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Comparison of the Surfing Spots in Philippines with Philippines Surf Map
This Philippines Surf Map marks the top 12 surfing spots in this country. And this table below provides a quick guide to these surfing spots in the Philippines, categorized by difficulty, best suited surfer level, and optimal season.
| Surfing Spots | Difficulty | Best For | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud 9, Siargao | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Advanced to Pro Surfers | Sept to Nov |
| San Antonio, Zambales | ⭐⭐⭐ | Intermediate Surfers | Oct to Apr |
| San Narciso, Zambales | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Advanced Surfers | Oct to Apr |
| Bulabog Beach, Boracay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Intermediate to Advanced Surfers | Oct to Apr |
| Dahican Beach, Davao Oriental | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Intermediate to Advanced Surfers | Oct to Apr |
| Jacking Horse, Siargao | ⭐⭐ | Beginners | Jun to Aug |
| Daku, Siargao | ⭐⭐⭐ | Beginners to Intermediate Surfers | Jun to Aug |
| Real, Quezon | ⭐⭐ | Beginners | Oct to Apr |
| Sabang Beach, Baler | ⭐⭐⭐ | Beginners to Intermediate Surfers | Oct to Apr |
| San Felipe, Zambales | ⭐⭐ | Beginners | Oct to Apr |
| San Juan, La Union | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | All Levels | Oct to Apr |
| Bagasbas Beach, Camarines Norte | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | All Levels | Oct to Apr |
Now you know where to surf Philippines! The surfing destinations in Philippines include:
- Beginner-friendly locations: Jacking Horse, Daku, Real, Sabang Beach, and San Felipe (some are suitable for intermediate too)
- More challenging spots: San Antonio, San Narciso, Bulabog Beach, and Dahican Beach.
- Destinations cater to all skill levels: San Juan and Bagasbas Beach
- Professional spots: Cloud 9
Philippines Surfing Spots for Pro Surfers
1. Cloud 9 (Siargao): Surfing the Philippines' World-Class Wave
You've probably heard of this one! Cloud 9 is on the northeast coast of Siargao, facing the Pacific. It's so famous, they call Siargao the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines."
Best For: Pro or advanced surfers, no question. Waves can get over 3 meters (10 feet).
Wave Type: Right-handers, and when they're good, they're tubular – like a perfect "9"!
Best Time: September to November
How to Get There: Fly from Manila to Siargao Airport (2 hours). Next, from General Luna, Cloud 9 is easily accessible by tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi).
This is Siargao's iconic spot. It's one of the top surfing spots in the Philippines, and it hosts international competitions like the Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in October. The energy here is electric, with surfers from all over the world.
General Luna is the main town, and it's got a great vibe. You'll find restaurants serving fresh seafood, cool bars, resorts, accommodations and shops selling surf gear and souvenirs.
Philippines Surfing Spots for Intermediate to Advanced Surfers
2. San Antonio (Zambales)
In the Philippines' Central Luzon region, the municipality of San Antonio is found in Zambales province. It's about 190 km northwest of Manila.
Best For: Ideal for intermediate surfers.
Wave Conditions: Consistent waves for longboarding, suitable for intermediate surfers.
Best Time to Go: October to April
How to Get There: About 3-4 hours from Manila by car.
Beyond surfing, you can explore the nearby coves and beaches, such as Anawangin Cove, known for its unique combination of sandy beach and pine forest.
You can also go island hopping to Camara Island and Capones Island, both offering beautiful scenery and snorkeling spots.
3. San Narciso (Zambales)
San Narciso is approximately 10 km north of San Antonio, a drive of about 20 minutes.
Best For: Best suited for advanced surfers.
Wave Conditions: Known for its fast, steep reef breaks (up to 3 meters high).
Best Time: October to April
How to Get There: 3-4 hours’ car ride from Manila, suitable for a weekend surf trip.
San Narciso is more secluded and rugged compared to other Zambales surf spots, offering a more laid-back and rustic experience.
You can visit Crystal Beach, known for its beautiful shoreline and resorts. For a change of pace, explore the nearby Mount Puraw, which offers hiking and scenic views. You can also check out the local market for fresh produce and seafood.
