Philippines kiteboarding holidays are an experience that every kitesurfer should have. With some of the best beaches in the world mixed in with breath taking marine reserves it is a kiting paradise. The Philippines has the 5th longest coastline in the world so you won’t be short on spots as you will get steady 15-35mph winds.
The water in this part of the world is always warm, so board shorts are all you will need to bring. There is plenty of world class scuba diving in the Philippines, so on the rare days the wind doesn’t blow you can explore beneath the crystal seas.
Boracay kiteboarding holidays
Boracay is the most famous destination for Philippines kiteboarding holidays. The closest airport to Boracay is Caticlan, although a little further away also check out Kalibo – it is often cheaper and with better international options. If coming from Europe it is cheapest to fly to Manila and to transfer by land and ferry, although it will then take you the best part of a day to reach Boracay.
The Boracay lagoons can be found directly off the beaches and they are shallow enough to stand up which is great for beginners. The outer reefs protect the lagoons keeping the water flat. For people searching for waves, you will not be disappointed as these reefs create some perfect walls of water. Sandbars in the middle of the ocean can also create some great conditions to learn in. The kite schools here utilise them when the wind is offshore.
Booking accommodation in Boracay in advance is a good idea as things can get booked up. If you want a bit of four star beachfront action on your Philippines kiteboarding holiday then check out Palm Breeze Villa. If you prefer cheaper accommodation that is attached to a kite school then check out Reef Retreat, which is run by a British couple, or Ocean Republic.
Back in 2002 Ocean Republic were the first IKO kite centre in Asia, so they have the plenty of experience of Boracay and teaching people to kitesurf. Ocean Republic also run kitesafari’s to some of the other nearby islands such as Carabao, Seco Island and Sibatan for those that like to explore.
Other spots for Philippines kiteboarding holidays
Of course Boracay it not the only spot for Philippines kiteboarding holidays. It is worth checking out Pagudpud, on the same island as Manilla you can avoid ferries but it still a 10 hour drive north. It is a relatively new spot which is just starting to become popular and mainly suits intermediate to expert riders due to the reef breaks and shallow coral filled lagoons. The Kingfisher Resort in Pagudpud provides a good base camp, if you are going as a couple then take a look at their romantic Tiki Huts.
Further afield the Palawan Islands are relatively untouched on Philippines kiteboarding holidays. This archipelago is in the south China Sea just north of Borneo and the furthest point west in the Philippines – it is well worth exploring before the secret gets out. Spots include Coron and the Calamianes Islands, Cuyo Island, Puerto Princesa, El Nido and San Fernando. You can find out more on our Palawan Islands kitesurfing guide.
With so many islands and so much coast to explore there are many other destinations you could include in Philippines kiteboarding holidays. Leave a comment to let us know your favourites and we will get them added to this guide when we next update it.
