Planning a Siargao trip but not sure how to structure your days? We've created four sample itineraries to help you make the most of your island adventure. Whether you have a quick 3-day weekend, a full week to explore, or specific needs like family-friendly activities or adrenaline-pumping adventures, these day-by-day plans will guide you. These itineraries are designed around Del Carmen as a convenient base if you prioritize easy access to the airport and Sugba Lagoon, while still being able to visit the north coast and General Luna on day trips.
Jump to Your Itinerary
- Quick Escape (2-3 Days) - Perfect for weekend trips
- Balanced Stay (5-7 Days) - The full Siargao experience
- Family-Friendly (Any Duration) - Safe activities for kids
- Adventure Seeker (5-7 Days) - Action-packed itinerary
Itinerary 1: Quick Escape (2-3 Days)
Best For: Weekend travelers, short layovers, first-timers with limited time
Siargao Airport (IAO) is a domestic airport located in Del Carmen; most travelers fly in via Manila or Cebu, and routes can change seasonally.
Day 1: Arrival & Settle In
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Siargao Airport (IAO)
- Transfer: Mariden Resort is about 4 km from the airport, which is roughly a 5–10 minute ride by tricycle or car, depending on traffic and road conditions. Typical tricycle fares are around ₱200, but prices can vary by driver and season. (Free pickup for direct bookings).
- Check in and freshen up
Late Afternoon Options:
- Option A: Relax by the pool and recover from travel
- Option B: Quick visit to Mangrove Boardwalk (about 10 minutes away by tricycle; expect a small environmental or entrance fee)
Evening: Dinner at a local carinderia near the resort (₱100-150)
Day 1 Estimated Cost: ₱300-500 (excluding accommodation)
Day 2: Sugba Lagoon Adventure
- 7:00 AM: Light breakfast at resort
- 8:00 AM: Depart for Sugba Lagoon tour. From Del Carmen port, the boat ride to Sugba Lagoon typically takes around 30–45 minutes, depending on boat speed and weather conditions. In high season, consider booking popular tours like Sugba Lagoon at least a day in advance.
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Swimming, diving platform, paddleboard/kayak. Most destinations such as Sugba Lagoon charge small environmental fees collected on-site, usually not included in the tour price.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the lagoon (included in some tours, or around ₱200-300)
- 3:00 PM: Return to Del Carmen
- 4:00 PM: Rest at resort, pool time
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at resort or nearby restaurant
Day 2 Estimated Cost: ₱1,800-2,500 (As of 2026, typical join-in Sugba Lagoon tours are around ₱1,500–2,000 per person, depending on season and inclusions. Always confirm current rates when booking.)
Day 3: North Exploration & Departure
Option A (Morning Flight):
- 6:00 AM - Breakfast
- 7:00 AM - Airport transfer (roughly 5–10 minutes)
- Depart Siargao
Option B (Afternoon/Evening Flight):
- 7:00 AM - Early breakfast
- 8:00 AM - Maasin River & Coconut Viewdeck (about 30 min away) OR Magpupungko Rock Pools (if low tide timing works)
- 12:00 PM - Return, lunch, pack up
- 2:00 PM - Airport transfer
Day 3 Estimated Cost: ₱500-1,000 (depending on activities)
3-Day Trip Budget Summary
* Note: Costs below are rough estimates for 2026. Activities, accommodation, and food prices will vary depending on your specific choices and travel season.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Activities & Food | ₱2,600-4,000 | ₱4,000-6,000 |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | ₱3,000-4,000 | ₱4,000-6,000 |
| Total Trip | ₱5,600-8,000 ($100-145 USD) | ₱8,000-12,000 ($145-220 USD) |
Itinerary 2: Balanced Stay (5-7 Days)
Best For: Typical tourists wanting the "full Siargao experience"
Day 1: Arrival & Del Carmen Base
- Arrive at Siargao Airport, transfer to Mariden Resort (roughly a 5–10 minute ride) - see our Airport Guide for arrival tips
- Afternoon: Pool & rest, recover from travel
- Evening: Explore Del Carmen town, local dinner
Day 2: Sugba Lagoon Day Trip
- Full day Sugba Lagoon tour
- Swimming, kayaking, cliff jumping from the diving platform
- Return late afternoon
Day 3: East Coast Adventure
- Morning: Magpupungko Rock Pools (check tide schedule!)
