Surfer in Siargao on the wave
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1 Week in Siargao Itinerary: What to See and Do

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Have you been searching for the ultimate 1 week Siargao itinerary for families? After travelling full time for over 2 years with our kids, we know how to plan a trip for families.

This guide will help you plan the perfect Siargao itinerary.

We spent three weeks on this stunning island in the Philippines, zipping around on scooters, dodging island dogs, and discovering the best hidden gems (and a few things to avoid—more on that later).

Siargao is known as a surfer’s paradise, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families looking for beaches, adventure, and island life at its best.

🤩 Looking for a family friendly villa in Siargao? Check out Mango Villa

Is Siargao worth visiting?

With so many islands in the Philippines to choose from, what makes Siargao a top pick?

  • Siargao has loads of natural beauty, from the beaches to the lagoons and waterfalls.
  • It’s not quite on everyone’s radar yet. It’s no Boracay or Palawan (yet!) so still has that rustic charm to it.
  • Beaches- so many to choose from and each one different.
  • Escape- once you get out of General Luna, the roads are quiet and peaceful.
  • Off the beaten track- it might be a little bit of a stretch here as you can still get an oat milk latte but Siargao still feels a little wild!
Big green leaves in the jungle in Siargao

Siargao for the non-surfers

Yep, Siargao is famous for its surf, but is there enough going on for those more surf challenged people and kids?

Absolutely! Read on to see why.

How to get to Siargao

To get to Siargao, you’ll typically start your journey by flying into the Philippines. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Book a Flight to the Philippines: Depending on your location, you may need to fly into major international airports like Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila or Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in Cebu. If you have to get a quick connection I’d recommend going through Cebu, its a smaller and easier airport.
  2. Domestic Flight to Siargao: From either Manila or Cebu, you can take a domestic flight to Siargao Airport (IAO) in Del Carmen. Airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and SkyJet offer regular flights to Siargao. Make sure to check the flight schedules, as they can vary. Morning flights are better, Philippine flights work on their own schedule so are often delayed.
  3. Travel from Siargao Airport to Your Destination: Once you arrive at Siargao Airport, you can take a tricycle, van, or rent a motorbike to reach your accommodation. The airport is located near General Luna.
  4. Ferry Routes: If you’re coming from nearby islands like Bucas Grande or Surigao City, there may also be ferry services available. We took the ferry and a flight from Surigao back to Manila as the flight was much cheaper.

Plan your trip ahead, especially during peak seasons, as flights and accommodations can fill up quickly.

a cebu pacific airplane at siargao airport

Our Siargao itinerary pinned – Check out the map here

7 Day SIARGAO Itinerary for Families

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what to do in Siargao, including must-visit spots, food recommendations, and travel tips.

Day 1: Arrival & Cloud 9 Sunset

  • Settle into your accommodation
  • Explore General Luna and get your bearings
  • Visit Cloud 9 Boardwalk for sunset

Cloud 9 Boardwalk

You can’t miss this iconic spots off your Siargao itinerary, Cloud 9 is famous for its surfing scene and breathtaking sunsets.

While your kids might not be ready to hit the waves just yet, they’ll love running along the wooden boardwalk, watching surfers ride the waves, and taking in the golden-hour views.

The beach has a small charge to enter but if you walk about 50ms past the ‘official’ way in, there is a sandy cut through to the beach.

Our kids collected shells for hours, and were more than happy to play around the rock pools whilst the adults watched the sunset.

🤩 Fancy taking on the famous waves at Cloud 9 yourself? Book a surf lesson for you and the kids. The instructors are amazing!

Day 2: Magpupungko Rock Pools & Coconut Road

  • Morning at Magpupungko Rock Pools
  • Drive along Coconut Tree Road
  • Beach stop at Pacifico

Magpupungko Rock Pools

A natural wonder, these tidal pools reveal themselves at low tide, creating crystal-clear swimming holes for the whole family. The kids will love jumping into the pools, and parents can relax in the shallow areas. It’s important to visit at the right times. Check for low tide here.

Tip: Bring water shoes—the rocks can be slippery!

🤩 Don’t forget to bring reef-safe sunscreen! Grab one here.

Day 3: Island Hopping Adventure

  • Visit Guyam Island, Daku Island & Naked Island
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch on Daku Island
  • Snorkeling & swimming

Daku Island

This is the largest of the three islands and a great lunch stop. You can order fresh seafood from locals, or bring a picnic. If you book a tour, lunch is usually included.

