Disclosure: This guide is published by Mariden Resort. While we've aimed for accuracy, we encourage you to research both areas for your trip.
Siargao has two personalities. The one most travellers know is General Luna, the surf capital, home to Cloud 9, beachside bars, and the famous Tri-Island boat tours. But Siargao is also the adventure island of the Philippines, packed with attractions that have nothing to do with surfing: a hidden turquoise lagoon, stingless jellyfish caves, tidal rock pools that flood twice a day, a 15-metre jungle waterfall, a 1.8-kilometre mangrove boardwalk, and beaches so quiet they barely appear on maps.
This pillar guide covers the 10 best things to do in Siargao (every attraction we've built a full deep-dive guide for), plus two bonus activities for good measure. Each entry below links to a complete guide with current costs, opening hours, tide windows, packing lists, and transport directions. Whether you have 3 days or 10, you'll find exactly what you need here.
One planning tip before you start: where you base yourself changes everything. Seven of these 10 attractions sit within 45 minutes of Del Carmen , the quiet municipality next to the airport, and the subject of our comparison guide on Del Carmen vs General Luna as your Siargao base . That context shapes how you'll read every itinerary suggestion below.
At a Glance: 12 Things to Do in Siargao
Quick reference for planning. Click any activity name to jump to the full guide.
| Activity | Area | Cost (PHP) | Cost (~USD) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugba Lagoon Boat Tour | Del Carmen | ₱350–800/person | ~$6–14 | 4 hrs |
| Mangrove Boardwalk | Del Carmen | Free | Free | 1–2 hrs |
| Maasin River & Coconut Viewdeck | Del Carmen | ₱300–500/person | ~$5–9 | 2–3 hrs |
| Alegria Beach | Del Carmen area | ₱50 entrance | ~$1 | Half day |
| Taktak Falls | Del Carmen area | ₱50 entrance | ~$1 | 3–4 hrs |
| Magpupungko Rock Pools | East Coast | ₱30 entrance | ~$0.50 | 2–3 hrs |
| Pacifico Beach | North Siargao | Free | Free | Half day |
| Secret Beach (Malinao) | East / GL | Free | Free | 2–3 hrs |
| Sohoton Cove Cave Tour | Day Trip | ₱1,200–1,800/person | ~$21–32 | Full day |
| Tri-Island Tour | Day Trip (GL) | ₱500–900/person | ~$9–16 | Half day |
| Cloud 9 Surfing | General Luna | ₱500–1,500 (lessons) | ~$9–27 | Half–full day |
| Island Motorcycle Loop | Island-wide | ₱400–600 (rental) | ~$7–11 | Full day |
Stay in Del Carmen to reach 7 of these 10 attractions in under 45 minutes : Sugba Lagoon, Mangrove Boardwalk, Maasin River, Alegria Beach, Taktak Falls, Magpupungko, and Pacifico Beach are all accessible without passing through General Luna. See Mariden Resort rooms →
Del Carmen Area Activities
Del Carmen municipality sits 5 minutes from the airport and is home to Siargao's richest concentration of nature attractions. All five activities below can be reached from a Del Carmen base without driving through General Luna.
1. Sugba Lagoon Boat Tour
The undisputed highlight of Del Carmen: a hidden lagoon ringed by mangrove and jungle, accessible only by a 20-minute boat ride from Del Carmen port. The water is impossibly clear, and the floating platform offers kayak rentals, paddleboards, and a diving board. The smart move is booking the earliest departure; by 10 AM, boat tours from General Luna have already landed and the lagoon fills up fast.
Key stats: Boat ₱2,150 (~$36 USD) per boat (up to 6 pax) + ₱100 (~$1.70 USD) entrance + ₱70 (~$1.19 USD) fees. Best visited 7–9 AM. No road access; boat only.
Read the full Sugba Lagoon boat tour guide →
2. Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk
Siargao is home to one of the largest mangrove forests in the Philippines, and the 1.8-km elevated boardwalk through it is completely free to walk. Morning visits reward early risers with birdsong, calm water, and the chance to spot wildlife before the heat sets in. You can walk, run, or rent a bike for ₱50 (~$0.85 USD). It's one of the most underrated free experiences on the island.
Key stats: Free entry. Bike rental ₱50/hr (~$0.85 USD). 1.8 km long, 30–45 min on foot. Open daily.
