Top Surfing Spots in the Philippines

(Jovy Avisado-Estepa/ Aug 6, 2020)

Can’t wait to get some vitamin sea? Make the most out of your sea-adventure with surfing! As the Philippines has various islands and beaches to explore, we listed top destinations to consider to help you choose your next surfing getaway:

Baler, Aurora

Best for: All Levels

Baler’s nine feet waves are one of the reasons why tourists keep on visiting the place for some surfing fun. Not only it is perfect for surfing enthusiasts, it is also home to historical sites such as Museum Baler, Doña Aurora Aragon’s House and Ermita Hill. If you want to start surfing, head to Sabang Beach and play with the waves! Don’t fret if you are a beginner. You can avail surfing tutorials from instructors for Php 300 – 500 while accommodation ranges from Php 300 - 2,000.

Best time to surf in Baler: All-year-round but the months from October to March brings in massive northerly waves.

San Juan, La Union

Best for: All Levels

Looking for some surfing fun in the north? San Juan, La Union is the perfect place for you! The province is viewed as a paradise for surfers where waves can reach as high as 8 to 10ft. If it’s your first time to ride the waves, there are surf camps scattered all over San Juan. Prices for accommodation ranges from Php 300 - 4, 000 while surfing lessons and rentals cost Php 200 per hour.

Best time to surf in San Juan: Swells in San Juan peak from July to October and November to March with competition-level waves coming in from December to January.

Photo credits: adventurouslens.com

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

Best for: Intermediate to Advanced Surfers

Famously known for its hollow and thick surfing waves called Cloud 9, Siargao is every surfing enthusiast's island paradise that competitions are held annually here as well. Before trying to dance your way along the waves, don’t forget to snap the iconic view of the walkway at the beach. Go on island hopping and explore Siargao’s magnificent islands if you want to take a break from surfing.

Best Time to Surf in Siargao: The Siargao surfing season starts in September and lasts until May, while peaking from November to February where perfect barrels become a regular occurrence at the lineup.

Photo Credits: expertvagabond.com

San Felipe, Zambales

Best for: All Levels

Don’t want to travel far from the Metro? A 3-hour drive will take you down to Zambales where you can enjoy the same swells as La Union. The ash-gray shore that seems to stretch on forever and the picturesque background of the sweeping mountain ranges have attracted tourists. If you’re a backpacker, this destination is for you as you can get an accommodation for as low as Php350 per night.

Best time to surf in Zambales: Prime surfing season is between April and September when southern swells hit the coast.

Photo Credits: iamtravelinglight.com

Real, Quezon

Best for: All Levels

If you want a smaller crowd compared to other surf destinations in the country, Real is your best bet. Real’s beach waves are comparable to Baler and La Union on a good day. There are chic and cheap surfing resorts in the province that attracts surfers from nearby cities. Chill and enjoy a nice glide with the friendly 2-4ft waves not far from the shore.

Best time to surf in Real: Surfing season in Real is from August to March, with the best waves from October to February.

Photo Credits: thepinoytraveler.com

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Best for: All Levels

Pagudpud is another gem for surfers who want the waves for themselves. Travel up north to Ilocos Norte to get the adrenaline rush. The right and left-hand beach breaks here are sure fun to ride for beginner and pro surfers. While in Pagudpud, make sure to not miss visiting the Blue Lagoon which is dubbed as the Boracay of the North.

Best Time to Surf in Pagudpud: Between August and November

Photo Credits: booksurfcamps.com

Puraran Beach, Catanduanes

Best For: Intermediate to Advanced Surfers

If you want to travel down south in search for the most coveted swells, Bicol is the perfect destination for you. For surfing enthusiasts, the province is widely known as Bicol Surfing Circuit for having 3 best surfing spots with Puraran Beach considered as the prized jewel. It is home of a world-renowned to one of the fastest and most hollow right-hand barrels in the world called Majestic.

Best time to go: Between November and February.

Can’t wait to put your surfing skills to a test? Plan your next wave escapade on one of these local destinations!

Tags: Baler Bicol La Union Pagudpud Siargao surfing