Siargao, a teardrop-shaped small island located at the northeastern coast of Mindanao, is known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. Siargao is located in Surigao del Norte. 

Now known as one of the top surfing destinations in the Philippines, Siargao Island is found west of Surigao del Norte (800 km from Manila). It’s a paradise destinations for vacationers from all walks of life. Siargao is close to the Pacific Ocean and is the Philippines’ tourist alternative for Tahiti and Oahu.

Surfing is the main attraction in Siargao. It all started way back in 1980 when two foreigners, Tony Arruza and Steve Jones, came to the island during their search for the “perfect wave.” They apparently found it within the municipality of General Luna, and called it “Jacking Horse.” Their perfect wave is actually what most people today know as Cloud 9. Until now, Siargao was known for its waves that couldn’t be compared elsewhere.

Finally, it was in the year 1992 that Siargao hit the maps. A famous surfing photographer named John Callahan took pictures which featured famous surfers John Slater, Taylor Knox, and Kevin Davidson riding the huge waves in Cloud 9. The story was published in a magazine that circulated all over the world.

This turning point made Cloud 9 so famous that surfers from all over the world rushed to the destination. Ever since then, the town of General Luna earned its place among the top surfing destinations in the world. In addition to Cloud 9, there are also many other breaks north of the town, including Tuason Point, Ventura, Tuesday Rock, and Pilar Point. As if these weren’t enough, more surf sites were found or established, and were fondly named. This made Siargao open to a wide range of visitors and surfers who wanted to take on the waves at varying intensities depending on the surfer’s level of experience and personal preference.

Cloud 9, along with Siargao, continued to be recognized as home to one of the top 10 surfing spots in the world. Tourism to the area grew accordingly. Local tourism businesses took advantage of the rising popularity of General Luna and started developing a wide range of other water-related activities. Not all currents in the area are strong, so they are ideal for sailing, parasailing, and kite surfing. Some of the islands just off General Luna, such as Daku and Guyam Islands, are great diving spots because they are filled with a wealth of marine life.

Siargao also grew a reputation for game fishing. The island boasts an abundance of large game fish such as blue marlin, sail fish, yellow fin tuna, and the tangigue.

It wasn’t long until Siargao was also visited for its beautiful sights. From the Sohoton Caves to the tunnels of Mapawa, tourists were eager to see everything their tour guides could show them. Siargao is also home to the largest mangrove forest within Mindanao, a popular destination for boating or kayaking.