4 Hour Private Boracay Island Hopping Tour

Exploring Boracay on a 4-Hour Private Island Hopping Tour

A 4-hour private island hopping experience around Boracay offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s top sights without feeling rushed. Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic scenery, this tour takes you to several iconic spots—each with its own unique charm. From pristine beaches to snorkel-worthy reefs, it’s an active yet laid-back way to spend half a day en plein air.

One feature we really love is the flexibility of the stops—weather permitting, you’ll get to visit some of the island’s best beaches and snorkeling sites, all while enjoying the comfort of private transportation and a delicious local lunch. The tour’s small-group feel means more personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

A possible consideration is that entrance fees to some attractions aren’t included, so you should budget for those extras. Still, the overall value shines through when you factor in the scenic stops, excellent guides, and the chance to see Boracay from a boat. This experience is best suited for travelers who want a taste of multiple locations in a short window, especially those keen on snorkeling, beach lounging, or simply soaking in the views with a small group.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary with stops at Crystal Cove Island, Magic Island, Puka Shell Beach, Crocodile Island, and Tambisaan Beach.
• Inclusive amenities include lunch, snorkeling equipment, and private boat transportation.
• Extra costs apply for some entrance fees (Magic Island and Crystal Cove).
• Authentic, personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides, praised for their energy and friendliness.
• Great for snorkelers with access to coral reefs and underwater wildlife.
• Not ideal for travelers seeking all-inclusive packages—some extra fees are separate.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This private Boracay island hopping trip packs a lot into just four hours. You’ll hop aboard a comfortable boat with your own group, giving you the chance to enjoy a more relaxed, personalized experience compared to crowded group tours. The boat ride itself offers stunning views of Boracay’s coastline, and with multiple stops planned, you get a taste of the island’s diversity.

What really makes this tour shine are the guides—reviewers frequently mention how energetic, friendly, and knowledgeable they are. Mark, in particular, gets high praise for his engaging personality, making the trip more fun and memorable. His enthusiasm and local insights seem to elevate the experience; as one reviewer put it, “Mark was our tour guide and he is the real deal. He was so fun and we loved his energy.”

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Crystal Cove Island
The journey begins with a visit to the private cove of Crystal Cove. Here, you can explore two caves inside the island—an adventure for those interested in a bit of light exploration and photography. Entrance to Crystal Cove costs PHP 300 per person, which isn’t included in the tour price, so budgeting for that ahead of time makes sense. Reviewers have loved the photo opportunities here, noting the caves provide a cool, shaded spot for a break and some memorable shots.

Stop 2: Magic Island
Next, you’ll head to Magic Island, where the thrill of cliff jumping up to 10 meters awaits. This spot is perfect for adrenaline junkies or those simply looking for a fun photo-op. Entrance costs PHP 250, and while some travelers may choose not to jump, many appreciate the chance to watch or try it out themselves. Reviewers mention that the “great guide and boat crew” make this stop safe and enjoyable, especially for first-timers or teens.

Stop 3: Puka Shell Beach
The iconic Puka Shell Beach is your third stop, famous for its pristine sands and the shells that line its shores. Here, you can rent a crystal kayak—a highlight for Instagram lovers—and admire the stunning puka shells that give the beach its name. The beach itself is free to access, making it a budget-friendly stop. Travelers rave about the natural beauty here, with one reviewer noting, “Witnessing the pristine beach and the shells was truly worth it.”

Stop 4: Crocodile Island
Known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life, Crocodile Island offers some of the best snorkeling on the tour. The tour includes free diving along the seashore, which many reviewers describe as a highlight. The coral reefs are teeming with sea creatures, and snorkelers will enjoy the vivid underwater scenery. The tour provides snorkeling gear, making this a convenient and cost-effective way to get underwater.

Stop 5: Tambisaan Beach
The final stop is a bounty lunch served at Tambisaan Beach. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and refuel with locally cooked dishes that highlight Filipino flavors. The hour-long lunch is included in the price, and reviewers rave about how much more substantial the meal was than expected. Some mention that the meal was “delicious” and made with fresh, local ingredients, perfect for recharging before heading back.

