Big Star
- Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Big Star is a fairly exposed reef break off Lanuza, known for producing consistent surf when the winter Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) pattern is active. It’s described as delivering peeling right-handers that can still be rideable even when nearby locations are small, but it needs the right combination of swell direction and tide. The spot is primarily a high-tide wave. When the tide is low, shallow reef sections can leave insufficient water cover, which increases the risk. The break favors a northeast swell, and the best performance is typically associated with that swell angle; larger swells can be surfable, but paddling out becomes more difficult and reef hazards become more serious. The shoreline approach is rocky, with the surfing zone including sharp reef and rocks. Sea urchins are specifically called out as an additional hazard. Protective footwear/reef booties are strongly recommended, and the rocky entry makes launch conditions more demanding than a sandy beach setup. Wind-wise, conditions align with the seasonal Amihan period rather than a pronounced day-to-day thermal cycle, and the spot is most enjoyable with light offshore winds from the southwest or west. The water stays warm throughout the year, so most surfers rely on minimal insulation, but seasonal rain and winter storm risk should be considered for planning.
- Winter-focused consistency tied to the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan)
- Peeling right-handers with northeast swell
- High tide is key for safe, workable water cover over shallow reef sections
- Warm water with minimal wetsuit needs
- Fairly consistent reef break in season
- Works best with northeast swell and high tide
- Generally described as a quieter option compared with major hubs
- Rocky, reefy entry and sharp hazards in the surfing zone
- Can become harder/riskier with larger swells (paddling out) and when tide is not high enough
- Wind reliability is only fair
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E
- Offshore directions
- SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind regime; in the broader Lanuza Coast area this is driven by the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) with a seasonal pattern rather than a distinct daily thermal cycle.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February
- Thermal Window
- Other · All day · Months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb · Dir: N, NNE, NE · Seasonal consistency is driven by the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) rather than a distinct daily thermal cycle.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky shoreline entry typically used by surfers to reach the reef
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Generally quiet, though it can see more visitors during local surfing festivals or weekends.
Significant rainfall from November to January; regional peak rainfall from December to February with susceptibility to typhoons later in the year.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Fairly exposed reef break with fairly consistent surf in season; summer tends to be mostly flat. Produces peeling right-handers when a solid northeast swell is in.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — High tide helps provide enough water cover over shallow reef sections.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Best with light offshore winds from the southwest or west; generally consistent during the Northeast Monsoon season.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but becomes more difficult to paddle out and the reef can become hazardous.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — A decent ride on the right, though it can section depending on the swell angle.
- Ride Length Details
- Provides a decent ride on the right; can section depending on swell angle.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Big Star in the full forecast view.
Big Star wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–6 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- NE35°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 276 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–0.9 m8s period
- Temperature
- 26–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Big Star is forecast for daytime winds of 1–6 kts, peaking around 6 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.5–0.9 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Sharp reef
- Rocks
- Sea urchins
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated motorized water rescue; safety is primarily coordinated by the local Lanuza Surfers Association (LASA) and local boatmen.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility: Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City. National emergency number: 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Use the spot primarily at high tide and wait for enough water cover over shallow reef sections. Wear protective footwear due to rocky entry.
- Avoid the shallow sections when tide is low.
- Works best at high tide to ensure enough water cover over shallow reef sections.
- Wear protective footwear/reef booties for the rocky entry.
- Best swell direction is from the Northeast.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tandag City
- Nearest Town
- Lanuza
- Nearest Airport
- Tandag Airport (TDG)
- Parking
- Limited parking along the roadside or near local residences.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via passenger vans (V-Hire) and buses from Butuan or Surigao City; local travel is by tricycle or habal-habal.
- Access
- Accessible via local roads in Lanuza, usually requiring a short walk to the water from the road.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Cebuano, Filipino, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Local homestays, surf camps, and small beachfront resorts are available along the coastline.
- Food & Drink
- Local eateries and small shops are located in the nearby town center.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals are widely available through local instructors; specialized kite or wing equipment is not standard.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage is available through private surf camps and guest houses.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard ding repair is available locally; no specialized kite or sail repair shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Lanuza offers a community-centered surfing culture alongside nature outings and protected marine areas.
A protected area showcasing local marine biodiversity and coral reefs.
A multi-tiered waterfall set in a lush tropical forest, popular for swimming.
An annual national surfing competition held every November, showcasing local talent and culture.
Exploration of local limestone cave systems near the coast.
Local eatery serving Filipino seafood and regional specialties.
A calmer beach area suitable for swimming and family picnics.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Big Star?
The best overall months at Big Star are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Big Star?
Big Star works with NE, E winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.
What skill level is Big Star suitable for?
Big Star suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.