Are you thinking of joining a surf camp? The Philippines is a great option since the prices are low compared to other countries, the water is warm, and there are waves for every level. Let’s take a look at the best surf camps in the Philippines and find one that suits you.
Going on a trip to the Philippines is a Robinson-worthy adventure. Eat fresh coconut, swim in turquoise water, and practice your surfing skills on world-class waves.
This “off-the-radar” nation consists of an archipelago containing more than 7,000 islands.
Waves anyone?
- 1 Surf camp in the Philippines
- 2 Which season is the best for surfing in the Philippines?
- 3 The best surf camp for the beginner
- 4 The best surf camp on a budget
- 5 The most popular surf camp
- 6 The best surf camp for an intermediate surfer looking to advance
- 7 The best social surf camp
- 8 The best advanced surf camp
- 9 The best “off the beaten path” surf camp
- 10 The best “famous from the movie” surf camp
- 11 The best surf camp for the well organized
- 12 Finale words about the Best surf camps in the Philippines
Surf camp in the Philippines
The most popular surf place in the Philippines is Siargao. We even wrote a specific guide about all the surf camp there. Check it out here
But if you are looking for dedicated teachers and uncrowded waves, it can be worth expanding your search to surf breaks in other areas of the Philippines.
Which season is the best for surfing in the Philippines?
When it comes to wave quality and wave consistency, the season matters. So always do a bit of research before you book the flight. You want to find out when it’s the best time for surfing.
The normal surf season in the Philippines is August to November.
However, the conditions best suited for experienced surfers are often not the same as those suited for beginners or beginners looking to improve. You simply don’t need big waves to learn to surf, or even to sharpen your skills.
In the Philippines, during the low season, many breaks are still suitable for beginners. Save some money by booking one of the surf camps in the Philippines during this period.
The best surf camp for the beginner
Let’s start our journey at the biggest surf hub; Siargao. If you are looking to learn to surf, start with a one- or two-week surf camp, and afterward, you can venture out on your own.
Spring and summer are the best seasons for beginner surfers since the waves are smaller.
We recommend this locally owned, super cute surf loge. The instructors are certified and speak English.
The possible downsides about joining a surf camp in Siargao
Well, this place is the most popular surf destination, so the breaks will be more crowded. In other words, you will share those sweet waves with a bunch of other surfers trying to figure out how to not fall off the board.
The best surf camp on a budget
The trick to getting a good deal is to get off the beaten track. For this we recommend heading to Real, Quezon, this is an up-and-coming surf destination a 4-hour drive from Manila.
The surf season is from October to May.
Check out these cabanas and get surf lessons for Php 500 per hour at the local beach.
Or check out this cute place. They look like they are not going to overcharge.
How to get the most bang for your bucks
Planning your trip for the shoulder season is a smart idea. The prices are lower, and with a bit of luck, you can still experience some great swells.
The possible downsides of Real Coast and Surf Surfcamp
Venture out on your own will make you feel more like Robinson himself and less like you are on a package tour for retirees.
There will be less avocado toast and Americans. But for a genuine surf camp in the Philippines experience, you are prepared to forgo some of your everyday luxuries, right?
The most popular surf camp
Doing research about surfing in the Philippines, you keep coming across the same surf camp over and over again. The famous and beautiful Kermit Surf Camp, located in Siargao.
They have been in business for a long time, and you can tell that they know what they are doing.
The Italian food is apparently epic, and the whole compound is stylish and fun. It is like a big playground for grown-ups. You are bound to make a lot of new friends since there are many other activities than surfing.
Since they attract so many surfers, this surf camp is a great choice if you are traveling on your own and are looking to make lots of new friends.
On top of that, it is admittedly the number one surf camp in the Philippines.
Possible downside of Kermit Surf Camp
The instructors are good and the whole experience is like a smooth well-oiled machine. If anything, it’s too smooth, and you feel like you could be anywhere in the world since it is so international.
The vibe is young and festive with people who have extra money to spend, if that’s a downside depends on what you are looking for.
The best surf camp for an intermediate surfer looking to advance
Fat Lips Surf Lodge
In our guesthouse, Villa dos Irmaos, we get this question all the time: Where can I go to get surf lessons for my level?
Everyone wants an instructor who has the skill to not just push them on the board in the water or help them with wave selection but truly make them a strong independent surfer.
You want to learn how to tell when the waves and god and where to go on any given day.
Fat Lips Surf Lodge
This surf lodge is built by surfers for surfers.
There is a wide array of surf breaks in close proximity. The guys will help explain local conditions and assist you with making the best choice. They can also recommend the best local surf coaches.
This is a more personal alternative when you are looking for the best surf camps in the Philippines.
Possible downsides of Fat Lips Surf Lodge
With only six rooms, it’s more like staying at a friend’s house than at a hotel. They also instruct you not to bring the party home.
But this is mostly an upside, right?
San Juan, La Union
This is the second most popular surf place in the Philippines. Head this way to fully explore the local surf scene and get to know other travelers. The town has everything you would want from a laid-back surf mecca; live music, cute coffee shops, and Instagram-perfect sunsets.
Funky quarters and La Union surf school
This surf school is one of the oldest in the area; they have certified instructors and surf lessons for all levels.
Sign up for one of their courses and stay at Funky Quarters for that fun social experience. Check it out here Funky Quarters.
The best advanced surf camp
Baras, Catanduanes
Head to this paradise island to explore some lesser-known surf breaks.
When you want to sharpen your barrel skills, or take your first barrel ever, this place has a famous wave with the potential to create long barrels.
The name of the wave is Majestic, (very fitting name) and it is most likely to work during summer and in September.
This is also a great place for exploring (with the help of a local guide) and find your own secret surf spot.
Check out this cool surf camp, they will give you an unforgettable adventure in the Philippines.
The best “off the beaten path” surf camp
Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur
Lanuza surf camp and training center
Every surfer knows that in order to find uncrowded, perfectly peeling waves, you need to take the road less traveled.
Getting to Lanuza is quite the trip. But let this work to your advantage because when you reach this far-flung destination, you can surf your heart out.
There are many spots to choose from, both for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Not much is going on in Lanuza, so you can focus 100 percent on your surfing, just as it should be with one of those “into the wild” surf trips.
The surf season is from November to March.
The best “famous from the movie” surf camp
North Shore Surf Camp Baler – Philippines
In the movie Apocalypse Now, the surf break is called Charlie’s Point, in reality the scene was shot at Baler Beach and ever since, surfers have visit here to try the local breaks.
Apparently, the movie crew left their surfboards behind and the local kids learned how to use them.
November to April is the time to go.
Try the top-rated North Shore surf camp for a scenic experience. It is located pretty much right at the beach.
The best surf camp for the well organized
Baras, Catanduanes
Spend a whopping 15 days at this popular beachside surf camp. Breakfast is included, and one massage is included. Excursions are included.
You even get private surf lessons and plenty of yoga to stretch and strengthen your muscles.
The only thing you have to do is focus on your surfing.
Regardless of your level, you will develop as a surfer.
Finale words about the Best surf camps in the Philippines
Doing research for this article I just wanted to jump on a plane and head to the Philippines, it’s a surfing destination I always dreamt of exploring.
I hope you make your dream a reality.