- Lunch: Pilar town
- Afternoon: Pacifico Beach (surf or swim)
- Return to Del Carmen
Day 4: General Luna Day Trip
- Rent motorbike (₱400-500/day) or hire habal-habal (see our Transportation Guide for rental tips)
- Morning: Explore GL, breakfast at tourist cafe
- Midday: Cloud 9 boardwalk, watch surfers
- Afternoon: Surf lesson (optional, ₱500-800/hr)
- Evening: GL nightlife OR return to Del Carmen
Day 5: Island Hopping (Tri-Island Tour)
- Book through GL tour operators
- Visit Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island
- Full day tour. Tri-Island join-in tours usually cost around ₱1,500–2,000 per person, but prices vary with season, group size, and what's included. Expect small environmental fees on some islands.
- Return to Del Carmen evening
Day 6: Nature & Relaxation
- Morning: Taktak Falls hike
- Afternoon: Maasin River & Coconut Viewdeck (photos!)
- Evening: Pool, pack, final dinner
Day 7: Departure
- Morning activity if time permits (e.g., Mangrove Boardwalk)
- Airport transfer (roughly 5–10 minutes from Del Carmen)
7-Day Trip Budget Summary
* Note: Costs below are rough estimates for 2026. Join-in tours like Sugba Lagoon and Tri-Island typically cost around ₱1,500–2,000 per person, but prices vary with season, inclusions, and group size.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Activities, Food & Transport | ₱8,000-12,000 | ₱15,000-20,000 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ₱9,000-12,000 | ₱12,000-18,000 |
| Total Trip | ₱17,000-24,000 ($300-435 USD) | ₱27,000-38,000 ($490-690 USD) |
This balanced itinerary works well from Del Carmen. Del Carmen is well-placed for attractions like Sugba Lagoon on the west coast and for day trips to Magpupungko Rock Pools, Pacifico Beach, and Taktak Falls—saving transit time to these spots.
Secure Your Strategic BaseItinerary 3: Family-Friendly (Any Duration)
Best For: Families with children, cautious travelers. (Tip: See our Best Time to Visit guide for weather planning).
Family-Friendly Principles
- ☑️ Calm, shallow water activities
- ☑️ Short travel distances
- ☑️ Flexible timing (nap time!)
- ☑️ Kid-friendly food options
- ☑️ Avoid rough surf/deep water
Recommended Activities for Families
Best for Families:
- ✅ Mariden Resort Pool - Safe, supervised, no currents
- ✅ Mangrove Boardwalk - Easy walk, educational, shaded
- ✅ Alegria Beach - Calm, shallow, local families swim here
- ✅ Maasin River & Coconut Viewdeck - Calm water, rope swing, shallow areas
- ✅ Sugba Lagoon - Calm lagoon, life jackets provided. Sugba Lagoon is generally considered family-friendly, but children and less-confident swimmers should always be supervised, and parents should follow the instructions of local guides.
With Caution:
- ⚠️ Magpupungko - Only during very low tide, watch kids closely
- ⚠️ Taktak Falls - Water levels and conditions at Taktak Falls can change with the season and recent rainfall. Paths may be slippery, so wear proper footwear and supervise children closely.
Avoid with Young Kids:
- ❌ Cloud 9/Surfing - Strong currents. For young children and less-confident swimmers, it's best to enjoy surf spots like Cloud 9 and Pacifico from the shore or through supervised lessons, as waves and currents can be strong.
- ❌ Tri-Island Tour - Long boat ride, sun exposure
- ❌ Secret Beach - Rocky access
Sample 5-Day Family Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival + Pool Day - Settle in, let kids adjust, pool time, early dinner
- Day 2: Mangrove & Beach - Morning at Mangrove Boardwalk (1-2 hours), afternoon at Alegria Beach (calm, shallow)
- Day 3: Sugba Lagoon - Family-friendly tour, bring snacks and sun protection. Kids love the diving platform!
- Day 4: Flex Day - Pool morning, Maasin River & Coconut Viewdeck afternoon (rope swing!)
- Day 5: Departure - Easy morning, breakfast, airport (roughly a 5–10 minute transfer)
Family Budget Considerations
- Mariden Family Room: ₱3,500-4,500/night (fits 4)
- Kid-friendly food widely available
- Some attractions and tour operators offer reduced rates for children, but this isn't universal, so always check when booking.
