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Surfing in the Philippines: Top Spots and Tips

The Philippines has become a top destination for surfers looking for adventure and world-class waves. Made up of over 7,000 islands, the country offers countless surf spots, with its beautiful beaches and incredible scenery making it the ideal location for a tropical getaway!

From the famous Cloud 9 in Siargao to the peaceful shores of Pagudpud, surfing in the Philippines is a unique experience. The variety of waves available, the warm, tropical climate, and the friendly local surf culture create an inviting atmosphere for anyone visiting!

Beyond surfing, there’s plenty more to explore. You can go island hopping, explore vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling or diving, enjoy delicious local food, and immerse yourself in the rich local culture. The combination of surfing and adventure makes the Philippines a perfect destination for an unforgettable surf trip!

Best Surf Spots in the Philippines

Siargao Island

Often referred to as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, Siargao Island is famous for Cloud 9 – a powerful, shallow reef break that will have more experienced surfers frothing. For surfers looking for gentler options, Bumee and Cemetary offer more manageable rides and nearby spots like Jacking Horse and Guiuan provide ideal waves for beginners. The island’s laid-back vibe also makes it a great place to relax when you’re not surfing!

Baler

In the province of Aurora, you’ll find Baler – a small town filled with rich history and culture. The warm and welcoming community adds to the charm of this spot, and there’s plenty to explore in the local area! Baler’s Sabang Beach is known for its long, sandy shores and consistent waves, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers.

La Union

To the north of Manila in the La Union region, lies San Juan and Urbiztondo Beach – the main surfing spot in the area, which features a perfect selection of beach, reef, and point breaks that can cater to all levels of surfer. La Union also boasts a vibrant nightlife and excellent dining options, blending surf culture and modern amenities to make it a favorite among younger surfers and travelers!

Pagudpud

Located in Ilocos Norte, The Blue Lagoon is the most popular surf spot in Pagudpud. Known for its incredibly clear water and picturesque setting, the stunning beaches and manageable waves are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. The area is more remote and less crowded than other surf spots, providing a peaceful environment for those looking to es

What Makes Surfing in the Philippines Unique

Tropical Weather Conditions

The tropical weather in the Philippines is ideal for surfing year-round. With warm temperatures and consistent swells, you can enjoy the waves without the need for a wetsuit. The rainy season, which runs from June to October, can bring larger swells, making it a great time for more experienced surfers. Throughout the rest of the year, smaller, more manageable waves are perfect for beginners and casual surfers.

Friendly Local Surf Culture

The local surf culture in the Philippines is welcoming and friendly. Filipino surfers are known for their hospitality and willingness to share tips and advice. Many surf areas have surf schools and local instructors who can help beginners get started and the local friendliness makes the surf spots feel inclusive and community-driven!

Affordable Travel and Accommodation

Traveling and staying in the Philippines can be surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re a backpacker or looking for a more luxurious stay, there are options to suit every budget. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hostels to high-end, luxury resorts. Local food is delicious and inexpensive, allowing you to enjoy the local cuisine without breaking the bank.

Essential Tips for Surfing in the Philippines

Choosing the Right Time of Year

The country has two main surfing seasons: the southwest monsoon (Habagat) from June to October and the northeast monsoon (Amihan) from November to April. For bigger waves, you’ll want to plan your visit during the Habagat season. For smaller, more beginner-friendly waves, the Amihan season is ideal. Checking local surf forecasts can also help you choose the best time to hit the waves!

Packing Must-Have Surf Gear

Make sure to pack the essentials! A surfboard suited to your skill level, rash guards, board shorts, and waterproof sunscreen – don’t forget a spare leash leash, wax, and a first-aid kit. A reusable water bottle and eco-friendly toiletries are also useful items to take with you and depending on the time of year, you might want a wetsuit – but usually, the water is warm enough that isn’t necessary.

Navigating Local Etiquette and Customs

Understanding and respecting local customs can enhance your experience in the Philippines. Always greet locals with a smile and a simple “hello” or “kumusta” (how are you?) and dress modestly when you’re not at the beach. It always goes down well to learn a few basic phrases in the local language and remember to respect marine life and local environments!

Additional Activities to Enjoy

Island Hopping Adventures

The Philippines offers incredible island-hopping adventures, with pristine beaches, hidden lagoons, and breathtaking views all waiting to be discovered. There are plenty of island-hopping tours available, taking you to popular spots like Palawan’s El Nido, The Hundred Islands, and Coron. These trips often include snorkeling, beach picnics, and the chance to explore secluded coves – making a perfect break from surfing and letting you soak in the surrounding natural beauty!

Snorkeling and Diving

The rich marine biodiversity makes the Philippines perfect for snorkeling and diving, with dive spots like Cabilao Island, Apo Reef, and Tubbataha Reefs all being world-renowned. Snorkeling is also accessible in many areas, allowing you to see stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life – the perfect way to explore the underwater world when you’re not surfing!

Exploring Local Food and Culture

Don’t miss out on experiencing the local food and culture! Filipino cuisine offers classic dishes like adobo and sinigang, alongside fresh seafood that is amongst the best in the world. You’ll find great local markets and authentic street food all around the islands, and at certain times of the year, there are local festivals and cultural activities to enjoy!

