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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboard
What's great
  • Fairly consistent reef break in season
  • Works best with northeast swell and high tide
  • Generally described as a quieter option compared with major hubs
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–30 °C
Water Temperature
25–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: boardshorts or thin rash guard (minimal insulation)Nov–Mar: 1mm or 2mm top (or thin rashguard/boardshorts as conditions allow)
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet, though it can see more visitors during local surfing festivals or weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

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.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • Avoid the shallow sections when tide is low.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Lanuza offers a community-centered surfing culture alongside nature outings and protected marine areas.

Best time to visit: November for the surfing festival and the start of the peak season.
Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary2 km

A protected area showcasing local marine biodiversity and coral reefs.

Magkawas Falls6 km

A multi-tiered waterfall set in a lush tropical forest, popular for swimming.

Lanuza Surfing Festival0 km

An annual national surfing competition held every November, showcasing local talent and culture.

Caving in Agsam10 km

Exploration of local limestone cave systems near the coast.

Surf's Up Lanuza1 km

Local eatery serving Filipino seafood and regional specialties.

Doot Beach3 km

A calmer beach area suitable for swimming and family picnics.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.