Siargao is one of the highlights of any Philippines itinerary. Although it became famous for surfing a few decades ago, it has gradually turned into one of the country’s trendiest destinations thanks to its scenery, its surfer/bohemian vibe, and the many cool restaurants, shops, and hotels that have opened. No wonder it’s often called the Bali of the Philippines. However, are there good beaches in Siargao? Well, to be honest, the island doesn’t have the best beaches in the Philippines.
The vast majority of Siargao’s beaches are very shallow, so when the tide is low, swimming is practically impossible. Still, even though it isn’t primarily a beach destination like Bantayan, Boracay, or Malapascua, there are some lovely beaches in Siargao, and you’ll really enjoy them. Plus, several neighboring islands boast some of the most spectacular beaches we’ve visited on our island-hopping trips.
So, if you’re planning a trip to the island, keep reading to discover the best beaches in Siargao, tips for making the most of them, and recommended places to stay nearby.
What are Siargao’s beaches like?
Most of Siargao’s beaches have a few things in common: fine white or golden sand, plenty of palm trees providing lots of much-needed shade, and calm waters. If you look toward the horizon, you’ll see a reef that produces the waves the island is known for, but it also keeps the water close to shore relatively calm.
However, the water off many of Siargao’s beaches is very shallow. This means that when the tide is low, you’ll have to walk a long way before the water is deep enough to swim in, and the water tends to be warmer. Therefore, our advice is to take a look at the tide table on sites like this one and try to time your visit around high tide. That way, the beaches will look prettier and you’ll be able to swim comfortably.
On the bright side, Siargao’s beaches are great for lounging around or sitting in the shallows for hours while chatting. And if you’re traveling to the Philippines with children, you’ll really appreciate the shallow water, as it generally feels safer and you won’t need to worry as much.
Finally, although it may sound obvious, Siargao’s beaches—like beaches anywhere else in the world—can look different depending on the natural conditions. In other words, wind, tidal cycles, and other conditions may make them look different from the photos we’ve shared here.
Keep in mind that the best time to visit Siargao is from June to October, which is the dry season. Unlike the rest of the Philippines, the rainiest months are November, December, January, and February. If you’re thinking about surfing, you’ll find waves at any time of year, but the so-called swell season runs from August to November.
Map of Siargao beaches and recommended nearby accommodation
We’ll take you through each of Siargao’s beaches below, but first you can see where they are on the map. We’ve also added nearby accommodation options for each one, so you can practically roll out of bed and straight onto the beach.
Best beaches in Siargao
We haven’t ordered these Siargao beaches from best to worst; instead, we’ve grouped them geographically. First, you’ll find the beaches in the south, where most of the accommodation and dining options are located. This is also a great base for island hopping, which is why almost everyone with only 3 or 4 days to visit Siargao chooses to stay here.
From Magpupungko onward, we move up the island’s east coast, where Alegria Beach offers the best swimming. This area is perfect for spending a few relaxing days and is still very underdeveloped. It’s therefore better suited to travelers who have more time or who want more peace and quiet and don’t mind a smaller range of amenities.
Bear in mind that it’s roughly a one-hour drive from the General Luna area to Magpupungko. As we explain in How to get around Siargao, public transportation is almost nonexistent, so you’ll need to rent a motorbike, a tuk tuk, or a car. If you don’t drive, you can hire a tricycle driver or join an organized tour like this one.
General Luna Beach
General Luna is one of Siargao’s main towns. This is where tourism development began and, therefore, where you’ll find most of the cool hotels, restaurants, and shops. Most of them are actually located along the road between General Luna and Cloud 9. The area closest to General Luna developed first and has gradually expanded toward Cloud 9 and the surrounding roads.
Even so, there’s no need to worry: despite the area’s growing popularity, this Siargao beach doesn’t feel overcrowded.
With white sand and beautiful shade-giving palm trees, our favorite part is the section in front of Bravo Resort that runs as far as the cemetery. We also really like the one closest to General Luna, right next to Patrick’s on the Beach.
As we mentioned, the problem with this and other Siargao beaches is that when the tide is low, going for a proper swim is almost impossible. You’ll have to walk a long way before the water is deep enough to swim, and it’s quite likely to be very warm. Therefore, be sure to check the tide table.
That said, regardless of the tide, it’s a beach we really like for walking or having a drink at one of its bars while enjoying the views.
Recommended hotels in General Luna
- Isla Cabana Resort: one of the most luxurious resorts in the area, with two infinity-style pools. It has sea-view bungalows as well as inland ones that are just as lovely. Plus, the breakfast buffets at the beachfront restaurant are excellent.
