Cliff Diving at Ariel's Point, Boracay: A 13 meter Leap of Faith!

When In Manila, with sembreak and a line of vacations coming up, I’m thinking of heading over to Boracay for some much deserved R&R. I know that people say that Boracay is overrated, but it isn’t, especially when you’re with a group of friends that you absolutely love. When you’re with good company, you’re bound to have a good time and will be amazed as to how quickly your stay in Boracay flies by! I haven’t gone to Boracay for a while and am totally itching to go back, why? Two words, ladies and gentlemen… CLIFF DIVING!!!!

“… Featured in Cosmopolitan magazine as a top Boracay attraction, Ariel’s Point is the perfect daytime activity for adventure-loving travelers staying on Boracay Island. With five cliff diving sites overlooking turquoise swimming holes, lush mangrove forests, and volcanic rock formations, Ariel’s Point lets Boracay visitors enjoy the natural splendor of the Philippines by experiencing it as well as seeing it. Whether you choose to leap off a cliff, paddle in a native canoe, or snorkel to a sandy beach, a trip to Ariel’s Point will transform your ordinary Boracay vacation into an unforgettable one…”

My friend Grayson and I waiting for the boat that will be taking us to Ariel’s Point. From Boracay’s station 1, it more or less takes 30 minutes to get to the destination, so if you get sea sick, I suggest you take something before going on-board.

During the 30 minute boat ride, my friends and I were snoozing/ basking in the sun. Since I don’t really get motion sickness, I enjoyed it and found it relaxing, the buzz of the boat’s motor, the sound of the waves crashing against the side of the boat… Loved it.

Finally! We arrive at Ariel’s Point! Take note of the diving boards set up at different levels: 3, 5,6,7, and lastly, at 13 meters!

As soon as we docked, a couple of french guys zoomed up to the highest platform and started diving like a boss! They did back flips and a whole bunch of other fancy dives that made me go, “Hey, jumping off a 13 meter cliff doesn’t seem so bad! Me next! Me next!”… Not one of my smartest moments in life.

People, say hello to the board that stands 13 meters over open water. Board that stands 13 meters over open water, say hello to the When in Manila readers. I have to say, as I was going up the steps to get here, I was all pumped up, I was like, “Yeah! Let’s do this! Woohoo!”. Please, as soon as I was HERE, I literally froze. I was like… RAISA, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! SUICIDE MUCH?! Out of a group of 20, only 7 of us jumped off the 13 meter board, I was one of them and the only girl too. Soooo… HA!

I’d upload the video of me diving, but the language I was using while standing on the platform wasn’t very… child- friendly to say the least. Haha, I’m sorry! I was so nervous I was cussing left and right. So here’s a more appropriate video of cliff diving at Ariel’s Point courtesy of my good friend, Vince Golangco.

“While many guests visit Ariel’s Point for the thrill of cliff diving, there are other activities that guests can enjoy during this half-day excursion. In addition to the barbecue buffet and open bar, guests can sunbathe on a bamboo raft, snorkel along a rocky cove, or paddle in a native outrigger canoe. There are also unspoiled beaches within paddling distance of Ariel’s Point.”

So, what are you waiting for? Drop what you’re doing, book a flight to Boracay and take a leap of faith at Ariel’s Point! Though standing on the platform may seem like the scariest thing, the rush of falling into the water, coming up for air and screaming in delight after accomplishing such a feat is a once in a lifetime experience that you surely will never forget!

Tickets for Ariel’s Point can be purchased at the Boracay Beach Club (behind Ariel’s House and Club Paraw) near Station 1 on Boracay Island’s White Beach. Current offer includes a round-trip boat ride, a BBQ lunch buffet, unlimited drinks, and access to Ariel’s Point amenities and services for only PHP 1,400 per guest. Trips depart daily from Station 1 at 11:30 a.m. and return around sunset.