- Bring: Reef shoes, rash guards, snacks, sunscreen
Itinerary 4: Adventure Seeker (5-7 Days)
Best For: Active travelers, surfers, thrill-seekers
Adventure Activities Checklist
- ☐ Surfing at Cloud 9
- ☐ Surfing at Pacifico Beach (Big Wish break)
- ☐ Cliff jumping at Sugba Lagoon
- ☐ Cliff jumping at Magpupungko
- ☐ Rope swing at Maasin River & Coconut Viewdeck
- ☐ Waterfall trek at Taktak Falls
- ☐ Motorbike island loop
- ☐ Island hopping (Tri-Island Tour)
- ☐ Sohoton Cave exploration
- ☐ Stand-up paddleboarding
Sample 7-Day Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Sunset Surf
- Arrive at Siargao Airport, rent motorbike (₱400-500/day)
- Afternoon: Quick ride to GL, sunset surf session
- Return to Del Carmen
Day 2: Full Surf Day
- 6:00 AM: Dawn patrol at Cloud 9
- Breakfast in GL
- Midday rest
- 3:00 PM: Afternoon session
- GL dinner & nightlife
Day 3: East Coast Exploration
- Magpupungko Rock Pools (cliff jumping!)
- Pacifico Beach (surf the Big Wish break)
- Sunset ride back
Day 4: Sugba Lagoon + Caves
- Sugba Lagoon tour with cliff jumping
- Add Sohoton Cove if time (cave exploration)
Day 5: Waterfall & River
- Morning: Taktak Falls trek
- Afternoon: Maasin River & Coconut Viewdeck (rope swing, photos)
- Evening: Rest & recovery
Day 6: Island Hopping
- Tri-Island Tour
- Beach games, snorkeling
- GL evening
Day 7: Final Adventure + Departure
- Sunrise surf or motorbike ride
- Pack up, airport
Adventure Budget Summary
* Note: Tour prices are approximate estimates for 2026. Join-in tours like Sugba Lagoon and Tri-Island typically cost around ₱1,500–2,000 per person, but prices vary with season, inclusions, and group size.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Motorbike rental (6 days) | ₱2,400-3,000 |
| Surf board rental (per session) | ₱300-500 |
| Sugba Lagoon tour | ₱1,500-2,000 |
| Tri-Island tour | ₱1,500-2,000 |
| Food & misc (7 days) | ₱7,000-10,000 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ₱9,000-15,000 |
| Total Trip | ₱25,000-40,000 ($450-725 USD) |
📍 Your Strategic Siargao Base
These itineraries recommend starting in Del Carmen - and Mariden Resort is a convenient home base:
- About 5–10 minutes from airport — Start your trip stress-free
- Short ride to Sugba Lagoon port — Be first on the water
- Well-placed for day trips — Magpupungko, Pacifico, Taktak Falls
- Often cheaper than General Luna — Stretch your budget further, particularly for accommodation
- Pool, WiFi, family rooms — All the comforts you need
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend 5-7 days for the full Siargao experience. This allows time for Sugba Lagoon, island hopping, Magpupungko Rock Pools, surfing, and relaxation. If you're short on time, 3 days is enough for highlights like Sugba Lagoon and one major activity.
Start with 2-3 days in Del Carmen (near the airport) to visit Sugba Lagoon, Mangrove Boardwalk, and Magpupungko. Then spend 2-3 days in General Luna for surfing, island hopping, and nightlife. Return to Del Carmen for easy airport access on departure day.
Yes! Del Carmen is particularly family-friendly with calm attractions like Sugba Lagoon, Mangrove Boardwalk, Alegria Beach, and Maasin River. Avoid Cloud 9 surfing (strong currents) and rocky beaches. Stay at resorts with pools for safe swimming.
As rough estimates for 2026, very budget-conscious travelers who stay in simple guesthouses or dorms, eat mostly at local eateries, and limit paid tours might spend around ₱1,000–1,500 per day. Many mid-range visitors, who prefer private rooms and join-in tours, spend about ₱2,000–3,500 per day excluding flights. Actual costs vary with season, room sharing, and how many tours you do. See our Budget Guide for detailed breakdowns.
Del Carmen is ideal for families, nature lovers, and those wanting peace and is often cheaper than General Luna, particularly for accommodation. General Luna suits surfers and party-goers. Many visitors split their stay between both areas to experience everything Siargao offers. Read our Del Carmen vs General Luna guide for a detailed comparison.
Related Guides
Plan Your Trip:
- Siargao Budget Guide - Complete cost breakdowns
- Best Time to Visit - Weather and seasonal planning
- Del Carmen vs General Luna - Choosing your base
- Siargao Airport Guide - Arrivals and transfers
- Transportation Guide - Getting around the island
Top Attractions:
- Sugba Lagoon - Premium boat tour
- Magpupungko Rock Pools - Tidal pools
- Tri-Island Tour - Island hopping
- Sohoton Cove - Cave exploration