White Beach Sunset Sailing & Paraw Outrigger

White Beach, on Boracay's west coast, is four kilometres of fine, pale sand facing west, which makes it one of the best places in the Philippines to watch the sunset. The most memorable way to see it is from the water, aboard a paraw, the traditional double-outrigger sailing boat of the Visayas. Light and fast, with a colourful sail and bamboo outriggers on either side, the paraw skims across the water with passengers sitting on the netting between the hull and the outriggers, close to the waves.

The trip begins on the beach at Station 2 at 4:30 PM, where the crew push the boat into the shallows and help you aboard. Once the sail is raised, the paraw heads out along the coast, with White Beach and its palm trees stretching behind you. The crew are local sailors, and they read the wind and the sea as their families have done for generations.

The paraw sails by wind power, and the experience depends on the breeze: on windy days, the boat moves fast and spray flies over the outriggers, while on calm evenings it glides gently along the shore. From November to April, during the amihan, the northeast monsoon, the west coast is sheltered and the sea is usually calm, with a steady breeze. From June to October, during the habagat, the southwest monsoon, the sea off White Beach can be rough, and sailing may be moved to the other side of the island or cancelled.

When conditions allow, the boat stops at a coral garden along the way for a short swim and snorkel. As the sun sinks, the paraw turns back towards the beach, and the sky fills with orange, pink and purple over the sea, reflected on the wet sand as you return. Dozens of other paraws often sail at the same time, their sails silhouetted against the sunset, which adds to the spectacle.

Cold drinks are served on board. Wear swimwear or clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a dry bag for your phone and camera, as spray is common. There are no seats: you sit on the netting, so the trip is not ideal for those with mobility issues or back problems.

The paraw can carry a small group, and this private charter is for your party only, with up to eight guests.

The trip lasts around two hours. A private paraw charter, an experienced local crew, a snorkelling stop when conditions allow and cold drinks on board are included. Hotel transfers are not.