Siargao isn’t called the surfing capital of the Philippines for no reason, all year round this island is home to some epic waves! Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced level, there is a Siargao surf spot for you. We have included everything you need to know about the Best Siargao Surf Spots including a map, and also dive into how you can get lessons.
No trip to this paradise island is complete without trying to catch some waves, the island is truly amazing and is home to the famous Cloud 9 which was voted one of the top 10 waves in the world. If you don’t fancy surfing then you can just enjoy the boardwalk at sunset and go to watch the professionals do their thing.
Let’s get right into it so you can get on with some Siargao Surfing!
Chapters
No time to read now?
Save this guide on Pinterest
Siargao Surf Spots Map
When To Surf Siargao?
You can find somewhere to surf in Siargao all year round however some seasons are more suited than others depending on your skill level.
For intermediate and advanced surfers, the waves are best around General Luna from September-March, which coincides with the rainy season that sometimes brings monsoons from July to November. The early summer months are good for beginners and intermediates, bringing manageable swells. Plan the trip of a lifetime with our Philippines Bucket List.
Skip Below to find out which Siargao surf spots are best suited for each season.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Philippines Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in The Philippines. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Best Beginner Siargao Surf Spots
Jacking Horse
Right next to the famous Cloud 9 boardwalk where you can watch the pros surf is Jacking Horse, a great place to learn to surf. Being a very easy Siargao surfing spot to get to, this spot can get quite crowded and when we visited (in peak season) it was overflowing with learners so we chose to go elsewhere to find a quieter spot. We recommend Jacking Horse for a timid first lesson, especially if you are a family as there are loads of bars and restaurants to grab food in after a fun day out, however for anyone looking for a bit more adventure, read on. Location 📌
Why not try Siargao’s Crossfit Gym or a more Relaxing Yoga Class
Giwan or Guiuan or G1 Surf Spot Siargao
Another busy spot located only a 15 minute drive from the main town of General Luna, G1 or Giwan surf spot is a thriving hub especially for beginner surfers. With adequate waves all year round, unlike most other spots on the island which are seasonal, you’ll find plenty of huts and surf shops renting boards and offering lessons. This is a perfect spot to learn how to surf or practice your skills while enjoying the best views Siargao has to offer. Location 📌
Quicksilver
A great spot to practice your knowledge from your beginner lesson, also not far from Cloud 9. This is an advanced spot in the winter months and only recommended for beginners in the summer. Location 📌
Intermediate Siargao Surfing Spots
Daku Island Reef: Siargao Island Surfing
Daku island is commonly known for being on the beautiful Siargao Island Hopping tour however it’s also home to some epic waves! Perfect for beginners-intermediates who are looking to improve their skills. You have to get a 10 minute boat ride out to this spot and make sure you can paddle strong, as the waves can take you quite far from the line up. Location 📌
Cemetery
Located near the General Luna Cemetery, hence the name, this surf spot is great for intermediate level surfers looking to practice and level up to the more difficult waves Siargao has to offer. It doesn’t get too busy and breaks in both directions. Location 📌
Bumee
A perfect spot for advanced intermediates looking to practice and level up their skills with a slightly more difficult wave than normal. This spot requires a short boat ride from Cloud 9 to access it meaning it will be less crowded than other spots in this list. It’s a left hand break so ideal for goofy-footer surfers. Location 📌
If you enjoy surfing, you might also like this Electric Skate Experience Around Siargao
Pilar
This is where we got our first lesson… also on a hard board! Scary to say the least, but we love to be thrown into the deep end. Pilar is a fishing village roughly a 40 minute drive away from the main tourist hub of General Luna which means you’ll be surrounded by locals, not many tourists venture up here to surf so if you’re looking for something further off the beaten track we recommend this place. Location 📌
Salvacion
Intermediate right hand wave outside of General Luna meaning less crowds, head towards Salvacion over Catagnan Bridge (famous for its sunsets) and then take a 5 minute boat ride from the pier. This spot can be surfed all year except the summer months, best visited at mid-tide. Location 📌
Advanced Surf Spots Siargao
Quicksilver
Also mentioned above in the intermediate section, Quicksilver surf spot is also for advanced surfers in the best conditions (not summer months). The spot is located to the left of the cloud 9 boardwalk, just further out than Jacking Horse. Location 📌
We recommend SafetyWing, with worldwide coverage of over 30 activities including surfing when you choose their adventure sports add-on.
Stimpy’s
A left hand wave for the goofy-footers, Stimpy’s is best surfed at a low-mid tide. Just past Rock Island, both are off the coast of Siargao and will need a 10-20 minute boat ride from the Catagnan boat station. Location 📌
Cloud 9: The Most Famous Siargao Philippines Surfing
By far the most famous Siargao surf sport and the reason the island is nicknamed the surfing capital of the Philippines, Cloud 9 attracts world-class surfers from all over the world. Barrelling right-have waves break over the shallow reef, best surfed from September-November early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Location 📌
There’s a reason Cloud 9 has been ranked in the top 10 waves worldwide, even if you’re not a professional surfer make sure to head down to the Cloud 9 Boardwalk to watch the pros. We went just before sunset and it was amazing to see the skills of the locals.
