Boracay sights
Puka Shell Beach
A wilder, quieter beach on Boracay's northern tip, named for the puka shells once collected from its coarser white sand. Less developed than White Beach, with a more natural, laid-back feel and gentle waves.
About
Puka Shell Beach, also called Yapak Beach, stretches along the northern tip of Boracay and offers a wilder, more natural counterpoint to the manicured White Beach. It takes its name from the puka shells — small, naturally holed shells once gathered here in quantity and strung into the necklaces that were a craze in the 1970s. The sand is white but coarser and shell-flecked, the waves a little stronger, and the development far lighter: a row of simple beach bars and souvenir stalls rather than big resorts. The result is a more relaxed, less crowded stretch that appeals to travellers wanting space and quiet, good for long walks and swimming when the sea is calm. It's commonly included as a stop on island-hopping tours and is an easy tricycle ride from the White Beach area, often combined with the nearby bat caves.
Good to know
Opening hours and entry fees vary by season — check before you visit.