Good to know
Good to Know
- Tide is critical in Siargao—many beaches become inaccessible or too shallow for swimming at low tide. Check tide schedules before planning beach days, and aim to visit 2 hours before high tide for the best experience.
- Cloud 9 is a world-famous surf destination with strong waves unsuitable for casual swimmers; the boardwalk is worth visiting for sunset and people-watching, but most visitors come for surfing, not swimming.
- Pacifico and Alegria in the north are quieter alternatives to General Luna's main beaches, though both require a scooter ride (30 min to 1+ hour from town).
- Pasikon Beach and Secret Beach offer calm waters and mangrove paddling but are somewhat remote; bring cash for entrance fees and parking (common on Siargao).
- Scooter rentals are the most practical way to explore Siargao's beaches and hidden spots (typically PHP 300–350 per day). Tricycles and private drivers cost more but are available for those without a license.
- Many beach venues and island tours operate on cash-only basis; card acceptance is limited on Siargao.
Beaches
Cloud 9
- Best For
- experienced surfers, sunset watching from boardwalk
- Character
- party/surfing-focused
- Facilities
- boardwalk, beach bars, vibrant nightlife
- Water Conditions
- strong waves, not ideal for casual swimming
- Proximity To Center
- General Luna main area
- Description
- Siargao's most famous beach and dedicated surf spot with strong waves suited for experienced surfers. Features a boardwalk and is the island's main party hub.
Pacifico Beach
- Best For
- families seeking quiet beaches, sunset watching, beginner surfers
- Character
- quiet/full-service
- Facilities
- beach bar with chairs, umbrellas, and towels for rent; surfboard rental and lessons available; local cafés and beachfront hotels
- Water Conditions
- calm to moderate waves, suitable for swimming at high tide
- Proximity To Center
- ~1 hour drive from General Luna (approximately 10 km north)
- Description
- Located on the east side about 1 hour north of General Luna. Long, sandy, and peaceful—a escape from General Luna crowds while still offering some services.
Alegria Beach
- Best For
- families, swimmers, those seeking minimal crowds and development
- Character
- quiet/family-friendly
- Facilities
- minimal commercial development; few locals, no bars or noise; palm trees for shade
- Entrance Fee
- ₱20
- Water Conditions
- calm, waist-deep water throughout the day; sandy bottom
- Proximity To Center
- far north of General Luna (requires scooter or hired transport)
- Description
- Located at the northernmost tip of Siargao in Santa Monica municipality. Powder-white sands with calm, shallow waters that remain swimmable throughout the day regardless of tide.
Secret Beach (Guiwan Beach / Doot Beach)
- Best For
- families, relaxation, paddling activities, those seeking mangrove exploration
- Character
- quiet/full-service
- Facilities
- grassy area shaded by coconut palms; canoe and paddleboard rental available; nearby Kanaloa restaurant
- Parking Fee
- ₱20
- Water Conditions
- calm turquoise water; shallow in places; better for paddling than swimming due to depth
- Proximity To Center
- 45-55 minutes from General Luna (outside the ~10 min standard proximity)
- Description
- Palm-fringed lagoon in Malinao (part of General Luna municipality) with calm turquoise water and grassy shoreline. Offers kayaking and paddleboarding through nearby mangroves.
Pasikon Beach
- Best For
- those seeking off-the-beaten-path quiet, swimming, relaxation
- Character
- quiet
- Facilities
- grassy area with plastic chairs and tables; palm trees for shade; on-site restobar for food and drinks
- Entrance Fee
- ₱80
- Water Conditions
- calm and safe to swim; clear, turquoise water with pockets of white sand
- Proximity To Center
- ~1 hour from General Luna (north of Pacifico)
- Description
- Secluded cove on the eastern shore with powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and minimal crowds. About 10 minutes past Pacifico by scooter.
General Luna Beach
- Best For
- casual walks, peaceful afternoons if staying nearby, minimal effort access
- Character
- quiet
- Facilities
- located within General Luna town; some nearby restaurants and shops
- Water Conditions
- tide-dependent; very shallow at low tide; more suitable for swimming at high tide
- Proximity To Center
- within General Luna walking distance
- Description
- The main beach in the island's primary hub, yet surprisingly undercrowded. Tide-dependent: shallow at low tide, more appealing at high tide with local fishermen and boats.
Malinao Beach
- Best For
- those seeking peaceful sunrise/sunset moments, photography, meditation
- Character
- quiet
- Water Conditions
- calm, glassy waters; still and reflective
- Proximity To Center
- outside General Luna's main area
- Description
- Tranquil shoreline far from General Luna's buzz, known for glassy, reflective waters and serene atmosphere at dawn and dusk.
Visitor Designations Overview
- Full Service
- Pacifico Beach (rentals, food), Secret Beach (paddleboard/canoe rental, nearby restaurant), Cloud 9 (bars, boardwalk)
- Quiet Beaches
- Pacifico, Alegria, Pasikon, Secret Beach, Malinao, General Luna Beach (when uncrowded)
- Family Friendly
- Alegria Beach (all-tide swimmable, sandy bottom, calm), Pacifico Beach (quiet with services), Secret Beach (calm, paddling activities)
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Siargao
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.