Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island off the northeastern tip of Mindanao, in the province of Surigao del Norte, facing the open Pacific. Its fame began with surfing: the reef break at Cloud 9, near the town of General Luna, produces powerful, hollow waves that made Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines and the home of an international surfing cup. Today the island draws far more than surfers, with palm-lined roads through endless coconut groves, island-hopping to the white sandbars of Naked, Daku and Guyam islands, the tidal rock pools of Magpupungko, a turquoise lagoon at Sugba, vast mangrove forests and a relaxed food and café scene that has made General Luna one of the country’s favorite hangouts. Much of the island is a protected landscape and seascape. Siargao’s weather differs from most of the Philippines: it lies on the eastern seaboard, where the northeast monsoon makes November to February the wettest months, and the calmest, sunniest weather usually falls from about April to October.
Right now in Siargao (General Luna)
- Wed 25–30°C 77–87°F 22 mm Heavy rain
- Thu 24–28°C 76–83°F 7 mm Rain
- Fri 25–30°C 78–85°F 5 mm Showers
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch
Top tours in Siargao
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Siargao at a glance
- Best for: surfing for all levels, island-hopping, lagoons and rock pools, scooter rides through coconut groves, and a laid-back café and nightlife scene.
- How long: 4 to 5 days for the main sights; a week or more to surf or slow down.
- Best time: about April to October for sunshine and calm lagoons; September and October for the biggest surf at Cloud 9. November to February is the wettest period.
- Getting there: fly to Sayak Airport in Del Carmen from Manila, Cebu or Clark, or fly to Surigao City or Butuan and take a ferry from Surigao to Dapa.
- Getting around: rented scooters, tricycles, habal-habal motorcycle taxis and private vans; boats to the islands.
- Fees to know: small environmental and entrance fees at many sights, such as Magpupungko, Sugba Lagoon and the islands.
- Before you go: eTravel registration, visa-free stays, money and general safety are in our Philippines travel guide.
Siargao’s areas: where things are
Siargao has nine municipalities, but most visitors stay in the southeast around General Luna.
General Luna and Tourism Road
General Luna (GL), the island’s tourist hub, stretches along Tourism Road toward Cloud 9, with resorts, surf camps, guesthouses, cafés, restaurants and bars among the palm trees. The town proper has a small seafront and the port for island-hopping boats.
Cloud 9 and Catangnan
The barangay of Catangnan, north of General Luna, is home to Cloud 9’s famous wooden boardwalk and viewing tower, surf shops and accommodation close to the break.
Pacifico and the north
On the northeast coast, Pacifico in San Isidro and the town of Burgos are quieter surf spots with long beaches and a handful of resorts, about an hour from General Luna.
Dapa and Del Carmen
Dapa, the main port for ferries from Surigao City, and Del Carmen, on the west coast with the airport and huge mangrove forests, are working towns with fewer tourist facilities.
Top things to see on Siargao
Siargao and the islands around it form the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes, one of the largest protected areas in the country, covering reefs, mangroves, forests and coastline. Many sights are run by the local barangays (villages) or municipalities, which collect small environmental or entrance fees at the gate or the boat landing, so keep plenty of small bills. The main sights are spread around the island, and a full loop by scooter or van takes a long day; it is easier to split them into a southern day (the islands and General Luna), an eastern day (the coconut viewpoints, Magpupungko and Pilar) and a western day (Del Carmen and Sugba Lagoon).
Cloud 9
According to the Department of Tourism, Cloud 9 put Siargao on the global surfing map with its swells and barreling waves, and it is home to the International Siargao Surfing Cup. It is a powerful, shallow reef break best left to experienced surfers, but the boardwalk and viewing tower let anyone watch, and the area has gentler spots for beginners and intermediates. The DOT recommends March to April or September to October and notes the sunsets.
