Disclosure: This guide is published by Mariden Resort. While we've aimed for accuracy, we encourage you to research both areas for your trip.
Planning a trip to Siargao Island, Philippines , but unsure how to structure your days? We've built four sample itineraries (a 3-day quick escape, a balanced 5–7 day stay, a family-friendly plan, and an adventure-seeker route) to help first-time international visitors and returning Filipino travellers get the most out of the island. Each plan is designed around Del Carmen as a convenient base: 5–10 minutes from Siargao Airport (IAO), close to Sugba Lagoon, and well-placed for day trips to Magpupungko, Pacifico, Taktak Falls, and General Luna. Costs are shown in PHP with USD equivalents for easy budgeting. Not sure which area to base yourself in? See our full Siargao areas comparison for a complete breakdown of all five municipalities.
At a glance: 4 sample itineraries · 3 to 7 days · Starting from ₱5,600 / ~$100 USD (budget, 2 nights) · ~12 minute read · Prices in PHP with USD equivalents
Image courtesy of Bliss Siargao
The best months for these itineraries are January through April; see our best month to visit Siargao guide for weather details, typhoon season, and month-by-month conditions.
Choose Your Siargao Itinerary
- 3-Day Siargao Itinerary
- 5 to 7-Day Siargao Itinerary — Full island experience
- Family-Friendly Siargao Itinerary — Safe activities for kids
- 7-Day Siargao Adventure Itinerary — Surf, cliffs & island hopping
3-Day Siargao Itinerary: Quick Weekend Escape
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) — arrivals & transfer guide
- 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 (~$3.60 USD), but prices can vary by driver and season. (Airport pickup ₱200/transfer).
- 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 near Del Carmen (about 10 minutes away by tricycle; expect a small environmental or entrance fee)
Evening: Dinner at a local carinderia near the resort (₱100–150 / ~$2–3 USD)
Day 1 Estimated Cost: ₱300–500 / ~$5–9 USD (excluding accommodation)
Day 2: Sugba Lagoon Adventure
- 7:00 AM: Light breakfast at resort
- 8:00 AM: Depart for Sugba Lagoon — Del Carmen's signature boat 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 / ~$4–6 USD)
- 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 / ~$33–45 USD (As of 2026, typical join-in Sugba Lagoon tours are around ₱1,500–2,000 / ~$27–36 USD 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 / ~$9–18 USD (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 (~$44-$68 USD) | ₱4,000-6,000 (~$68-$102 USD) |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | ₱3,000-4,000 (~$51-$68 USD) | ₱4,000-6,000 (~$68-$102 USD) |
| Total Trip | ₱5,600-8,000 ($100-145 USD) | ₱8,000-12,000 ($145-220 USD) |
Where you stay changes everything about these itineraries.
Staying in Del Carmen cuts 30–60 minutes off most day trips. See how we set up guests for efficient Siargao days.
See Mariden rooms in Del Carmen →5 to 7-Day Siargao Itinerary: The Full Island Experience
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 Sayak Airport arrival 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 rates and timing tour
- Swimming, kayaking, cliff jumping from the diving platform
- Return late afternoon
Day 3: East Coast Adventure
- Morning: Magpupungko Rock Pools on Siargao's east coast (check tide schedule!)
- Lunch: Pilar town
- Afternoon: Big Wish surf spot (surf or swim)
- Return to Del Carmen
Day 4: General Luna Day Trip
- Rent motorbike (₱400–500 / ~$7–9 USD per day) or hire habal-habal (see our Siargao transport costs guide for rental tips)
- Morning: Explore GL, breakfast at tourist cafe
- Midday: Cloud 9 boardwalk, watch surfers
- Afternoon: Surf lesson (optional, ₱500–800 / ~$9–15 USD per hour)
- 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, and Guyam Island (Tri-Island Tour)
- Full day tour. Tri-Island join-in tours usually cost around ₱1,500–2,000 / ~$27–36 USD 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: Siargao jungle waterfall (Taktak Falls) hike
- Afternoon: coconut palm road in Maasin (photos!)