Safety! Reef breaks can be risky, so wear protective gear and avoid surfing at low tide.
4. Bulabog Beach (Boracay)
Most people know Boracay for its beautiful White Beach, but there's more to it than that. If you're wondering where to surf in the Philippines, Boracay has a couple of options.
Bulabog Beach, located on Boracay's east side directly opposite White Beach, is a popular destination.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers, kitesurfers, and windsurfers.
Wave Type: This is where you'll find more consistent waves and stronger winds.
Season: October to April. The waves can get up to 2-3 meters high.
How to Get There: You can reach Bulabog Beach by tricycle from White Beach. About 15 minutes.
This beach is a hub for water sports. It's much less crowded than White Beach and has a more laid-back, sporty atmosphere.
There are some restaurants, bars, shops and schools that offer surfboard, kitesurfing, and windsurfing rentals and lessons, but it's generally quieter.
5. Dahican Beach (Davao Oriental): A Hidden Gem in Mindanao
Dahican Beach is located in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on the southeastern coast of Mindanao.
Best For: Best for intermediate to advanced surfers who want to explore a less crowded spot. You'll see "skimmers" here too!
Wave Vibe: Known for its consistent waves, beautiful white sand, and stunning powder-blue waters.
Best Time to Go: October to April. February is often noted for having the glassiest waves.
How to Get There: Fly 2 hours to Davao International Airport from Manila. And then take a van to Mati City, which is about 3-4 hours away.
This place is a bit of a hidden gem, especially for those who are looking for something a bit more adventurous. Dahican offers more than just surfing.
You can also explore the nearby Pujada Bay, visit the Subangan Museum, or relax and enjoy the laid-back beach vibe.
Philippines Surfing Spots for Beginners, First Timers & Casual Surfers
6. Jacking Horse (Siargao)
Right next to Cloud 9! So, you get the same awesome Siargao scenery.
Best For: First-timers, beginners, and anyone who wants a relaxed surf.
Wave Type: Right-handers, but much more mellow than Cloud 9. Think long, rolling waves, usually between 0.5 and 2 meters (1.5 to 6 feet).
Best Time: June to August
How to Get There: Same as Cloud 9. It's a 15-20 mins hop from General Luna by tricycle or habal-habal.
This spot is super chill and welcoming, especially compared to its famous neighbor. It's a great place to learn without the pressure of big crowds or huge waves.
You're close to all the action of General Luna, so you can easily explore the town, grab some food, or head to Cloud 9 to watch the pros.
7. Daku (Siargao)
Daku Island is a short boat ride from General Luna. It's one of the islands you'll visit on a typical Siargao island hopping tour.
Best For: Intermediate surfers, or beginners with a coach.
Wave Type: Right-handers, and this spot can be a bit of a mixed bag. You can get small, glassy waves, or it can get big and powerful.
Season: June to August
How to Get There: You'll need to take a 15-20 mins boat from General Luna.
Daku is a beautiful island with a relaxed, local feel. You'll often see experienced surfers putting on a show. It's a great spot to combine surfing with other activities.
Join in an island hopping tour (Naked Island, Daku Island & Guyam Island), so you can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling (there's a jellyfish lagoon nearby!), and relaxing on the beach. Contact Asia Odyssey Travel!
8. Real (Quezon): Your Quick Surf Getaway from Manila
Located in southeast coast of Luzon Island, Real is the closest surfing spot to Manila.
Best For: Perfect for those with no surfing experience.
Wave Type: Sandy beach breaks with consistent, medium-sized waves, suitable for beginners.
Best Time: October to April
How to Get There: Only 1.5 hours from Manila, making it ideal for weekend trips.
Real offers a laid-back beach vibe. You can find small restaurants serving fresh seafood, and simple bars where you can chill and enjoy the sunset.
There are also nearby waterfalls like Balagbag Falls, which is a short hike from the town proper.
9. Sabang Beach (Baler)
Sabang Beach is in Baler, Aurora, east coast of Luzon, which is known as one of the birthplaces of surfing in the Philippines.
