Boracay: Parasailing, Island Hopping, ATV Ride and Kawa Bath

Boracay’s biggest thrill here comes early: parasailing above the sea, with white sand and bright water spread below you. I like the way this package then shifts gears, from boat rides and swimming to an ATV run inland at Nabaoy River. It gives you a taste of both Boracay’s coast and Aklan’s rural side.

I also like the practical care from guides such as Aira, Lyn, Monda, and Lelian. They help with bags, photos, transfers, and timing, which matters when you are wet, carrying gear, and moving between boats and land vehicles. The buffet lunch and river swim add useful breaks between the faster activities.

The catch is that this is a packed day, not a slow island escape. The kawa bath can be little more than a quick photo, and the island stops may feel rushed. Parasailing and boat transfers also depend on weather, so keep your schedule flexible.

What makes this Boracay day different

• Parasailing over Boracay: The aerial ride is the main thrill, and many people find it the highlight of the day.
• Puka Shell Beach and island stops: You get time for photos, swimming, and snorkeling, with destinations changing when weather requires it.
• Nabaoy River ATV ride: The route adds muddy, inland fun after a morning on the water.
• Kawa bath with a catch: It is a memorable Filipino-style photo stop, but the soaking time may be very short.
• Guides who handle the messy details: Aira, Lyn, Monda, Mando, and Lelian have been especially helpful with bags, photos, transfers, and changes.
• A lot for $70: Parasailing, boats, lunch, ATV riding, river swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking are included, but some entrance fees and optional activities cost extra.

Parasailing gives the day its best opening

The day begins at Astoria Boracay Station 1 Beachfront. Look for the guide in the Purple Diaries uniform. From there, a short water transfer takes you toward the first coastal stops and the parasailing operation.

Parasailing is the part I would protect most carefully when planning this tour. You are lifted above the water, with views across Boracay’s pale beaches, green interior, and open sea. It is exciting without requiring you to steer anything, so you can concentrate on the view.

Several people with no previous parasailing experience found the guides reassuring. At the same time, one participant noted that the safety explanation was brief, with the harness fitted and the activity moving quickly. If you are nervous, ask questions before takeoff and make sure you understand where to place your hands and feet.

Weather can delay or cancel parasailing. This happened during several outings, but the operator sometimes moved the activity to another day or offered a replacement such as jet skiing. That flexibility is useful, though it means you should not schedule your departure immediately after the tour if parasailing matters to you.

Puka Shell Beach is a short first stop

The boat ride to Puka Shell Beach takes about 20 minutes. The planned visit lasts around 30 minutes, enough for pictures, a swim, and a quick look around, but not enough for a long beach stay.

Puka is a good early stop because you can get into the water before the day’s full schedule catches up with you. Bring sandals or secure water shoes, since comfortable footwear is part of the recommended packing list.

Do not expect a quiet, private beach visit. One outing found the first beach crowded, although the nearby cave area added something extra to explore. The stop works best as a scenic introduction rather than the main beach portion of your day.

Snorkeling and water sports fill the middle morning

The next water portion lasts about 45 minutes. You can snorkel, swim, paddle board, and kayak, depending on the day’s arrangements and sea conditions. The package includes paddle boarding, kayaking, and river swimming, while snorkeling gear and some locations may involve an additional charge.

Ask clearly what is included before paying for an add-on. Crystal Cove and snorkeling were described as worthwhile extras, but they were not part of every basic package cost. Helmet diving can also be added, though one busy itinerary did not leave enough time for it on the same day. The guide later arranged it for the following day.

This is where the full-day format can feel hurried. Forty-five minutes goes fast once you account for getting equipment, entering the water, taking pictures, and returning to the boat. If snorkeling is your main goal, a dedicated snorkeling trip may give you more time.

Still, the variety is the appeal. You can swim, paddle, kayak, and snorkel in one morning without having to organize separate bookings. For a first Boracay visit, that convenience has real value.

The buffet lunch is a needed pause

Lunch lasts about an hour and is served after the morning water activities. A buffet gives you the chance to choose what suits you and eat enough before the ATV portion, which is useful after several hours in the sun.

The food opinions are mixed. Some people found there was plenty of good food, while another described the meal as disappointing. I would treat lunch as a practical included meal rather than a reason to book the tour. The value is in having food built into a busy day, not in expecting a special dining event.

Bring cash for personal expenses and possible entrance fees. The tour price does not cover everything you might choose to add.

The kawa bath is more photo stop than spa treatment

The kawa bath is one of the package’s most unusual features. You sit in a large metal cauldron filled with water and herbs, creating a distinctly Filipino photo opportunity in a natural setting.

The important detail is timing. Several parts of the experience suggest that the bath may be brief, sometimes just long enough for pictures. One person expected five to ten minutes of relaxation and found the stop too quick. Another found the water cold rather than hot.

