Siargao Island

Siargao Island is an island that belongs to the province of Surigao del Norte, Mindanao in the Philippines. It is known for its beaches and is a popular site for surfing, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and other water sports.

Siargao Island is famous for its 27-mile-long beach with fine white sand at the town of General Luna, the most popular beach for surfing. Apart from the main island, there are 16 other small islands around. Some of these have attractive beaches as well while others are rocky. Sibale Island has 2 white sand beaches near fascinating rock and coral formations. Danawan Island’s beaches feature many colorful seashells and bits of coral.

There are several miles of reef around Siargao’s coast, which act as a barrier that keep the waters calm even when it is stormy. At high tide, huge waves break over the reef, making for excellent surfing, while at low tide the reef is exposed and is fun to explore.

The waters around the islands are filled with colorful tropical marine life. The scenery on the islands is also wonderful. There are fascinating rock formations, like those in Del Carmen Siargao. There are waterfalls, including the falls at Sta. Monica in Siargao and the 70-foot-high Buyho Falls at Barangay San Jose in Bayagnan Island. The latter island is also home to one of the most intriguing whirlpools of Siargao, the mysterious whistling whirlpool of Bitaugan, which is 10 m from the shore and makes a strange whistling sound. There are delightful coves as well: Pilar in Siargao features a cove with limestone and granite formations and a number of tide pools.

Throughout the islands can also be found a number of awesome caves like Siargao Island’s luminescent Silop Cave and labyrinthine Mapawa Caves, and the the Buenavista Cave in Hikdop Island with a vast tunnel featuring a pool. There are lagoons as well, like the Sohoton Lagoon in General Luna, which features a number of fascinating caves with a variety of unusual flora and fauna. Some islands have jungles where tarsiers, monitor lizards, and even crocodiles may be sighted, as well as plenty of bird life. Springs and mangrove forests may be found as well.

The beautiful scenery is relaxing and makes for spectacular photographs. The natural treasures of the islands may be explored by sea kayak. The islands are also a good site for various water sports.

Surfing - General Luna is known as one of the best surfing destinations in the Philippines. An international surfing contest is held here every October. Pilar, Pacifico, and Burgos are also good places to surf.
Snorkeling and diving - Snorkelers enjoy viewing the rich marine life in the clear, shallow waters. Guyam and Dako’s coral reefs are especially pleasant for snorkelers to explore. Scuba divers can not only see the plentiful marine life but explore underwater caves and rock and coral formations. Pansukian’s coral reefs are spectacular, especially at night.
Fishing - Sailfish and blue marlin are plentiful from March until early May. Tanguigue, tuna, and morang are always plentiful in the waters.
Sailing is popular as a means of exploring the various islands. A sailboat race is also held here every summer. Sport fishing is also popular, as the catch is abundant and succulent. Game-fishing competitions are held in Siargao in August.

Siargao can be reached from Cebu City by either plane or boat. Philippine Airlines has flights to Siargao from Cebu 5 days a week while SeAir has flights to Siargao from Cebu 3 times a week. A 12-hour overnight boat trip may also be taken from Cebu to reach the islands. Siargao may be reached from nearby Surigao by fast boats. Surigao is accessible by boat from Cebu or by bus from Davao. There are also occasional Air Mindanao flights to Surigao. Montenegro Lines runs two ferries a day to and from Dapa.