Is Boracay safe?
Safe for a beach resort with normal care. Petty theft on the beach at night, boat safety and overpriced water sports are the usual problems.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-07.
- Homicide rate in Philippines: 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Philippines: 12.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in Boracay at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft of phones and bags left on the beach, room break-ins, and some drink spiking at late-night beach bars. |
| At night | Station 2 stays busy late and feels safe. Don't swim after drinking and keep valuables out of beach bags. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women on White Beach. Watch drinks at beach bars and avoid empty stretches after dark. |
| Other risks | Strong currents and jellyfish at times; Typhoons and rough seas Aug–Oct; Boat crossings cancelled in bad weather |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Water-sports touts adding hidden fees or damage claims
- Unlicensed boat tours without life jackets
- Beach hawkers quoting tourist prices for massages and tours
Take care
- Beach at night after drinking: swimming accidents and theft
- Unlicensed island-hopping boats in rough seas
- Station 1 to 3 dark back lanes late at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking and vaping in public places are banned in many cities, with fines
- Drug laws are harsh; even small amounts can mean long detention
How Boracay compares in Philippines
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Boracay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palawan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| El Nido | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siargao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Coron | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bohol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Panglao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Makati | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Moalboal | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Baguio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Union | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Davao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siquijor | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Malapascua | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Port Barton | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tagaytay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sagada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Banaue | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vigan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Iloilo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| BGC | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bantayan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manila | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cebu | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Angeles City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Boracay safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women on White Beach. Watch drinks at beach bars and avoid empty stretches after dark.
Is Boracay safe at night?
Station 2 stays busy late and feels safe. Don't swim after drinking and keep valuables out of beach bags.
What is the crime rate in Boracay?
Theft of phones and bags left on the beach, room break-ins, and some drink spiking at late-night beach bars. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Boracay?
All emergencies 911.
More about Boracay
Going to Boracay solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Boracay meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Boracay Island (Aklan Provincial Government tourism)
- Department of Tourism
- Philippine Airlines
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.