Island-hopping: Naked, Daku and Guyam
The classic “tri-island” tour from General Luna visits three very different islands. According to the DOT, Naked Island is a bare sandbar with no trees, Daku Island has a long stretch of fine sand and clear water and is a common lunch stop, and Guyam, the smallest, has rich marine life for swimming and snorkeling. Boats leave from the General Luna port. See our boat trips guide.
Magpupungko Rock Pools
In Pilar, on the east coast, a huge boulder balances on a smaller rock (Magpupungko means “to squat”), and natural pools appear among the rocks at low tide, perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. According to the DOT, the site opens daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the pools are visible only at low tide, so check the tide tables before you go.
Sugba Lagoon
On the west coast near Del Carmen, a boat ride through mangrove channels leads to Sugba Lagoon, a turquoise lagoon framed by limestone and jungle, with a floating deck, paddleboards and a diving board. Visitor numbers are managed by the local government, and entry and boat fees apply.
The mangroves of Del Carmen
Del Carmen has one of the largest continuous mangrove forests in the Philippines, home to saltwater crocodiles and many birds; kayak and boat tours explore the channels with local guides.
More classic sights
- Maasin River and its coconut-tree swing: a leaning palm over a river where visitors swing and jump in.
- The coconut-palm viewpoints: stretches of road between General Luna and Pilar with seas of palms, best at sunrise.
- Tayangban Cave Pool: a cave in Pilar where you wade and swim through a river cave.
- Alegria Beach: a long, quiet beach on the north coast, near Burgos.
- Sohoton Cove: on Bucas Grande, south of Siargao, with stingless jellyfish lakes and caves, reached on long day trips.
Surfing, diving and water sports
Surfing
Siargao has waves for every level. Beginners take lessons at gentle reef breaks and inside sections near General Luna and Cloud 9, where surf schools rent boards and provide instructors; experienced surfers head to Cloud 9, Stimpy’s, Quiksilver and Rock Island when the swell rises, or north to Pacifico. The biggest, most consistent surf usually comes from about August to November. See our surfing guide.
Diving and snorkeling
Dive centers in General Luna run trips to nearby reefs and to Sohoton Cove, and snorkeling is good around Guyam and Daku islands and in the protected areas offshore. See our snorkeling guide.
Kitesurfing and paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is popular in Sugba Lagoon and the calm bays, and a few operators offer kitesurfing in the windier months.
Other things to do on Siargao
Food and drink
General Luna has an outsized food scene for a small island: Filipino grills and seafood, wood-fired pizza, poke bowls, vegan cafés and smoothie bowls, plus excellent coffee. Try grilled tuna and fresh kinilaw (raw fish cured in vinegar and coconut milk), lechon on fiesta days, and local fruit. Nightlife moves between a few bars and beach parties on different nights of the week.
Festivals
The International Siargao Surfing Cup, held at Cloud 9 in the surf season, usually in September or October, is the island’s biggest event, with parties and crowds; book ahead.
Day trips from Siargao
- Sohoton Cove and Bucas Grande: lagoons, caves and jellyfish lakes, a full-day boat trip.
- Pacifico and Alegria Beach: the quiet north coast by scooter or van.
- The mangroves and Sugba Lagoon: a half or full day on the west coast.
- Surigao City: the provincial capital on the Mindanao mainland, across the strait, mostly a transit point.
Getting there and getting around
By air
Sayak Airport (IAO), in Del Carmen, has flights from Manila, Cebu and Clark with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific on small planes; book early, as seats are limited and fares rise in the surf season. The drive to General Luna takes about 45 minutes to an hour by van.
By ferry from Surigao City
Travelers can also fly to Surigao City or Butuan on the Mindanao mainland. According to the Department of Tourism, from the Surigao City Port and Ferry Terminal, a fast craft takes about 1.5 hours to the main port in Dapa on Siargao, and a roll-on/roll-off ferry takes more than 4 hours; from Dapa, motorcycles, vans or an e-bus continue to General Luna or Pilar. Buses link Butuan and Surigao City. Ferries stop when the Coast Guard suspends sea travel, which happens most often in the northeast-monsoon months and when tropical cyclones approach.
