Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 07:39 pm
If you plan to surf in Siargao, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in Siargao Island, Philippines.
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About Surfing in Siargao
When going on a surf trip to the Philippines, Siargao Island is where you want to be. Even though this Asian country offers many good surf areas, Siargao is considered the Philippine’s surf capital. In fact, thousands of surfers from all over the world come each year to surf in Siargao and enjoy its world-class waves. Moreover, it is home to one of the most respected surf spots in the world, Cloud 9.
Siargao is situated on the Southeast Coast of the Philippines. You can get here by direct flight from the capital, Manila, or by boat from Surigao City. The island became pretty touristic and famous, mainly for its beautiful beaches, perfect waves, and crazy nightlife. Without a doubt, this is the ideal destination for young travelers, especially if they surf. Most of the tourist scene is centered in the General Luna area, where you will find an abundance of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed vibe, you can also stay in other parts of the island.
The surf in Siargao is the best you can get. With a wide selection of surf spots in Siargao, surfers of all skill levels can find their perfect wave. From hollow barrels over a shallow reef to soft and beginner-friendly waves, Siargao has it all. Surf lessons, camps, and board rentals are also easy to find. Some surf spots in Siargao break just in front of the beach, but most require a boat ride to the outer reefs. Also, It is highly recommended to wear booties, as the bottom in most breaks is a sharp coral reef.
Surf Seasons in Siargao
The best time to surf in Siargao is between September and November. Yes, it’s a short season that lasts for only 3 months. However, it is worth the wait, as the swell is big, consistent, and glassy during this time. Sure, you can surf in Siargao during the rest of the year, too, but the swells will be occasional and unpredictable, and if you have limited time, this is not a risk you want to take on a surf trip.
As for the weather, just like in the rest of the Philippines, it is very unpredictable. Siargao has a tropical rainforest climate. It is hot all year, with an average temperature of 27°C-30°C. It can also rain on any given day, but the actual rainy season is only from November to January. The water temperature is also warm and stays around 29°C year-round. Therefore, when surfing in Siargao, shorts and flip-flops are all you need.
The Best Surf Spots in Siargao
When surfing in Siargao, you can choose between several breaks. Each break behaves differently, depending on the swell and skill level, so any surfer can find his waves. In detail, these are the best surf spots in Siargao:
Cloud 9:
This is the famous wave you have been hearing about and the one that put the Philippines on the world’s surfing map. You will find it just in front of the tourist zone of General Luna, with easy access from the beach. To clarify, surfing in Cloud 9 is a task for experts only, and if that’s not your level, you better just watch and learn. This right-hander breaks with a massive barrel over an extremely shallow reef. It is short, fast, and super hollow. International surf competitions often take place here, and pro surfers are a common sight in the lineup.
Quiksilver:
This spot is known as Cloud 9’s little brother, as it is situated just next to it. The break is fast and hollow at the takeoff but turns into a soft and friendly wave as you get closer to the beach. Usually, it is crowded with surfers of all skill levels.
Tuason Point:
Just on the other side of Cloud 9, Tuason Point is also suitable for advanced surfers. It is a steep wave breaking to the left side and creating a fast tube ride. Due to the shallow reef, it is best to surf here only during high tide.
Jacking Horse:
This is the best surf spot in Siargao for beginners, as the waves are soft, mellow, and much smaller than the other surf spots in Siargao. On a good day, you can get long rides to the right side. Due to the strong currents, sometimes it is easier to just walk back to the lineup instead of paddling.
Cemetery:
This spot, also called Pesangan, is a good option if you want to get away from the crowds. The waves are fat and mellow and work better during low tide. You can ride it to both left and right, and it is a pretty easy wave to handle.
Rock Island:
Also called “Pencit Reef”, this spot requires a big swell to work. Once such swell hits, this right-hander comes to life and produces fast and hollow rides. The waves are very steep and challenging, so surf it only if you think you can handle it.
Stimpy’s:
To get here, you need to take a boat ride from General Luna. This wave breaks in the deep water, producing long rides to the left side, especially during low tide. On an average swell, it is an excellent wave for intermediate surfers.
Pilar:
This spot is a goofy footer’s paradise. It takes about 1.5 hours to get here from General Luna, but the reward is great. Here, you can ride 2 different left-handers over a reef shelf. The ride is long and mellow and suitable for any skill level.
Daku Reef:
To access this spot, you need to take a boat from General Luna to Daku Island. It became popular due to its beautiful shape and high quality. With a soft and mellow break, the waves suit surfers of all skill levels, including beginners.
Pansukian:
Further south from Daku, this spot is pretty remote, so hardly any crowds are found in the lineup. The waves here are fast, steep, and very long on a good day.
Giwan:
It is not an easy task to find this break, as the access is difficult and unmarked. Therefore, it is best to come here only with a local guide who knows the place. The wave itself is always smaller than anywhere else. Therefore, it is a good solution for the big days or just for practice.
Pacifico:
Can Beginners Surf in Siargao?
Due to sharp reefs and powerful waves, most of the surf spots in Siargao are pretty challenging. However, there are also a few beginner-friendly ones. For instance, Jacking Horse is one of the surf spots in Siargao that offers mellow waves suitable for beginners. So, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Siargao.
Surf Camps in Siargao
If you are a beginner taking your first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore the best surf spots in Siargao at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Awake Siargao Retreat.
2. Turtle Surf Camp.
3. Harana Surf Resort.
4. Kermit Surf Resort.
For more details about surf camps in Siargao and the Philippines, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Siargao
When coming to surf in Siargao, you better stay as close as possible to the best surf spots and beaches. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels on the island:
1. Retreat Siargao Resort– Situated in General Luna, a few steps from Malinao Beach, Retreat Siargao Resort features accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. 1 km from General Luna Beach and 2.4 km from Doot Beach, the property offers a private beach area, as well as a garden. The accommodation provides room service and free WiFi.
2. Eddie`s Beach Resort Siargao– Set just a few steps away from the sandy beaches of Bongayon, Eddie’s Beach Resort Siargao boasts a private beach area. It features comfortable guestrooms with a spacious outdoor terrace. Guests can also enjoy free WiFi access in all public areas.
3. Reef Beach Resort– Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Reef Beach Houses is located close to the famous Cloud 9. Free WiFi access is available in this resort.
For more surf hotels in Siargao, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Siargao- Travel Information
Language– English, Filipino.
Population– about 200,000.
Currency– Philippine peso.
Calling code– +63.
Time zone– GMT +8.
Pros– world-class waves, warm water, great nightlife.
Cons– short season, unpredictable swells.
Conclusion- A Final Few Words
To sum up, Siargao is definitely the best surfing island in the Philippines. Here, you can ride perfect waves and meet young people from all over the world. The beauty of the island, the night parties, and the quality of the waves make it a perfect destination for a surf trip.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Siargao. Have a great surf trip!
