Siargao
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Positives
- World-class reefs
- Plenty of uncrowded spots
- Tropical conditions
- Cheap living costs
Negatives
- Generally small surf
- Long flat spells
- Long transfer journey
- Political instability
Siargao surf travel guide
Perfectly positioned as close to the plummeting depths of the Philippine Trench as possible, Siargao (pronounced Shar-gaw) represents the highest concentration of good surf to be found in the 7,107 islands of the archipelago. There are a number of world-class waves on the east-facing coastline, where many of the 32 documented spots are outside reefs and islets that can only be accessed by boat, while others break closer to the beach on a fringing reef. Cloud 9 is the most famous spot, located in General Luna, which is a good place to be based during the SW monsoon, while just up the coast, Pilar is a better bet during the NE trades.
Surf spots in Siargao
Research the 13 surf breaks in Siargao and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Siargao.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Siargao
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- dec
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
Cebu Pacific fly small planes from Cebu City to Del Carmen on Siargao, but boards may not fit in hold. Air Philippine Express and Cebu Pacific fly Cebu-Surigao City or Manila-Surigao City daily (fr $70 + $24/15kg boardbag e/w). Or Cebu-Surigao City (Cokaliong overnight ferry fr $20). Surigao City to Siargao Island is a 3hr ferry ride to Dapa (fr $6) and a 30min bus ride to General Luna. Departure tax is $18/750PHP)
Getting Around
Pump-boats (or banca boats) are fast, noisy, uncomfortable outrigger dug-outs for hire, ($20/h) to access the Siargao reefs. Jeepneys, (local buses), are reliable and frequent for the hop between General Luna and Pilar as well as almost all barrios, (villages). It’s easy to walk between the different spots or if you are staying at one of the surf camps then a guide will drive you around. Keep some spare money on you for banca rides, they’re cheap, and there are loads of them.
Accommodation
Dec 2021 as covid restrictions were being relaxed, Super Typhoon Rai destroyed the tourist infrastructure on Siargao so many of these listed resorts may take time to rebuild. Even the famous pier at Cloud Nine has been swept away.
There are 40 surf camps/resorts around Cloud Nine and General Luna from basic to full luxury; choose from Ocean 101 ($18-135 dbl), Sagana Resort (fr $80/p/n dble full board), Turtle ($36/n/dbl) or upmarket villas at Kawayan Resort (fr $120/n/dble). Closer to General Luna is Buddha's Surf Resort (fr $55/n/dbl) and Isla Cabana Resort (fr $100/n/4p) plus dozens more surf/guest houses. In Pilar try Lucod Beach Resort, Jafe Surf in Pacifico and White Sands in Burgos. Food ranges from cheap market stalls and street BBQ's to expensive resort restaurants; $5-10 a meal upwards.
Activities
The SUP, kite-boarding, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, fishing and jet-skiing are all excellent and many camps/hotels arrange hire and tours. Jump in a banca boat to the small outer islands. Explore the mangrove systems of Del Carmen or Pilar, natural hot springs near Lake Mainit, giant caves on Hikdop Island, Magpupungko rocks, Tak Tak waterfalls or whirlpools in the Surigao straits. For night-time entertainment go to General Luna and the videoke bars.
Hazards & hassles
Siargao is hard to get to. There is a growing band of competitive local surfers and quite a lot of foreign surfers competing at Cloud Nine, but there are plenty of other spots that are empty. Rain, intense heat and malarial mosquitoes are present.
Handy Hints
Bring all your own surf gear, including a step-up for big days. Rentals for beginners and essential kit available from Hippie's Surf Shop and repairs are done in Catangnan.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.