The rock and grotto in the Station 1 shallows
Willy’s Rock is the volcanic rock formation standing in the shallows off Station 1 — and probably the single most photographed spot on Boracay. A short flight of steps climbs the rock to a small grotto with a statue of the Virgin Mary, and at low tide you can wade out to it through knee-deep water.
It takes its name from the beachfront resort that stands opposite it. At sunset the rock becomes a silhouette against the sky and the paraw boats sail past behind it, which is the image that ends up on most Boracay postcards.
In the morning, when the tide is low and the water is calm, you can walk out to the rock and climb the steps to the grotto.
Stand back on the sand of Station 1 and frame the rock against the evening sky, with the paraw sails behind.
Sunset paraw trips from Station 1 often pass close to the rock — the view from the water is worth the half hour.
These GetYourGuide experiences are the easiest way to add Willy’s Rock to your Boracay days:
Bestseller The standard Boracay boat day, and the one most travellers book: an outrigger bangka loops around the island to stops such as Crocodile Island and Puka Beach, with time in the water to swim and snorkel. Hundreds of reviews make it the safe first choice.
Top rated Boracay’s most popular non-swimmer adventure. You wear a helmet supplied with air from the boat and walk on the sea floor roughly ten feet down, among fish, with a guide beside you. The photos and videos are part of the package.
Boracay classic The quintessential Boracay half hour: sitting on the trampoline netting of a paraw — a traditional double-outrigger sailboat — as it skims along White Beach at sunset. Short, simple and the photograph everyone takes home.
You can climb the short staircase to the grotto at the top. Access depends on the tide and on any local restrictions in place at the time.
Low tide in the morning for wading out and empty photos; sunset for the classic silhouette.
In the shallows off Station 1 on White Beach, in front of the resort that shares its name.
An island-hopping morning, a helmet dive or a parasail at midday, and a paraw under sail as the sun goes down off White Beach. Compare Boracay tours and book in a couple of taps.