Surfing in the Philippines

The Philippines are composed of 7,107 islands and are surrounded by large bodies of water such as the roaring Pacific Ocean bordering the eastern coastline and the South China Sea in the west. The Philippines are visited by many typhoons every year, therefore the surfing sites and spots will not disappoint you. The Philippines coastline is twice as long as the United States' this means that it has very big potential to become an international surfing destination.

Surfing in the Philippines is not new. Already in the sixties, surfers enjoyed the majestic waves of the Philippines surfing sites and destinations. But they are not yet popular to the world because. The Philippines surf sites are only known to travelers who adventured and hopped from one island to the other. The Philippines surf sites are unexplored and unexploited. But they get more and more known - check them out.

Philippines surf sites and destinations can be found on the east coast and the west coast. The east coast is facing the Pacific Ocean and it gets terrific waves from the monsoons, low depression tropical storms and typhoons. See also our weather section. The west cost facing the South China Sea is not so wild and is therefore the best place for beginners.

Philippines Surf Sites by Island

1. Siargao (Mindanao)

About:
One of the best known surfing waves on Siargao and the Philippines, with a worldwide reputation for thick, hollow tubes is "Cloud 9". The wave was discovered by travelling surfers in the late 1980s. There are several other quality waves on Siargao and nearby islands, but "Cloud 9" has received more publicity than any other, indeed in the Philippines as a whole. It is the only wave easily accessible without a boat, leading to overcrowding and the nickname of "Crowd 9" among surfers worldwide. "Cloud 9" also has a reputation for being a relatively cheap destination for surfers with many cheap accommodations and restaurants and bars to choose from.

Surf Site:
Level:
Break type:
Rating:

Getting there:

Nearest town:
Nearest airport:
Accommodation:

Cloud 9
Expert
Reef (left and right breaking)

with SEAIR (only during high season, check with SEAIR), or by sea (check our sea transportation page)
General Luna
Sayak
Ocean101

2. Aparri (Luzon)

About:
Aparri lies along the Babuyan Channel of the Philippine Sea, near the mouth of the Cagayan River. There are a few locals who surf there, but absolutely nobody surfs Buguey and the waves are just the same. A typical day would be fun for a long board, but there are several days in April and May that I saw offshore winds on a head high day and wished for a board. The best spot is right behind El Presidente, and if you have a problem with swimmers then just head down the beach about 200 yards east. This is on the Northern coast of Luzon, so swell conditions will differ than those necessary for the West Coast of Luzon. Storms to the north make the surf rough and choppy, but on an offshore day it's classy.

Surf Site:
Level:
Break type:
Rating:

Getting there:

Nearest town:
Nearest airport:
Accommodation:

Pier
Beginner to Expert
Beach (left and right breaking)

by plane and bus (either from Laoag or Manila) to Aparri, there is also a small airstrip

Aparri
Laoag and Manila
Hotels Appari, Ryan, St. Patrick Garden, El Presidente in Aparri, Cagayan Valley

3. San Juan (Luzon)

About:
Just like in other areas of the province there is a strong foot hold of the Western culture in this town. But inspite of this strong western influence the people still practice the old customs and traditions even in agriculture. Approximately 8 kilometers north of San Fernando, the beach stretching from Urbiztondo to Ili Norte is dotted with tourism-related establishments. The surf in the area is ideal for surfing during the months of November to February.

Surf Site:
Level:
Break type:
Rating:

Getting there:

Nearest town:
Nearest airport:
Accommodation:

San Juan
Intermediate
Beach and Reef (right breaking)

by plane and bus (either from Laoag or Manila) to San Fernando, then by jeepney
San Fernando City
Laoag and Manila
ask for when arriving

To be continued ...

Surf Weather and Wind Forecast

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