Highlights
- Swim in the stunning Sugba Lagoon
- Take surf lessons with a personal instructor at a world-renowned surf spot
- Discover paradise both below and above the water on the tiny Guyam Island
- Soak away the day in the Magpupungko Rock Pools
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Del Carmen, Transfer to General Luna | Siargao |
| Day 2 | Island-Hopping Cruise Around Siargao | Siargao |
| Day 3 | Tour of the Magpupungko Rock Pools & Sugba Lagoon | Siargao |
| Day 4 | Surfing Lessons & Beach Time in Siargao | Siargao |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Del Carmen, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Del Carmen, Transfer to General Luna
Welcome to Siargao! Look for your welcome sign at the airport in Del Carmen and hop into the minivan with your driver. You've just landed in the surf capital of the Philippines, but adventure capital might be a better nickname. From rock climbing to caving and, of course, surfing, Siargao is the place to be for the adventurous at heart. After getting settled in at your accommodation in General Luna, take a breath and relax into the slow pace of island life among Siargao's notoriously dense palm forests and white-sand beaches. The Spanish didn't name it "Isla de las Palmas" for nothing.
Despite its status as a major surf destination and its idyllic, tropical beauty, Siargao remains somewhat unknown when compared to other Southeast Asian destinations like Phuket. Located in the southern Philippines' Surigao del Norte province, Siargao is a relatively small island. The nightlife in General Luna is legendary and while it's certainly easy to partake in the slightly raucous affairs, it's also easy to avoid. Head out for dinner this evening and if you're interested in the party scene, it won't be difficult to find. There's a celebration for each night of the week, held at a different bar around town.
Day 2: Island-Hopping Cruise Around Siargao
Grab a quick breakfast and meet your guide at reception around 10 am—you're headed out on an island-hopping adventure off Siargao's southern coast. Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island await your arrival by boat. You'll make a pit stop at Daku Island, a preview of later in the day, to drop off your lunch—it's being cooked here. While things heat up on Daku, make your way to the tiny, palm-fringed island of Guyam. If ever there was a deserted island, Guyam looks the part. Hang out here, exploring, until your lunch is ready to be served.
Once you're back on Daku, feast on a barbecue lunch beneath the palm trees with plenty of beverages to go around. After some more sun and swimming, it's on to Naked Island. Named for its barren landscape, not a single tree or structure dots this strip of powdered sugar sand in the middle of the ocean. It's the perfect spot to say paalam to the sun as it dips beneath the surface of the sea and paints the sky in hues of pink and you start the cruise back to Siargao.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Tour of the Magpupungko Rock Pools & Sugba Lagoon
It's another day full of adventure! You'll be picked up at 10 am, or close to low tide, by your local guide. The first stop of the day is one for the memories—the Magpupungko Rock Pools. Set against the backdrop of the open ocean, these azure rock pools are carved from the jagged coastline and protected from the sea by a rocky shelf. Savor the moment, swimming and jumping into the water from nearby boulders, or simply enjoy their beauty from the edge. Once you've worked up an appetite, a barbecue lunch will be served in the sand.
Afterward, it's time to head to one of the most famous—and jaw-dropping—sites in Siargao, the Sugba Lagoon. Located on the northwestern side of Siargao, this lagoon is in the center of a small island, known as the Barangay Caub. A barangay is essentially a village, and there are a few people who live on this remote isle. Spend your time here kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and snorkeling in the aquamarine water. You'll arrive back at your hotel by 6:30 pm, just in time to grab dinner and drinks in General Luna.
Day 4: Surfing Lessons & Beach Time in Siargao
Today you'll experience what Siargao is known for—surfing. As one of the top eight surf destinations in the world, there's no better place to practice your paddle, as both beginners and experts flock to the beaches around General Luna, and there are varying swells depending on your prior experience. Fuel up with a quick breakfast and be ready by 7:00 am. Your local surf guide and personal instructor will be there to pick you up. You'll be shocked at how much this activity takes it out of you, but if you're hungry for more, you can sign up for additional hours after your first one.
Spend your last afternoon in Siargao lounging on Cloud 9 Beach, watching the surfers catch some waves from the Cloud 9 Platform, or sipping on a few well-deserved drinks. You can also spend your time strolling around the town of General Luna, admiring the swaying palms or the bangka boats floating in the harbor. If you haven't already tasted local specialties like bulalo, a traditional beef shank stew, or a freshly baked pan de coco, now is your chance.
Day 5: Transfer to Del Carmen, Depart
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