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Young woman in swimsuit enjoying blue tropical lagoon view on Siargao Island, Philippines.

Things to do in  Siargao Island

Ready, set, Siargao

Located in the aquamarine waters of the Philippine Sea, Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island hailed as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Siargao Island is becoming more well-known, but it still has not reached the same level of popularity as Palawan, so you’re sure to find palm-fringed beaches and natural pools free from crowds.

While many of the things to do on Siargao Island involve surfing, other activities include visiting the deserted Naked Island, diving into the Magpupungko Rock Pools, and exploring the trails leading to Taktak Waterfall.

Top 1 attractions in Siargao Island

All about Siargao Island

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When to visit

The best time to visit Siargao depends on whether you want to soak up the sun or surf its world-renowned waves. The dry season runs from March through September, so it’s the perfect time for island-hopping and swimming, thanks to calmer sea conditions. For the best and biggest waves, visit from July through November; the Siargao International Surfing Cup takes place in the fall and is a great show to watch.

Getting around

Siargao’s main tourist area, General Luna, has the highest concentration of accommodations and restaurants and is easy to explore on foot. It’s also close to the Cloud 9 boardwalk, where you can watch professional surfers. To travel further afield to rock pools and secluded beaches, you’ll need to hire your own moped (only do so if you’re an experienced driver) or take a tour. Naked, Daku, and Guyam islands are only accessible by boat; island-hopping tours typically cover all three.

Traveler tips

While it might seem Siargao Island is only reserved for professional surfers, there are plenty of great spots to learn the basics or hone existing skills. Little Pony and Jacking Horse are two excellent spots for beginners taking their first lessons—the waves are gentle, and it’s close to Cloud 9. If you want a bit more of a challenge, head to Guiwan, where a palm-fringed beach serves as a gorgeous backdrop to intermediate waves.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see attractions on Siargao Island?
A:

Beyond the Cloud 9 boardwalk, the must-see attractions on Siargao Island include the mountain-fringed Sugba Lagoon, where you can rent a bamboo raft or stand-up paddleboard; Magpupungko Rock Pools, accessible at low tide; and the uninhabited Guyam Island, only home to palm trees and white-sand beaches.

Q:How many days should you spend on Siargao Island?
A:

You should spend at least three days on Siargao Island. This will give you time to relax on the beach, take an island-hopping day trip, and even try your hand at surfing. To immerse yourself in the relaxed island atmosphere that makes Siargao so popular, plan to spend 5–7 days.

Q:How do you get to Siargao Island?
A:

Flights to Siargao Island depart regularly from the capital city of Manila and from Cebu City (on Cebu island). You also can take a ferry from Surigao City to Siargao, which takes 1.5 hours and arrives at the Dapa port on the southern tip of the island.

Q:What are the best surf spots on Siargao Island?
A:

The best surf spot on Siargao Island is the famous Cloud 9 wave break. This break is reserved for expert surfers and competitions; however, a wooden boardwalk leads far out into the sea and lets you watch the professionals without getting wet. Another hot spot is Stimpy’s, accessible by boat.

Q:What local dishes should I try on Siargao Island?
A:

Siargao Island has a range of international cuisine options, from Indonesian and Italian to Mexican and American. Be sure to sample the fresh seafood (coconut-crusted shrimp is an island favorite) and traditional Filipino dishes such as crispy pork sisig (typically made with minced pork, chopped onion, and chicken liver).

Q:What are the best spots for diving and snorkeling in Siargao?
A:

The best spots for snorkeling in Siargao are Daku Island, home to colorful coral gardens, and Guyam Island, where you’ll likely see tropical fish and sea turtles. For scuba diving, the Blue Cathedral is an underwater rock formation with a vertical hole that’s a favorite among experienced divers.