REVIEW · BORACAY
Boracay: Parasailing, Island Hopping, ATV Ride and Kawa Bath
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Purple Diaries Travel and Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
One ticket, many moods: sky, sea, mud, and herbs. This Boracay package strings together parasailing and island hopping with a buffet lunch, then keeps the energy going with a mainland ATV ride and a kawa bath. One thing to keep in mind: weather can delay or cancel the parasailing, and island stops can shift.
I really like the mix because it gives you both big-ticket thrills and easier water time. Parasailing and snorkeling make for the classic Boracay sights, and the river swim and paddling add variety without feeling like you’re rushing every minute. My only caution is that the kawa bath and some add-ons (like zipline) can feel more “short and scheduled” than long and spa-like.
In This Review
- Key moments that make this Boracay day worth it
- A full-day Boracay combo: parasailing, islands, kawa bath, and ATV
- Meeting at Astoria Station 1 and finding the Purple Diaries team
- Puka Shell Beach: a quick sand-and-swim stop that’s easy to like
- Parasailing over Boracay: what it feels like and how to prepare
- Island hopping and snorkeling: where the water time actually happens
- Buffet lunch on the beach: a needed pause in a packed day
- Nabaoy River and the guided portion: time for water and off-road scenery
- Kawa bath: herbs and a reset, but manage expectations on comfort
- ATV ride on the mainland: muddy fun with a real scenery payoff
- Time, transport, and weather: the schedule is flexible by design
- Price and value: is $70 a smart deal?
- Who should book this Boracay package, and who should skip it
- What to bring so your day stays comfortable
- Should you book this Boracay parasailing + ATV + kawa bath day?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for this tour?
- How long does the tour take?
- What’s included in the package?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Is the ATV ride open to all ages?
- Is parasailing guaranteed to run?
- What should I bring with me?
- What’s not suitable for this tour?
Key moments that make this Boracay day worth it

- Parasailing over the water for a clear, airy view of white sand and sea
- Island hopping with snorkeling plus time at Puka Shell Beach for photos and swimming
- Beach buffet lunch built in right after the morning water time
- Kawa bath in a giant cauldron with herbs for a true local-style reset
- ATV ride on the mainland with muddy fun and scenic stops near the Nabaoy River
- Optional zipline adventure you can add if you want even more adrenaline
A full-day Boracay combo: parasailing, islands, kawa bath, and ATV

This is a “do a lot, but in a planned way” kind of tour. You’ll start with the big visual wow factor: parasailing, where you’re lifted above the water and the shoreline looks like a postcard. Then comes island hopping, with swimming and snorkeling time built in so you’re not just looking at the sea from a boat.
After that, you get the calmer contrast. Lunch gives you a reset, and the kawa bath slows things down. Then you switch gears again for the mainland ATV ride, which is where a lot of people get that grin-the-whole-time energy, especially if you don’t mind getting a little wet and muddy.
If you want one “perfectly packed” day that hits classic Boracay beauty plus mainland scenery, this checks a lot of boxes.
Meeting at Astoria Station 1 and finding the Purple Diaries team

Your day starts at Astoria Boracay, Station 1 Beachfront. Go there and look for your guide wearing a Purple Diaries uniform. The tour runs with an English/Tagalog live guide, and the experience is designed for group flow—meaning you’re not left guessing where to be next.
From what I see in the experience feedback, guides make a huge difference on tours like this. People have praised guides including Lyn/Lynn, Aira/Aria, Mondo/Monda, and Mando, often for taking photos and moving transfers along without drama. One standout theme: helpful support with bags and timing, which matters when you’re bouncing between boats, beaches, and the river.
Puka Shell Beach: a quick sand-and-swim stop that’s easy to like

One early stop is Puka Shell Beach. Expect a photo stop plus time to visit and swim for about half an hour. This is the kind of stop that works even if your morning is running hot with activity—get the sand time, take a few photos, then keep going.
A practical note: Puka Shell Beach can be crowded, so I’d treat this as a quick reset rather than a slow, quiet beach day. If you’re the type who wants solitude, you’ll likely enjoy the later water time more.
Parasailing over Boracay: what it feels like and how to prepare

