Siargao

Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island off the north-east coast of Mindanao, facing the open Pacific. Its fame rests on Cloud 9, a hollow right-hand reef break off General Luna that has hosted international competitions and gave the island its reputation. The island now has a well developed surf scene, with schools, camps and resorts concentrated along the road between General Luna and Cloud 9. Cloud 9 is a powerful, shallow wave suited to experienced surfers, and other reefs nearby include Quicksilver, Stimpy's, Rock Island and Tuason. For beginners, Jacking Horse next to Cloud 9 and the outer reefs at Pacifico and Daku Island offer gentler options on the right swell, and many schools take students by boat to softer waves. The main season runs from about August to November, when typhoon swells from the Pacific combine with south-west winds that blow offshore at Cloud 9. From December to March, the north-east monsoon brings bigger swells but onshore winds, while April to July is often small. Siargao has an airport at Sayak, near Del Carmen, with flights from Manila, Cebu and Clark, and it is around 45 minutes by road to General Luna. Ferries also run from Surigao City on Mindanao. The island suits experienced surfers in the main season, and improvers and beginners who want a lively social scene and island hopping between sessions. Browse the surf schools, camps and resorts in Siargao below.