Read the full Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk guide →
3. Maasin River & Coconut Viewdeck
A kayak through a river lined with hundreds of coconut palms, one of the most photogenic natural scenes in Siargao, and almost entirely off the tourist radar. The tour typically pairs the river paddle with a climb to the Coconut Viewdeck, where a sea of palms stretches to the horizon. Best at sunrise when the light turns the water gold.
Key stats: Guided tour ₱300–500/person (~$5-$8 USD). 2–3 hrs total. 15–20 min from Del Carmen by motorcycle.
Read the full Maasin River & Coconut Plantation guide →
4. Alegria Beach
The family-friendly beach in Santa Monica (Brgy. Alegria) is a calm, shallow stretch of white sand that draws locals and travellers looking for a quieter alternative to General Luna's beaches. There are no hawkers, minimal crowds on weekdays, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels genuinely local. Perfect for a half-day escape from the port area.
Key stats: ₱50 (~$0.85 USD) entrance. 40–45 min from Del Carmen by motorbike. No strong current, safe for children.
Read the full Alegria Beach guide →
5. Taktak Falls
A 15-metre jungle waterfall in Santa Monica (formerly Sapao), about 40–45 minutes north of Del Carmen. The hike through coconut plantation and secondary forest takes roughly 20 minutes from the parking area, and the falls reward you with a deep natural pool perfect for swimming. Rarely crowded even during peak season.
Key stats: ₱50 (~$0.85 USD) entrance. Hike 15–20 min from trailhead. Best after rain (fuller flow). No guides needed.
Read the full Taktak Falls hiking guide →
North & East Siargao
The north and east coasts hold some of Siargao's most dramatic scenery: tidal rock pools, an uncrowded surf break, and a hidden beach that barely appears on maps. All three are accessible from Del Carmen without passing through General Luna.
6. Magpupungko Rock Pools
Twice a day, tides expose a series of natural swimming pools carved into the black volcanic rock of Pilar's coastline. At low tide, the pools fill with calm, crystalline seawater, creating a natural infinity pool effect against the open Pacific. Timing is everything: you need to check the tide chart and arrive within the 2–3 hour low-tide window.
Key stats: ₱30 (~$0.51 USD) entrance. 30–35 min from Del Carmen by motorcycle. Tide-dependent; always check before going. Best on weekday mornings.
Read the full Magpupungko Rock Pools guide →
7. Pacifico Beach
On the north coast of Siargao, Pacifico is the island's second-most famous surf spot, home to the Big Wish break and a stretch of raw coastline that attracts intermediate and advanced surfers as an alternative to the crowded Cloud 9 lineup. Non-surfers come for the dramatic scenery, fresh seafood at the handful of local stalls, and an authentic slice of provincial Siargao life.
Key stats: Free beach access. 40–45 min from Del Carmen by motorcycle. Surf lessons available locally. Best March–October.
Read the full Pacifico Beach guide →
8. Secret Beach (Malinao / Guiwan)
Known locally as Secret Beach or Guiwan Beach, this hidden stretch near General Luna requires a short boat ride or a walk through coconut groves to access, which is exactly why it stays quieter than the main GL beaches. Turquoise water, fine white sand, and none of the crowds. Worth the small effort to reach it.
Key stats: Free. Accessible by boat from GL (~₱100–200, ~$2-$3 USD) or on foot via a 15-min trail. Best visited weekday mornings.
Read the full Secret Beach Malinao guide →
Day Tours & Island Trips
These two full or half-day excursions take you off Siargao proper onto the surrounding waters. Both require early starts and advance booking, especially in peak season.
9. Sohoton Cove Cave Tour
A full-day boat trip from Siargao to Bucas Grande island, where you'll kayak through subterranean passages, swim with stingless jellyfish (March–June), and explore a network of sea caves that feel like something from another world. The jellyfish are harmless , having evolved in an enclosed lagoon with no predators, making this one of the most surreal swims you'll ever do.
Key stats: Organized tour ₱1,200–1,800/person (~$20-$31 USD) including boat, guide, and entrance fees. Full day (6+ hrs). Book a day ahead minimum. Best March–October.
Read the full Sohoton Cove tour guide →
10. Tri-Island Tour (Naked, Daku & Guyam)
The classic Siargao half-day: a boat tour from General Luna to three small islands: Guyam (tiny, forested, postcard-perfect), Daku (larger, with cottages and fresh coconuts), and Naked Island (a sandbar with nothing but white sand and sea). Most visitors do this in half a day, often combined with a snorkelling stop on the way back.
