7+ Best Siargao Surf Camps for Every Surfer to Learn & Stay

Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines and it lives up to the hype. 🌊

Think perfect waves, warm water, and laid-back island vibes. From the world-famous Cloud 9 to mellow beginner spots around General Luna, this island is built for surfing, learning, and living the good life.

Here’s what makes it special:

• 🌴 Consistent waves year-round
• 🏄 Camps and surf schools for all levels
• 🛏️ Beachfront stays with surf lessons included
• 🍹 A fun community of travelers, locals, and pros

In this guide, I’ll share the 7+ best Siargao surf camps where you can learn, surf, and stay, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique retreats.

If you’re still planning your trip, check out How to Get to Siargao from Manila, Cebu & Beyond so you can arrive ready to catch your first wave.

Why Siargao Is the Surf Camp Capital of the Philippines

Siargao isn’t just another tropical island, it’s the surfing heartbeat of the Philippines. 🌊

The island faces the Pacific, pulling in consistent waves year-round. The world-famous Cloud 9 delivers powerful barrels for pros, while nearby breaks offer mellow waves for learners.

What sets Siargao apart is its pure surf culture. From locals waxing boards on the roadside to hostels built around surf schedules, the whole island revolves around the ocean.

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Ideal Conditions for Learning & Staying

• Warm water: 28–30°C (82–86°F) all year, no wetsuit needed.
• Waves for all levels: Beginner beach breaks, playful reefs, and advanced barrels.
• Friendly vibe: Locals and instructors who love helping newcomers catch their first wave.
• Easy setup: Surf camps, board rentals, and cafés all within minutes of each other.

Siargao’s balance of waves, warmth, and community makes it the perfect spot to learn, surf, and stay.

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When to Visit / Surf Season

• Peak season (Aug–Nov): Big swells, lively surf scene.
• Shoulder season (Mar–Jul): Smaller, cleaner waves, great for beginners.
• Off-season: Still surfable with fewer crowds.

For a full breakdown of weather and surf months, see my Best Time to Visit Siargao guide.

Tip: Camps book up early around Cloud 9. Reserve ahead to lock in your dream Siargao surf camp.

What Makes a Great Surf Camp

Not all Siargao surf camps are created equal. After staying at several around the island, I’ve learned what truly separates a great surf camp from one that’s just… okay. 🌴

Here’s what to look for before you book:

• 🏄‍♂️ Instructor quality: Choose camps with certified, experienced coaches who focus on safety and clear progress. The best instructors know when to push and when to let you rest.
• 👥 Small class sizes: A low student-to-teacher ratio means more waves and faster learning.
• 🌊 Surf sessions: Two lessons per day is ideal. Some camps even offer dawn patrol sessions when the waves are glassy and quiet.
• 🏠 Accommodation & comfort: Stay close to the surf breaks. Beachfront or nearby is best, less commuting, more surfing.
• 🏄‍♀️ Gear & extras: Good camps provide a range of boards, daily maintenance, and include perks like video coaching or surf photography.
• 🍍 All-in-one packages: Look for options that cover meals, airport transfers, yoga, or island tours.
• 🌺 Transparency: Prices should be clear and flexible for all budgets.

When I recommend a Siargao surf camp, I consider all of this, not just the waves. That’s how you find the ones worth your time and money.

7+ Best Siargao Surf Camps

Finding the right surf camp in Siargao, Philippines can completely change your trip. After living here and surfing the island’s best breaks, I’ve narrowed it down to the spots that truly stand out, not just for the waves, but for their vibe, instructors, and community.

Whether you’re here to improve your skills, meet other travelers, or just ride that first perfect wave, these are the best surf camps in Siargao I’d personally recommend. 🏄‍♂️

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1. Awake Siargao Retreats – General Luna

Best for: All levels, wellness, and comfort

Awake feels like the kind of place where time slows down. You’ll surf, stretch, eat clean, and genuinely reset your mind while chasing waves.

Why you’ll love it:

• 🏄 Personalized surf coaching with daily lessons
• 🧘 Yoga, meditation, and healthy local meals
• 🛏️ Modern villas with minimalist tropical design
• 📸 Optional video analysis to track your progress

What to expect: Peaceful surroundings, consistent waves nearby, and instructors who coach with patience and precision.

➡️ Book your stay at Awake Siargao Retreats for a surf and wellness combo that actually sticks.

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2. Kermit Surf Resort & Camp – General Luna

Best for: Social travelers, foodies, consistent waves

If Siargao had a surf headquarters, it’d be Kermit. It’s got the perfect mix of waves, pizza, and people, the trifecta that keeps everyone coming back.

Why you’ll love it:

• 🌊 Daily surf lessons or surf guiding with local pros
• 🍕 Famous on-site restaurant (yes, the pizza really is that good)
• 🏠 Range of rooms from fan huts to deluxe options
• 🏄 “Sleep, Eat, Surf” packages with transfers included

What to expect: Great food, good company, and an easy rhythm, surf, eat, chill, repeat.