- Romantic Beach Villas: right next to Isla Cabana Resort and also right on the beachfront, but with more affordable rates. It has a pool and a really nice restaurant. If you book well in advance, you can find rooms for about $96.
Between the General Luna area and Cloud 9 there are also several hotels that have their own beaches and are ideal if you want to switch off completely. Do bear in mind that the beaches are quite rocky and swimming at low tide is difficult. Here are the best ones:
- Kalinaw Resort: this is one of Siargao’s most luxurious hotels. Its villas are gorgeous and some even have private pools with sea views. An amazing place.
- Siargao Island Villas: another spectacular beachfront hotel with a pool and incredible front-row villas for up to four guests.
Cloud 9
If you’ve researched Siargao a bit, you already know that the wave that made the island famous is called Cloud 9. Next to it is the boardwalk, a multi-story wooden viewing platform built over the water and reached via a walkway. It makes it easier for surfers to enter the water, take a break, and watch their friends in action. It’s also where judges and the press are based during the competitions in September and October.
Despite the rocky shoreline, you’ll also find several appealing beaches near Cloud 9. The beaches aren’t very big and swimming can be difficult, depending on the tide, but you’ll be able to take a dip and enjoy the island’s surf vibe.
Our favorite is the one to the left of the boardwalk. Here you’ll find a few bars, surf schools, and coconut trees for shade.
Recommended hotels in Cloud 9
- Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao: a little farther from the heart of the action, it’s another of the area’s popular hostels. If you’re traveling solo, it’s an excellent option.
- The Broken Board: for a mid-range option in this area, this locally styled guesthouse offers double rooms and a shared kitchen.
- Three Little Birds: the closest hostel to Cloud 9, with a very cool social vibe and shared kitchen. You can choose between rooms with or without air conditioning.
- Riad Masaya: a little farther from the beach, though still within easy reach, and with excellent value for money. It has shared dorms as well as very comfortable private rooms. The common areas, which include a shared kitchen, are very pleasant.
Malinao Beach
If we had to choose one beach in southern Siargao where we could stay and enjoy some peace and quiet, it would undoubtedly be Malinao.
We fell in love with this part of the island on our very first visit and we return every time we visit Siargao. Much less touristy than General Luna, its beach is a true haven of peace and, in our opinion, prettier than the beaches mentioned above. Although the tides still play a part, swimming at Malinao Beach is easier and there’s no shortage of shady spots to enjoy it.
Having walked the entire stretch of beach from General Luna to here, we can safely say that our favorite part is roughly between The Village and Sandy Feet resorts. There are a few palm trees right on the shoreline—we have 331287483 photos of them; they’re super photogenic! So we suggest parking near Ferra Resort and wandering along the beach to explore the area.
Recommended hotels in Malinao
- Sandy Feet Siargao: a gorgeous seaside resort in the Malinao area. Every last detail is carefully considered and, although it doesn’t have a pool, it’s almost always booked out. So, book well in advance!
- Ferra Resort: these bungalows with sea views are truly adorable. They were among the first to open in the area and we still think they’re incredible.
- Yayay Homestay: if you’re looking for something more affordable, this is your place. It’s not right on the beachfront in Siargao, but it’s only a short walk away. It’s a lovely spot with 1- and 2-bedroom cottages equipped with kitchens—ideal for couples as well as families or groups of friends.
Doot Beach
If you walk west from Malinao, you’ll get to another of Siargao’s less-visited beaches. Doot Beach is perfect for strolling along the shore, admiring the mangroves, and catching a glimpse of the area’s luxury properties—especially Nay Palad and an unexpected Thai-style mansion beside it.
The beach is pretty, but the water is usually very still, even at high tide, so if you’re after a refreshing swim, this isn’t the best place.
To get there, you can walk from Malinao, as mentioned above, or simply drive to the end of this road and park there. You won’t have any trouble finding the spot.
Recommended hotels in Doot Beach
- Nay Palad Hideaway: if you’re visiting Siargao for a special occasion, don’t hesitate and book here. It’s by far the most luxurious hotel on the island. The cabins are truly wonderful, as are the common areas, with an infinity pool and a restaurant just steps from the beach.
- Soultribe Beach Retreat: just a few steps from Nay Palad Hideaway, but much more affordable—it has the stylish glamping vibe that has become so popular in the Philippines. It’s a good place if you’re looking for a quiet beachfront stay where the staff can arrange activities such as surfing, yoga, and island hopping. There are also communal dinners where you can meet other travelers.