Parasailing is the headline act. You’ll be harnessed to fly above the sea, with views across the white sand and coastline. It’s one of those activities where the height makes everything feel more real—boats look small, and the shoreline details pop.
Because this is subject to weather conditions, plan for a possible delay. The tour notes that parasailing can be rescheduled or canceled, and that’s consistent with real-world coastal operations. In at least one situation, the team offered an alternative when parasailing didn’t run on the original schedule.
Here’s what you should do to make the experience smoother:
- Ask your guide to explain the harness process clearly before you go up.
- If you’re nervous, let them know early. Several guides were praised for helping guests feel comfortable.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, tell them at the start. One guest shared that the guides supported them through boat movement by helping with bags and towels, so you won’t have to manage everything alone.
Also, think about the timing. Parasailing can take longer than you expect if boats and weather need adjustments, so keep your “day pace” flexible.
Island hopping and snorkeling: where the water time actually happens

The island hopping portion is designed to show you a mix of coastline and underwater life. You’ll have a dedicated snorkeling block (about 45 minutes noted), plus additional swimming time. You may also find opportunities for low-key water activities included with the tour, like paddle boarding and kayaking, depending on how the day flows.
One thing I like about this structure is that it’s not just speed sightseeing. There’s a real chance to get your face in the water and look around—especially during the snorkeling time. That’s where you see why Boracay is famous for clear water and marine life.
What can vary is the exact set of island stops. The tour notes that destinations can change based on weather. So if you’re the type who has your heart set on a single specific viewpoint, keep expectations flexible and focus on the water experience you get.
Tip: bring sunscreen and plan to reapply after swimming. Even when the day doesn’t feel scorching, you’re exposed at sea.
Buffet lunch on the beach: a needed pause in a packed day

Lunch lands after the morning water activities and before later guided sightseeing. It’s a buffet lunch, and the overall vibe is that you finally slow down enough to eat, drink, and reset.
From experience feedback, the buffet often has enough food to satisfy a group. Still, food quality can be hit-or-miss for some people depending on tastes. My advice: treat the lunch as fuel, not the main event. Eat what you like, hydrate, and move on.
If you’re also doing lots of photos, keep your phone accessible but protected. A waterproof bag is mentioned as helpful because you’ll be moving through water and sand again later.
Nabaoy River and the guided portion: time for water and off-road scenery

Later in the day, you shift to the Nabaoy River (Aklan) area. You’ll have guided time there (about 1.5 hours noted), plus water time options. The package includes river swimming, and the overall feel is more rugged and natural than Boracay’s beachfront rhythm.
This is also where you’ll see the tour’s balance: the day isn’t only about boats and beaches. You’re getting mainland scenery, plus time to enjoy water in a different way than open-ocean snorkeling.
If you’re adding a zipline adventure, this is where it usually fits in the river-area sequence. The tour notes you can add zipline as an option, and at least one guest listed zipline as one of their favorites.
Kawa bath: herbs and a reset, but manage expectations on comfort
The kawa bath is the most “different” activity in this package. You’ll sit in a giant cauldron filled with water, often described with soothing water and fragrant herbs, and it’s meant as your relaxation break.
Here’s the honest part: the kawa bath experience can feel short. Some guests described it more as a photo moment than a long soak. There are also reports where the water was cooler than expected rather than comfortably hot.
So how should you think about it?
- Treat it as a cultural experience and a quick thermal reset, not a spa-hour.
- Expect some time for photos.
- Ask (or watch) what the water temperature is like before you commit fully, especially if you’re sensitive to cold.
What I like about pairing it with the rest of the day is that it prevents the day from feeling like nonstop adrenaline. Even if it’s brief, it gives you a moment of stillness.
ATV ride on the mainland: muddy fun with a real scenery payoff

