Beaches in Siargao- everything you need to know
Siargao isn’t just for surfers. Sure, it’s famous for its waves, but if you’re looking for a beach day that doesn’t involve wiping out, there are plenty of spots to check out.
We spent three weeks on the island, exploring it by scooter with kids in tow, talking to locals, and checking out every stretch of sand we could find.
Some beaches are easy to reach, others take a bit more effort, but all have their own thing going on.
Whether you’re swimming, lounging, exploring tide pools, or just trying to keep the kids entertained, here’s what you need to know from our experience exploring the beaches in Siargao.
What to Know Before You Go
- Tides Matter More Than You Think – A lot of the beaches in Siargao have coral reefs, so low tide can mean ankle-deep water and not much swimming. High tide is usually better. We learned this the hard way when we arrived at Magpupungko Rock Pools at the wrong time and saw… just waves.
- Water Shoes Will Save Your Feet – Some beaches have rocky seabeds. Stepping on coral or sea urchins isn’t fun.
- Scooters Are the Best Way to Get Around – Renting one costs PHP 300-350 per day. If you have kids or don’t ride, tricycles and private drivers are options, but they’ll cost more. We found that having a scooter gave us the most freedom to explore hidden beaches.
- Bring Cash – Many places don’t take cards, including food stalls and some beach entrance fees. Even some island-hopping tours insist on cash payment.
1. Cloud 9 Beach
Siargao’s most famous beach, but it’s not really for swimming—it’s for surfing. Strong waves make it great for experienced surfers, not so much for casual beachgoers. It’s not a beach for swimming. The Cloud 9 boardwalk is a good spot to watch surfers do their thing. If you’re a total beginner, take a lesson before paddling out.
- Entrance Fee: PHP 100 per person (day pass)
- Surfboard Rentals: PHP 150 for 2 hours
- Location
We loved this beach for the chill atmosphere and the great sunsets
2. Malinao Beach
A quiet beach near General Luna with soft sand and calm waters. There are a few beachfront resorts, but not much in the way of public facilities.
Decent spot for a relaxed afternoon. We found it to be a great escape from the busier beaches—ideal if you just want to read a book under a palm tree.
Facilities: Some resorts and homestays nearby, but limited public food stalls
We loved this beach for the amazing rock pools at low tide!
3. Secret Beach (Doot Beach)
Not much of a secret anymore, but still less crowded than most beaches. Soft sand, hammocks, and options for kayaking or paddleboarding. Swimming depends on the tides—too shallow at low tide, rough waves at high tide.
There’s a small, mellow surf break for beginners and longboarders. It’s one of the best spots for easy waves without the Cloud 9 crowd.
Surfboard Rentals: PHP 150 for 2 hours
Drive Time: 15-20 minutes from General Luna
Facilities: No food or drinks directly on the beach, but some restaurants nearby
Looking for the best things to do in Siargao besides the beaches? Check out our top 29 things to do in Siargao
4. Alegria Beach
Up north and much quieter than the beaches around General Luna. Unlike many Siargao beaches, there are sandy-bottom spots where you can actually swim at low tide. Some palm trees for shade, but not much else.
There’s one small beachfront restaurant with simple but decent food. We chatted with a few locals, and they all mentioned this as one of their personal favorite beaches.
Facilities: One small restaurant, toilets, a few sari-sari stores nearby
Drive Time: 1.5 to 2 hours from General Luna
🤩 We loved Alegria beach for swimming
5. Pacifico Beach
Mostly known for surfing. The waves are consistent but not as intense as Cloud 9, so it’s a good alternative if you want fewer people around. Some restaurants and guesthouses nearby.
Facilities: A few local restaurants and guesthouses
Best for: Surfing and beach walks
🤩 We loved the cliff top restaurant and pool at Trogan’s Perch
Special Spots & Island Hopping
Magpupungko Beach & Rock Pools
One of the busiest beach spots, thanks to its rock pools that only appear at low tide. These crystal-clear pools are great for swimming, snorkeling, and a bit of cliff-jumping. Show up at high tide, and they’re gone—just regular beach and waves.
The area has food stalls selling grilled seafood and fresh coconuts. We visited twice—first at the wrong time (oops), then at the right time, which was worth it.
- Entrance Fee: PHP 60 per person
- Parking: PHP 20-25
- Best Time to Visit: Low tide (check tide schedules beforehand)
- TOP TIP: Bring some water shoes to make it easier on your feet
Naked Island, Daku Island & Guyam Island
The three main stops on island-hopping tours. Each has its own vibe:
How to Get There: Join an island-hopping tour from General Luna
Naked Island – Just a sandbar. No shade, no trees, just sand and sea. Bring sunscreen. We underestimated the sun here and paid the price.