Best For: Sabang Beach caters to beginners and intermediate surfers.
Wave Type: You'll find mostly gentle, sandy beach breaks here.
Best Time: The best waves are usually from October to April.
How to Get There: It's a 5-6 hour van ride from Manila, which is a bit farther compared to Quezon, Zambales, or La Union.
Baler is where surfing in the Philippines started, and it has spots for both beginners and more experienced surfers. The waves are generally consistent, and like San Juan, it has a sandy bottom, which makes it safer.
You can rent surfboards for around 350 pesos an hour, and there are plenty of instructors around if you need lessons. You'll also find lots of places to eat and stay.
10. San Felipe (Zambales)
A 20-minute drive will take you the 5 kilometers (3 miles) from San Narciso to San Felipe.
Best For: Perfect for beginners and families.
Wave Type: Gentle sandy beach breaks year-round, with waves around 0.5 to 1.5 meters.
Best Time: October to April
How to Get There: About 3-4 hours from Manila by car.
English instruction is available for about 500 pesos per session, including surfboard rental.
In addition to surfing, San Felipe offers serene beach relaxation, vibrant art at Uwak Gallery, and nature retreats like camping in Liwliwa. You can enjoy dune buggy rides (ATV) and fresh seafood BBQ on the beach!
Philippines Surfing Spots for All Levels
11. San Juan (La Union)
San Juan, up in the northwest part of Luzon, is becoming a really popular surfing spot.
Best For: It caters to all levels of surfers, with a shallow seabed and no reefs, so it's safe.
Wave Type: You'll find gentle, sandy beach breaks here all year round, with waves around 0.5 to 1.5 meters (1.5 to 5 feet).
Best Time: October to April
How to Get There: It's about a 4.5 to 5 hours’ drive from Manila.
La Union has a cool vibe, mixing a relaxed fishing village feel with a lively surfing community. Check out the Ma-Cho Temple, a beautiful Chinese temple, and the Luna Watchtower, a historical landmark.
Surf schools and shops are everywhere, so you'll have no problem renting a board. And lessons go for about 500 pesos an hour.
12. Bagasbas Beach (Camarines Norte)
Bagasbas Beach is located in Camarines Norte, which is part of the Bicol Region in Luzon. The beach has a sandy bottom, which is generally safer.
Best For: Bagasbas is really cool because it welcomes everyone, from beginners to pros.
Wave Vibe: Famous for its long, sandy beach with consistent waves, from gentle to big.
Best Time to Go: October to April
How to Get There: Fly from Manila to Naga (1.5 hours), followed by a 2-3 hour van to Daet, and a tricycle.
When you're not surfing, Bagasbas has a lot more to offer. You can soak up the sun on the beach, go snorkeling, or explore the nearby untouched islands.
For a bit of culture, check out the Museo Bulawan, where you can learn about the rich history of Camarines Norte. It's a great way to spend an afternoon after a morning of surfing.
When to Surf: Your Guide to Philippines Surfing Season
In short, if you're an experienced surfer, hit Siargao from September to November. Beginners, you've got Luzon, Boracay and Mindanao from December to April, or Siargao from June to July.
Here’re 2 Main Seasons for Surfing
You have two main seasons:
Dry (Dec-May): Great for spots like Boracay, Davao and parts of Luzon. The weather's sunny, perfect for enjoying those long days at the beach. But yeah, it's also peak tourist season, so expect more people.
Wet (June-Nov): This is when Siargao and other spots really come alive! The southwest monsoon brings in some sweet swells. Plus, it's low season, so accommodations and flights are cheaper. Just keep an eye out for those occasional typhoons!
Best (& Worse) Time to Visit Philippines: Weather-Wise
It Depends on Location
The best time for surfing in Philippines changes a bit depending on where you're headed.
Siargao: Cloud 9 is epic from September to November for intermediate to advanced surfers. Beginners? Try Jacking Horse or Daku from June to August.
Luzon: Baler and San Juan, La Union, are great from around October to April for all levels. Real, Quezon, near Manila, is good around that time too.