The kids loved playing in the soft sand while we relaxed under a nipa hut.

Naked island is just that…no not a nudist island… just sand, no shade, no…nothing. We opted to skip this one to try and escape the sun a little.

🤩 Book an island hopping tour in advance to skip the hassle! Check prices here

Day 4: Sugba Lagoon & Maasin River

  • Kayaking and paddleboarding at Sugba Lagoon
  • Swing from the bent palm tree at Maasin River

Sugba Lagoon

Surrounded by lush mountains, Sugba Lagoon is one of Siargao’s most breathtaking spots, you shouldn’t miss this off your Siargao itinerary.

Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the turquoise waters, or jump off the floating platforms into the lagoon.

It’s a one hour boat ride from Del Carmen, which is around 50 minutes’ drive from General Luna.

The price is set at 1600 PHP ($31.50 USD) per boat and each person must pay a 100 PHP ($2 USD) environmental fee.

They Make sure that the boats are full (up to 6 people).

Day 5: Sohoton Cove & Tayangban Cave Pool

  • Explore Sohoton Cove (jellyfish sanctuary, caves & lagoons)
  • Rockpooling

Sohoton Cove

A bit further from Siargao, Sohoton Cove is a pretty magical area filled with luminous lagoons, caves, and a jellyfish sanctuary (don’t worry, these jellyfish don’t sting!). If your kids love adventure, they’ll have fun swimming inside caves and exploring the coves by boat.

The boats are pretty noisy so be prepared. It’s around a 2 hr boat ride from General Luna.

Rockpooling in Siargao

Rockpooling in Siargao is such a cool way to see all the fascinating marine life living in those tide pools along the coast. Siargao is famous for its gorgeous beaches and surfing spots, and those natural rock formations make perfect little habitats for all kinds of sea creatures.

When the tide goes out, it’s the best time to head out. You can find starfish, little fish, crabs, and all sorts of marine plants.

We learnt a couple of valuable lessons.

  1. The correct way to catch a crab is not from behind. The crab is able to reach around and grab your finger with its pincher if it wishes (a painful lesson to learn. Instead, hold onto a back leg.)
  2. There are some beautiful shells…however the locals collect these shells and smash them open to get at the snails inside!

A few great beaches for rockpooling in Siargao include Malinao Beach, Cloud 9, and the stunning Naked Island. Just be sure to be respectful of the environment while you’re exploring—avoid stepping on sea creatures and don’t take anything home with you.

🤩 Want a guided tour? Book one in advance here.

Day 6: Surf Lessons, Yoga & Wake Park

  • Try surfing at Cloud 9 (kid-friendly lessons available!)
  • Join a family-friendly yoga class
  • Have fun at Siargao Wake Park

Surf lesson in Siargao

I don’t think you can come here and leave surfing off your Siargao itinerary, you should give it a try. For beginners (and expert) Cloud 9 is a popular spot for surfing.

With popular, comes crowds, so this is not the spot to try surfing for the first time without an instructor. As soon as you hit the beach, you become magnetised to attract surf instructors.

However, surfing with kids is a little different. It’s worth looking for someone experienced and even qualified.

Check out:

Yoga classes

You can find yoga classes in Siargao at a few different studios.

Siargao Wake Park

Not ready to surf? The Siargao Wake Park is an awesome alternative! It’s a cable wakeboarding park where kids (and adults!) can glide across the water without needing waves.

Honestly it kind of looked easier than it was but it was a lot of fun (definitely some sore muscles the next day).

Our experience: With all the water activities both of our kids ended up with ear infections. Cue a trip to the local island doctor for antibiotics. Lesson learned: Pack ear plugs for sensitive little ears!

Children wakeboarding in Siargao

🤩 Book your wakeboarding session in advance! Click here

Day 7: Relax & Departure

  • Morning at Doot Beach
  • Last-minute souvenir shopping in General Luna
  • Head to the airport or ferry terminal

Day Pools in Siargao

Not all accommodation in Siargao has pool access and if you have kids that are part fish like mine, a pool can be a life saver.

Siargao Bleu Day Pool

Siargao Bleu Resort Tourism Road, General Luna, Siargao (9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily)

• ₱500 per person, which is consumable for food, and gives you access to the pool all day!

Nay Palad Hideaway Day Pool

Nay Palad Hideaway Malinao, Siargao (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily)

• Entrance fee is ₱1,500 per person, also consumable for food and drinks, plus enjoy their beautiful private pool!

