Surfing Guide to Siargao Island, Philippines

• Summary

• When to go

• Surf Camps

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

 

Summary

The Island of Siargao, in the Philippines, is quickly becoming one of the best places to go on a surf trip due to its amazing waves some of the best surfing island vibes you will ever experience.

 

The Philippines may be composed of more than 7000 islands but if you are gonna pick one for a surf trip, Siargao has to be the one. It is an absolute tropical gem and recently, the increase in tourism made Siargao much more accessible with direct flights from Manila.

 

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 

Siargao is a surfing paradise every surfer

From beginners to experts, there are waves for everyone within paddling distance on the island of Siargao. Cloud 9 is the most popular and mediatized surf spot on Siargao. It is a heavy and hollow wave just a few meters away from Jacking Horse, a smooth spot for beginners.

 

All the surf spots on Siargao are on the east coast and most of them are around the General Luna and Cloud 9 area. This is also where you will find most accommodation options as well as many bars and restaurants.

 

When to surf Siargao

The best time to surf Siargao Island, Philippines is from October to April with consistent storms pushing swells towards the island. It also happens to be the wet season in the Philippines. July and August will be mostly flat and inconsistent while the shoulder seasons (May and September) can still offer some decent surfing days.

 

 

 

Where to stay in Siargao

On a surf trip to Siargao, the best place to stay is General Luna. This small town is strategically located close to many surf spots and that is where you will find most accommodation and restaurants. You can also stay right next to the Cloud Nine area where you will have access to several breaks as well.

 

Browse our interactive map to find the best places to stay in Siargao!

 

Getting there

The best way to get to Siargao, Philippines is to fly directly from Manila or Cebu. Ferry is a cheaper option but takes longer and can be hazardous depending on sea conditions.

 

 

Safety/things to know

-Political tensions and terrorism on some islands. Siargao, however, is absolutely safe.

-Siargao only has reef breaks. There are no beach breaks on the island.

-Many surf breaks on Siargao are only accessible by boat. They are fairly cheap and easy to find.

 

 

Surf Spots on Siargao

Cloud Nine

Siargao’s most popular spot. A hollow and powerful A-frame breaking over a shallow but forgiving reef. The right works way better than the left and leads right into the small channel that separates Cloud Nine and Quicksilver. Should be kept for experts looking for a short but thrilling ride.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Quicksilver

Direct neighbor to Cloud Nine, Quicksilver is a less radical version of Siargao’s most famous spot. It remains a very challenging barrel that breaks left and right and this wave definitely helps spread the crowd a little on good days.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Jacking Horse

Around the corner from Quicksilver and Cloud Nine is Jacking Horse, another nice wave that is not as hollow and radical as the other two. All three waves are located in the same area, around the Cloud Nine pier.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Little Pony

Closer to the beach, Jacking Horse reforms into a mellow and nicely peeling wave that is perfect to learn. Most surf schools will bring people here to push them on their first waves.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : SW

 

Rock Island

Just a 5-10 minutes boat ride away from the Cloud Nine pier is a perfect right-hand point break. Breaking on nearly 100 m, it is a nice alternative to the short and intense rides from Cloud Nine and Quicksilver.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : S

 

 

Stimpy’s

Located right next to Rock Island, with a similar set up but in a left-hander version. Stimpy’s and Rock Island break in different directions so when one is onshore, you might catch the other one offshore and clean.

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

Cemetery

A long reef catches all the swell heading towards General Luna in front of the cemetery and results in several nice peaks along that reef. You can catch a boat or paddle for about 15 minutes and find the peak you prefer. This spot can handle a lot of people before it gets too crowded.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W

 

 

Pacifico

Located on the north side of Siargao, Pacifico is a dreamy left-hander, away from the crowds of Genera Luna. It breaks a bit less than 100 meters away from shore and produces one of the nicest waves in the Philippines.

Wave direction : Mostly left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NE
Optimal wind direction : W