➡️ Check availability at Kermit Surf Resort & Camp before it’s fully booked (it usually is).

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3. Laya Surf Retreats – General Luna

Best for: Beginners, wellness lovers, peaceful stays

This is one of those places where beginners fall in love with surfing. You’ll learn fast, eat well, and leave feeling lighter, both physically and mentally.

Why you’ll love it:

• 🏄 Beginner-friendly surf lessons in calm waters
• 🧘 Yoga and meditation woven into the schedule
• 🥗 Fresh, healthy island meals included
• 🤙 Supportive instructors who celebrate every little win

What to expect: A chill, community vibe with a focus on self-growth through surf and flow.

➡️ Book your retreat at Laya Surf Retreats and experience Siargao’s gentler side.

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4. Mad Monkey Siargao – General Luna

Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, and social surfers

If you like your surf with a side of energy and laughter, this is your spot. Mad Monkey is wild in the best way. Cheap beers, loud music, and waves just down the road.

Why you’ll love it:

• 💸 Affordable surf camp packages
• 🏄 Group lessons with fun, energetic coaches
• 🎶 Daily events, parties, and island meetups
• 🛏️ Clean dorms and private rooms with surfboard storage

What to expect: A social, carefree environment that keeps you smiling (and surfing) all day long.

➡️ See deals at Mad Monkey Siargao and lock in a fun, budget-friendly surf trip.

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5. Buddha’s Surf Resort – General Luna

Best for: Intermediate surfers and relaxed travelers

Buddha’s has that peaceful, tropical balance that just works. You can surf hard in the morning, then swing in a hammock surrounded by palms all afternoon.

Why you’ll love it:

• 🌴 Peaceful resort vibe with lush greenery
• 🏄 Small-group surf coaching for skill building
• 🍜 Healthy on-site restaurant with Asian fusion dishes
• 🛏️ Comfortable rooms with a natural island style

What to expect: A laid-back surf base that lets you focus on the waves without the chaos.

➡️ Book your stay at Buddha’s Surf Resort for a quiet, surf-filled retreat.

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6. Turtle Surf Camp Siargao – Catangnan

Best for: Eco-conscious surfers, sustainability lovers

If you love the idea of waking up in a bamboo hut with the sound of waves and birds, this one’s for you. Turtle Surf Camp blends surf, sustainability, and soul.

Why you’ll love it:

• 🌱 Bamboo huts and eco-friendly design
• 🏄 Personalized lessons in mellow reef breaks nearby
• 🔥 Beach bonfires and community events
• 🍃 Relaxed vibe surrounded by nature

What to expect: A low-key, sustainable experience that reconnects you with the island lifestyle.

➡️ Check availability at Turtle Surf Camp Siargao and surf with purpose.

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7. Harana Surf Resort – Cloud 9

Best for: Style-conscious travelers and surf culture fans

Harana is where surf meets design. The place has personality. Filipino architecture, local art, and waves just steps away.

Why you’ll love it:

• 🏄 Lessons with experienced local instructors
• 🏠 Modern Filipino-inspired architecture
• 🍛 Excellent restaurant serving local favorites
• 🎶 Surf culture hub with good energy and music nights

What to expect: A stylish resort that captures the essence of Siargao, authentic, creative, and full of stoke.

➡️ Book your stay at Harana Surf Resort to surf, eat, and vibe by Cloud 9.

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8. Hidden Gem: Pacifico Surf Camp – Pacifico Village

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path surfers and quiet escapes

If you want waves without the crowds, head north. Pacifico Surf Camp is pure Siargao, raw, peaceful, and beautifully simple.

Why you’ll love it:

• 🌊 Long rides and empty lineups
• 🏠 Rustic bungalows and family-style meals
• 🏄 Knowledgeable local instructors
• 🌅 Authentic, slow island rhythm

What to expect: Surfing the same breaks locals love, with no rush, no crowds, and all the soul.

➡️ Stay at Pacifico Surf Camp for a real-deal surf adventure off the grid.

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💡 Insider Tip: Still choosing your base? Check out my Where to Stay in Siargao: 12 Best Places, Hotels, and Tips guide to find the area that fits your style and surf goals best.

No matter which Siargao surf camp you pick, you’ll leave with more than just better surf skills, you’ll leave with salt in your hair, a few new friends, and that island feeling you can’t quite shake. 🏄‍♀️

How to Pick the Right Surf Camp for You

Choosing the right surf camp in Siargao comes down to what kind of trip you want. Every camp has its own vibe, some are quiet and soulful, others social and full of energy. Before booking, it helps to think about your goals, surf level, and what kind of experience makes you happiest. 🌴

Match Your Level

If you’re a beginner, go for camps that focus on small group lessons and safety, like Laya Surf Retreats or Awake Siargao. Intermediates should look for camps offering surf guiding or daily spot transfers to explore different breaks. Advanced surfers might prefer freedom, with accommodation-only options near top spots like Cloud 9 or Pacifico.

