When planning a group vacation from Manila to Boracay, it is important to choose the best mode of transportation to ensure a seamless journey.

For large parties, flying is the most efficient option, with numerous airlines providing direct flights from Manila to Caticlan Airport, Boracay's closest entrance. Pre-arranged private shuttles can make it easier to go from the airport to your island accommodations.

Boracay stands out as a top group vacation destination, with stunning white sand beaches, a wealth of water sports, and a thriving hospitality industry. Over two million people visited the island in 2024, demonstrating its continued popularity with tourists. According to the Department of Tourism, Boracay was named Asia's Top Island in 2024, maintaining its prominence as a must-see destination.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to do to organize a perfect holiday, from selecting where to stay in Boracay and activities to packing basics and exploring the best dining options for large groups.

Essential planning tips for a successful group trip to Boracay

Photo courtesy of Laurentiu Morariu via Unsplash

Going on a group vacation to Boracay is an exciting way to make memorable memories with loved ones. To ensure an easy and happy experience, plan ahead of time and take into account vital components of your trip. Here's a whole guide to help you prepare:

1. Know your transportation

When properly planned, getting to Boracay with a group may be just as exciting as the trip itself. From booking flights to arranging smooth transfers, a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring that everyone arrives ready to enjoy the island's splendor.

Choose the best travel option. For large parties coming from Manila to Boracay, flying is the most efficient option. Airlines including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia provide direct flights to Caticlan Airport, the nearest gateway to Boracay.
Book group packages with transfers. Prior to contacting travel agents, check with the hotel of your choice to see if they have any group promotions or packages that include lodging and round-trip airport transportation. Numerous hotels, such as Alta Vista de Boracay, provide special rates for big groups, which makes travel more practical and economical.
Coordinate arrival times. Group members coming in from different locations can affect arrival times. You’ll want to make sure everyone is informed on how to transfer from the airport to the hotel, including the concierge expecting your arrival.

2. Book accommodations in advance

Finding a great spot to stay is essential to a successful group holiday. Boracay has a variety of group-friendly lodgings, ranging from private resorts to condo hotels, that are meant to provide comfort and promote interaction.

Opt for shared spaces. Consider hotels that can accommodate large groups. For example, Alta Vista de Boracay has big apartments and common areas, making it a perfect choice for bonding and relaxation during your group holiday.
Look for key features like:
Complimentary shuttle services. Some accommodations provide free shuttle service to popular tourist destinations, making group outings more convenient.
Spacious common areas. Large living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas leave plenty of room for group activities and gatherings.
In-house catering. Having access to food services designed for groups can make dining arrangements easier and ensure that everyone's preferences are met. This is especially important for travelers with specific dietary needs.
Book early when planning a trip during peak seasons. Boracay is a popular tourist destination, particularly during peak travel seasons. To get the best lodgings for your group's needs, book ahead of time.

Search up on the greatest eats in the area

Good food is at the heart of any memorable trip, and meal preparation for a group assures a pleasant dining experience. From pre-planned meals to discovering local delicacies, it's a chance to socialize over excellent food.

Pre-arrange group meals. Particularly for group members who have dietary needs, be sure to coordinate with your hotel on available meals, along with any recommendations they have to local restaurants. It’ll also help to book a hotel that has a kitchenette where you can prepare your food. Meal planning ahead of time will help you save valuable vacation time and make it easier to identify suitable eating options for a large group.
Choose group-friendly restaurants. To guarantee a seamless and cozy experience, make reservations at restaurants that specialize in entertaining big groups. Kolai Mangyan Boracay provides substantial quantities of regional specialties at affordable costs for a true Filipino feast. Dos Mestizos offers traditional Spanish-Filipino cuisine in a welcoming, communal setting for informal group dining.
Explore local markets and catering options. You can get fresh ingredients and prepare meals together in your lodging by going to local markets, which can be an enjoyable group activity. For local products and fresh fish, D'Talipapa Market is a terrific place to visit. Some resorts and private villas provide in-house cooking arrangements or catering for large parties if you want a hassle-free eating experience.

4. Build your packing checklist

Packing for a group trip can be intimidating, but with a little forethought, it becomes stress-free. With a shared checklist and careful planning, you can make sure your party is properly equipped for a fun and peaceful Boracay vacation.

Essential Items
Group coordination tools. Use shared itinerary apps like Google Keep, Trello, or PackPoint to keep track of your vacation schedule and packing lists. Apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber facilitate group discussions and instant updates for real-time communication. Check to see if your mobile provider offers international roaming services for continuous connectivity, or get a local SIM card from Globe or Smart for reasonably priced data packages if your group needs internet access while on the island.
Beach essentials. Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life, rash guards for sun protection, and other beach essentials.
Travel documents. Ensure that all relevant travel paperwork is ready. Tourists will need to show a valid government-issued ID or passport, a confirmed reservation at a hotel that has been accredited by the DOT, and, if necessary, proof of vaccination or, in the case of unvaccinated travelers, a negative RT-PCR test obtained within 72 hours. A tourist arrival form might also be necessary at some entry locations.
Health kits. Pack a health kit with prescription drugs, painkillers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and hand sanitizer for minor medical emergencies to be ready.
Pro Tips for Groups
Coordinate luggage weight. Since traveling to Boracay requires a ferry transfer, pack light for easier handling. Check your airline’s baggage limits and coordinate with your hotel for airport transfers and luggage size recommendations to ensure a smooth journey.
Create a shared checklist. To prevent duplication and reduce the load, assign necessities such as sunscreen, power banks, beach toys, and first-aid supplies. This guarantees that everyone has what they need.

By carefully considering these factors, your group could expect a well-planned and enjoyable trip to Boracay. In the next section, we'll look at must-try activities on the island that are ideal for large groups.

Essential planning tips for a successful group trip to Boracay

1. Know your transportation

2. Book accommodations in advance

Search up on the greatest eats in the area

4. Build your packing checklist

Must-try Boracay activities for big groups

Planning a Group Trip? Discover Where to Stay in Boracay for Large Parties