Boracay is best known for its powdery white beaches and vibrant nightlife, but hidden just beneath its turquoise waters lies a surreal marine world waiting to be explored — and you don’t even need to be a certified diver to experience it. Helmet diving, also known as sea walking, offers an extraordinary way to walk on the ocean floor and interact with tropical marine life without complicated gear or training. It’s an ideal adventure for non-swimmers, families, and couples looking to try something new while enjoying one of the Philippines’ most iconic island destinations.
Boracay is best known for its powdery white beaches and vibrant nightlife, but hidden just beneath its turquoise waters lies a surreal marine world waiting to be explored — and you don’t even need to be a certified diver to experience it. Helmet diving, also known as sea walking, offers an extraordinary way to walk on the ocean floor and interact with tropical marine life without complicated gear or training. It’s an ideal adventure for non-swimmers, families, and couples looking to try something new while enjoying one of the Philippines’ most iconic island destinations.
Location and Access
The helmet diving activity takes place off the coast of White Beach Station 1 and Station 3, with boats departing from designated beachfront areas to floating platforms a few hundred meters offshore. The dive site coordinates are approximately 11.946415, 121.925259, placing it in the calm, shallow waters of Boracay’s western coast.
Most helmet diving tours include round-trip boat transfers from the beachfront pickup point near your hotel or resort. From Caticlan Jetty Port (main entry point to Boracay), take an e-trike to Station 1 or 3 where activity coordinators or agents can guide you to the nearest booking point.
Activity Details
Helmet diving in Boracay lets you descend 3–4 meters below the sea's surface with a specially designed helmet that supplies oxygen, allowing you to breathe normally as you walk on the sandy seabed. No swimming skills are required — just climb down a ladder from the platform, and guides will assist you every step of the way.
Underwater, you'll find yourself surrounded by colorful reef fish, coral patches, and often participate in fish-feeding sessions. A photographer-diver team usually accompanies each group to capture your experience with photos and video, available for purchase after the dive.
Expect the underwater session to last 20 to 30 minutes, with the entire experience taking about 1 to 1.5 hours including briefing and transfers.
Skill and Gear Requirements
Helmet diving is suitable for beginners and does not require certification or prior experience. Participants must be at least 8 years old and in generally good health. People with asthma, heart conditions, or ear problems may not be allowed to join for safety reasons.
All necessary equipment — helmet, wet suit (optional), and footwear — is provided by the tour operator. Guides are on hand at all times to ensure comfort and safety.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (November to May) is the best time for helmet diving in Boracay, with calm seas and good underwater visibility. Mornings (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) typically offer the clearest water conditions. Avoid visiting during the typhoon season (June to October) when activities are often cancelled due to rough sea conditions.
Safety and Guidelines
- Listen carefully to the pre-dive briefing, especially on equalizing ear pressure and underwater hand signals.
- Never remove the helmet underwater.
- Always follow your guide's instructions.
- For environmental protection, avoid stepping on corals or touching marine animals.
- Individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs are strictly prohibited from joining.
Duration and Difficulty
The activity is considered easy and beginner-friendly. The underwater portion takes 20–30 minutes, and with safety briefings and boat transfers, the total time is about 1–1.5 hours.
Nearby Amenities
Boracay is full of beachside amenities near the helmet diving pickup areas — including cafés, restaurants, convenience stores, massage huts, and ATMs. Many operators are within walking distance from popular hotels and beachfront resorts, especially in Stations 1 and 3. After your dive, you can relax at a beach bar or continue exploring water sports like parasailing or banana boating.
Costs
Prices for helmet diving in Boracay typically range from ₱800 to ₱1,200 per person, depending on inclusions (e.g., photos, videos, or hotel pickup). Discounts are often available for group bookings or package deals that include multiple water activities.
Many travel agencies and booths along the beach offer bundle promos for helmet diving plus parasailing, fly fish rides, or jet ski use — a great way to save while maximizing your Boracay experience.
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