 

Surfing in the Philippines offers an incredible blend of great waves, friendly locals, and stunning scenery. From the laid-back vibes of La Union to the world-famous Cloud 9 in Siargao, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. 

There’s more to visiting the Philippines than just the epic surf. The activities are endless – from island hopping adventures to exploring marine life through snorkeling and diving. Add to that the rich local culture and delicious cuisine, and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable trip!

Get in touch with AWAVE Travel and speak with one of our Surf Travel Agents for personalized service and expert advice on planning your ultimate surf trip!

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Customer Reviews

AWAVE Travel

Customer Reviews

Jose Luis Villalon 07/10/2024

TrustPilot
Great experience! Great communication throughout the entire process. A knowledgeable team giving advice considering individual needs and a great result at the end. It was a seamless experience and I will use them again for my next travel!

Stella 02/07/2024

TrustPilot
AWAVE Travel exceeded all my expectations! From the seamless booking process. The team was incredibly attentive and made sure every detail of our trip was taken care of. I can't wait t book my next adventure with them!

Xabi Fernandez 09/08/2024

TrustPilot
I stayed at Seasons Paradise 10 days in Maldives. Talked with Carlotta from Awave, it was really helpful every time! The destination was perfect, about to repeat! Good price ratings and perfect service both Awave and Seasons.

Christopher Tabone 03/09/2024

TrustPilot
My wife and I booked an 8 day surf charter on the Gahaa with a dedicated surf guide Moussa who was worth his weight in gold knowing what breaks would be firing and his knowledge of marine life and Maldivian environment enlightening for my wife and I. From the initial booking and contact Guilia at AWAVE made the whole process seamless communication was excellent. I have traveled extensively and surfed many parts of the world this trip truly exceeded my expectations the crew were incredible taking us to excellent surf and snorkeling locations. The boat itself is a converted fishing Dohni that exudes old world charm is clean and meticulously cared for. The meals prepared for us were nothing short of exceptional excellent variety and plenty of it a mix of western and Maldivian fare. We are definitely coming back and certainly using AWAVE again! Thank you Giulia and Moussa our trusted surf guide who gave us incredible insights into Maldivian culture.

Marco 02/08/2024

TrustPilot
Absolutely Recommended. Giulia and James are top professionals: I will be using Awave for all my future surf trips. I have been surfing for 30 years and travelled the world so I have dealt with a lot of agents. Awave is in the top spot as far as I am concerned. I spent 10 days with them on a boat trip in Maldives’ central atolls: not only their recommendations were spot on but being a boutique agency they tailor the surf experience to the very specific needs. They are surfers (real chargers) and know personally each spot and surf operator they recommend (wtether it is a guest house or a resort or a boat).

Michael Dunn 26/09/2024

TrustPilot
Absolutely amazing 8 day trip with my wife to Maldives visiting Club Med Kani. Carlotta at Awave travel was outstanding in organising everything and getting us the best deal,we are already looking at next year returning and will be sure to be booking with Carlotta and Awave again! Club Med Kani is outstanding for everything, Surf spot in island is Ninjas,easy paddle from shore! Food,drinks,staff,surf guides,brilliant!!! Accommodation excellent!! Tons of activities on island to enjoy, not just the surf!! Sailing, snorkelling, paddle boards, just to name some! Staff on the island added some very special touches to help us celebrate wedding anniversary also! Only regret was not staying 2 weeks!

Bruno 07/10/2024

TrustPilot
Great experience from start to finish. Giulia was awesome and helpful. I strongly recommend this travel agency.

Lissette De Boer 30/06/24

Google
Giulia was incredibly helpful in booking our surf trip! Strongly recommend using AWAVE for any surf packages. We will definitely be contacting her again. Thank you!

Fabs Alegria 19/05/24

TrustPilot
Trip of a lifetime. First and foremost I'd like to thank James Colston from Awave Travel, for assisting me in every which way to help book one of the most memorable experiences I've had in my life. He was extremely responsive and answered every single question I had, even the dumb ones haha. As for AYADA, holy dooly, that place is paradise! Absolutely breathtaking, I couldn't believe I was actually walking around such a beautiful island! Big love to the staff at Magu Restaurant, seeing as how I ate there pretty much everyday, they were amazing! Very switched on and quick off the mark to help with anything that was needed. A special mention to Dhaboa and the captain who took me out surfing! I cannot speak highly enough about their friendly, helpful and straight up on point expertise. With Dhaboa picking the spots to surf and tips on where to sit to catch the best waves on the day, to the wonderful captain himself, filming and sending me videos of the waves I caught.
Absolute legends! Made my surf trip! Best holiday I've ever been on to this date.

Carlos 30/06/24

TrustPilot
Reliable travel agency to book a surf trip - Both Giulia and James were very reactive and adivsed on the best options. In our case we made a boat trip in Maldives. It is the second time we use Awave Travel to do a surftrip to Maldives and we have had a very good experience in both cases. They are a reliable and trustworthy travel agency, I highly recommend them.
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