Alegria Beach in Santa Monica municipality is a white sand beach where local families gather on weekends, fishermen launch their boats at dawn, and the pace of life moves at true island time. Located on Siargao's northeast coast, Alegria offers a quieter alternative to General Luna's crowded beaches - with soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and small beachfront resorts like DaRosa Del Mar, 3B Beach Resort, and the upscale Isla Marajaw. While it has more development than initially advertised, Alegria maintains a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and remains less commercialized than General Luna. This guide covers everything you need to know to visit Alegria Beach, including accurate travel times, entrance fees, and what to expect at this northeast coast destination.
Image courtesy of Arjay Eusebio
Quick Facts
- Location: Barangay Alegria, Santa Monica, Surigao del Norte (Northeast Coast Siargao)
- Distance from Mariden Resort (Del Carmen): 43-47 minutes by motorcycle (approximately 32 km)
- Distance from General Luna: 1.5-2 hours
- Entrance Fee: ₱20 per person + ₱20 motorcycle parking (as of 2025)
- Best For: Swimming, beach relaxation, family outings, local culture
- Beach Type: White sand, calm waters, gradual depth
- Beach Orientation: Northeast coast (NOT west-facing)
- Facilities: Beachfront resorts (DaRosa Del Mar, 3B Beach Resort, Isla Marajaw), cottages, eateries, restrooms
- What to Bring: Swimwear, sunscreen, towel, water, cash, beach gear
What to Do at Alegria Beach
Swimming
Alegria's calm, shallow waters make it one of Siargao's best swimming beaches:
- Gentle Waves: Protected location = minimal surf, safe for all ages
- Gradual Depth: Shallow for 20-30 meters out - perfect for kids and non-swimmers
- Clear Water: Turquoise and transparent - spot fish and sand patterns
- Year-Round: Swimmable all year (unlike rough east-coast beaches)
- Safe: Local families swim here daily - naturally vetted for safety
Beach Relaxation
Alegria is the ultimate chill beach:
- Long Beach Walks: 1.5+ km of white sand to explore at your own pace
- Shade Options: Coconut groves provide natural shade, or rent a cottage
- Reading & Napping: Bring a book, hammock, or beach mat and enjoy island time
- Sunrise Views: Northeast-facing beach offers beautiful morning light
- Solitude: Even on weekends, the beach is spacious enough to find your own spot
Local Culture & Community
Weekday Experience:
- Quiet and peaceful - mostly empty beach
- Local fishermen preparing boats and nets
- Occasional families or solo visitors
Weekend Experience:
- Local families having beach picnics
- Kids playing volleyball, swimming, building sandcastles
- Lechon (roast pig) or grilled seafood shared among groups
- Friendly atmosphere - locals often invite visitors to join games or share food
Image courtesy of Mindtrip
How to Get There from Del Carmen
Alegria Beach is located in Barangay Alegria, Santa Monica municipality, approximately 32 kilometers from the Del Carmen/Airport area on Siargao's northeast coast.
Motorcycle Route (Recommended)
From Mariden Resort, Del Carmen:
- Head north on the main Siargao Circumferential Road
- Pass through Del Carmen town, continue north toward Santa Monica
- Continue for approximately 32 kilometers
- Look for signage indicating "Alegria Beach" or "Brgy. Alegria"
- Turn toward the coast following local signage
- Pay entrance fee (₱20/person) and parking fee (₱20) at beach access
Total Travel Time: 43-47 minutes (approximately 32 km)
Road Condition: Mostly paved via circumferential road
Tricycle Option
- Tricycle from Del Carmen/Airport area: ₱600-800 roundtrip (32km distance - similar to airport-GL route)
- Negotiate price before departure, confirm waiting time
What to Expect at Alegria Beach
The Setting
Alegria Beach offers the classic tropical beach experience:
- White Sand: Soft, powdery sand (not rocky or pebbly)
- Turquoise Water: Clear, shallow, warm - ideal for swimming
- Coconut Groves: Natural shade from towering coconut palms lining the shore
- Beachfront Resorts: DaRosa Del Mar, 3B Beach Resort, and Isla Marajaw (upscale 8-bedroom property) located directly on the beach
- Local Homes: Mix of small homes and resorts - still maintains local community feel
- Fishing Boats: Colorful bancas (outrigger boats) anchored or beached along the shore
- Rural Charm: Kids playing, local families on weekends - authentic Filipino coastal life
Facilities
Alegria Beach has small-scale development with local facilities:
Available:
- Beachfront Resorts: DaRosa Del Mar, 3B Beach Resort, Isla Marajaw (upscale 8-bedroom property)
- Cottages for Rent: ₱500/day (local rates)
- Local Eateries: Small establishments serving Filipino meals, grilled seafood, snacks, cold drinks
- Fresh Coconuts: ₱30-50 each from vendors
- Restrooms: Basic CR facilities available
- Fresh Water Shower: Some areas offer freshwater rinse
This is small-scale, family-friendly Siargao - relaxed and less commercialized than General Luna.
