📸 Beaches in Siargao Island — tap to view full
Siargao Island is widely recognized as the surfing capital of the Philippines, but its appeal extends well beyond riding waves. The island offers a varied collection of beaches — from energetic surf breaks and tidal rock pool areas to quiet sandbars and remote stretches of sand that see very few visitors. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, there is a beach here suited to your pace and purpose.
Before you head out, one practical note: tides matter significantly on Siargao Island. Many beaches sit over shallow coral reef, which means that at low tide, the water recedes considerably and swimming becomes difficult or impossible. Checking a tide table before planning your beach day will save you a lot of disappointment. Equally important, bring cash — many beach entrance points and food stalls do not accept cards.
If you are still planning your trip, you can book your Surigao to Siargao ferry conveniently at travelasiargao.com before you set off.
Cloud 9 is the defining beach of Siargao's surf identity. Located in the town of General Luna, it produces world-class waves that draw experienced surfers from across the globe. The beach itself is not ideal for casual swimming due to its powerful break and a sharp, shallow reef underneath — but it is very much worth visiting for the atmosphere. A wooden boardwalk extends out over the water to a viewing platform, giving spectators an up-close look at surfers in action. The area around Cloud 9 is lined with cafes, restaurants, and board rental shops, and it is a popular spot to watch the sun go down in the late afternoon.
Located on the eastern side of the island, roughly 45 minutes by road from General Luna, Magpupungko is best known for its dramatic tidal rock pools. These natural formations are only accessible at low tide — at high tide, the area is submerged and entry is not permitted for safety reasons. At low tide, however, the pools are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. There is a small entrance fee of around 50 pesos. What many visitors overlook is that next to the rock pools there is also a wide sandy beach with coconut trees, food stalls, and bars. Once you are done exploring the pools, the beach itself provides a calm place to relax.
Alegria Beach sits on the northern coast of the island, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by scooter from General Luna. The drive up is scenic — passing through palm forests and small villages — and the beach itself rewards the effort. Unlike most other beaches on Siargao, Alegria has a wide sandy seabed that keeps the water swimmable even at low tide. It stays calm and relatively uncrowded. If you want to combine the trip north with other stops, Magpupungko Rock Pools and TakTak Falls make good additions along the way.
One of the most popular activities on Siargao is the tri-island hopping tour, which departs from the General Luna port and covers three small islands in a single day. Group tours can cost as little as around USD 25 per person, often including a communal lunch. Private tours are also available if you want to arrive early before the crowds.
Naked Island is a small, bare sandbar with no vegetation whatsoever — just white sand surrounded by clear, shallow water. It is considered one of the best spots for swimming and snorkeling on the entire island. Daku Island is the largest of the three and features a wide sandy beach, a small fishing community, fresh seafood, and shaded areas with nipa huts. Many island-hopping tours stop here for a traditional boodle fight lunch, with food served on banana leaves. Guyam Island is a tiny circular island that can be walked around in under ten minutes. It has a small bar, sunbathing chairs, and coconut sellers, and works well as a final stop to wind down after the day's activities.
Secret Beach, also known locally as Guiwan Beach, is located about 15 minutes by road from General Luna. Despite the name, it is not entirely off the tourist map, but it does remain noticeably less busy than Cloud 9 or the island-hopping circuit. The beach is best visited at mid-tide — it becomes too shallow at low tide and loses much of its sandy area at high tide. There are palm trees for shade, and the water is calm enough for wading and relaxed swimming. It is also used as a beginner surf break.
Pacifico Beach, in the San Isidro area on the northern side of the island, is a long stretch of white sand that offers good waves for both beginners and intermediate surfers. Board rentals and lessons are readily available from local instructors at the beach. The area around Pacifico is noticeably quieter than General Luna, and some travelers now choose it as their base specifically to avoid the busier south. Note that at low tide, much of the shoreline becomes rocky and swimming is limited — high tide is the better time to visit.
Doot Beach is just a 10-minute drive southeast of General Luna, making it one of the closest quiet beach options to the main tourist hub. It is calm, less developed, and offers a sheltered swimming area. Activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are possible here as well. Some visitors use it as a convenient half-day escape rather than a full-day excursion, given its short travel time from General Luna.
Most beaches on the island charge a small entrance fee, and some also have parking fees. Bring your own sunscreen as it tends to be expensive locally and quality can vary. A dry bag is worth carrying on any boat trip to protect phones and valuables. Water shoes or old sneakers are helpful at rocky spots like Magpupungko. For getting around the island independently, scooter rentals in General Luna typically run around PHP 300 to 350 per day, which gives you the flexibility to visit multiple beaches at your own pace. If you prefer not to drive yourself, tricycles and private drivers are available for hire throughout the day.
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