The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. – Jacques Cousteau.
Your eyes are closed, and you are thinking of a place where the air smells like salt and adventure, and the only time that counts is the time the tide rises. Welcome to my sanctuary. Probably, having come to this point, you have heard the call of the Pacific, a low, continuous swell which smells like a teardrop and brings you to a teardrop-shaped emerald, and in the Philippine Sea.
I am writing to you from Siargao, which not only accepts you but also transforms you into another person. The palm trees in this case bow down in respect to the turquoise reef, and time is lost in a chain of gorgeous moments. It is not a point on a map to us who do the glide, how we feel the sun on our back as we move out in a boat, the sound of a motorbike as it cuts through 770 acres of thick coconut groves, or that moment of silence before you fall into a glass-like barrel. Whether you are an expert of the swell or a dreamer first taking a wave, I will take you through the pulse of this Philippine island paradise and the legendary Siargao surf spots.
The Soul of the Surf: Finding Your Peak
The coastline of Siargao is a masterpiece of reef breaks and hidden places. These are the places that caught my heart, and where I believe you need to get yours. When exploring the various Siargao surf spots, you will find that each one has a distinct personality. If you are looking for the absolute best surf spots Siargao has to offer, you must be prepared for the raw power of the Pacific.
1. The Crown Jewel: Cloud 9
It is impossible to talk about Siargao surfing without referring to Cloud 9. It is the wave which made the Philippines appear on the map of global surfing. It is a rite of passage to watch the sunrise through the famous boardwalk (which is currently being lovingly renovated following the storms). Among all Siargao Island surf spots, this is the one that demands the most respect.
- The Vibe: Quick, hollow and unforgiving. It is a staley-looking right-hand barrel, which crashes through a shallow reef.
- My Advice: This is for the professionals. Unless you are willing to get pitted, sit on the boardwalk, have a cup of coffee and see the local Gwapitos dance through the tubes. It’s a masterclass in grace. This remains the most famous of all Siargao surf spots.
2. The Challenger: Quiksilver
Quiksilver happens to be underestimated right next to the big sister. It is a zippy right-hander which can be even more technical than Cloud 9. It is steep, it is quick, and it requires you to be in full concentration, often ranking as one of the best surf spots in Siargao, for those who find Cloud 9 too crowded.
3. The Dancing Ground: Jacking Horse
To my fellow travellers who are only at the beginning of their journey, Jacking Horse is the start of the magic. It is a wave of a mushburger, soft, spongy, and good to stand up on. It is an essential stop for those learning at the local Siargao surf spots. Beginners often find this to be the most accessible of the surf spots Siargao offers.
Note: Only at mid-high tide. Once the water has receded, the reef is so familiar that it raises eyebrows, and no one is going to walk away with a souvenir scratch of a sea urchin.
To the traveller who wants to fully immerse themself in the local culture and sheer beauty of the archipelago, I strongly suggest that you visit the Philippines’ official guide as you prepare to venture through the Mindanao region. It gives a better insight into the customs that ensure that these islands are so bright.
4. The Island Escapes: Daku & Guyam
In some cases, the most desirable waves are a journey. I prefer to spend a morning jumping into a banca (traditional wooden boat) at General Luna and travelling to Daku Island to explore more Siargao surf spots. These Siargao island philippines surf spots offer a tropical backdrop that feels like a film set.
- The Wave: It is a soft rolling right-hand reef break. It is deep enough to be safe and long enough to give you that infinite summer feeling. It is truly one of the best surf spots, Siargao, for an intermediate day out.
5. The Secret Lefts: Stimpy’s and Rock Island
Ask a boatman to take you to Stimpy’s, in case you would rather a left-hand wave while surfing. It is the best on the globe but has a trace of a bite to its rocky gully. Rock Island, on the other hand, has rights which, although they are high-speed, seem to be endless, making them top-tier Siargao surf spots. Many seasoned travellers consider these offshore gems to be the most rewarding Siargao Island surf spots.
Timing Your Rhythm: The Seasons
To all things there is a time; to all things a time; to all things a purpose corresponding to the heaven.
Siargao switches out its outfits depending on the time of the year, and when you are visiting is purely a matter of what you want. The conditions at the surf spots in Siargao fluctuate beautifully with the seasons.
- The Peak Season (September to November): It is the time when the Pacific really wakes up. The swells are large, strong, and steady, and the Basilio (offshore winds) comes. It is the time to see what the good things are like or push your boundaries at the premier Siargao surf spots.
- Shoulder Season (April to August): It is my own favourite. The weather is fantastic, the water is a glass, and the waves are smaller and less challenging to advanced surfers. This is the perfect time to explore the variety of Siargao island philippines surf spots.
