Boracay Dragon Boat Festival 2026

Experience the Boracay Dragon Boat Festival 2026!

The LOVEBoracay International Dragon Boat Festival is confirmed for April 24–26, 2026 at Station 2, White Beach in Boracay Island, Philippines. This high-energy water sports event draws elite paddlers from across the Philippines and abroad to race colorful dragon boats on turquoise waters, blending competitive racing with Boracay's iconic beach party atmosphere.

Boracay Dragon Boat Festival 2026 Overview

Boracay's dragon boat festival has become one of the Philippines' premier paddling competitions, transforming the world-famous White Beach into a 200-meter racecourse lined with cheering crowds and vibrant team tents. Organized by the Boracay Dragon Boat Association with technical support from the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, the 2026 edition welcomes international teams for five distinct race categories over three days.

For island travelers, this late-April weekend offers the perfect mix of adrenaline-fueled sports, beach relaxation, and Filipino hospitality. Teams arrive early for test waters on April 23–24, race through April 25–26, and celebrate with parades and awards, all against Boracay's powdery sands and swaying palms.

Confirmed Dates and Venue Details

The official announcement pins the LOVEBoracay International Dragon Boat Festival 2026 to April 24–26, 2026, specifically at Station 2, White Beach, Boracay Island, Municipality of Malay, Province of Aklan. The racecourse is set up in front of District Hotel at Epic/D'Mall area, making it centrally located for spectators strolling Stations 1–3.

Key Timeline Highlights:

• April 23–24: Team arrivals and test water sessions (one hour per team, booked by March 31).
• April 24: Team managers' meeting, parade of teams, and opening ceremony.
• April 25–26: Competition days with multiple heats across categories.
• April 26: Awards and closing ceremony.
• April 27: Optional team tours around Boracay before departure.

This schedule aligns with Boracay's dry season, ensuring calm waters and sunny skies ideal for racing and beachgoing.

Race Categories and Competition Format

All races are 200-meter straight courses on standard dragon boats, following International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) rules. The five categories cater to different skill levels and crew compositions:

• Premier Open Standard (DB22): Ten pairs maximum (20 paddlers), no age restriction (12+), one drummer, one helm.
• Premier Mixed Standard (DB22): Same boat specs, mixed gender requirement.
• Premier Women Small Boat (DB12): Five pairs (10 paddlers), one reserve pair, women-focused.
• Senior-A Mixed Small Boat (DB12): Paddlers 40+ in 2026, mixed crews.
• 24 & Under Mixed Small Boat (DB12): All paddlers 24 or younger in 2026.

Open to all teams domestic and international, with strict crew lists, waivers, and gallery photos required by April 24. Heats run throughout the weekend, culminating in finals on April 26.

History and Cultural Roots on Boracay

Dragon boat racing traces to ancient China but thrives in the Philippines through festivals honoring community and endurance. Boracay's event, launched under the LoveBoracay banner, evolved from local regattas into an international draw, supported by the Local Government of Malay, Aklan.

The festival embodies Aklanon (local) spirit: teamwork mirrors fishing traditions, while post-race parties reflect bayanihan (communal unity). It coincides with Boracay's tourism peak, boosting the island post-2018 rehabilitation by promoting clean beaches and organized events. Past editions featured parades echoing Ati-Atihan vibes, blending sport with cultural pride near landmarks like Willy's Rock and D'Mall.

Festival Highlights and Spectator Experiences

Beyond races, the weekend pulses with island energy. Expect:

• Parade of Teams: Colorful boats and crews marching Station 2 on opening day.
• Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Live music, dances, and speeches at the beachfront.
• Water Stations and Support: Ice, hydration for paddlers; family zones for fans.
• Nearby Attractions: Post-race dips at Bulabog Beach (kite surfing hub) or sunset drinks at White Beach bars.

Spectators enjoy front-row sand seating, with easy access from D'Mall eateries serving halo-halo, lechon, and fresh seafood. The vibe shifts from intense heats to festive evenings, often with DJ sets and fireworks nearby.

Entry Fees and Registration Deadlines

Pricing is transparent and competitive:

• International Teams: PHP 2,500 per participant; early bird PHP 2,300 (until Dec 15, 2025).
• Local Teams: PHP 2,000 subsidized; early bird PHP 1,800 (until Dec 15, 2025).

Key Deadlines:

• Dec 15, 2025: Early bird registration via Google form and payment.
• Jan 31, 2026: Final entry confirmation, electronic race forms.
• Mar 31, 2026: Test water bookings (one slot per team, April 23–24).
• Apr 24, 2026: Hard copy submissions (crew lists, waivers).

Register at forms.gle/EXJLrqVV4Rh3x3iX7; payments via bank deposit or check. Slots fill fast, so early action secures discounted rates and practice time.

Travel Tips for Boracay Dragon Boat Festival 2026

Getting to Boracay

Fly to Caticlan Airport (MPH) (15-min ferry) or Kalibo (KLO) (1.5-hr drive + ferry). Boats run every 15 minutes from Caticlan Jetty; PHP 100–150 terminal/environmental fees. Accredited transfers include van, ferry, e-trike (contact Arwin Calinao: +63.956.125.2077).

Where to Stay

• Station 2 (race central): District Hotel, Alta Vista (discounted for teams: +63.949.880.8989).
• Stations 1/3: Quieter luxury or budget options near action.
• Book early; April fills with paddlers.

Island Logistics

E-trikes/tricycles (PHP 20–50/ride); walk White Beach. Reef-safe sunscreen, cash for vendors. Water/ice stations onsite. Explore Puka Shell Beach or Crystal Cove post-race.

Safety and Etiquette

Hydrate in tropical heat; respect race lanes. Support sustainability—no plastics, join clean-ups. Cheer all teams; it's about unity.

Cultural Significance and Local Flavor

The festival honors dragon boat's communal roots while showcasing Aklan resilience. Parades and ceremonies nod to indigenous festivals like Ati-Atihan, with drums echoing across the beach. Local crews from Malay compete alongside globals, fostering bayanihan amid Boracay's tourism revival.

Food stalls offer kinilaw (ceviche), inasal (grilled chicken), and buko juice, pairing perfectly with race thrills.

Experience Boracay Dragon Boat Festival 2026

April 24–26, 2026 brings the LOVEBoracay International Dragon Boat Festival to Station 2, White Beach, with 200m races in five categories open to all paddlers worldwide. From early bird deals (Dec 15) to lagoon finishes amid cheers, it's Boracay's premier water spectacle. Register your crew, book beachfront stays, and paddle into an unforgettable island showdown where teamwork meets turquoise triumph.

Verified Information at a Glance

• Event Name: LOVEBoracay International Dragon Boat Festival 2026 (Boracay Dragon Boat Festival)
• Event Category: International dragon boat racing festival (200m straight races, 5 categories)
• Island/Location: Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines (Station 2, White Beach, front of District Hotel)
• Confirmed Dates: April 24–26, 2026 (test water Apr 23–24; awards Apr 26)
• Race Categories: Premier Open DB22, Premier Mixed DB22, Premier Women DB12, Senior-A Mixed DB12, 24&U Mixed DB12
• Entry Fees: International: PHP 2,500/participant (early bird PHP 2,300 til Dec 15, 2025); Local: PHP 2,000 (early bird PHP 1,800)
• Deadlines: Early bird Dec 15, 2025; Final entry Jan 31, 2026; Test water Mar 31, 2026
• Registration: Google form (forms.gle/EXJLrqVV4Rh3x3iX7); contact SJ Quizon +63.949.880.8989 for hotels/transfers