Last updated on December 17th, 2023 at 07:09 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in the Philippines, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to the Philippines, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including travel tips, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in the Philippines.
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About Surfing in the Philippines
Facing the Pacific Ocean, just a bit southeast of the Asian continent, the Philippine Archipelago has over 7,000 Islands with over 36,000 KM of coastline. With incredible surf conditions and world-class waves, this is absolutely a surf paradise.
When surfing in the Philippines, you will find white sand beaches, Blue crystal water, and a chill island vibe. Actually, surfers have been coming to surf in the Philippines for years now. Since the famous WSL surf competition took place at “Cloud 9”, everybody wants a piece of this natural wave machine.
Besides several world-famous breaks, there are countless secret surf spots in the Philippine islands. Even though surfers from all over the world come here often, perfect waves with no one riding them are a common sight here. Unlike its Neighbor, Indonesia, the lineups in the Philippines are much less crowded, which is, of course, a huge advantage.
The Philippine Islands are spread over a huge area. In fact, you can divide it into several different geographic divisions. It has beaches facing North, South, East and West. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the South China Sea on the other, you get the most diverse coastline possible. Therefore, when surfing in the Philippines, you will find all types of waves for any skill level. From soft beach breaks to massive barrels over a shallow reef, you will find it all here.
The Best Surf Spots in the Philippines
With multiple islands spread over a diverse coastline, there are many beautiful surf spots in the Philippines. Some are massive and hollow, but there are beginner-friendly ones, too. Therefore, any surfer will find good waves when surfing in the Philippines. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in the Philippines:
Siargao:
Break type- Reef breaks and beach breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Siargao is definitely the best surfing island in the Philippines and is considered the island’s surfing capital. In the General Luna area on the island, you will find the best surf spots in the Philippines, Cloud 9. This right-hand wave breaks with massive power, forcing you to drop straight into a barrel. Due to the power of the break and the shallow reef, this spot is for experts only. If you are a beginner or an intermediate, don’t worry; Siargao offers several other great spots. The beach break at Llorente is just one of them, and it is excellent for surf lessons.
The surf season in Siargao lasts from September to February, with huge swells and great consistency. Besides surfing, Siargao offers a great nightlife scene and everything a young tourist could wish for.
Read more in our post about surfing in Siargao.
Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Lanuza is the Quiet neighbor of Siargao. Without any bars or parties and with very few people in the lineup, the surf here is just as good. Every year in November, there is a surfing Festival at Lanuza. If you come here during this time, you can share waves with professional surfers and ride perfect barrels.
Eastern Samar:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Most surfers in the Philippines will not reach this island. In fact, it is one of the most isolated surf Islands in the whole Archipelago. If you are an advanced surfer, you can ride powerful barrels at Calicoan, and also Guiuan is another great spot in this region.
Catanduanes:
Break type- Reef breaks and beach breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Some call it “The Happy Island”, and it is famous for its blue lagoons and natural beauty. Moreover, Puraran Bay in Baras is home to one of the best surf spots in the Philippines, the Majestic. This wave is a fast, hollow right-hander, suitable for experienced and brave surfers only. Every year in October, the “Puraran Surfing Cap” takes place here. Besides Majestic, you can find other great breaks around here, including a few for beginners.
Daet, Camarines Norte:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This area is very popular due to its proximity to the capital, Manila. At Bagasbas Beach in Daet, you will find a great beach break for beginners and intermediates. Moreover, the waves here are incredibly consistent, especially between July and January.
Real, Quezon:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner.
Description- Despite its proximity to Manilla, this spot is not as crowded as you would expect. Actually, it offers a perfect environment for beginners, with soft waves over a sandy bottom. The best waves usually come between October and February.
Zambales:
Break type- Beach and reef breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Only about a 2-hour drive from Manilla, Zambales is a different kind of surf zone. Unlike most areas you will visit while surfing in the Philippines, this one faces west to the South China Sea. Therefore, the swell is not as big and not as consistent as on the East Coast. However, when the right storm arrives, the waves are surprisingly good. Crystal Beach and High-5 Lahar are the best spots in the area of San Narciso, and the best time to surf it is actually between April and September.
San Juan, La Union:
Break type- Beach and reef breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Another spot on the Coast of the South China Sea. Here, you will find several surf camps and beach breaks for beginners. In addition, there are also some world-class waves, such as The Bowl and The Point. San Juan is another excellent tourist beach with various bars and accommodations.
