 15–20 minutes each way to your schedule
- Facilities: Basic — small tourist information booth, money changers (rates are poor; exchange before arrival), restrooms, and a few snack vendors; no ATMs at the jetty itself
- Terminal fees: You’ll pay an Environmental Fee (₱75, ~USD 1.30) plus a Terminal Fee (₱100, ~USD 1.75) per person before boarding the pumpboat to Boracay — have small Philippine pesos ready
- Pumpboat crossing: Takes 10–15 minutes from Caticlan Jetty to Cagban Jetty on Boracay’s southern tip
- Distance to White Beach: About 5–7 km from Cagban Jetty to White Beach’s Station 1 — check the route on Google Maps
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Getting to the City
Once you clear Cagban Jetty on Boracay, you have several options to reach White Beach and the main tourist strip:
- On Foot — Not practical from Cagban Jetty to White Beach; it’s a 5 km walk through roads not designed for pedestrians. Save your legs for the beach.
- Tricycle (3-wheel motorcycle) — The standard local ride; ₱150–200 (~USD 2.50–3.50) per tricycle (not per person) to White Beach Station 3; negotiate before you board. Journey: 15–20 minutes.
- E-Tricycle (Electric) — Introduced as part of Boracay’s eco-renovation; same fare range, quieter and cleaner. Available at Cagban Jetty immediately after arrival.
- Taxi/Private Van — White vans offer transfers for ₱500–800 (~USD 8.50–14) per vehicle; faster and more comfortable for families with luggage or strollers.
- Rental Scooter — Not recommended for a cruise day trip given traffic, unfamiliar roads, and the time cost of hiring one. Skip it.
- Ship Shore Excursion — Worth it if your ship offers a pre-arranged transfer package that bypasses individual tender queuing. Otherwise, going independently saves money and gives you full flexibility on timing.
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Top Things to Do in Boracay Island Philippines, Caticlan
Boracay packs world-class beaches, vibrant watersports, island hopping, and a buzzing restaurant strip into just 10 km² — here’s how to spend your hours well.
Must-See
1. White Beach (free) — The 4 km powdery white arc that made Boracay famous. Station 1 (north end) is quieter and more upscale; Station 3 (south) is livelier and budget-friendly. Walk the full length at least once — it’s stunning. Allow 2–3 hours minimum.
2. Willy’s Rock & Chapel (free) — An iconic volcanic formation rising from the shallow water at Station 1, topped by a small Virgin Mary shrine. Accessible on foot at low tide and one of Boracay’s most-photographed spots. 15 minutes.
3. D’Mall (free to browse) — Boracay’s open-air shopping and dining hub in the middle of White Beach. Good for souvenir shopping, a cold San Miguel, or a fast sit-down meal. 30–45 minutes.
Beaches & Nature
4. Puka Shell Beach (free) — A rougher, more remote beach on the island’s north coast, named for the puka shells that wash up here. Far less crowded than White Beach and genuinely beautiful. 45 minutes by tricycle from Station 3. Allow 1–1.5 hours here.
5. Boracay Sunset Cruise (from USD 16.42) — A paraw (traditional outrigger sailboat) cruise at sunset is one of Boracay’s signature experiences. The colours over the Sibuyan Sea are extraordinary. Book the Boracay Sunset Cruise on Viator 🎟 Book: Boracay Sunset Cruise — 2 hours, departs from White Beach.
6. Snorkeling & Island Hopping (from USD 55) — Day boat tours visit nearby islets including Crocodile Island (excellent reef fish and coral), Tambisaan Beach, and Crystal Cove. The Boracay Snorkeling & Island Hopping tour on Viator 🎟 Book: Boracay Snorkeling & Island Hopping tour includes snorkel gear and typically 3 stops — allow 5 hours.
7. Bulabog Beach (free) — The windward side of the island, facing east — calmer for swimming, famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Watching the kite surfers alone is worth the 10-minute tricycle ride. 45 minutes.
Day Trips
8. Private Island Hopping Premium with Lunch (from USD 100) — If you have a full day, this private island hopping tour on Viator 🎟 Book: Boracay Private Island Hopping Premium with Lunch takes you to less-visited spots around Boracay and nearby islets with a catered lunch onboard. 4 hours; bookable on GetYourGuide too: see options here.
Family Picks
9. Ariel’s Point (approx USD 55 all-in) — A day excursion to a cliff-jumping and snorkeling spot about 40 minutes by boat from Boracay — multiple jump heights suit thrill-seekers and cautious swimmers alike. Includes lunch and unlimited drinks. Book via GetYourGuide. Allow 5–6 hours.
10. Helmet Diving at White Beach (approx USD 30–40) — No scuba certification needed — you walk along the seabed in a weighted helmet and breathe normally. Operators line White Beach Station 2–3; great for kids 8 and up. 45 minutes.
Off the Beaten Track
11. Bat Cave (Ilig-Iligan) (free, small guide tip) — A short hike through forest near Ilig-Iligan Beach leads to a bat cave and a quieter stretch of coast. Hire a local guide at the trailhead for ₱200 (~USD 3.50). 1.5 hours.
12. Mount Luho Viewpoint (₱50, ~USD 0.85 entry) — The island’s highest point at 100 m. Tricycle up, walk the last section, and you get a full panoramic view of White Beach and the island’s east coast simultaneously. 45 minutes.
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What to Eat & Drink
Filipino food in Boracay is an unexpected highlight — fresh seafood grilled to order, tropical fruit shakes, and hearty local stews all at prices that make European cruisers weep with joy. D’Mall and the White Beach promenade are dense with everything from grab-and-go to proper sit-down restaurants.
- Chori Burger at Jonah’s Fruit Shakes — A cult local snack: a garlicky chorizo patty in a soft bun paired with fresh mango or watermelon shake; Station 2; ₱120–180 (~USD 2–3)
- Grilled Seafood (Talipapa Market) — Buy fresh prawns, squid, or fish at Boracay’s wet market for ₱150–300/kg (~USD 2.50–5), then take it to an adjacent restaurant to have it cooked for a small fee (~₱50); Station 2 area
- Kare-Kare — Rich peanut-based oxtail stew with shrimp paste; widely available at local restaurants along the beachfront; ₱250–350 (~USD 4.30–6)
- Halo-Halo — Philippines’ signature shaved-ice dessert layered with sweet beans, coconut, ube jam, and evaporated milk; everywhere on White Beach; ₱80–150 (~USD 1.40–2.60)
- San Miguel Pale Pilsen at a beachfront bar — Ice-cold and deeply local; most beach bars, ₱60–80 (~USD 1–1.40) per bottle; don’t leave without one
- Mang Inasal or Andok’s — Local rotisserie chicken chains in D’Mall; fast, cheap, delicious; ₱120–180 (~USD 2–3) for a full meal
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Shopping
D’Mall is your primary shopping hub — a labyrinth of stalls and boutiques selling puka shell jewellery, woven rattan bags, embroidered linen clothing, and hand-painted sarongs. Prices are negotiable at market stalls but fixed in boutiques; budget ₱200–500 (~USD 3.50–8.50) for
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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📍 Getting to Boracay Island Philippines, Caticlan
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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