Mindanao

Siargao

Surigao del Norte · Philippines

A teardrop-shaped island in the far southeast, the country's surfing capital, wrapped in mangroves, tidal pools, and palm-lined roads.

Places to visit

General Luna

The reef break that put Siargao on the map, with a wooden boardwalk and tower for watching surfers even if you don't paddle out.

Pilar

Natural tidal pools revealed at low tide, with a deep clear pool for swimming and cliff jumping; time your visit to the tides.

Del Carmen

A vivid green lagoon reached by boat through the mangroves, with a diving platform, paddleboards, and kayaks.

A classic three-island day trip: sandbar-like Naked Island, palm-filled Daku, and tiny Guyam.

Gentle beginner breaks like Jacking Horse make Siargao a great place for a first lesson; General Luna is full of instructors.

Surf is biggest from roughly August to November; March to May brings calmer seas and sunnier island-hopping weather.

Rent a motorbike or hire a habal-habal; the island is small and the fun is in exploring the coastal roads.