Catanduanes
Bicol, Philippines
Reef breakAdvanced
A typhoon-battered island off the southeastern tip of Luzon, Catanduanes is the Philippines' most powerful surf destination, where massive typhoon groundswells slam into exposed reef breaks with extraordinary force.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
W
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
September–February
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Right (primarily, at Puraran)
Bottom
Coral reef
Shape
Heavy, hollow right-hand barrels, thick lips and powerful, barrelling sections on typhoon swells
Length
40–100m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: Typhoon-generated swell is powerful, unpredictable, and relentless, advanced reef experience required.
Hazards
- •Shallow coral reef
- •Typhoon conditions can make the ocean genuinely life-threatening
- •Very remote, limited medical access
- •Unpredictable swells from tropical cyclones
Local Tips
- •Catanduanes is nicknamed "Land of the Howling Winds", respect the weather; typhoons can arrive rapidly.
- •Puraran Beach is the main surfing destination on the island; accommodation is basic but the waves are extraordinary.
Location
13.7086, 124.2422