Malinao Paradise (Secret Beach 2)
Some people call it Secret Beach (although we’ll tell you about the one that’s truly Siargao’s “secret” beach further below), but in reality it’s a continuation of Doot Beach. As you can see on the map, the beach sits on a small peninsula and at the tip you’ll find a lovely stretch of golden sand with very calm waters, since there’s an inlet here full of mangroves.
This beach is no longer a secret and it’s common to find one or two groups of Filipino visitors, vendors selling soft drinks and snacks, and—most interestingly—you can take an evening boat trip to see fireflies in the mangroves for 250 pesos per person. If you’re lucky, you may also see bioluminescence. If you fancy it, you can also rent a kayak during the day and paddle through the mangroves. To get there, park here and then follow the path beside the resort—it only takes a couple of minutes.
Santa Fe Beach
We don’t know how long Santa Fe will remain this unspoiled, but it became one of our favorite Siargao beaches as soon as we visited—perhaps one of our top two, behind Alegria and ahead of Malinao. We completely fell in love with its peaceful atmosphere, its abundance of palm trees, and its golden sand. Admittedly, it’s not the easiest place to swim at low tide, but you can still enjoy a leisurely dip.
Santa Fe is a great place to learn to surf and, in fact, you’ll probably spot a surfer or two in the distance. Here you’ll find some gorgeous houses right on the beachfront—some of them converted into the villas we’ll mention below—and a beach club that opened in late 2023 and is great fun. It’s called Ocean 9 and it has a pool, lockers for surfers, and surfboards for rent. Entry costs 100 pesos and includes use of the pool and a bottle of water. Lockers cost 250 pesos.
To get there, unless the access road has been improved by the time you visit, you’ll need to ride along an unpaved road that can be a bit tricky after heavy rain. We’ve marked the access point here. Before reaching Ocean 9 there’s a small parking area and you can access the beach for free. It’s easy to get there from the General Luna or Cloud 9 area via the picturesque Catagnan Bridge.
Take a little extra care, as we’ve read a few reports of theft at this Siargao beach. It’s rare in the Philippines, but it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on your belongings and not leave them unattended.
Recommended hotels in Santa Fe
- Villa Juan Siargao: you’ll be mesmerized by this beautifully designed private villa with direct access to Santa Fe Beach.
- Villa Kamaya: just as beautiful as the previous villa—if not more so—and it even has a private pool.
- Haole Surf Hostel: a more modest option on the main road, with charming rooms for about $64 a night.
Salvacion / Duoy Beach
By now you’ll have realized we’re total “beach nerds” and we’re always looking for new options. We couldn’t resist setting off in search of the enticing beach we could see across from Santa Fe. We headed to the small town of Salvacion, which has a pier where bangkas leave for various surf breaks, and we followed a few tracks until we found a really lovely little beach. We’re not sure of its exact name, but Google Maps appears to label it Duoy Beach.
There’s hardly anything here apart from a small house and, to our surprise, a picturesque skate park tucked away in the middle of the palm grove. The beach is similar to Santa Fe’s, although some sections are a little rockier. It’s not ideal for swimming, but it’s perfect if you want a Siargao beach all to yourself.
To get there, we followed the only road shown on Google Maps leading to the beach and, once there, we took a couple of dirt tracks until we reached a point where we could no longer continue by motorbike. After just a couple of minutes on foot we were enjoying paradise.
By the way, if you come to this area, don’t miss the chance to take a dip in the Bugak Cold Spring, which is on the way.
Recommended hotel near Salvacion
- The River Hideaway: it may not be right next to the beach, but it is very close—and when you see the photos you’ll be blown away. The property has villas overlooking a gorgeous mangrove forest, with every last detail carefully considered.
Alegria Beach
If we had to pick just one beach in Siargao, it would be Alegria Beach.
When we first got there back in 2014, we couldn’t believe it—how could the best beach on the island be completely deserted? Alegria Beach lies at the northeastern tip of the island, so it takes almost 90 minutes to drive there. Even so, it’s worth it, as we’d say it’s the beach least affected by the tides, making it the best place for a leisurely swim.
Alegria Beach is so perfect it almost seems unreal. The sand is white and soft and there’s plenty of shade-giving vegetation, especially our beloved palm trees, which are particularly abundant here. What’s more, there are hardly any rocks along the shoreline, so all you need to do is enjoy this slice of paradise.