The ATV ride is where the day often becomes memorable for the right reasons. You’ll head through rugged mainland trails and scenic areas, with views tied to the Nabaoy River region. The tour notes off-road adventure here, and the experience is meant to feel like you’re getting off the standard route.
Big practical points:
- You must be at least 18 years old to join the ATV ride.
- Wear shoes that can handle mud and wet ground.
- Expect the ride to get you wet. More than one person described the ATV as wet and muddy fun.
If you’re doing this for your first ATV ride, you’ll likely find it approachable—especially because guides tend to keep things moving and supportive. If you’re hoping for a long technical course, know that expectations can vary. The tour is built as part of a day packed with multiple activities, so the ATV time is one segment, not an all-day riding session.
Zipline add-on: if you’re pairing thrills, some people loved the combination, while others felt certain add-ons didn’t match their expectations. If you’re picky, decide based on your group’s appetite for extra time and gear.
Time, transport, and weather: the schedule is flexible by design
This is a 5 to 8 hour day, and that time gets used with lots of moving parts. You’ll move between locations using water transport, then land transport like tuk-tuk, and you may switch speedboats depending on timing and conditions.
Weather matters. The tour specifically says parasailing is subject to weather and can be rescheduled or canceled. Island hopping destinations can also shift. When coastal conditions change, you’ll see it in the schedule, even if the guides do everything possible to keep the day enjoyable.
Also consider transport quirks. One guest noted a boat issue that required switching to different boats. That’s not a guarantee you’ll face the same thing, but it’s a good reminder: you’re on island time, not airport time.
Price and value: is $70 a smart deal?
At $70 per person, the value depends on what you care about most.
This price point stacks several activities that would cost significantly more if booked separately: parasailing, island hopping, buffet lunch, kawa bath, and an ATV ride, plus included water activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and river swimming. That’s a lot of “done for you” planning and transport included.
Where value can wobble:
- If you don’t enjoy the full mix, the package can feel expensive for just one favorite activity.
- If the parasailing gets delayed, you’ll need to be flexible about how your day feels.
- If the kawa bath is shorter than you imagined, you may wish you’d allocated time elsewhere.
My rule of thumb: if you want a single full day that touches beach, sky, and off-road mainland sights, $70 can be a very reasonable way to get it without micromanaging logistics.
Who should book this Boracay package, and who should skip it
This tour is best for:
- Adult travelers who want a thrill-and-relax mix
- People comfortable with swimming/snorkeling and getting wet
- First-time ATV riders who want a guided introduction
- Groups who want lots of photos and someone to help with timing and transfers
It’s not a fit for:
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- Anyone under 18 for the ATV portion
If you’re traveling with motion sensitivity, tell your guide early. Support can make a huge difference during boat movement.
What to bring so your day stays comfortable
You’ll be switching between beach and river water, with ATV time that can get muddy. Bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Cash (for optional activities or additional expenses)
- Extra clothes and a waterproof bag for your belongings
If you plan to do anything optional like snorkeling add-ons or zipline upgrades, bring cash since the tour data lists cash needs.
Should you book this Boracay parasailing + ATV + kawa bath day?
Book it if you want one packed day that feels like you saw a lot of Boracay flavors: parasailing views, beach hopping, actual snorkeling time, a local-style kawa bath break, and an ATV ride that takes you into a different kind of scenery.
Skip or adjust expectations if:
- You’re only here for one activity and the rest feels like “extra.”
- You hate weather-driven schedule changes.
- You’re hoping for a long, hot, sit-and-soak kawa bath experience.
If you do book, choose the right mindset: go with a flexible schedule, protect your phone and clothes, and ask your guide questions early. The guides named across the experience—like Lyn/Lynn, Aira/Aria, Mondo/Monda, and Mando—are often praised for keeping the day running and helping with practical needs like photos and bag handling. With that kind of support, this is the sort of Boracay day that can feel worth it even when the ocean decides to be moody.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for this tour?
You meet at Astoria Boracay, Station 1 Beachfront. Look for your guide wearing a Purple Diaries uniform.
How long does the tour take?
The duration is typically 5 to 8 hours, depending on availability and conditions.
What’s included in the package?
Included activities are parasailing, island hopping, a buffet lunch, kawa bath, ATV ride at the mainland, paddle boarding, kayaking, and river swimming at Nabaoy.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Is the ATV ride open to all ages?
No. Participants must be at least 18 years old to do the ATV ride.
Is parasailing guaranteed to run?
Parasailing is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled.
What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and cash. The tour also advises bringing extra clothes and a waterproof bag for your belongings.
What’s not suitable for this tour?
This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments.




