Dahican Beach: Surf, Skim and Turtles in Mati City
Dahican is a seven kilometre crescent of white sand on the Pacific coast of Mati City, Davao Oriental, and the unlikely surfing capital of Mindanao. It is beginner friendly, it doubles as a sea turtle nesting ground, and it stays far quieter than the country's famous beaches. Here is what to expect, what it costs, and how to get there from Davao City.
Mati's Long Open Coast
Dahican runs along the eastern edge of Mati City in Davao Oriental, facing the open Pacific. The sand is fine and pale, the water is warm, and the beachbreak throws the kind of mellow, forgiving waves that made this stretch the surfing and skimboarding capital of Mindanao. In the Amihan season the swell is clean and consistent; in summer it drops to gentle rollers that suit first timers.
The name comes from dahik, the local word for the way sea turtles come ashore at night to nest. Sections of Dahican are a protected pawikan (turtle) sanctuary, and if you are very lucky you can catch a hatching release at dawn. Bring cash, because ATMs are scarce out here, and aim for sunrise, when the light is best and the beach is close to empty.
On the Water at Dahican
Dahican is built for anyone who wants to get in the sea. You do not need experience, and you do not need to bring your own gear.
Surfing
Soft, long rides over a sandy bottom make Dahican one of the best places in Mindanao to learn. Beginner lessons run about ₱400.00 to ₱500.00 per hour with a board and instructor included.
Skimboarding
Dahican is the skimboarding heart of the country, home to the Amihan Boys and a draw for skim events. Skim lessons run about ₱250.00 to ₱350.00 per hour with a board included.
Paddle and kayak
The calmer sections are good for stand up paddleboarding and kayaking, especially at sunrise. Rentals run about ₱300.00, and resorts arrange them.
Swim and unwind
You do not have to surf. Walk the sand, swim, watch the sunrise, or camp overnight. Beachfront grills serve fresh seafood, and kinilaw is the local favourite.
Pawikan: A Working Turtle Sanctuary
Dahican is a nesting ground for sea turtles, and the local government keeps sections of the beach protected. Resorts along the shore run night watches for egg laying and dawn hatchling releases, which are the beach's most special draw. Dugong have also been sighted offshore.
Nesting and hatching are seasonal and never guaranteed. Ask your resort about current sightings, keep a respectful distance if a turtle comes ashore, and never touch nests or hatchlings.
A Perfect Dahican Day
The beach works best as a slow day that starts early and folds in the rest of Mati.
Sunrise walk
Dahican faces east, so the sunrise over the Pacific is the reason to get up. The beach is quietest now.
Surf or skim lesson
The morning swell is at its cleanest. Book a one hour lesson and give it a try.
Seafood lunch
Eat at a beachfront grill. Order kinilaw and a cold drink, and get out of the midday sun.
Island hop Pujada Bay
Boat out to Pujada, Waniban, and Oak Island from nearby Tamisan for reef, sandbars, and snorkelling.
Sunset and turtle watch
Return for the sunset, then join a resort night watch for nesting turtles if it is the season.
What Dahican Costs
The beach itself is free. You pay for resort day use, lessons, and gear. Treat these as 2026 reference prices and confirm on the day.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beach access | FreeNo fee to walk the public beach | Open all day and night. |
| Resort day use | About ₱100.00About $1.59 / €1.39 / £1.19 | Per person at most resorts, often consumable at their restaurant. Overnight guests are usually free. |
| Surf lesson | ₱400.00 to ₱500.00About $6.36 to $7.95 / €5.55 to €6.94 / £4.76 to £5.95 | Per hour, board and instructor included. Beginner friendly with soft top boards. |
| Skim lesson | ₱250.00 to ₱350.00About $3.98 to $5.57 / €3.47 to €4.86 / £2.98 to £4.17 | Per hour, board included. |
| Paddleboard or kayak | About ₱300.00About $4.77 / €4.16 / £3.57 | Rental, arranged through the resorts. |
| Pujada Bay island hopping | About ₱4,000.00About $63.63 / €55.50 / £47.63 | Per boat, good for up to about 10 people. Pujada Island entrance is about ₱75.00 each. |
Currency conversions are approximate and shown for reference. The site header currency switcher converts live at the current rate.
Getting to Dahican Beach
Almost everyone reaches Dahican through Davao City, then overland to Mati, then a short ride to the coast. The drive passes the coastal towns of Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan.
Step 1: Fly to Davao
Fly into Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO). From the airport or Ecoland terminal, take a bus or van bound for Mati.
Step 2: Davao to Mati
A bus takes about 3 to 5 hours for roughly ₱250.00 to ₱309.00, and a van is a little faster. The road runs along the coast past Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan.
Step 3: Mati to Dahican
From the Mati bus terminal, take a tricycle or habal habal, about 15 to 20 minutes for roughly ₱150.00 to ₱200.00.
Best time to go
Surf runs October to March, with the cleanest offshore winds and the biggest swell. April to August brings smaller, glassy waves that suit beginners. Arrive before 10 AM to beat the crowd and the heat.
What to Add Around Mati
Dahican anchors a Mati itinerary. These are the stops that go with it.
Sleeping Dinosaur
The hillside viewpoint over Pujada Bay that looks like a resting dinosaur, on the road toward Maragusan.
View the guidePujada Island
One of the Pujada Bay island hopping stops, with reef, snorkelling, and a small entrance fee.
View the guideSubangan Museum
Mati's provincial museum, home to a recovered sperm whale skeleton and Davao Oriental history.
View the guideMati Beach Resorts
The full Mati resorts directory, if you want to stay on the sand overnight and pick the right property.
See the resortsCustom Shirts for Your Mati Beach Trip
RB Advertising prints custom sublimated beach shirts, rash guards, and group apparel for barkada trips and company outings across Davao Region and beyond. Match the whole crew before you go.
- Full colour sublimation with no per colour limit
- Quick dry tees and rash guards for the surf
- Your design, names, and numbers on every piece
Dahican Beach FAQs
The questions visitors ask most before heading to Mati.
Is Dahican Beach good for beginners?
Is there an entrance fee at Dahican Beach?
What is the best time to visit Dahican?
Can I see sea turtles at Dahican?
How do I get to Dahican Beach from Davao City?
What else is near Dahican Beach?
Contact RB Advertising and PHShirt
For custom beach shirts, rash guards, and group trip apparel, reach our sales desk through any of these channels.