Surfing in Calicoan Island: Surf Spots, Camps, Resorts, and Guide

Calicoan Island, is a more peaceful area in the Phillipines, that offers some fantastic surf resorts and camps once in a while, all the while having a good surf spot to up your surfing game! Check out the break right here in case you want to know whether the article is worth reading more;

Introduction to Surfing in Calicoan Island

Calicoan Island is the spot if you want to escape the crowded lineups of Siargao and find some peace in the Eastern Samar wilderness. This island sits right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean so it takes the full brunt of the swell. The main reason surfers make the trek out here is ABCD Beach. It is a world-class reef break that offers long lefts and rights that can peel for over 200 meters when the conditions are firing.

The water is surrounded by the Philippine Sea and the Pacific. Because it is so exposed, you get consistent swells throughout the year. The waves are generally better for intermediate and advanced riders because the reef can be shallow and the paddle out is no joke. There is no easy channel to cruise through.

If the ocean goes flat, the island is still a blast. It is a rugged landscape with limestone caves, hidden lagoons, and thick tropical forests. You can spend the day exploring the Linao Cave or just hanging with the locals who are some of the chillest people you will meet. It is a legit adventure destination where the surf is the main event but the vibe of the island keeps you stoked regardless.

Best Season to Surf in Calicoan Island

The swell patterns here are dictated by the monsoons and the Pacific typhoon season. Generally, you can find a rideable wave almost any month, but the quality changes drastically depending on when you land.

Best for Beginners

If you are just starting out, aim for the summer months between March and May. This is when the Pacific calms down and you get mellow rollers around 2 to 3 feet. The water is crystal clear and the winds are usually light, making it much easier to practice your pop-up without getting hammered by a heavy set.

General Recommendation

For the seasoned surfers, the prime time is July through October. This is typhoon season in the Philippines and while that sounds intense, it means the Pacific is pumping out solid groundswell. You will get the most powerful and consistent waves during this window. November to March also has plenty of size, but the northeast monsoon winds can make the conditions a bit choppy and onshore.

Best Spots to Surf

Beginner Waves

ABCD Beach (Inside Section): While the main peak is for the pros, the inside white water and smaller reform waves are where the local schools take students. It is a reef bottom, so you have to watch your feet, but the instructors know the safe zones.

Guiuan Beachfronts: Some of the sandy stretches near the town of Guiuan offer softer breaks during the smaller summer swells, providing a more forgiving entry into surfing than the main reef breaks.

General Recommendation

The heavy hitter here is ABCD Beach, but if you have a boat or a motorcycle, you can scout around for other setups. Check out the breaks near Sulingan or look for unnamed reef peaks along the eastern coastline that work on different tide heights.

Surf Schools and Surf Camps

Calicoan Surf Retreat: More of a high-end spot featuring luxury tents nestled in the forest. They excel in providing a comfortable base for surfers with easy access to ABCD Beach and expert local knowledge.

How to Get There

The fastest way is to fly from Manila or Cebu to Tacloban City (TAC). From Tacloban, you grab a van or bus heading to the town of Guiuan, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. Once you are in Guiuan, you can take a tricycle or rent a motorbike for the 20-minute ride across the bridge to Calicoan Island.

General Costs and Considerations

Daily Living Costs

The Philippines is very affordable. You can get by on about ₱1500 to ₱3000 per day depending on your taste for luxury. Local meals are cheap, but western-style resorts will cost more. The currency is the Philippine Peso. You should pull out plenty of cash in Tacloban or Guiuan because ATMs on the island are unreliable or nonexistent.

Travel Advisories

No special vaccinations are required for most, but it is smart to be up to date on Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Mosquitoes can be a hassle, so bring repellent to avoid Dengue. The area is generally safe for travelers, but always keep an eye on the weather charts during typhoon season as storms can move in fast.

Other Things to Do

Food

You have to try Kinilaw. It is fresh raw fish cured in vinegar, calamansi, ginger, and chili. It is the perfect light meal after a long session in the sun.

Location to Hike

Trek to Linao Cave. It is a short hike through the brush that leads to a stunning freshwater pool inside a limestone cave. It is the best way to cool off when the midday heat hits.

Cultural Thing

Check out the Guiuan Church, also known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception. It is a historic 18th-century coral stone church that represents the deep Spanish colonial roots of the region.

Conclusion on Calicoan Island

Calicoan Island is a hidden gem for anyone who wants a pure surf trip. It is not a party island like Boracay or a surf city like Siargao. It is quiet, raw, and centered around the ocean. The waves at ABCD Beach are legit and can offer some of the best rides in the country if you timing is right. It is 100% worth sending it for a session if you want uncrowded peaks and a real tropical adventure.