Several sailboats lined up on the water, their sails raised and reflecting in the calm surface.

Boracay Paraw Sailing: The Ultimate Guide to This Must-Try Experience

Paraw sailing is an activity unique to Boracay that everyone must experience at least once, and we’ve got everything you need to know right here. We’ll walk you through what paraw sailing is, the best time to go, and how to book, so you can have the perfect Boracay experience.

A sailboat gliding across the water under a clear blue sky, with the moon visible above.

What is Paraw Sailing

Paraw sailing is an activity where you sit on a net, gliding over the water on a paraw, a traditional Filipino sailboat with two outriggers. It may sound similar, but don’t mistake it for parasailing, which puts you in the sky and is a completely different experience!

Paraw sailing is a simple, relaxing, and rewarding experience on the water that can be enjoyed by everyone. The whole activity is around 30 minutes, which feels like the perfect amount of time. We didn’t think we’d enjoy it as much as we did, but wow, it was such a pleasant surprise. It’s super calming and beautiful, sitting there, feeling the breeze and watching the waves. It’s almost like sitting in a hammock, but instead of trees, you’re floating on the water.

POV from a paraw sailboat, sitting on the net, gliding over the water under a clear blue sky.

Best Time to Go

The best time to do paraw sailing is the 5 PM ride. That’s when you get the most stunning views, watching the sky shift from clear blue to shades of pink, purple, and orange while you’re out on the water. We booked the 5 PM ride, and sailing actually starts around 5:30 PM, which is perfect timing for the sunset. By the time the sun slips below the horizon, you’re back on shore and ready to enjoy dinner. Head over to Island Chicken Inasal for some delicious Filipino dishes, or pop by Aria Restaurant to enjoy a comforting Italian meal.

POV from a paraw sailboat, sitting on the net, gliding over the water at sunset with orange and pink skies reflecting on the calm sea.

Booking

For booking, you can reserve in advance through Klook if you want everything sorted ahead of time. Or, you can just show up near Astoria Hotel before noon and book directly with the beach operators in Boracay. Most of them usually have slots available, and prices can vary a bit depending on the operator and how you negotiate, sometimes a few hundred pesos cheaper or more expensive. To be safe, especially during peak season, booking ahead on Klook is a good idea.

Klook.com

What to Wear and Bring

Wear something comfortable and easy to move in that won’t get caught in the net. Choose shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and avoid flip-flops since they might fall off. You can bring your phone or camera for photos, and the crew will happily take some for you. A waterproof case or bag is a plus but not required, and you can hand your belongings to the crew to store on the boat.

That’s it — just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

If you’re planning a trip to Boracay, check out our guide on how to get to Boracay and where to stay to make your planning easier.

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