Baler, Luzon:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- On the East Coast, 6 hours from Manila, this is where the Philippine’s surf scene started. In 1979, the famous movie “Apocalypse Now” was filmed here in Baler. We all remember that scene when the Colonel and his soldiers were surfing in the middle of the Vietnam War. It turns out that after shooting this scene, the surfboards were left behind for the locals, and that’s when they learned to surf for the first time. Nowadays, Baler is a popular surf destination with hostels, bars, and surf shops. The best waves in this region usually arrive between October and March.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in the Philippines.
Surf Seasons in the Philippines
The surf season in the Philippines is very unpredictable. Compared to other Island Archipelagos, such as the Maldives, where you know exactly what you get in each season, here in the Philippines, it is much harder to guess what the waves will be like.
The Philippines receives swells from monsoons, typhoons, and low-pressure tropical storms. However, you can never predict these storms, and you never know what will be their effect. For instance, some swells hit a particular area but have no effect on the others. Moreover, you can have an epic surf session in one day, and the next day, it will be completely flat. That said, you can minimize your risk by coming between September and November.
Even though it is a year-round destination, the best time to surf the Philippines is between September and November. Statistically, the swell is the most consistent during these months, and the wind blows offshore almost daily. Yes, it is a short season, and the other seasons can also be good, but when it comes to your surf trip, you don’t want to take risks.
As for the temperature, the weather is always warm here, and the water as well. Therefore, when surfing in the Philippines, you only need a pair of shorts and some Lycra.
Surf Camps in the Philippines
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of the Philippines is at a surf camp. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in the Philippines:
1. Harana Surf Resort, Siargao– This is one of the leading surf schools in the Philippines, and it offers surf courses for surfers of all levels.
For more details about surf camps in the Philippines, please click here.
2. San Juan Surf Resort, La Union– The camp has an internationally accredited surf training program, which guarantees well-trained and responsible surf instructors. The surf school combines a fun and friendly environment and an easy-going lifestyle that would put even beginners at ease.
For more details about surf camps in the Philippine Islands, please click here.
3. Aliya Surf Camp, Baler– Whether you are a seasoned surfer looking for local knowledge about the Baler breaks or a brand-new surfer ready to catch your first wave, Aliya Surf Camp offers high-level coaching to help you reach your goals.
For more information about Philippines surf camps, please click here.
Surf Hotels in the Philippines
When coming to surf in the Philippines, you want to stay as close as possible to the best surf spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the Islands:
1. Point 303 Resort, Siargaro– Point 303 Resort has a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a garden in General Luna. The property is set 1.2 km from General Luna Beach, 4.2 km from Guyam Island, and 14 km from Naked Island. The accommodation offers room service and free WiFi.
2. PAYAG SUITES– Featuring a garden and views of the garden, PAYAG SUITES is located in Catangnan, 1.1 km from General Luna Beach. Located around 4.2 km from Guyam Island, the resort with free WiFi is also 14 km away from Naked Island. The accommodation provides airport transfers, while a car rental service is also available.
3. Amihan Bungalows– Boasting a garden, Amihan Bungalows is situated in General Luna in the Siargao Island region, less than 1 km from General Luna Beach and 4.2 km from Guyam Island. The property is around 14 km from Naked Island, 38 km from Magpupungko Rock Pools, and 300 m from Catangnan. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.
For more surf hotels in the Philippines, check out our post about the best surf resorts in the Philippines, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in the Philippines
There is an incredible selection of surf spots in the Philippines, so surfers of all levels can find waves that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Baler or Quezon. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like La Union and Siargao. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride Massive barrels at Cloud 9 or in Eastern Samar.
Which Island in the Philippines is Best to Stay At
On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. However, there are many great surf beaches in the Philippines, and sometimes, it can be hard to choose where to stay. So, considering the waves and the general atmosphere of the place, the most recommended island to stay at is Siargao.
To clarify, it is not just because of Cloud 9. In fact, there are many good surf spots in Siargao that suit all skill levels. Moreover, the island is very surf-oriented and offers an impressive variety of surf camps, shops, restaurants, and great nightlife. Surfers simply love Siargao and keep coming here on surf trips, so you can’t argue with that.
The Philippines- Travel Information
Language– Filipino, English, and many other native languages.
Population– about 110 million.
Currency– Philippine peso.
Calling code– +63.
Time zone– GMT +8.
Pros– A huge variety of surf spots, low crowds, warm water, and beautiful nature.
Cons– swells and weather conditions are unpredictable.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, when surfing in the Philippines, you get a very unusual surfing experience. This Archipelago is wild and extremely unpredictable. The weather changes all the time, and the waves change as well, but the beauty of this place always remains. Some of the best waves on the planet are found here, and that is, without a doubt, a fantastic destination for a surf trip.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to the best surf spots in the Philippines. Have a great surf trip!
