Catanduanes
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Positives
- World-class righthander
- Empty waves
- Exotic, tropical paradise
- Cheap and mellow trip
Negatives
- Long flat spells
- Lack of quality spots
- Unsuitable for beginners
- Difficult access
Catanduanes surf travel guide
Located just off the coast of South Luzon, Catanduanes island juts out into the Pacific as an ideal swell magnet for the NE typhoon swells. Surfer magazine published the story of a 1988 trip showing photos of a barreling righthander dubbed Majestics. However, the pictures were deceiving, not showing how quick, shallow or inconsistent the wave was. Many surfers end up spending weeks waiting for Majestics to do its thing, but those that do score it good, rate it as the Philippine's best barrel.
Surf spots in Catanduanes
Research the 6 surf breaks in Catanduanes and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 6 breaks in Catanduanes.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Catanduanes
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Catanduanes.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 7,168,000
- Population
- 109,581,078
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PHP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 48.79 PHP PHP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +63
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Filipino (Tagalog) and English (both official) plus many reginal dialects.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- abc
Visas
The Philippines offers visa free travel to all countries for up to 30 days. It is easy to get an extensions to make a total of 59 days and sometimes longer. Small fees are payable for any visa extension.
Getting There
From Manila a PAL, Cebu Pacific or AirPhil Express connection can take you to Legaspi (fr $20e/w), the nearest large airport. CEB will fly Manila-Virac ($40/ew; 5d/wk), but take no checked baggage or surfboards. Buses travel daily from Manila to Tabaco City (10hr), then ferry to Virac (3-4hr). RSL Bus does Manila to Virac daily, avoiding stopping over in Tabaco City. From Virac pier, jeepneys go straight to Puraran (1hr) or Baras.
Getting Around
This is pretty much a one spot zone and you may find little reason to move around. Much of the coastline is accessible only by foot, down muddy trails. Hire a boat to scout out the hidden reefs; much of the E coast is unchartered. Local transport includes jeepneys (rebuilt jeeps), metered taxis, sidecar motorbikes, PU-cabs (small taxis, no meters) and trishaws.
Accommodation
Puraran Surf Beach Resort, Puting-Baybay Resort and Majestic Resort have beachfront local nipa huts on stilts fr $12/n and various rooms for less. Food is also cheap at $4-5 for a basic meal. Lots of seafood and rice.
Activities
Don't miss the 2500m Mayon volcano near Legaspi. The beaches here are some of the best in the world and the crystal clear water makes for excellent snorkelling and diving conditions. Climb up to the Puraran pass for some amazing views.
Hazards & hassles
Reef cuts and malaria are your biggest enemies. Be prepared for flat days. Crowded line-ups are rare.
Handy Hints
Don't expect to find any surf gear available here. The local surfers, who are friendly and dedicated, always appreciate new gear. The annual Majestic Surfing Cup is usually held in October, contested by 48 surfers from around the country.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.