The Surf Window

Surigao del Norte

Caraga, Philippines

Reef breakAdvanced

On Mindanao's northeast coast facing the Philippine Sea, Surigao del Norte is the gateway to Siargao Island and home to its own reef and beach breaks, powerful Pacific swells in a region where island-hopping and surf go hand in hand.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–E 1.5–3m at 12–16s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef and beach break

Bottom

Coral and sand

Shape

Various, reef passes and beach peaks

Length

60–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Coral reef breaks in strong Pacific swell require experience

Hazards

  • •Coral reef, booties recommended
  • •Typhoon risk September–November
  • •Remote mainland coastline with limited services

Local Tips

  • •Surigao City is the jump-off for Siargao, ferries run regularly to the island
  • •The mainland coast around Surigao has undiscovered reef breaks worth exploring by boat
  • •The island-hopping culture of the region makes every day an adventure

Location

Map showing the location of Surigao del Norte in Caraga, Philippines

9.7833, 125.4833