Searching for the best family holiday destinations for your next trip? Looking for the perfect family beach vacation spot? If you’re craving a relaxing holiday where the kids can swim and play while you eat out, roam the shops and chill out, then we’ve got the perfect spot – Boracay, Philippines!
How to Get to Boracay Island for your Family Beach Vacation
Boracay is one of 7,641 islands in the Philippines and probably one of the most famous. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll likely have to fly into Cebu or Manila and get a flight to one of the two airports available.
I recommend Godofredo P. Ramos Airport over Kaliko because it’s closer to Boracay Island and reduces travel time.
How to Get to Boracay Island from the Airport
The best family holiday destinations sometimes require a little extra effort!
After arriving at the airport (think large tin shed!), you’ll need cash to get onto the island itself as the airport isn’t actually on Boracay Island – you’ll need to grab a boat. Follow the tourists out of the airport and to the ‘taxi’ pick-up area, where you can grab a rickshaw to the port.
The rickshaws aren’t the biggest, so if you’ve got a bigger family like ours, you’ll need to splash out for two (about AUD$4 each). Our kids loved the open-air trip where we could wave to each other and see how far behind/in front the other group was. The trip to the boat only took about 10 minutes, but it was a great start to the holiday. If you’re after something a little more comfortable, you can opt for pre-arranged Boracay airport transfer.
When you arrive at the port, plenty of different groups sell tickets to the mainland. All of them have very similar prices, and it’s an easy process. Tickets cost approximately AUD$15 per person and kids under 5 are free.
You’ll need to let them know your name and the travellers’ ages and pay in cash. Then they’ll escort you to the boat. We did have designated seat numbers, but with so many people travelling back and forth by boat for work each day, no one was really worried about sitting in the right seats! When you get off the boat on Boracay Island, your ticket also includes a rickshaw service straight to your accommodation.
Friendly Locals – Experts in Boracay Family Travel
Yes, the locals rely on tourism for their livelihood so it’s expected they’re going to be friendly, but they really were some of the loveliest people we’ve met while travelling. The people are incredibly welcoming and will make your family feel right at home during your stay.
Boracay also felt very safe, and we didn’t have any issues (though, like travelling anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and on the lookout for anything dodgy). Its laid-back atmosphere meant we felt our family was in good hands!
Where to Stay on Boracay Island
Based on my research for this family beach vacation, there weren’t a lot of accommodation options available for bigger families. If you’re travelling with two kids or less, you’re sure to find many hotel options – right on the beach. But for 3 or more kids there are limited options to choose from.
Our preference was to stay right near Beach 2 (closest to D’Mall, which is full of good shopping and restaurants), but there are plenty of resorts all over the island and accommodation options if you prefer to stay out of the busier areas.
Our hosts at Nirvana Beach Resort were incredibly accommodating. Our three-bedroom apartment was perfect for our family. It met our requirements for family-friendly accommodation – spread across three levels, with a living area at the top (with a terrace balcony), bedrooms on the second, and kitchen/dining on the ground floor.
Be Aware of ‘Grey Outs’ on Boracay Island
Being an island, there can sometimes be issues with power supplies. During our stay, we experienced a ‘greyout,’ which lasted just over 24 hours. The whole island lost power and relied on generators. The island seemed well equipped to handle this and speaking to locals; it’s a fairly common occurrence. All the big resorts and most tourist accommodations will have generators – but just be aware that the noise can be offputting and the smell is also strong if you’re staying in a room right next to the generator.
Eating Out on Boracay Island
As one of the best family holiday destinations, Boracay offers a wide variety of delicious meals to suit everyone’s tastes. From fresh seafood to hearty breakfast options, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants to enjoy. Many are right on the beach with stunning views.
Another great thing about Boracay is how easy it is to get around on foot. Whether you’re walking along the beautiful White Beach or exploring the charming streets of D’Mall, everything is within walking distance if you’re centrally located, making it convenient for families.
Some of our favourites that we kept returning to included:
Epic Boracay – Located right on the beach, this nighttime party haven offers a family-friendly breakfast and lunch spot during the day! The menu is extensive (although being on an island, there were a few times when our options weren’t available as ingredients weren’t delivered). The service wasn’t as outstanding as other places, but the view was great, and it offered air con, so we chose to sit inside a few times to escape the heat. Kids loved the french toast, mashed potatoes and amazing smoothies.
Muchos Boracay – This Latin American place had us yearning to return to Lima, Peru! The drinks and food were delicious and arriving just before sunset means you can enjoy the beautiful view with our meal.
Red Coconut Boracay – This lively open-air restaurant/hotel was so fun we went twice! The entertainment was amazing. The singer (Jason Park) played a heap of classic 90’s and early 2000 hits that had the crowd singing along (you can guess the average age of customers ;p). At 7.30pm each night there’s also an entertaining fire show that’s great for kids. You can go up on stage after the show and get a photo with the performers. And even have a go at twirling the fire chain… if you dare!
Ice Flakes Boracay – If you’re after shaved ice THIS is the place to go. Amazing menu selection, huge servings and simply delicious.
Cyma Greek Taverna – Hankering for some delicious authentic Greek food? This place is a must! Set back in D’Mall the air con is pumping, the service is great and the menu is extensive.
Real Coffee & Tea – Last but definitely not least is one of the original cafes on the island. It was a really nostalgic feel, with lots of photos on the tables and walls from over the years. There was a basket of toys on hand for the kids to play with and these guys know how to make people feel welcome. The prices are cheap and the food and drinks are DELICIOUS. We came back here for breakfast 3 or 4 times. Some of the favourites included fresh mango smoothies, banana french toast, vegetarian omelette and mango pancakes. Highly recommend!!
THAT White Sandy Beach
The amazing stretch of beach has white, beautiful sand, palm trees, and crystal clear water. It really is paradise on earth and the best spot for a family beach vacation.
This beach holiday destination offers plenty of sandy spots for your kids can build sandcastles. You can rent a mat from one of the many people walking up and down the beach (for a few dollars) or bring your own towels.
Unlike many other tourist beaches, deck chairs have been banned. But there’s plenty of shade available under the palm trees if you get there early enough in the day. The busiest time of day is 5pm onwards, when the crowds arrive to watch the sunset.
The best bit? The ocean is super calm, so it’s super safe for kids to swim in. Plus, you can rent clear kayaks if you feel like going a little further out. You can also jump on one of the many island-hopping cruises or sunset cruises if you want to take a look at the beach from a different perspective!
Boracay Island – One of the Best Family Holiday Destinations
If you’re looking for a tropical vacation with kids, Boracay Island offers the perfect Philippines beach holiday. It’s got what you need for an unforgettable family getaway!
Enjoy!! x