Image courtesy of Travelinyourarms
Best Time to Visit
By Season
Dry Season (March-October):
- ✅ Sunny weather, calm seas, perfect swimming conditions
- ✅ Clearest water for snorkeling and photography
- ✅ Best for beach picnics and full-day visits
Wet Season (November-February):
- ⚠️ Possible rain showers (usually brief)
- ✅ Fewer visitors (have the beach to yourself)
- ✅ Lush, green scenery
- ⚠️ Slightly rougher water (still safe, just less calm)
By Day of Week
Weekdays (Monday-Friday):
- ✅ Quiet and peaceful - near-empty beach
- ✅ Best for solitude and relaxation
- ⚠️ Fewer vendors and open eateries
Weekends (Saturday-Sunday):
- ✅ Experience local culture - families, volleyball games, picnics
- ✅ More food options and cottage availability
- ⚠️ Slightly more crowded (still far less than tourist beaches)
Recommendation: Visit weekdays for solitude, weekends for cultural immersion.
What to Bring
Essentials
- ☑️ Swimwear - quick-dry preferred
- ☑️ Reef-safe sunscreen - reapply every 2 hours
- ☑️ Towel or beach mat - for drying and sitting
- ☑️ Water (1-2 liters) - stay hydrated (local options available but bring your own)
- ☑️ Cash (₱500-800) - entrance (₱20), parking (₱20), cottage (₱500), food, snacks (no ATMs at beach)
- ☑️ Sunglasses & hat - sun protection
Recommended
- 🏖️ Beach umbrella or pop-up tent - extra shade if cottages are full
- 📷 Camera/phone - capture the beauty and local culture
- 🥽 Snorkel gear - explore the calm nearshore waters
- 📖 Book or e-reader - perfect beach for reading
- 🏐 Beach games - volleyball, frisbee, paddleball (locals may join!)
- 👶 Kids' beach toys - if traveling with family (sand toys, floaties)
Tips for the Best Experience
🤝 Cultural Etiquette
- Greet locals warmly - a smile goes a long way
- Support local vendors (cottages, food) even if prices are already low
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially children
- If locals invite you to join volleyball or share food, accept graciously (offer to share yours too)
- Dress modestly when walking around the community (save bikinis for the beach)
🌅 Beach Photography
Alegria Beach faces northeast - note the following for photography:
- Beautiful morning light for sunrise and early photography
- Golden hour afternoon light still works well for beach shots
- For true horizon sunsets, visit Santa Monica Pier or Siargao's west coast near Del Carmen
- Photography tip: Capture fishing boats, coconut palms, and the relaxed family atmosphere
🌱 Respect & Preserve
- Pack out all trash - no littering (help locals keep their beach pristine)
- Don't damage coral or marine life
- Avoid stepping on fishing nets or boats
- Be quiet and respectful if locals are relaxing or having family time
- Tip cottage vendors and eatery staff generously (₱20-50 extra goes a long way)
Image courtesy of 3B Resort
Santa Monica's Balanced Beach Tourism
Alegria Beach represents Santa Monica's approach to beach tourism - small-scale development that balances local community needs with visitor accommodation.