Consider Comfort, Budget & Location

Ask yourself what matters more: being right by the surf or staying somewhere more relaxed with local charm. Budget camps like Mad Monkey give you social vibes and shared fun, while mid-range and luxury stays offer privacy and comfort after long sessions.

Quick Decision Matrix

Your Goal	Best Type of Camp	Examples
Learning fast	High lesson frequency, small groups	Awake, Laya
Luxury & comfort	Premium lodging with surf programs	Awake, Harana
Social & budget	Hostel-style with group lessons	Mad Monkey
Eco / nature focus	Offbeat, smaller community camp	Turtle Surf Camp, Pacifico

Tip: Before you book, list your top three priorities: surf quality, comfort, and budget. Then compare camps that match what matters most to you. The right surf camp won’t just teach you to surf better, it’ll shape your entire Siargao experience. 🌊

What to Expect in a Surf Camp Experience

A typical day at a Siargao surf camp feels like living inside a surf movie, but with better food and more naps. 😎 Most camps follow a rhythm that balances activity and relaxation so you can surf hard and still enjoy island life.

Daily Flow

Here’s what a normal day looks like:

• 🌅 Early surf session when the waves are clean and glassy
• 🍳 Breakfast together back at camp (usually fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee)
• 🏄‍♀️ Second surf or lesson mid-morning or afternoon, depending on tides
• 🌮 Lunch + free time for hammocks, scooters, or exploring
• 🧘 Optional yoga or sunset surf, followed by dinner and chill nights under palm lights

Gear & Logistics

Most surf camps include board rental, rash guards, and basic safety gear. If you have a favorite board or reef shoes, bring them, they’ll save you from coral nicks. Camps often arrange airport pickups, surf spot transfers, and even storage for your gear.

Real Talk: When the Weather Acts Up

Even paradise has off days. 🌧️ When swells flatten or storms roll in, camps usually pivot, think video analysis, surf theory lessons, yoga, or inland tours. The good ones keep the energy high no matter what the ocean’s doing.

Tip: Bring flexibility, sunscreen, and a sense of humor. That’s the real Siargao surf camp mindset.

Tips for Booking & Saving on Siargao Surf Camps

You don’t need a big budget to find an amazing Siargao surf camp. With a few smart booking moves, you can save money and still get top-quality lessons and accommodation. 💸

• 📅 Book early for peak months (August to November). The best camps fill up quickly, and early reservations often come with bonus deals or free extras.
• 🌊 Travel off-peak between March and July for smaller crowds and up to 30% lower rates.
• 🤙 Ask about package deals. Multi-day or group bookings usually include meals, transport, or yoga sessions at no additional cost.
• 🏄 Book directly with local camps to skip middleman fees and get more flexible arrangements.
• 💡 Confirm all costs. Some camps charge extra for board rental, airport transfers, or equipment damage, so always double-check before paying.

Tip: The longer you stay, the better the value. Week-long surf packages usually include more lessons and bigger savings.

Safety, Etiquette & Staying a Responsible Surfer

Surfing in Siargao is amazing, but it’s also about respect, for the people, the ocean, and the island. 🌴

In the Water

• 🏄 Respect the lineup. Wait your turn, don’t drop in, and share the waves.
• 😊 Be friendly. A simple smile or hello goes a long way with locals and fellow surfers.
• 🌊 Check the conditions. Ask instructors or locals about tides, reefs, and currents before paddling out.

Stay Safe

• 🪸 Protect your skin and the reef. Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear booties for shallow spots.
• 🏥 Know your limits. Siargao has powerful waves, especially around Cloud 9. When in doubt, sit it out.

Respect the Island

• 💚 Support local surf schools that hire local instructors and buy from local suppliers.
• 🚯 Go eco. Bring a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and leave every beach cleaner than you found it.

Surfing here isn’t just about catching waves. It’s about respecting Siargao’s surf culture and helping keep the island beautiful for everyone who comes after you. 🌊

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions I get from readers planning their first Siargao surf camp trip.

Summary & Call to Action

Siargao is the ultimate place to learn, surf, and stay surrounded by island magic. 🌴 From luxury wellness retreats to budget-friendly hostels, the island’s surf camps offer something for every traveler and every skill level.

Whether you’re chasing your first wave or looking to level up, pick one of the 7+ Siargao surf camps that fits your style, budget, and goals.

Book early, pack light, and get ready to ride waves in paradise, the island’s surf scene is waiting for you. 🏄‍♀️

Planning your full Siargao adventure? Read my guides on 11+ Best Siargao Island Beaches for Surfing & Sunsets and Where to Stay in Siargao to make the most of your trip.