So I would not book this package mainly for a long soak. Think of the kawa bath as a short cultural touch and a fun photograph between larger activities. If you want a proper hot bath, keep your expectations modest and ask the guide how long you will have.

The stop itself lasts about 45 minutes when combined with a guided visit, sightseeing, and photos. That may include more than sitting in the cauldron, but the exact balance can change.

Nabaoy River brings the best inland change of pace

After the coastal activities, the group transfers by tuk-tuk and speedboat toward Nabaoy River in Aklan. The inland section lasts about an hour and a half, making it the longest single activity on the schedule.

Here you can expect a guided ATV ride along off-road routes, with time for sightseeing, photos, free time, and river swimming. The ride was described as wet and muddy fun, which is a better expectation than imagining a high-speed racing course.

One person found the ATV route too gentle and suited to younger children, while others enjoyed the safe, scenic ride. That difference matters. If you want a technical or aggressive off-road challenge, this may feel tame. If you want an approachable first ATV ride with countryside views and a river afterward, it fits better.

You must be at least 18 for the ATV. Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty, and bring a spare outfit. The river swim is not just a photo stop. It gives you a chance to rinse off after the ATV ride and cool down before the return trip.

A zipline is also listed as an option. Some people enjoyed combining the ATV and zipline, while others felt those activities did not meet expectations. Ask what the add-on costs and how much time it will take before committing, since the day already has a full schedule.

Transfers require patience and flexible timing

The transport chain is part of the experience: boat, tuk-tuk, speedboat, and then the return journey. The planned transfers include a 15-minute speedboat ride, tuk-tuk rides of about 20 minutes, and another 20-minute boat trip back to Astoria.

The transport is generally well managed by the guides, but mechanical problems and weather delays can happen. One outing required several boat changes, and another started late because of weather. These are not small issues when you are trying to fit eight activities into one day.

The guides help here. Aira was praised for keeping people informed and helping with bags. Lyn was described as attentive and good at taking pictures. Monda handled transfers and schedule changes carefully, while Lelian helped someone with motion sickness on the boats. Mando was also noted for being patient and attentive.

You should still bring a waterproof bag for your phone, cash, towel, and dry clothes. Guides may help watch belongings, but you are responsible for your valuables.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, this is a strong value if you want many separate activities in one booking. The package includes parasailing, island hopping, buffet lunch, the kawa bath, ATV riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, and river swimming. Arranging all of those independently would take more time and could cost more.

The value drops if you care deeply about only one activity. A person focused on parasailing might prefer a shorter parasailing booking. Someone who wants relaxed snorkeling may prefer a dedicated boat trip. The ATV portion also may not satisfy an experienced rider looking for a demanding route.

Keep room in your budget for entrance fees, personal spending, and optional activities. Snorkeling gear, Crystal Cove, helmet diving, ziplining, or a replacement activity may involve extra payment. The tour is best viewed as a broad sampler, not an all-inclusive ticket to every attraction in Boracay.

Who should book this package?

I would recommend it to first-time Boracay visitors who want a full day of action and do not want to coordinate several operators. It suits couples, friends, and active adults who like switching between water sports, photos, food, and a muddy inland ride.

It also works well for solo visitors because the guides can help with photos and belongings. That small service matters when you are swimming or climbing into an ATV and have no companion to hold your phone.

I would hesitate if you dislike rushed schedules, boat transfers, or changing plans. Pregnant people, those with back problems, and people with mobility impairments should not book it. The ATV also requires participants to be at least 18.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a hat, towel, sunscreen, camera, cash, extra clothes, and a waterproof bag. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want maximum variety for $70 and see parasailing as the main event, with the other stops adding color to the day. The strongest parts are the aerial ride, helpful guides, easy transfers when conditions cooperate, and the change from Boracay’s water to Nabaoy River’s muddy trails.

Choose something simpler if you want long beach time, serious snorkeling, or a genuinely relaxing kawa bath. The day is busy, some stops are short, and weather can rearrange the plan. For an active first taste of Boracay and nearby Aklan, though, this is a well-priced package with enough highlights to justify the packed schedule.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at Astoria Boracay Station 1 Beachfront. Look for a guide wearing a Purple Diaries uniform.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is five to eight hours, depending on availability, conditions, and how the activities run that day.

Is parasailing included?

Yes. Parasailing is included, but it depends on weather and may be delayed, rescheduled, canceled, or replaced with another activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included and lasts about one hour.

Is snorkeling included?

The package includes island hopping, but snorkeling gear and some snorkeling locations may require an extra payment. Bring cash for optional activities.

Can I join the ATV ride if I am under 18?

No. Participants must be at least 18 years old for the ATV ride.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, hat, sunscreen, camera, cash, extra clothes, and a waterproof bag for belongings.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. The tour also does not allow smoking, alcohol, or drugs.