Bravo Beach Resort Day Pool

Bravo Beach Resort Brgy. Malinao, General Luna, Siargao (9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Daily)

• ₱500 per person, which is also consumable for food and gives you full access to their lovely pool!

Sunday Siargao Day Pool

Sunday Siargao Brgy. Catangnan, General Luna, Siargao 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily

• ₱500 per person, consumable on food and drinks, and enjoy access to their relaxing pool area and beautiful surroundings!

Swimming pool in Siargao by the beach with kids playing

Best Time to Visit Siargao

The best time to visit Siargao is March to September when the weather is sunny and dry—perfect for island hopping and exploring. August to October is the peak surf season, so if you want to catch some waves, plan your trip around this time!

Where to Stay in Siargao

For families, these are the best places to stay:

  • Kermit Siargao – Kid-friendly resort with great food
  • Kaimana – Pool, beachfront, and family-friendly amenities
  • Soultribe Beach Resort – Great for families who want direct beach access

🤩 Check the best deals on Siargao hotels here.

Where to eat with the kids in siargao

  • Nāga Siargao (₱400 – ₱800 per person)
    Burgers, bar food, and international eats. Probably the best burger in town. Kid-friendly atmosphere, but it’s also a bar, so it’s better for an early meal.
  • Bravo Restaurant (₱400 – ₱800 per person)
    Mediterranean and international food in a chill, beachfront setting. They have salads, tapas, and good portions. Great for relaxed family meals.
  • Shaka Siargao (₱400 – ₱800 per person)
    Smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and coffee. If your kids love fruit and fun-looking food, this is a win. Healthy and refreshing.
  • Kermit Siargao (₱400 – ₱800 per person)
    Pizza, pasta, and Filipino dishes. One of the most popular spots, but it can get busy. Kids will love the huge calzones and homemade pasta.
  • CEV: Ceviche & Kinilaw Shack (₱200 – ₱400 per person)
    Fresh ceviche and kinilaw (Filipino-style ceviche). Simple and tasty seafood, though it might not be every kid’s favorite. Great for parents!
  • Mad Monkey Kitchen (₱200 – ₱400 per person)
    Burgers, Filipino food, and cocktails. Known for great burgers, but it’s part of a party hostel, so daytime is better for kids.
  • Mama’s Grill (₱150 – ₱300 per person)
    Filipino barbecue, cheap and tasty. Grilled meats, seafood, and rice—simple food that kids will enjoy. Best for casual, no-fuss dining.
  • La Carinderia (₱400 – ₱800 per person)
    Italian and seafood dishes. Good mix of pasta, grilled seafood, and vegetarian options. Cozy spot with a welcoming feel for families.

Getting Around Siargao

The best way to get around Siargao is by scooter and it’s our favourite way to explore. If you’re traveling with kids, you can rent a van with a driver for more comfort.

A side mirror view of the local siargao transport

FAQs

How many days do you need in Siargao?

One week is perfect for exploring Siargao with kids! If you love a slower pace, two weeks would be even better.

How much money do I need for 7 days in Siargao?

Budget around ₱2,500 – ₱5,000 per day ($45-$90 USD) for accommodation, food, and activities. Accommodation isn’t the usual budget standard you find in the rest of South east Asia.

Is Siargao safe for kids?

Yes! The island is very safe, and locals are incredibly friendly. Just watch out for strong currents on certain beaches.

Final Thoughts: Is Siargao Worth Visiting with Kids?

Absolutely! Whether your family loves beach days, adventure, or food, Siargao island has something for everyone. From rock pools to island hopping, this itinerary covers the best of what Siargao has to offer.

I would avoid visiting out of season as although there are loads of activities in Siargao, most of them are outdoors.

It’s a great destination for outside adventures in a tropical paradise.

Need more inspiration for your Siargao itinerary? Read our guide to the best beaches here and top things to do in Siargao.

Read Next: Looking for the perfect surfing destination for the kids?

Check out our guide to surfing in Sri Lanka and Morocco.

Our Favourite family planning tools

  • Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
  • Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
  • Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
  • GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
  • SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility. 
  • Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel, gap years and digital nomads (including those who have already left home). 
  • Wise Our go to for all international spending and transfers. Get a fee free transfer of 500GBP with our link
  • ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
  • Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
  • 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
  • TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget

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