Pacifico
In the north of the island lies the small surf town of Pacifico, a much more laid back town than the busy General Luna and a popular alternative for tourists to stay. Roughly an hour’s drive north, Pacifico Beach is much quieter than the other spots on the island. The waves are for advanced surfers, home to the Big Wish, a famously fast paced, long and huge left break reaching double or triple overhead on a rocky reef below. speak to a local before going in, this spot can be for intermediates on low swell days. Location 📌
Tuason’s Point
Not too far from Cloud 9, Tuason’s point waves break over a shallow reef so are best surfed at high tide. It can be reached just off the beach, just next to Harana Resort. Location 📌
Rock Island
Another advanced epic surf spot on Siargao which requires a boat to get to, not far from Stimpys. The fast paced, right hand wave is set in what looks like paradise, but is for advanced surfers only. Location 📌
Best Siargao Surf Spots Based On The Seasons
- Spring (March-June): All surf spots
- Summer (June-September): Jacking Horse, Cemetery, Quicksilver, Tuason’s Point, Pacifico & Cloud 9
- Autumn (September-December): All spots, peak surf season on Siargao
- Winter (December-March): G1, Pilar, Salvacion, Stimpy’s & Rock Island
Generally the best swell around General Luna is from May-November
The Siargao Cup: Siargao Surfing Competition
Cloud 9 was listed 8th on the CNNGo’s World Top 50 best surf spots which made it home to the Siargao Cup, an international surf competition held every September. World class surfers are attracted to the competition from all over the world every year with a huge $75k prize.
When To Visit Siargao
Surf Lessons In Siargao
Siargao is the perfect place to learn to surf. There are lots of different surf camps and shops that offer lessons in Pacifico and General Luna, in General Luna most people learn to surf at Jacking Horse, a must-do in every Siargao Itinerary!
Where To Stay For Surf Lessons Siargao and Surf Camps?
How Much Are Surf Lessons Siargao?
Surf Lessons in Siargao can be found from 500-900 pesos per hour including board hire
To just hire a board for the day it will be cheaper, around 350 pesos a day
Fat Lips surf shop is a popular place to hire
Lessons are usually included with a surf package in a Siargao surf camp or hotel
How To Get To Siargao?
The most popular way to get to Siargao is by flight, we recommend using a flight price aggregator such as Trip.com to find the best prices before booking
Alternatively, if you’re on a budget you can get an overnight ferry to Surigao City (8 hours) and then another ferry onto Siargao (1 hour). This is a much longer travel journey however a good option if you want to avoid the expensive flights.
We recommend using 12Go to book Ferries & Busses, also Rome2Rio for all of your travel planning needs in Asia.
How To Get To Cloud 9/General Luna From The Airport?
To get to Cloud 9 and General Luna from the airport, your best bet for a solo traveller is in a shared van for ₽375, this will drop you off on the main road where you need to be.
Alternatively, for small groups a tricycle is the cheapest option which should cost roughly ₽600 which works out cheaper when split between 2 or 3.
For families, we recommend a private taxi which should be the fastest and most comfortable option however expect to pay around ₽2k.
Booking Transport From Sayak Airport ahead of time can be a smart idea in-case multiple planes land at the same time
Best Places To Eat In Siargao
Mama’s Grill – a local favourite for budget friendly grilled meats and seafood, all cooked fresh!
Kurvada – very popular spot that serves a buffet style of local dishes, we highly recommend going early when it’s all fresh
Kermit Siargao – wood-fired pizza oven and laid-back vibes
Bravo Restaurant – stunning beachfront restaurant which comes at a cost
Best Places To Stay Siargao
Siargao has lots of accommodation whether you’re looking for a surf school, a luxury resort or a budget hostel you’ll be able to find somewhere.
We recommend staying in the main hub of General Luna as this is where most of the restaurants are located, as well as easy access to most of Siargao’s best tourist attractions. If you want to get away from the crowds you could head up north and stay in Pacifico, which is the northern hub of the island best known for being home to some of Siargao’s best surf spots.
Best Places To Stay In Siargao
$ Budget
Dream Catcher Nipas
A great place in the hustle and bustle of General Luna that is affordable if you’re on a budget. Equipped with a kitchen that you can use and friendly hosts. We stayed here for 5 nights.
$$ Mid-Range
La Boheme Boutique
This boutique glamping experience is one of the most beautiful on the island. With shared dorms available as well as private rooms, it has something for everyone.
$$$ High-End
Siargao Bleu Resort
Luxury meets island life here at this sea front resort in the heart of the surfing capital in the Philippines. With a huge pool and sea views this is a great luxury choice.
Spacing
Tips For Travelling Siargao
If you’re visiting Siargao here’s our top travel tips:
- Stay in the General Luna and Cloud 9 area to be amongst the beautiful chaos and be in walkable distance from the best bars & restaurants.
- There’s lots to do for non-surfers on the island, don’t forget to try out the Siargao Wake Park!
- When getting around the Philippines in a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, agree on a price upfront and try to have the right change handy.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM, don’t rely on Wi-Fi as the island has frequent blackouts.
- Go on the 3 island tour to see the true beauty Siargao has to offer, it’s not all about surfing after all…
- For the surfers, hire a scooter with a surf rack and visit Siargao’s best surf spots
