The Philippines is widely popular for its beautiful beaches, but did you know it’s also home to some of the world’s most famous surf spots? It is obvious why surfing is one of the top water sports in the Philippines, with over 7,000 islands and an exquisite coastline of over 20,000 miles.
Surfing in the Philippines is a magnificent experience not to be missed out on by those with a passion for riding the waves. Considered to be amongst the top surfing locations, surfers from all around the globe flock to experience it. Popular spots include Cloud 9 and San Juan.
Whether you’re seeking out a genuine adventure with exhilarating waves, cultural fulfillment, or a quiet, calm retreat, the Philippines is undoubtedly the place to go. With a number of incredible surf spots too great to list, come and discover why The Pearl of the Orient Seas is the perfect surfing destination for you!
Surfing In Philippines
The Republic of the Philippines offers a laid-back island feel that is simply contagious, with a total coastline spanning a massive 22,548 miles (36,289 kilometers). Its white-sand beaches and blue-tinged waters make it a perfect spot for surfers wishing to relax or catch some of the world’s most magnificent waves.
It’s a perfect place for surfers looking for a surfing paradise where they can enjoy the sun and the scenery while catching some of the world’s best waves.
The Philippines is considered by many to be one of the top summer vacation spots globally. Anyone will be awestruck by the area’s natural beauty, which includes crystal clear water in various shades of blue and immaculate white-sand beaches.
In general, the most excellent time frame to go surfing in the Philippines is in August through early November. The shore receives the most typhoon swells and the best winds for surfing at this time of year. The surf is usually smaller in May, June, and July, but when it is on, the conditions are fantastic.
However, it is less constant at this time of year, and arranging a surf trip can be a bit of a gamble. Winds are often intense and cross the coast from December to April. Many surfers love to arrange their travels during this time of year since the waves are always beautiful and prominent. In the Philippines, this is a fantastic time to go surfing.
The Best Surf Spots In The Philippines
Without further a due, let us discover some of the best spots that have made the Philippines a world-renowned surfing destination.
Baler – Aurora
Starting with what’s considered the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines, Baler is a favorite surfing spot for both Manila visitors and international visitors looking for the thrill of the waves. Many people come to Baler to surf and get surfing lessons, and almost always become repeat visitors.
The long shoreline of Baler is now lined with hostels, chic cafes, and high-end restaurants, creating a communal ambiance where travelers, artists, and locals interact over their shared passion for surfing.
The most favorable time to go surfing in Baler is pretty much all year. However, the months of October to March produce huge northerly swells highly favored by the surfers who come to Baler.
As a fun fact, the old popular movie Apocalypse Now was shot in the late 1970s at the beach village of Baler. It was here where the camera crew unintentionally introduced the sport of surfing to the people of the Philippines. Many locals would gather to watch and learn during the filming. Surfing became widely popular in the country after the crew had left.
Calicoan Island – Eastern Samar
Eastern Samar has a plethora of surfing places that have yet to be discovered. When it comes to tourism and surfing, the province is a diamond in the rough, with a wild and mountainous coastline. This is a spot that you do not want to miss out on!
Calicoan Island was previously one of the Philippines’ top surfing destinations before Typhoon Haiyan wiped out most of Eastern Samar. However, Calicoan Island has since recovered and been rebuilt and is now organizing national surfing contests and inviting visitors seeking the most extraordinary surfing opportunities in the Philippines.
Eastern Samar’s beaches cater to beginner to advanced surfers, and the hollow, strong, barreling waves are among the top-rated in the Philippines. Calicoan Island receives some of the tremendous Pacific Ocean waves, and the exposed reef breaks make it a paradise for expert surfers.
San Juan – La Union
The exquisite town of San Juan is home to La Union’s main surfing beach. It is known as the surfing hub of the Northern Philippines because of its pristine, world-class waves. On a good day, the waves at San Juan can reach heights of 8 to 10 feet.
There are three peaks of various wave intensities in San Juan, so all surfers may find a spot that suits them, and even beginners can feel at ease. The Beach Break, The Bowl, and The Point are the only three breaks on San Juan’s beach. Depending on the southwest monsoons, the surfing season runs from October to April and July to September.
For those who might be interested in upping their skill with some surfing lessons, there are lovely surf camps all across San Juan, including the world-renowned Billabong Surf Camp, which is run by well-known surfer Luke Landrigan.
San Juan is also home to a variety of world-class facilities, from luxury hotels to boutique hostels that have been fashioned out of shipping containers, as well as some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. It’s no question that San Juan is a haven for surfers.
Cloud 9 – Siargao Island
Cloud 9 in Siargao is the number one destination for experienced and beginner surfers alike because of its excellent barreling right-hand reef break. If you travel across the island, you’ll come across foreigners who came to Siargao for a vacation and never left.
For surfers and beachgoers alike, this suitably named island in the southern province of Surigao Norte can undoubtedly be referred to as an island paradise. The swells at Cloud 9 can be powerful; therefore, they are best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
On the island, surf camps provide training for adventurous novices as long as you wear a surf helmet and come to terms with the fact that wipeouts are pretty much guaranteed to happen.
Between September and May, the waves are at their most spectacular. September through October, as well as March through May, are the most remarkable months to be surfing the Cloud 9 waves if you are an intermediate surfer.
The months of November through February are known as the big wave season for more advanced surfers, where demanding world-class waves can be experienced. However, there is also a higher likelihood of rain during this period, so do keep that in mind.
Conclusion
With roughly over 7,000 islands making up the country’s land, and a spot to surf found on nearly each one of them, surfers in the Philippines are undoubtedly spoilt for choice! It is easy to perceive why this is one of the top-rated places to surf in the world. Grab your board, book your ticket, and get ready for the surfing experience of a lifetime!
