Siargao Island: Complete Guide to Surigao del Norte
Siargao is the teardrop shaped island in Surigao del Norte that turned the Philippines into a surf destination and stayed for the beaches, lagoons, rock pools, and palm roads. This hub gathers the island's headline attractions, how to reach them, when to go, and where to base yourself, so you can plan a trip from one page.
Where Siargao Is
Siargao sits off the northeast coast of Mindanao in Surigao del Norte province, facing the Pacific Ocean. It is the province's largest island and the reason the country is called the surfing capital of the Philippines. The island is small enough to cross in a morning and varied enough to fill a week: surf breaks on the southeast, tidal rock pools on the east, lagoons and mangroves on the northwest, and palm lined roads everywhere in between.
Almost every trip starts and ends in General Luna in the south, the tourism hub where the surf breaks, bars, and restaurants cluster. Cloud 9 is a few minutes north of town. The airport is on the other side of the island in Del Carmen, near the lagoons.
The Headline Attractions
These are the spots most visitors build a Siargao itinerary around. Open the full guide for each.
Cloud 9
The world famous right hand reef break and boardwalk in General Luna, home of the Siargao International Surfing Cup.
Cloud 9 guideMagpupungko Rock Pools
The tidal pools and balancing rock in Pilar, revealed only at low tide. The island's other headline natural wonder.
Magpupungko guideCoconut Farm View Deck
The panoramic palm plantation viewpoint, one of the postcard images of Siargao.
View deck guideSayak Airport
How flights reach the island at Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, and what to expect on arrival.
Airport guideTagum to Siargao
The overland route from Davao del Norte, by bus or van to Surigao then ferry to Dapa Port.
Route guideDavao to Siargao
The full guide from Davao City to the island, by air or overland, plus how to reach General Luna.
Travel guideHow to Get to Siargao
There are two ways in: fly to Sayak Airport, or take a ferry from Surigao City to Dapa Port. Flying is faster and more popular; the ferry suits travellers already in Mindanao.
By air to Sayak Airport
The island airport (IAO) is at Sayak in Del Carmen, on the northwest side, about an hour from General Luna by van or scooter. Flights connect through Cebu, and also from Manila and Clark on some carriers. AirAsia and other carriers have added capacity in recent years.
By ferry to Dapa Port
Roll on roll off ferries and boats cross from Surigao City on the mainland to Dapa Port on Siargao. This is the route most travellers coming overland from Mindanao use, and it links up with the Tagum and Davao bus network.
Getting around the island
Rent a scooter for about ₱300.00 to ₱500.00 (about $4.77 to $7.95 / €4.16 to €6.94 / £3.57 to £5.95) per day, or take a habal habal or tricycle for short hops. The main roads are paved and easy to ride.
Once you land
Most visitors base in General Luna, about 45 to 60 minutes from the airport. Vans and transfers meet the flights, or you can arrange a scooter hire in town.
When to Visit Siargao
Siargao has two useful seasons. The dry months suit beaches, lagoons, and island hopping. The second half of the year brings the surf.
Dry season, March to May
Hot, sunny days and calm seas, ideal for the beaches, Sugba Lagoon, island hopping, and the rock pools at Magpupungko. This is also when beginners find the smaller, cleaner waves at Cloud 9.
Surf season, August to November
Pacific typhoon swells build the big, consistent surf that made the island famous, peaking in September and October, when the Siargao International Surfing Cup is held at Cloud 9.
Typhoon season. Siargao sits in the Pacific typhoon belt. If you travel between June and December, watch forecasts and keep some flexibility in your plans, especially for ferry crossings and island hopping.
Where to Stay on Siargao
Where you stay shapes the trip. Most first timers pick General Luna for access to the surf, food, and nightlife, and the two other areas suit a quieter or more northern trip.
General Luna
The main tourism hub in the south: the surf breaks, Cloud 9, the widest choice of hotels and hostels, and the best concentration of restaurants and bars. Best for first visits and surf trips.
Del Carmen and the northwest
The lagoon side, beside Sayak Airport and close to Sugba Lagoon and the boat trips to Sohoton Cove and Bucas Grande. Best for nature focused trips and lagoon hopping.
Pacifico and the north
A quieter surf town on the north coast, away from the General Luna crowds, with its own breaks and a slower pace. Best for return visitors and long stays.
Pilar and the east coast
The east coast town closest to Magpupungko Rock Pools, handy if the tidal pools and Tayangban Cave Pool are the priority.
More to See on Siargao
Once the headline spots are done, these fill out the rest of a week on the island.
- Sugba Lagoon. The turquoise lagoon and diving platform at Del Carmen, reached by boat, one of the island's best day trips.
- Maasin River. The famous bent palm tree swing over the river, an easy stop on the road to the east coast.
- Tayangban Cave Pool. A short cave swim that ends in a fresh water pool and a cliff jump, near Pilar.
- Tri-island hopping. The classic boat day to Daku, Guyam, and Naked Island, with sandbars and shallow reef.
- Sohoton Cove and Bucas Grande. The lagoon and jellyfish sanctuary reached from Del Carmen, usually paired with Sugba Lagoon.
- Pacifico Beach. The laid back northern surf beach, one of the island's best stretches of sand.
- Alegria Beach. A long quiet white sand beach on the north coast, good for a slow afternoon.
- Catangnan Bridge. A small wooden bridge and sunset spot just outside General Luna.
Siargao in Pictures
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Siargao FAQs
The questions first time visitors ask most.
Where is Siargao Island?
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What is the best time to visit Siargao?
Where should I stay on Siargao?
What are the must see attractions on Siargao?
Is Siargao good for non surfers?
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