Boracay: Boracay is best from October to April for beginners.
Mindanao: Davao has good waves from November to April.
Cost for Surfing in the Philippines: Ride Waves Without Breaking the Bank!
For Lessons and Gear: A beginner's surf lesson with an instructor and board rental usually runs around ₱500-1500 ($9-26) per hour.
For Where to Stay in Philippines: Budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses might be around ₱800-2000 ($14-35) a night, while mid-range resorts could be ₱3000-8000 ($52-140).
Keep in mind that during the rainy season (June to November), especially in Siargao and Baler, those prices can drop by 30-50%.
For Getting Around: If you're flying in, round-trip tickets to major spots like Manila or Cebu from the US start at roughly $250-350. Once you're here, local transport like tricycles or motorcycles are super cheap, like ₱50-150 ($0.87-2.6) for a short trip.
In summary, for the best value, you can consider hitting up Siargao during the rainy season (June to November). Jacking Horse and Daku Island in Siargao are perfect for beginner surfers!
Philippines Trip Cost: How Much is a Trip to Philippines?
Plan Your Philippine Surf Trip: From Novice to Pro!
Let's map out a killer itinerary, hitting up some of the best surfing destinations in the Philippines - Siargao and Boracay.
Base in Boracay (4-5 days)
Boracay is famous for its beaches, and it's got some decent surfing too!
One Day or Two for White Beach Bliss! Relax and enjoy the world-famous White Beach. Swim, sunbathe, and soak up the beauty.
One Day for Boracay island hopping. Let's explore! We'll go snorkeling at Coral Garden, have some thrills at Magic Island, snorkel at Angol Point, and enjoy a beautiful sunset paraw sailing trip.
One Day for Surfing in Bulabog Beach. Bulabog Beach is the place for surfing here. It's best for intermediate to advanced surfers, and also a hotspot for kitesurfers.
Here’s a sample itinerary layout:
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siargao Arrival | Free Time |
| 2 | Siargao Land Tour | Magpupungko Tidal Pools, Sugba Lagoon, Coconut Palm Forest, Maasin River, Secret Beach |
| 3 | Siargao Island Hopping Tour | Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island |
| 4 | Siargao Surfing Day & Departure | Free Time (Cloud 9, Jacking Horse or Daku Island) |
Base in Siargao (4-5 Days)
Siargao is the undisputed surfing capital, so it's a must-visit. That's why we're starting here.
One Day for Surfing! If you're a pro, head to Cloud 9 for those legendary barrels. Beginners, don't worry, Jacking Horse or Daku Island are perfect for learning. You'll find surf schools all over the place.
One Day for Land Adventure: Check out the Magpupungko Tidal Pools, go for a swim in Sugba Lagoon, wander through the Coconut Palm Forest, have fun at Maasin River, and relax at Secret Beach.
One Day for Island Hopping Fun! Time to see those stunning islands! We'll hit Naked Island, Daku Island (great food!), and Guyam Island.
Chill Time in General Luna. Enjoy the vibe of General Luna town. There are great restaurants, bars, and shops. Or, you know, surf some more!
Here’s a sample itinerary plan:
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siargao Arrival | Free Time |
| 2 | Siargao Land Tour | Magpupungko Tidal Pools, Sugba Lagoon, Coconut Palm Forest, Maasin River, Secret Beach |
| 3 | Siargao Island Hopping Tour | Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island |
| 4 | Siargao Surfing Day & Departure | Free Time (Cloud 9, Jacking Horse or Daku Island) |
Surf Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel
Ready to surf the Philippines? With 8+ years of crafting amazing trips, Asia Odyssey Travel is your go-to for the ultimate surfing adventure. With local offices in Manila and Palawan, we're passionate about showing you the best of this incredible country!
From Cloud 9's legendary waves to hidden Philippines surfing spots, you have plenty of options.
Check out our guides on the best time to visit Philippines, your Philippines itinerary, and Philippines travel costs. Plus, we offer Philippines map to help you navigate like a local.
Let us handle the details, so you can focus on catching the perfect wave!
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