Around the island
Most visitors rent a scooter, the easiest way to explore, but roads have potholes, dogs and loose sand, and accidents are common; wear a helmet and avoid riding at night or after drinking. Tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) cover short trips, and private vans with drivers make day tours easy. Grab does not operate on Siargao.
When to go and how long to stay
Siargao’s climate follows the pattern of the eastern seaboard rather than the rest of the country: the northeast monsoon brings its heaviest rain from November to February, while the months from about April to October are drier and calmer, though showers can come at any time. The table uses PAGASA’s 1991–2020 normals for its Surigao City station, about 75 km (47 miles) west of General Luna across the strait, as submitted to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
| Month | Average high / low | Rain (days with 1 mm or more) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29 °C (85 °F) / 23 °C (74 °F) | 662 mm (26.0 in), 24 days | The wettest month; rough seas |
| February | 30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (74 °F) | 468 mm (18.4 in), 19 days | Very wet; frequent ferry disruptions |
| March | 31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F) | 355 mm (14.0 in), 18 days | Drying out; small surf |
| April | 32 °C (89 °F) / 24 °C (76 °F) | 210 mm (8.3 in), 15 days | Sunnier; calm lagoons |
| May | 33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F) | 120 mm (4.7 in), 10 days | The driest month; glassy seas |
| June | 33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (76 °F) | 158 mm (6.2 in), 12 days | Good weather; small surf |
| July | 32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (76 °F) | 158 mm (6.2 in), 12 days | Good weather; swell building |
| August | 33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (76 °F) | 143 mm (5.6 in), 10 days | Surf season begins |
| September | 33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (76 °F) | 181 mm (7.1 in), 12 days | Peak surf; surfing cup |
| October | 32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (76 °F) | 250 mm (9.9 in), 16 days | Good surf; rain increasing |
| November | 31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F) | 454 mm (17.9 in), 21 days | Northeast monsoon rains begin |
| December | 30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (74 °F) | 597 mm (23.5 in), 23 days | Very wet; typhoons possible |
Surigao City gets about 3,760 mm (148 in) of rain a year, one of the highest totals among the country’s main stations. Typhoons are less frequent here than in northern Luzon, but late-season storms can strike: Typhoon Odette (Rai) made landfall on Siargao in December 2021 and caused severe damage. PAGASA said in September 2026 that a strong El Niño was expected to bring below-normal rainfall to most of the country into early 2027.
4 days on Siargao
Day one, settle into General Luna and watch the sunset from the Cloud 9 boardwalk. Day two, the tri-island tour to Naked, Daku and Guyam. Day three, a scooter loop to the coconut viewpoints, Magpupungko at low tide and Maasin River. Day four, a surf lesson in the morning and Sugba Lagoon in the afternoon.
A week or more
Add Sohoton Cove, a trip north to Pacifico and Alegria Beach, and more days in the water.
Where to stay on Siargao
- General Luna and Tourism Road: the widest choice of resorts, guesthouses, restaurants and nightlife.
- Catangnan and Cloud 9: surf camps and hotels close to the main break.
- Pacifico and Burgos: quiet resorts for surfers who want empty waves.
- Pilar and the east coast: a handful of small, peaceful places near Magpupungko.
Book ahead for the surf season and Christmas.
What a trip to Siargao costs
Prices are approximate, for October 2026, converted at about ₱62.6 to the US dollar.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Van from Sayak Airport to General Luna, shared | ₱300–400 (about US$4.80–6.40) |
| Fast craft Surigao City to Dapa | ₱300–500 (about US$4.80–8) |
| Scooter rental, per day | ₱350–600 (about US$5.60–9.60) |
| Surf lesson with board and instructor, about 1.5 hours | ₱1,000–1,500 (about US$16–24) |
| Surfboard rental, per day | ₱500–800 (about US$8–13) |
| Tri-island tour, shared, with lunch | ₱1,500–2,500 (about US$24–40) per person |
| Sugba Lagoon trip with boat and fees | ₱1,500–2,500 (about US$24–40) per person |
| Meal at a café or restaurant in General Luna | ₱300–650 (about US$4.80–10) |
| Mid-range hotel double, per night | ₱3,000–7,000 (about US$48–112) |
Practical tips for Siargao
- Withdraw cash before you arrive: ATMs in General Luna and Dapa are few and often empty, and many places prefer cash.
