Adventures and Sports
6 Super Surfing Sites in Mindanao: Make This Your Checklist!
Ida Damo | Sep 21, 2014

Siargao’s Cloud 9 might be the most popular surf haven in Mindanao, but the Philippines' "Land of Promise" has plenty more choices to learn how to surf (if you're a beginner) or to hone your talents (if you've already been stoked).
Here are six superb surf spots across the country's southern island group.
(Surigao surfing photos from Manuel Melindo/Wilmar Photography.)
1) Lanuza (Surigao del Sur)
Located in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Lanuza isn't that far from its more famous neighbor, Cloud 9 in Siargao.
The best time to be there is in November to March, as the big waves are in constant motion. Lanuza has an assortment of surfing areas to choose from, from reef breaks (waves breaking on a coral reef or rock seabed) to beach breaks (waves breaking on a sand bottom beach).
(Lanuza, Ayoke and Tomasitos info from wannasurf.com.)
2) Ayoke (Surigao del Sur)

A neighbor of Lanuza, Ayoke Island is 30-45 minutes away from the port of Cantilan. It has a natural seawall but the waves breaking on it are a surfer’s dream.
3) Dahican Beach (Davao Oriental)
Although more popular as a skimboarding haven, the white beaches of Dahican in Mati City also offer worthy surfing spots.
In fact, it's a great place to learn how to surf. Surfboards can be rented and instructors are available for those who want to try out the waves.
Best of all, there are other activities to enjoy in Dahican, from flying an ultralight plane to getting down & dirty in a sizzling beach party.
VIEW: Sleeping Dinosaurs to Sizzling Beach Parties: 4 Reasons Why Mati is a Must-Visit
VIEW: Make Dahican your jump-off point to Davao with the Choose Philippines Davao Map:
4) Tomasitos (Surigao del Sur)
Located in Cortes, Surigao del Sur, Tomasitos is an exposed reef break. Needless to say, It's for experienced surfers.
The place has fast powerful waves and the bottom is a reef with sharp rocks and corals. Urchins are also very abundant.
5) Tandag (Surigao del Sur)
Tandag is one big surf paradise especially from July to November when the big swells come. But from December to April, good swells can still be enjoyed.
The surfing spots: Marami Beach (ideal for beginners), Tago, Glenda’s, Jelly’s Point, Moshi-Moshi (reached by boat), and Big Star (for advanced/experienced surfers).
How to get there:
PAL flies daily to Surigao or Butuan City from Manila. From Surigao, take a bus to Tandag City (Dennis Overland and Nembusco). From Butuan, take a bus (Bachelor Express and Superstar Lines). You can also take a jeepney or van to Tandag.
(Tandag surfing spots info from li-estoesta.)
6) Siargao Island (Surigao del Norte)
Save the best for the last!
Siargao’s Cloud 9 is a surfing spot popular throughout the international surfing circles. The whole area is classified as such:
- Jockeying Horse for the beginners
- Quicksilver for the intermediate class
- Cloud 9 for the professionals
Know more about getting high on a wave in Siargao’s Cloud 9.
You can also view the schedules for the National and International Surfing Cups in Siargao this September.
VIEW: See what to bring home from Mindanao with the Choose Philippines Pasalubong Map:
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