Key stats: ₱500–900/person (~$8-$15 USD) depending on group size; boats hold 4–10 pax. 4–5 hrs. Departs General Luna; add 45 min transit from Del Carmen. Best March–October.
Read the full Tri-Island Tour guide →
Two more worth knowing: Cloud 9 surfing in General Luna is Siargao's signature surf experience; lessons run ₱500–1,500/person (~$8-$25 USD) through local instructors and are open to complete beginners. And an island motorcycle loop (₱400–600/day, ~$7-$10 USD, for bike rental) along the circumferential road is one of the best ways to string multiple stops together in a single day. See our transportation guide for rental details and our itineraries for day-by-day route suggestions.
How to Fit These Into Your Trip
Three days covers the essentials: Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools (tide-permitting), and one island tour. Five days lets you add Sohoton Cove, a mangrove walk, and an afternoon at Alegria or Taktak Falls. Seven days is the sweet spot, where you can do all 10 activities at a relaxed pace without doubling up on long travel days.
For full day-by-day planning, see our Siargao 3/5/7-day itineraries ; each plan shows which activities pair well on the same day and accounts for tide windows. To budget accurately, use our cost breakdown by day , which covers every category from accommodation to entrance fees to food.
Your Base for 7 of These 10 Attractions
Mariden Resort is in Del Carmen, 5 minutes from the airport and within 45 minutes of Sugba Lagoon, Mangrove Boardwalk, Maasin River, Alegria Beach, Taktak Falls, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and Pacifico Beach. You cut out the 45-minute General Luna transit for every northern and eastern attraction on this list.
- Rooms from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD): Direct booking, honest pricing
- Swimming pool: Cool off after Taktak Falls or Magpupungko
- Airport pickup arrangement (₱200): Skip the ₱2,000 (~$34 USD) van to General Luna on arrival
- Local activity tips: We check tide schedules and give current conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines, famous for Cloud 9 , one of Asia's best reef breaks. Beyond surfing, it's known for Sugba Lagoon , the stingless jellyfish at Sohoton Cove , Magpupungko's tidal rock pools , and some of the Philippines' most unspoiled beaches and waterfalls.
Sugba Lagoon is consistently rated the top attraction in Siargao. A 20-minute boat ride from Del Carmen port delivers you to a hidden lagoon ringed by jungle, with crystal-clear water ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Book the earliest boat to beat the crowd.
A minimum of 5 days lets you hit the highlights: Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, island hopping, and a day in General Luna. Seven days is ideal if you want to add Sohoton Cove, Pacifico Beach, and a relaxed mangrove walk. See our Siargao 3/5/7-day itineraries for day-by-day plans.
Absolutely. Sugba Lagoon , Sohoton Cove 's jellyfish caves, Magpupungko's tidal pools , secret beaches, jungle waterfalls, and the mangrove boardwalk are all surf-free adventures. The laid-back island atmosphere and stunning scenery alone make the trip worthwhile. Non-surfers often say they had a better time than they expected.
The Del Carmen Mangrove Boardwalk is completely free to walk (optional bike rental ₱50 / ~$1). Magpupungko Rock Pools charge only ₱30 (~$0.50) entrance. Alegria Beach and Taktak Falls each charge ₱50 (~$0.85 USD) entrance. If budget is tight, start with the mangrove boardwalk. It's one of the most impressive free natural attractions in the Philippines.
March through October is the dry season and the best window for calm seas and clear water. The Tri-Island Tour runs year-round but is best avoided during November–February when northeast monsoon swells can make the crossing rough. For Sohoton Cove , March–June adds the bonus of stingless jellyfish season. See our best time to visit Siargao guide for month-by-month detail.
Del Carmen puts you closest to the airport (5 minutes) and within 45 minutes of 7 of the 10 attractions on this list, including Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools, Alegria Beach, Pacifico Beach, Taktak Falls, and the Mangrove Boardwalk. General Luna is the surf hub but adds 45+ minutes of transit for northern and eastern attractions. Read our full comparison: Del Carmen vs General Luna as your Siargao base .
Ready to Plan Your Siargao Activities?
Every attraction on this list is within a day-trip of Mariden Resort in Del Carmen. We help guests plan tide-timed visits to Magpupungko, early-morning Sugba Lagoon boats, and efficient multi-stop days on the circumferential road. From ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD), with a pool to recover in after a full day of adventures.
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