More and more travelers are heading here, and it remains popular with Filipino day-trippers who come to spend the day and relax in one of the huts. So, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, try to visit between Monday and Thursday.
Keep in mind that on the way to Alegria Beach from General Luna there are loads of cool, picturesque places. We recommend setting off early in the morning to enjoy this Siargao beach and all the stops you’ll want to make along the way.
Recommended hotels in Alegria Beach
- DaRosa del Mar: it offers excellent value for money. Set right by the sea and run by lovely owners, you’ll have all the comforts you need (including Starlink Wi-Fi and a generator that saves you the hassle of Siargao’s frequent power cuts), plus the added bonus of hammocks on the best beach in Siargao. The property also has a restaurant with tasty, reasonably priced food. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced seafront bungalow, put this place on your list. It’s the little hotel you can see in the photo below.
- 3B Resort: if DaRosa is full, this one is right next door. It’s noticeably more basic, but still a decent option.
Tangbo Beach
A little further north of Alegria Beach, toward Santa Monica, you’ll find a small beach reached by passing through a beautiful village surrounded by palm groves. Although it’s not as good for swimming as Alegria Beach, it’s picturesque and—given its location—an ideal spot to end the day, since you can enjoy beautiful sunsets almost year-round. To give you an idea of its location, if you’re touring the north of the island by motorbike, it’s just before Tak Tak Falls.
In Tangbo, a few accommodation options are beginning to appear, so it’s a great part of the island if you want to get away from it all. Here are some recommendations.
Recommended hotels in Tangbo Beach
- Kaha Island Stay: an incredibly picturesque place that opened in 2021 with shared dorms and private rooms, plus a shared kitchen. It has direct beach access. The only downside is that they don’t have a generator yet, meaning the property is affected by Siargao’s frequent power cuts.
- Masayay Homestay: not on the beach, but a homely, affordable place we’re sure you’ll like if you want something simple. The family that runs it is lovely and, for a little extra, you can join them for one of their delicious dinners. They’ve got Starlink Wi-Fi.
Magpupungko Beach
You already know that visiting the Magpupungko Rock Pools is one of the things to do in Siargao—no excuses—but there’s also a very pretty beach here that’s worth visiting at any time of day.
When you enter, the natural pools are on the left, while the nicer beach area is on the right, where you’ll also find several palm trees for shade.
As you’d expect, it looks better when the tide is high, but it’s actually better at low tide, as the rocky shoreline creates small pools where you can take a dip—just like the famous ones, but all to yourself.
You’ll find several little stalls here selling food and drinks. Take the opportunity to try a buko—a fresh coconut—which is very reasonably priced. You need to pay an entrance fee of 50 pesos per person to access the beach and pools.
Burgos Beach
The entire east coast of Siargao is dotted with beautiful beaches that are well worth stopping to see. On one of our most recent trips to the north, we spotted a photogenic hut surrounded by palm trees beside a path leading to a deserted beach. We couldn’t help but take a look, and that’s how we found a spectacular Siargao beach.
With its fine golden sand, calm waters, and abundance of coconut trees, the beach had us smitten. There was absolutely nothing and no one; the nearest town is Burgos, a tiny village with virtually no tourism. The only downside was the amount of litter, probably washed ashore and left uncleared. If you can, bring a bag and lend a hand—even if it’s only for five minutes.
If you want to get there, head to roughly this spot; we’ve named it Baybay Beach after the area where it’s located. Remember to bring food and drink because there’s nowhere nearby to buy anything, although a little farther along, you’ll find Kolekbibo, one of our favorite restaurants in the north of the island, with a gorgeous terrace overlooking the sea.
In any case, the town of Burgos also has a long golden-sand beach, Burgos Beach. It’s true there are rocks, as you can see in the photo, but it’s pleasant when the tide is high. In Burgos you’ll also find several nice restaurants and surf schools.
Recommended hotels near Burgos Beach
- Precious Homestay: the family who runs this place is lovely and rooms start at just $24 a night.
- Cris & Mar Homestay: bungalows overlooking a pleasant garden, close to the main road and equipped with Starlink internet, starting at just $30 a night. It’s very close to the little beach we mentioned at the start.
Pacifico Beach
A few years ago, Pacifico had only a handful of sari-sari stores (convenience stores), but several hotels and restaurants have since opened. Surfing drew the first tourists; however, many travelers now choose to skip General Luna and settle in this much quieter area. If you’re looking to surf in the Philippines, this is a good base.
