Top MUST VISIT Surfing Spots in the Philippines

Top MUST VISIT Surf Spots in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of South East Asia’s most beautiful island nations; an exotic landscape surrounded by serene waters attracts many visitors from around the globe. Its expansive 36,288 kilometers of coastline runs all along the archipelago with endless surf hotspots that make for a surf adventure of a lifetime. If you’re planning to visit this part of the world, the uncrowded beaches, world-class surf, crystal-clear waters, and affordable travel make for an unforgettable trip.

The best time to surf in the Philippines is August to November when the coast is hit with typhoon swells and the strong offshore winds give way to idyllic conditions. Between December and April, the winds are cross-shore with big swell, however, it’s still a good time to catch some waves. Whether you’re looking for a beginner break or advanced surf spots, the Philippines has it all. If you have a sense of adventure, you can travel off the beaten track to explore hidden gems and unexplored surf spots along its endless coastline. For those wanting to improve their skills, you’ll come across plenty of experienced surf instructors who can provide private or group lessons at reasonable rates.

Surfing along the exotic coastline of the Philippines will not disappoint; you’re guaranteed many awesome sessions in some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet.

Here are some of the MUST VISIT surf spots in the Philippines:

Puraran, Catanduanes

Found in the municipality of Baras is the idyllic and quiet beach, Puraran. This surf spot is less crowded than other spots like Siargao and has clean, barreling waves. For advanced surfers, the most preferable time to visit is July to November, and February to June for beginner to intermediate surfers. For those of you who like a bit more of a vibe, the annual surf and music festival, the Catanduanes Reef Break, is held in May.

Dahican, Davao Oriental

The lesser-known surf spot in Mindanao, Dahican offers large waves for advanced surfers. It’s a 7 km stretch of white sand which acts as an awesome spot for an uncrowded surf session. Their annual music festival, Summerfrolic, which is held in the first half of the year, provides loads of live music and entertainment for those who like to get festive.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

One of the least crowded of all the Philippines beaches, Pagudpud offers waves for beginners to advanced surfers. Blue Lagoon and Maira-ira Cove are the main surf spots here, with the best swell being between June and October. Although there are many other right and left-hand beach and reef breaks in the area.

San Juan, La Union

Located fairly close to Manila, this beach destination is accessible by road; it takes 6-7 hours by bus. The best surf season is between October to April, the north swell season, when northeast winds bring consistent swell; December and January produce the best swell, with waves reaching around 10ft. The southwest monsoon, between July and September, also brings swell along with lots of rain; between May and June swell is unlikely in La Union.

There are several surf breaks in San Juan for all levels of surfers. These most popular include Monaliza Point (The Point), a right-hand reef break which isn’t for the faint hearted. The Bowl, for intermediate surfers, a section on the main beach that offers fast, steeper waves with a small barreling section, as well the Beach Break. Other surf spots in the area include:

Sunset: A beach break which offers medium to large waves, it’s only a 2-minute drive from San Juan.
Carille: A long right-hand point break only 5 minutes’ drive from San Juan.
Bacnotan: 30 minutes’ drive from San Juan located next to the Holcim cement factory, it’s a beach break with longer waves.
Darigayos: A left and right-hand break with waves peaking between May and September.

Siargao Island

Undoubtedly, the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao offers over 15 different surf breaks for beginners, advanced surfers and everyone in-between. With right and left-hand breaks, the waves are at their peak between October and May. The most popular surf spots on the island include:

Cloud 9: Several local and international surf comps are held at Cloud 9. It’s the most crowded spot in Siargao and is suited to advanced surfers only. Best at high-tide, this reef break produces consistent left and right-handed barrels.
Quicksilver: This is a crowded, smaller right-hand reef break that’s just next to Cloud 9.
Stimpy’s: A left-hander that’s best at low tide, it’s an offshore spot that’s only a short boat ride away
Rock Island: Closely located to Stimpy’s, this offshore right-hander is only good when the wind is just right.
Daku Reef: This spot is an off-shore right-hand break which is a 10-minute boat ride from the fish market. Currents are strong so be prepared to paddle a fair bit.
Cemetery: It’s a 15-minute paddle from the shore to Cemetery which is best at low tide.
G1: Perfect for beginners and learners, this spot is a 15-minute motorcycle ride from General Luna, it’s best at high tide with both left and right-handers.

Bagasbas, Daet

This surf spot is located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, 2 hours’ drive from Naga City Airport. You can surf throughout the year but waves are best during August and November for advanced surfers, with some swell until January. It’s a beach break which is beginner-friendly, with the best beginner waves throughout the rest of the year.

Calicoan, Guiuan

Calicoan is an island in Eastern Samar located in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Calicoan has some of the strongest swell with the cleanest barrels in the Philippines. The best season for advanced surfers is September and October, however, the waves are still decent until May.

Baler, Aurora

The birthplace of surfing in the Philippines; Baler offers right and left-hand beach breaks for all levels of surfers year-round, with the best swell hitting its shores between October and April. The three top surf spots in Baler are:

Sabang Beach: This spot is perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers, it has gentle waves with medium-sized swell.
Cemento Beach: This break has the best waves in Baler that are suited to advanced surfers only; offshore typhoons produce big swell.
Charlie’s Point: All levels of surfers can enjoy the medium-sized waves at this beach break.

Planning to take a surf trip to the Philippines soon? Make sure you check out these hotspots that just can’t be missed.