- The Quiet Season (December to March): It is the season of rain. The swells are also unpredictable, even though they can be great. But, when you like the smell of rain and the leaves of tropical trees and smaller groups of people in the water, here you will experience a certain tranquillity at the local surf spots in Siargao.
Reaching this remotest paradise has become part of the adventure. When travelling to Europe or anywhere globally, most travellers are, however, interested in getting the right connection so that they can kick-start their trip. In your itinerary, a specialised agency such as World Pinoy Flights can assist you to close the distance between London and the islands so that you get the best route to Manila, and you have made the last flying leg to the Siargao shores. When you have a trusted partner for your trip, you have more time to fantasise about the waves and less time to think about the logistics.
Where to Stay in Siargao
Your accommodation is not just a bed in Siargao, but your family.
- To the Luxury Soul: Punta Punta Surf Retreats, which is just a bit north of the main bustle, is a dream place. Welcome to the safari-style tents with external bathstations and a pool that looks out to the ocean. It is the place where you escape the world and get into yourself after a day at the surf spots in Siargao.
- In the case of the Modern Wanderer: Surfing Temple Hotel Boutique Right at the centre of General Luna, the mix of Scandinavian stylishness and island cosiness is provided. The food is amazing here, but make sure you do not miss their cocktails after a sunset session at the nearby surf spots Siargao.
- On the Authentic Spirit: Mao Mao Surf. In case you need to be in the atmosphere of the authentic island life, Mao Mao will provide you with beautiful bamboo huts. They also have ISA-approved coaches, as well as providing drone photography services, so you can take home evidence of your best rides at the nearby Siargao surf spots.
Beyond the Board: The Siargao Experience
Life on the island is not all about what transpired in the line-up. The island can find other means of enchanting you when the tide is bad, or you are tired of your arms. Even when you aren’t at the Siargao island philippines surf spots, the magic continues.
- The Magpupungko Rock Pools: Visit on a low tide. The sea withdraws, exposing natural sapphire-blue swimming pools hewn out of the rock. It is the natural infinity pool.
- The Coconut Road: Ride a motorbike and ride through the Sea of Palms. The road has a certain twist, and thousands of coconut trees are stretched to the horizon. It’s an opinion that leaves you knowing how insignificant we are, how fortunate.
- Island Hopping in the Philippines: Spend a day with the Naked Island (a sandbar in the deep blue), Guyam, and Daku. Take a cooler and some fresh mangoes and be.
Essential Travel Tips for UK Travellers to Siargao
- How to get there: London to Manila by aeroplane, followed by another domestic flight to the Sayak Airport (Siargao). I suggest you book your flight with World Pinoy Flights to fly within the country.
- Payment: The currency used is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Carry cash! Although there are an increasing number of places that accept cards, the island operates on island money, and ATMs may sometimes run out.
- Transport: Hire a scooterboard carrier to reach different spots. It is the final means of touring the island and visiting all the different Siargao island surf spots at your leisure. When planning your Philippines holidays, this freedom of movement is what truly lets you discover the hidden gems of the archipelago.
A Farewell Word to My Mates
We are not travelling to run away, but to make sure that life does not run away with us.
Siargao is a destination where you get to remember how to live. It is how to be patient (waiting till the set), humble (being wiped out by a wave), and thankful (the cold beer after the end of the day).
And when you visit here, leave very lightly. Please, respect the reefs, smile at the locals; they are the best people you will ever meet and leave only footprints in the sand. The Siargao island philippines surf spots are a gift; let’s keep them pristine. Every Siargao surf session is a memory to cherish.
The waves beckon, and the island is beckoning. I hope I will have you in the line-up. Safe travels, and Salamat (thank you).
FAQs about Siargao Surf Spots
What is the most appropriate time of year to go to Siargao to surf?
The peak surf season in Siargao is from September to November, when the waves are large and consistent. During the shoulder season (April to August), the waves are smaller, but the water is typically glassy and ideal for a more relaxed surfing experience.
What is the best surf breaker in the beginning?
The beginners will find Jacking Horse the best place to be, with easy-to-manage waves. Nevertheless, it is to be surfed during mid-to-high tide to avoid the low reef.
Will Cloud 9 appeal to every level of surfers?
No. Cloud 9 is a strong hollow barrel that crashes upon a superficial reef, and that can only be used by high-level and professional surfers.
What is the way to get to Siargao through the UK?
London to Manila, then a domestic flight (CEB or Philippine Airlines) to Sayak Airport in Siargao.
Will I need to carry cash on the island?
Yes. Although cards are accepted most of the time, Siargao runs on cash (Philippine Pesos), and the ATMs found in the area sometimes run out of money.