Pacifico Beach is quite large, with white sand and, of course, it’s wonderfully uncrowded. You’ll enjoy it most at high tide because much of the shoreline is rocky, and it is completely exposed at low tide.
In our opinion, although Pacifico Beach isn’t the best beach in Siargao, it’s an excellent base for spending a few relaxing days and exploring the east and north of the island.
Recommended hotels in Pacifico
- Bamboo Surf Beach Resort: a fantastic new resort, with sea-view rooms and cabins, plus a charming restaurant. It has Starlink.
- Trogon’s Perch Resort: a superb hotel located on a hill with wonderful views of the Pacifico coast. It has a small infinity-style pool and a stylish restaurant.
Guiwan Beach – Secret Beach?
We’re wrapping up this tour of Siargao’s beaches with one that more and more travelers know as Secret Beach. To reach this beach between Malinao and Dapa, you’ll need to park beside the road and follow a beautiful path through a palm grove for about 5–10 minutes. You can see the exact spot marked on the map above.
The beach—whose real name is Guiwan Beach—is tiny but charming, and it’s surrounded by palm trees, creating an amazing atmosphere. If you plan to swim, don’t forget your reef shoes, since the seabed is quite rocky.
There’s a little stall here that sells snacks and the vendor will also keep an eye on your things while you’re out surfing. This is one of the best-known surf spots for beginners year-round, and that’s how we discovered it: we saw instructors getting off their motorbikes with boards and heading into the “jungle.”
Also, if you pass through the town of Union, as you probably will, be sure to stop at Union Beach, which is another highly recommended, family-friendly beach in Siargao.
Epic beaches on islands near Siargao
Did you like these Siargao beaches? Well, the beaches on the surrounding islands are even prettier.
As we explain in Island hopping in Siargao, there are several ways to explore the surrounding islands aboard a bangka, a traditional Filipino boat. Whichever option you choose, you’ll visit some gorgeous beaches. You can find more information about schedules and prices in that guide.
Three Islands island-hopping tour + Mam’om
Leaving from General Luna, you can reach some fabulous beaches in just 15 minutes by boat—without spending much. The Tri-Island Tour, also known as the Three Islands island-hopping tour, takes you to the beaches of Daku, Naked, and Guyam. In our opinion, the prettiest is Daku, which is huge and perfect for a dip at any time of day. Still, they’re all absolutely idyllic and are less affected by the tides than the beaches on Siargao.
If you have time, we suggest including the island of Mam’om, which is still relatively unknown and will probably be your favorite. Along with Daku, it has one of the best white-sand beaches for swimming and it still attracts relatively few visitors.
You can visit these islands on your own by arranging a boat trip at the port or by joining a tour. You can book here:
Three Islands island-hopping tour in Siargao
Daku, Naked and Guyam island-hopping tour in Siargao
Kawhagan Island + Pamomoan Beach
From Del Carmen, small boats depart to explore the area’s lush mangroves, Sugba Lagoon, and Kawhagan Island—a perfect addition to the excursion. This island boasts a very long sandbar that reminds us of Kalanggaman. With white sand and crystal-clear waters, you can swim here in peace or, if you want more action, play a game of beach volleyball.
This is where lunch is usually served if you’re visiting as part of a tour. If not, there’s also a small restaurant, or you can eat the food you’ve brought with you in the shade of the coconut trees.
An optional stop on this island-hopping tour is the lovely beach of Pamomoan. In our opinion, if you’re looking for a slice of beach paradise, it’s well worth adding to the itinerary. It’s on an island called Kangbangyo, right opposite Kawhagan, and there you’ll find a small bar and photogenic palm trees.
Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan and Pamomoan island-hopping tour
Corregidor Island
To finish this tour of the beaches of Siargao, we couldn’t leave out one of our favorites: Corregidor Island. Although this island is known for its green, palm-covered hills, which you can hike across, it also has a lovely beach where you can take a dip and go snorkeling.
The beach has white sand and water deep enough for swimming even when the tide is low. Plus, there’s no shortage of shade if you want to spend the whole day at the beach. A small resort called Mpire, which also has a restaurant, opened not long ago. Guest rooms are expected to open in the future, but for now it’s open to day visitors only.
You can get to Corregidor on your own from General Luna or Dapa (the latter is cheaper).
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Siargao’s beaches. Remember, this is just one part of our comprehensive Siargao Guide, where we cover what to do, how to get around, and plenty of other tips to help you make the most of your trip. Check out Where to stay in Siargao and Best resorts in Siargao to find more accommodation options.
If you have any questions or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.