Preserving Community Over Commerce
While General Luna transforms into a tourist town with local families priced out, beaches dominated by resorts, traditional livelihoods replaced by service jobs, and culture diluted by mass tourism:
Alegria Beach represents a balanced approach:
- Mix of local community use and small beachfront resorts
- Fishing remains important alongside tourism
- Families still use their beach on weekends
- Development is small-scale (boutique resorts, not mega-hotels)
- More affordable than General Luna, though not free to enter
Why Del Carmen is Your Base for Northern Exploration
Staying in Del Carmen provides access to northern beaches and attractions:
- 43-47 minutes to Alegria Beach - Day trip to Santa Monica's northeast coast
- Access to northern attractions - Sugba, Magpupungko, Taktak Falls, Pacifico, Sohoton
- 5 minutes from airport - easy arrival and departure
- Lower costs than GL - accommodation, food, activities more affordable
- Central location - Explore both Del Carmen area and northern municipalities like Santa Monica
📍 Your Northern Siargao Basecamp
Mariden Resort in Del Carmen is positioned for exploring northern beaches including Alegria Beach in Santa Monica.
- 43-47 minutes to Alegria Beach — Day trip to Santa Monica's northeast coast beach
- 5 minutes from Siargao Airport — Arrive and explore northern Siargao efficiently
- Pool & comfort — Relax at our resort after beach days
- Local insights — We'll share route guidance, entrance fee info, and travel tips for northern beaches
- Affordable rates — Budget-friendly base for exploring both Del Carmen and Santa Monica areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Alegria Beach is one of the safest swimming beaches in Siargao. The protected bay location means calm, gentle waves and minimal currents. The gradual depth makes it perfect for families with children and beginner swimmers. Local families swim here daily.
Entrance fee is ₱20 per person plus ₱20 motorcycle parking. Additional costs: cottage rental (₱500/day), meals at local eateries (₱80-150), fresh coconut (₱30-50). Budget ₱600-800/person for a full-day visit with food, cottage, and entrance fees. Staying at beachfront resorts is an additional option.
Alegria is a quieter beach in Santa Monica with small beachfront resorts (DaRosa Del Mar, 3B Beach Resort, Isla Marajaw), calm waters, white sand, and family-friendly atmosphere. General Luna beaches (Cloud 9 area) have strong surf, rocky reef, more beachfront development, larger tourist crowds, nightlife, and higher prices. Alegria is better for swimming and relaxation; GL is for surfing and party scene.
Yes, but it's a 1.5-2 hour ride each way. Alegria is more accessible if you're staying in Del Carmen (43-47 minutes) or directly at one of Alegria's beachfront resorts (DaRosa Del Mar, 3B Beach Resort, Isla Marajaw). Consider the travel time when planning your visit.
Alegria Beach faces northeast, so it's NOT ideal for watching the sun set into the horizon. For spectacular sunsets, visit Santa Monica Pier or the west coast beaches near Del Carmen instead. Alegria is better for sunrise views and morning/midday beach activities.
Yes, there are beachfront accommodations at Alegria Beach including DaRosa Del Mar, 3B Beach Resort (with basic activity support), and Isla Marajaw (upscale 8-bedroom beachfront property). These offer direct beach access. You can also stay in Del Carmen (43-47 minutes away) and visit as a day trip.
Related Guides
Nearby Attractions:
- Taktak Falls Guide - Combine with Alegria for a full Santa Monica day
- Pacifico Beach - Another beach at similar distance, great for surfing
- Magpupungko Rock Pools - East coast tidal pools
Del Carmen Attractions:
- Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk - Tranquil nature experience
- Sugba Lagoon Guide - Premium boat tour experience
- Maasin Coconut Plantation and River - Photography and kayaking
Planning Your Trip:
- Sample Itineraries - Day-by-day trip plans
- Budget Guide - Complete cost breakdowns
- Best Time to Visit - Weather and seasonal planning
- Transportation Guide - Getting around the island
- Del Carmen vs General Luna - Why Del Carmen unlocks beaches like Alegria
- Siargao Airport Guide - Arrivals and transfers
Image courtesy of Bartoli1976