Daku Island – Biggest of the three. Palm trees, a fishing village, and beachside eateries serving fresh seafood. This was our favourite stop—grilled fish, rice, and fresh mango under a nipa hut? Yes, please.
Guyam Island – Tiny island with both sandy and rocky areas. Locals sell snacks and fresh coconuts.
Siargao Beaches for Kids
Not all of Siargao’s beaches are kid-friendly—some have rough waves, rocky seabeds, or strong currents. If you’re traveling with little ones, here are the best spots where they can splash around safely:
- Daku Island – Calm waters, plenty of space to run around, and shaded huts for breaks. You can also grab fresh seafood meals here.
- Alegria Beach – Sandy seabed and shallow waters make this one of the best beaches for proper swimming without worrying about tides.
- Secret Beach (Doot Beach) – When the tide is just right, it’s a great beach for kids to wade in the shallows. Plus, there are hammocks to lounge in when they need a break.
- Magpupungko Rock Pools – These tide pools are a lot of fun, be mindful of currents (and some rocks can be slippery). You need to visit at low tide but there is still a bit of movement in the pools.
Pro Tip: Bring floaties or a life vest if your kid isn’t a strong swimmer. Some beaches have currents that can pick up quickly.
Best Siargao beaches for a good sunset
Siargao’s sunsets are pure magic, and there are plenty of spots to watch the sky turn into a masterpiece of pinks and oranges.
Cloud 9 is a classic choice, with its boardwalk offering front-row seats to the horizon.
For a quieter vibe, head to Malinao Beach, where the golden hour glow reflects beautifully on the calm waters.
Pacifico Beach is another gem, perfect for families who want to enjoy the sunset without the crowds.
If you’re up for a little adventure, grab a drink at one of the beachfront bars in General Luna and let the kids play in the sand while you soak in the view.
No matter where you watch from, Siargao’s sunsets never disappoint!
Worldschooling at the Beach in Siargao
Here are our tips on how to turn your beach day into an interactive learning experience.
🌊 Science & Nature
- Tide Pool Explorations at Magpupungko – Visit at low tide to observe sea urchins, brittle stars, and tiny fish trapped in natural pools.
- Coral & Marine Life Snorkeling – Explore the reefs around Naked Island or Daku Island and identify clownfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles.
- Mangrove Ecology in Del Carmen – Take a boat tour through the country’s largest mangrove forest, home to saltwater crocodiles and migratory birds.
🎨 Creativity & Art
- Sand Art & Surf-Inspired Sketching – Let kids create surfboard designs in the sand or sketch the perfect Cloud 9 wave.
- Shell & Driftwood Crafts – Collect natural materials from the shore to make simple jewelry or decorations.
- Siargao Sunset Photography – Practice light and composition techniques while capturing the golden hour at Secret Beach.
🌍 Geography & Culture
- Island Hopping & Map Skills – Chart your course to Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island, marking distances and landmarks.
- Filipino Myths & Ocean Stories – Learn about the legend of Bakunawa (the moon-eating serpent) or listen to fishermen’s tales of the sea.
- Beach Clean-Up & Sustainability – Join a local clean-up drive, discuss ocean conservation, and learn why single-use plastics are banned in Siargao.
🏄 Physical & Survival Skills
- Surfing at Cloud 9 – Start with balance drills on land, then learn to read waves and practice pop-ups in the water.
- Filipino Fishing Techniques – Watch local fishers use traditional nets and bamboo fish traps.
- Navigation by the Stars – On a clear night, identify constellations and learn how early sailors traveled across the Pacific.
FAQs About Beaches in Siargao
What’s the best beach in Siargao for swimming?
Alegria Beach is one of the best for actual swimming since it has sandy seabeds and calmer waters compared to other spots.
Can you visit Siargao beaches for free?
Most beaches are free, but some (like Cloud 9 and Magpupungko) charge small entrance fees. Island hopping also comes with costs for boat rentals.
When is the best time to visit Siargao for beach trips?
Dry season (March to October) is best. The wet season (November to February) can bring rough waves and occasional downpours.
Are there private beaches in Siargao?
Some resorts have private beach areas, but most beaches are accessible to the public.
Is it safe to swim at Siargao beaches?
It depends on the beach and the tides. Some have strong currents or rocky seabeds, so always check conditions before diving in.
Final Thoughts
Siargao has a beach for everyone. If you’re with kids, Daku Island, Alegria Beach, and Secret Beach are decent choices. If you’re into surfing, Cloud 9 and Pacifico Beach will keep you busy. Whatever you choose, check the tides, bring cash, and don’t forget sunscreen—this island doesn’t do second chances for sunburn. We learned a lot from our time here, and if we had to do it all over again, we’d still end up with sand everywhere.
Read More:
Want to know where our favourite beaches are? Check it out here
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