- Check the tides: Magpupungko’s pools need low tide, and some surf breaks work only at certain tides.
- Ride carefully: scooter accidents are the most common cause of injuries; wear a helmet and avoid night riding.
- Allow buffer days: flights and ferries can be delayed or canceled by weather, especially from November to February.
- Respect the reef: wear booties on reef breaks and don’t stand on coral.
Safety
Siargao is friendly and relaxed. It lies in northeastern Mindanao, far from the areas of western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago that have security restrictions. The main risks are on the road and in the water: scooter accidents are frequent, and reef breaks such as Cloud 9 are shallow and powerful, so surf within your ability and wear a helmet and booties when appropriate. Use established surf schools and boat operators, and wear life jackets on boats. Ferries and island-hopping stop when the Coast Guard suspends sea travel, especially when PAGASA raises Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals for Surigao del Norte; late-year typhoons, such as Odette in 2021, can be severe. Petty theft from rooms and beaches occurs, and travelers in the nightlife scene should watch their drinks. Medical facilities on the island are limited, with serious cases transferred to Surigao City or beyond. Dengue occurs, so use repellent. In an emergency, call 911.
What to pack for Siargao
Swimwear and a rash guard, reef booties, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, a light rain jacket for the wet months, a dry bag for boat trips, and a helmet if you bring your own. The Philippines uses 220 V and mostly flat two-pin US-style plugs. See our rain jackets and travel adapters guides.
Siargao travel FAQ
How do I get to Siargao?
Fly to Sayak Airport in Del Carmen from Manila, Cebu or Clark, or fly to Surigao City or Butuan and take a fast craft from Surigao City to Dapa in about 1.5 hours, according to the Department of Tourism.
What is the best time to visit Siargao?
About April to October for sunny weather and calm lagoons, and September to October for the best surf. November to February is the wettest period, with rough seas.
Is Siargao good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Surf schools around General Luna teach on gentle reef breaks, while Cloud 9 itself is a powerful, shallow wave best for experienced surfers.
When is the Siargao surfing cup?
The International Siargao Surfing Cup is held at Cloud 9 during the surf season, usually in September or October; check the dates each year.
How many days do I need on Siargao?
Four to five days for the islands, Magpupungko, Sugba Lagoon and a surf lesson; a week or more if you want to surf.
Is there Grab on Siargao?
No. Rent a scooter, or use tricycles, habal-habal motorcycle taxis and vans.
Are there ATMs on Siargao?
A few, in General Luna and Dapa, but they often run out of cash; bring enough pesos from the mainland.
Is Siargao safe?
Yes, for most visitors. It is far from the areas of western Mindanao with security restrictions. The main risks are scooter accidents, powerful reef breaks and weather that can stop ferries.
When can I swim at Magpupungko?
At low tide, when the rock pools are exposed; the site opens from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. according to the Department of Tourism.
Where should I stay on Siargao?
General Luna for restaurants and nightlife, near Cloud 9 for surfing, or Pacifico and the north for peace and quiet.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Cloud 9, the International Siargao Surfing Cup and best seasons, the tri-island tour, Magpupungko’s hours and the Surigao–Dapa ferry times: the Department of Tourism; climate normals for Surigao City and the El Niño outlook: PAGASA, via the World Meteorological Organization; Grab coverage: Grab Philippines; exchange rate: the European Central Bank. Flights to Sayak, Sugba Lagoon management and fees, surf seasons and spots, Sohoton, the mangroves, Typhoon Odette and typical prices are general references or estimates, flagged for checking. Fees and schedules change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our Philippines travel guide.
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