Surigao City Travel Guide

City Northern Mindanao city, port and gateway to Siargao

Surigao City is the ferry hub to Siargao and Bucas Grande. Travelers come for fresh tuna markets, island-hopping departures, mangrove channels and rock-strewn coasts that presage nearby surf and dive destinations.

Costs

Low-moderate daily budget: $25-50

Surigao City travelers typically spend $25-50 per day for hotels, ferries and seafood meals.

Safety

Generally safe; watch for petty theft

Generally safe for tourists; usual urban petty crime risks apply-lock valuables and avoid deserted areas at night.

Best Time

March-May (best for island trips)

March to May gives the driest, sunniest weather ideal for island hopping and diving.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

5:42 AM

GMT+8

Weather

79°F

Overcast

Population

87,832

Infrastructure & Convenience

Small airport and busy ferry terminal; walkable downtown, tourist services oriented to island transfers.

Popularity

Popular as a transport hub for island tourism; sees adventurous and beach‑oriented travelers passing through.

Known For

gateway to Siargao, island hopping, ferries, diving and snorkeling, seafood and kinilaw, provincial port, festivals, coastal scenery

Surigao City is the main gateway to Siargao Island and hosts the lively Bonok‑Bonok festival each September.

Why Visit Surigao City? #

A maritime gateway to island escapes like Siargao and Bucas Grande, Surigao City sees travelers transiting to Sohoton Cove’s limestone lagoons and hidden caves. Seafood is central here - freshly grilled tuna and kinilaw are local standards - and the working port atmosphere mixes with lively weekend markets. It’s a practical jumping-off point for island hopping, diving, and experiencing Mindanao’s coastal culture.

Best Things to Do in Surigao City

All Attractions ›

Dinagat Island

Philippine island in Caraga region, noted for biodiversity

Island

Panaon Island

Tropical Philippine island with fishing communities

Island

Lake Mainit

Large Mindanao lake straddling Surigao and Agusan provinces

Lake

Sumilon Island

Tropical island with marine sanctuary and sandbar

Historical Site

Surigao City Bucket List

Don't Miss

Mabua Pebble Beach - Walk Mabua Pebble Beach's black pebble shoreline and watch fishing boats at anchor.
Surigao Cathedral - Visit Surigao Cathedral for its colonial-era façade and central location in town.
Hayanggabon Park - Relax at Hayanggabon Park, a popular green space with shaded benches and local vendors.

Hidden Gems

Day-as Park boardwalk - Stroll the Day-as Park boardwalk for seaside views and small food stalls.
Local seafood markets - Browse local seafood markets to see morning catches and try fresh grilled selections.
Lunas viewpoint - Head to Lunas viewpoint for quiet coastal vistas and early-morning fishing activity.

Day Trips

Bucas Grande - Sohoton Cove - Boat to Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande for lagoons, jellyfish lakes, and sea caves.
Siargao Island - Take a ferry or flight to Siargao for surfing, island hopping, and laid-back island life.

Best Time to Visit Surigao City #

Surigao City is wet year-round but slightly drier and easier for island trips from March to May. Monsoon periods bring heavy rain and choppy seas - plan flexibly for ferries and dives.

Dry Season

March - May · 25-33°C (77-91°F)

Warm, sunnier days with lower rainfall make island hopping and beach time easier. Still humid-pack sun protection and quick-dry clothes.

Southwest Monsoon

June - October · 24-31°C (75-88°F)

Frequent heavy rains and rough seas disrupt ferries and diving; lush scenery and fewer tourists reward patient travelers prepared for delays.

Northeast Monsoon

November - February · 23-30°C (73-86°F)

Seasonal winds bring regular rain squalls and cooler breezes; typhoon risk is lower here but expect unpredictable downpours and wet, humid conditions.

Best Time to Visit Surigao City #

Climate

Surigao City's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (3559 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 53 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

MarchFebruaryNovember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

34°

Warmest Month

23°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (596 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

24° – 29°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

596 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.5h daylight

February

February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (432 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

24° – 29°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

432 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.9

UV Index

Very High

11.7h daylight

March

March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (337 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

337 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

12.0h daylight

April

April is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (230 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 31°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

230 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.2h daylight

May

May is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

34°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

25° – 32°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

153 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

12.4h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (169 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 32°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

169 mm

Rainfall

1.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

12.5h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (170 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

170 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

12.5h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 32°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

146 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

12.3h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

141 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (255 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

255 mm

Rainfall

1.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

11.8h daylight

November

November is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (410 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

410 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

11.6h daylight

December

December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (520 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

520 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.5h daylight

How to Get to Surigao City

Surigao City is a regional transport hub in northeastern Mindanao with a small domestic airport (SUG) and frequent ferry links to nearby islands like Siargao and Dinagat. Ferries and road transport are the main ways to continue beyond the city.

By Air

Surigao Airport (SUG): Surigao City is served by Surigao Airport (SUG) with scheduled domestic flights to and from Cebu and Manila connections via regional hubs. From the airport a short taxi ride (typically PHP 100-200) of about 10-20 minutes brings you into the city.

Butuan / Cebu (regional hubs): For more flight options you can connect via Butuan (BXU) or Cebu (CEB) and continue by sea or land; ferries and buses link nearby islands and provincial ports to Surigao City - travel times and fares depend on the chosen route and vessel class.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no intercity rail service in Mindanao serving Surigao City.

Bus & Ferry: Overland and sea connections are essential: intercity buses link Surigao with nearby Mindanao towns, and ferries/RO-RO vessels connect Surigao City to Dinagat Islands, Siargao Island (Surigao-Dapa ferry) and Leyte/Visayas ports. Ferry fares vary by vessel and class (typically PHP 200-1,000+ depending on route and seat/cabin choice).

How to Get Around Surigao City #

Surigao City is easy to navigate on foot in the downtown and port areas; tricycles (motorbike or pedicab), jeepneys and multicabs handle short trips. Ferries and boats depart regularly for nearby islands from the port. Short tricycle rides are inexpensive (roughly small-amount fares for short hops); for island transfers book boats at the port and allow time for schedules and weather-related changes.

Where to Stay in Surigao City #

Budget

City Centre / Port - $10-25/night

Budget inns and family-run guesthouses around the port and city centre. Affordable and practical for ferry travellers; book ahead during peak season.

Mid-Range

Near Plaza / Waterfront - $30-60/night

A few decent hotels offering private rooms, air-conditioning, and onsite restaurants. Reliable base for island hopping and regional ferries.

Luxury

No large luxury resorts - $80+/night (nearby islands)

Limited luxury offerings in Surigao City proper. For resort-style stays, check nearby islands and beach destinations instead.

Where to Eat in Surigao City #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Surigao City's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Chicken

Pizza

Burger

Filipino

Asian

Barbecue

Japanese

Tuna

Tinola

Chinese

Seafood

Regional

Sandwich

Grilled Tuna

Nightlife in Surigao City #

Surigao City offers a modest nightlife with bars, karaoke spots and small live-music venues clustered near the downtown and waterfront. The scene is not large but active by local standards - evenings are best spent at casual bars or hotel lounges rather than nightclubs.

Shopping in Surigao City #

Surigao’s shopping is centred on the public market and small downtown shops: fresh seafood, local produce and island handicrafts are common. There are modest shopping malls and supermarkets, but much of the local commerce happens at the market. If you want island-made crafts or woven items, ask stallholders at the public market or near the port.