- Evening: Pool, pack, final dinner
Day 7: Departure
- Morning activity if time permits (e.g., sunset mangrove boat tour )
- 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 (~$25-$34 USD) per person, but prices vary with season, inclusions, and group size.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Activities, Food & Transport | ₱8,000-12,000 (~$136-$203 USD) | ₱15,000-20,000 (~$254-$339 USD) |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ₱9,000-12,000 (~$153-$203 USD) | ₱12,000-18,000 (~$203-$305 USD) |
| 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 BaseFamily-Friendly Siargao Itinerary (Any Duration)
Best For: Families with children, cautious travelers. (Tip: See our best month to visit Siargao 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
- ✅ free mangrove forest walk - Easy walk, educational, shaded
- ✅ Alegria Beach family-safe swimming - Calm, shallow, local families swim here
- ✅ kayak and SUP in Maasin - Calm water, rope swing, shallow areas
- ✅ book a Sugba Lagoon boat - 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 entrance fee and times - Only during very low tide, watch kids closely
- ⚠️ Taktak Falls waterfall guide - 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 from General Luna - Long boat ride, sun exposure
- ❌ palm-fringed lagoon in Malinao - 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 the Philippines' largest mangrove forest (1-2 hours), afternoon at quiet Siargao beach for families (Alegria, calm and 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 coconut plantation guide 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 / ~$64–82 USD per 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
7-Day Siargao Adventure Itinerary: Surf, Cliffs & Island Hopping
Best For: Active travelers, surfers, thrill-seekers
Adventure Activities Checklist
- ☐ Surfing at Cloud 9
- ☐ Surfing at uncrowded left-hand reef break in Siargao (Pacifico — Big Wish break)
- ☐ Cliff jumping at Sugba Lagoon boat tour
- ☐ Cliff jumping at low-tide swimming at Magpupungko
- ☐ Rope swing at Maasin River kayak tour
- ☐ Waterfall trek at 15-meter waterfall in Santa Monica
- ☐ Motorbike island loop
- ☐ Island hopping ( Siargao island-hopping guide )
- ☐ Sohoton Cove tour guide (cave exploration)
- ☐ Stand-up paddleboarding
Sample 7-Day Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Sunset Surf
- Arrive at getting from Siargao airport to your hotel ; rent motorbike (₱400-500/day, ~$7-$8 USD)
- 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 low-tide rock pools (cliff jumping!)
- surf at Pacifico Beach (the Big Wish break)
- Sunset ride back
Day 4: Sugba Lagoon + Caves
- turquoise lagoon in Siargao (Sugba), tour with cliff jumping
- Add caves and lagoons tour (Sohoton) if time
Day 5: Waterfall & River
- Morning: easy waterfall day trip from Del Carmen (Taktak Falls trek)
- Afternoon: Maasin coconut plantation guide (rope swing, photos)
- Evening: Rest & recovery
Day 6: Island Hopping
- tri-island tour rates
- 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 (~$25-$34 USD) per person, but prices vary with season, inclusions, and group size.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Motorbike rental (6 days) | ₱2,400-3,000 (~$41-$51 USD) |
| Surf board rental (per session) | ₱300-500 (~$5-$8 USD) |
| Sugba Lagoon tour | ₱1,500-2,000 (~$25-$34 USD) |
| Tri-Island tour | ₱1,500-2,000 (~$25-$34 USD) |
| Food & misc (7 days) | ₱7,000-10,000 (~$119-$169 USD) |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ₱9,000-15,000 (~$153-$254 USD) |
| Total Trip | ₱25,000-40,000 ($450-725 USD) |
Your Siargao Home Base in Del Carmen, Philippines
Every itinerary above starts from Del Carmen, and Mariden Resort & Homestay is a convenient, well-priced base for both international travellers and Filipino guests:
- 5–10 minutes from Siargao Airport (IAO): Skip long transfers after your Manila or Cebu connection
- Short ride to Sugba Lagoon port: Be first on the water before the crowds arrive
- Well-placed for day trips: Magpupungko Rock Pools, Pacifico Beach, Taktak Falls, and General Luna
- Great value versus General Luna: Typically lower room rates, especially for families and longer stays
- Pool, fast WiFi, family rooms, English-speaking staff: Everything US, UK, AU, CA, and PH guests need
- Direct booking, no middleman fees: Best rates guaranteed, flexible payment, airport pickup (₱200)
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 / ~$18–27 USD per day. Many mid-range visitors, who prefer private rooms and join-in tours, spend about ₱2,000–3,500 / ~$36–64 USD per day excluding flights. Actual costs vary with season, room sharing, and how many tours you do. See our Siargao daily trip cost 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 GL comparison for a detailed breakdown.
There are no direct flights to Siargao from the US, UK, Australia, or Canada. Most international travellers fly into Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) first, then take a 1–2 hour domestic flight to Siargao Airport (IAO) via airlines such as Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Plan at least 3–4 hours between your international arrival and domestic departure, especially in Manila where terminal transfers are required.
Siargao uses the Philippine peso (PHP). Most tours, tricycles, and small restaurants are cash-only. ATMs exist in General Luna and Del Carmen but can run out of cash during peak season — it's wise to withdraw in Manila or Cebu before flying in. USD is not widely accepted for day-to-day purchases; exchange to PHP on arrival or at major airports.
Lock in your stay before the best rooms go
A Del Carmen base gives you the fastest start to any Siargao itinerary — 5 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes to Sugba Lagoon, 25 minutes to Magpupungko. Mariden Resort has rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD) with free cancellation on most rates.
View Mariden Resort rooms →Related Guides
Plan Your Trip:
- Siargao budget in PHP and USD - Complete cost breakdowns
- Siargao weather by month - Weather and seasonal planning
- where to stay in Siargao (Del Carmen vs GL) - Choosing your base
- Siargao Airport Guide - Arrivals and transfers
- Siargao transport costs - Getting around the island
Top Attractions:
- Sugba Lagoon from Del Carmen - Premium boat tour
- Magpupungko rock pools timing - Tidal pools
- Naked, Daku, Guyam island hopping - Island hopping
- Sohoton Cove cost and bookings - Cave exploration