What You Get for the Price

At $95 per person, this tour offers notable value, especially considering the inclusions: lunch, snorkeling equipment, private boat transport, and guided attention. The small-group setup and private transportation mean you won’t be part of a large crowd, allowing for a more relaxed adventure.

However, it’s smart to remember that some attractions like Magic Island and Crystal Cove charge additional entrance fees (PHP 250 and PHP 300 respectively). Budgeting around PHP 550 (roughly $10-11) for the entrance fees covers these extra costs, which are quite reasonable considering the overall experience.

The Experience and Real Reviews

Reviewers consistently mention how well-organized and fun the trip is. For example, one commented, “The snorkeling near Crocodile Island was good. We saw much more during the time we had than anyone else on the cruise,” highlighting the quality of the snorkeling spots.

Others praise the lunch, describing it as “significantly more than expected,” with local ingredients and tasty flavors. The guides are often singled out for their energy and friendliness, making the trip more engaging. One reviewer even said, “Mark was our tour guide and he is the real deal! He was so fun and we loved his energy.”

Most agree that the tour hits the sweet spot of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing—all in just four hours. The itinerary is carefully curated to showcase Boracay’s main highlights without overwhelming the traveler, perfect for a half-day escape.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance: The tour is popular and often booked 27 days ahead, so plan early.
• Budget for extras: Entrance fees at Crystal Cove and Magic Island are not included, so bring some cash.
• Wear appropriate gear: Bring swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, and waterproof camera or phone for photos.
• Physical fitness: The tour recommends a moderate fitness level, especially if you plan to cliff jump or snorkel extensively.
• Weather dependent: Confirm the weather forecast before booking, as some stops might be skipped if conditions are poor.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private island hopping tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation in Boracay. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for an authentic experience with a knowledgeable guide. The stops offer varied activities—beach lounging, snorkeling, cave exploring—catering to different interests.

Those who appreciate good food will love the included Filipino lunch, and snorkelers will quickly see the appeal of Crocodile Island’s vibrant reefs. It’s also excellent value for travelers who prefer a structured, guided experience rather than navigating the island independently.

On the flip side, if you’re after a completely all-inclusive, no-extra-cost experience or want to spend more time at each spot, you might find this tour slightly limited. Still, for many, the mix of carefully chosen locations, small-group attention, and overall value makes it a standout choice.

This 4-hour private Boracay island hopping tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to explore some of Boracay’s most iconic locations. With a flexible itinerary, attentive guides, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, it provides excellent value for its price. The inclusion of a delicious local lunch, snorkeling gear, and private boat transport makes it particularly appealing.

While extra entrance fees are not included, they are minor and predictable, especially compared to the overall experience. Whether you’re into snorkeling, beach photography, or just soaking up the stunning scenery, this tour caters to a broad range of interests. The personalized touch, praised guides, and beautiful stops ensure you’ll leave with plenty of memories—and maybe a couple of Instagram-worthy shots.

Best suited for those who want a concise but comprehensive taste of Boracay’s highlights, and travelers who enjoy small-group, guided adventures. It’s a relaxed yet fun way to see the best of the island in just half a day, all while enjoying the laid-back Filipino hospitality.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Are entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees to Magic Island (Php 250) and Crystal Cove (Php 300) are not included. You should budget a small amount for these.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes the use of snorkeling gear, making it easy to explore underwater reefs.

Can I do cliff jumping at Magic Island?
Yes, you may opt to do the cliff jump from up to 10 meters, but it’s optional.

Is this tour suitable for children or teens?
Most reviewers indicate it’s great for families, especially since guides are friendly, and activities like snorkeling and cliff jumping can appeal to teens.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, waterproof camera, hat, and some cash for extra entrance fees.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Boracay island hopping tour combines adventure, scenic beauty, and comfort, making it a fantastic choice whether it’s your first visit or a return trip.