Banana Boats

No visit to Boracay is complete without a ride on one of these things. The banana boat ride is something that everyone should take advantage of during their visit to this beach. While many people opt to sunbathe, riding a banana boat can give one a lot of thrill and enjoyment. Banana boats, as the name implies, is a long orange colored inflatable raft that is shaped just like a regular banana. The banana boat can carry a maximum of around eight to ten adults and there are safety grips to keep the riders on the boat while it is pulled from a motorboat at high speeds.

There are several sizes for the banana boat but most beaches in Boracay have the long version. Hardly can one find the junior size or "kiddie" banana boat. The long banana boat can easily fit the entire family so that no one is left out.

To locate a banana boat rental place in Boracay, one simply has to walk to the beach. All the major boat rental stalls have them. One simply has to fork over a reasonable amount of an estimated P150 - 200.00 per person for 15 - 20 minutes. Although people ride the boat for fun and thrills, it is mandatory to wear safety vests or life vests in case that the riders are thrown off during the ride for the speeds of the banana boat may be a bit fast for some people.

There is normally no reservation involved if one would like to rent a banana boat. Most stalls along the beach can easily provide one with a boat to use but normally restrict them to day use. If one would need to rent them in the evening, there may be an added charge and the boats are usually rented per hour instead of the usual 15 minute ride.

The term "banana boat" originated from a popular type of dish served in America that had a whole banana wrapped in a single slice of bread that had been thinly coated with some peanut butter. It has been used repeatedly in many dishes and many variations throughout the years and has made its place on the beach, of all places.

A variation of the banana boat meal is when campers slice the banana in half and fill it with M&M's, marshmallows and other sweets and then roast the banana over a hot fire.