Sunset Sailing The BEST Sailing in Boracay & The Philippines

Going Native 3 info@PhilippinesSailingTours.com

RSS Feed

Sunset watching is one of our favorite and enjoyable things to do in the  on Boracay island, Tablas Island & the Philippines.  It's our opinion that Sailing is the BEST way to enjoy these spectacular sunsets in the Philippines.

Just like a parachute ride behind a speed boat, I have read and heard so much about this activity that I wanted to try it myself. So, other than the parachute flying  Helmet Diving package, we also purchased a Sunset Sailing package for 2,000 PHP per person.

The tour agent selling us the sailing tour package initially quoted us an exorbitant rate of 4,500 PHP per person for an hour sunset cruise. Most of the vendors in Boracay will usually start with an absurdly high price because they expect you to negotiate. Bargaining in Boracay is a common practice and whether you get a good price depends largely on your bargaining skill.

We finally negotiated to the final price of only 2,250 PHP per head (we found a better deal... more on this later). Sunset sailing is a much better bargain than other Boracay adventures and activities. 

Our Paraw Sailing package includes:

- Free transfer from the hotel to the boat pick up location in Station 3
- An hour sunset cruise on a Paraw

The agent came to pick us up from our hotel at 5pm sharp and escorted us to the boat pick up location at Station 3. We were introduced to the captain of the Paraw and we met the other 4 people we would be sharing the boat with. 

So What is a Paraw?
A Paraw is a traditional Filipino sailboat with two outriggers and sails. Its single shallow hull is usually made from wood and bamboo and there are two floaters or logs on its sides to help the boat balance and prevent it from capsizing. 

The Paraw relies solely powered by the wind, so they are very eco-friendly. They are very relaxing and peaceful to ride. Unlike pump boats (banca - which has an extremely noisy outboard motors to give it power).

The hull of the Paraw is very slim, allowing only one person to sit in the hull of the boat. The captain of the boat will be the one sitting in the actual boat. There is netting stretched over the outriggers for passengers to sit and lie down to appreciate the beautiful sunset. In the center of the hull, there is a compartment for us to safely store our belongings.

Before Boracay became a famous tourist attraction, the Paraws were mainly used for fishing and transportation of people and goods. However, since the tourism industry in Boracay is thriving, the Paraws are no longer used for fishing. Instead, local captains offer their paraws for island hopping and sunset sailing. Paraw Sailing is a great way to explore many beaches and snorkel sites in the Philippines  Due to the absence of a deep keel, Paraw has an advantage of being able to park right on the shoreline, making it perfect for beach hopping.

Paraw Sailing can be enjoyed at any time of the day (sunrise to sunset). But the best time to do this activity will be around 5.30 pm when the sun is just about to set. 

As the sun begins to set, we proceeded to board the boat with two other groups of tourists. The regular Paraws can accommodate 4 to 6 people comfortably. (for bigger parties of people, see the 'Going Native 3' option below).

Going Native 3 info@PhilippinesSailingTours.com

Once we were aboard, we were asked to put on the life jackets for safety in case we fell out during the ride. There were enough life jackets for everyone on board the boat. You may want to bring along some drinks and food to enjoy during the ride while appreciating the beautiful sunset (but do not litter). Please remember to bring your garbage/trash with you after the sail. Do not throw garbage/trash into the sea. 

We sat on the edge of the outriggers, our legs dangling over the waters. We could feel the waves splashing against our feet while the cooling ocean breeze blew gently against our faces. As we sailed further away from the shore, we also enjoyed a great view of the infamous White Beach and Diniwid Beach.

It was nice to sail along the crystal clear waters of boracay while enjoying the view and breathtaking sunset. The waters were so clear that could see the ocean floor. While sailing, we also saw dolphins and flying fish.

​Surprisingly, the Paraw can get very fast, especially on a windy day. 

Going Native 3 info@PhilippinesSailingTours.com

It was fascinating to watch the color of the sky change gradually while relaxing on the Paraw's netted wings. As the color changed, the sky began to glow more brightly. The whole sky was glowing a brilliant orange as the sun slowly descend behind the low laying clouds while the Paraw gently sail toward the horizon. It was a very romantic and relaxing experience.

Be sure to have your camera ready to capture that beautiful moment. It takes only 15 minutes for the sun to completely disappear behind the horizon.

Going Native 3 info@PhilippinesSailingTours.com

With one hand holding onto the boat and another holding my camera, I quickly snapped several pictures of the breathtaking sunset.

As the sun slowly descends over the horizon, boats were turning to sail back to the shore before the sky turns dark. The silhouettes of the boats and people added beauty to the sunset photos.

In the next instant, before we realized it, the crimson sun completely disappeared below the horizon. But the show wasn't over. The sky near the horizon still appears bright, giving it a orangey glow. The sky fills with spectacular hues of purples, reds, orange and yellow. The beautiful colors of 'The Afterglow' are Awesome sight to experience on a sailboat in the Philippines!

NOTE: It is best that you wrap your valuables in waterproof plastic bags and keep them in the compartment in the center of the hull just in case you get wet. Also, remember to put on sufficient amount of sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful sun rays before you set sail.

... But the Next Day we Discovered GOING NATIVE 3!

Going Native 3 info@PhilippinesSailingTours.com

BONUS: The Best Sunset Sailing Experience... is with Going Native 3
Even though we enjoyed the Sunset Sailing the night before, we discovered that the Best Sunset Sailing Experience is on the giant sailboat 'Going Native 3'.

Going Native 3 is a 38 foot (11.6 meter) Trimaran sailboat. Going Native 3 is the biggest sailboat in and around Boracay. Going Native 3 offers sailing adventures at the same price as a Paraw, but but the Trimaran is a more comfortable, and much bigger boat that can comfortably accommodate 40 passengers. There is so much extra space that I can actually walk around or lay down on this huge sailboat. (see slide show below). The captain is also known for being Boracay's is the Champion Sailor of numerous competitions.
(slide show below)

So whatever sailing adventure you decide to do, sailing is a must do in the Philippines & Boracay. It is a genuine Philippines experience to catch the beautiful sunset  aboard a trimaran sailboat or a paraw, especially when you are sailing with your loved ones. There is nothing more peaceful and romantic than sailing across the crystalline blue water as the crimson sun dips into the horizon.

FYI - Going Native 3 is available for bookings: Family events, wedding, proposal, girls night out, day sailing, island hoping, birthday parties, anniversaries, fiesta, sunset cruise.

For more information about sailing in the Philippines or Boracay,  
contact Philippines Sailing Tours at info@PhilippinesSailingTours.com