Shortboard, Longboard
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Habag is a right-hand reef-coral surf break known for fast, hollow potential. When conditions line up, the wave shape can get hollow and the point/reef holds well, making it attractive for surfers looking for power and speed rather than mellow, rolling surf. The spot’s most consistent season aligns with the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan), with reliable conditions typically focused between November and March. Sources describe the working swell as coming from the north to northwest, while winds with an easterly component help provide cleaner faces depending on the break angle. Wave quality is described as good, with typical ride lengths commonly in the 50 to 150 meter range. On better days, longer sessions are possible, with reports of rides extending up to roughly 150 to 300 meters. The break is considered more exposed and is best on a rising mid-tide position to avoid the shallowest reef sections. Safety is a key consideration: the lineup includes rocks, reef, and coral (plus sea urchins), and wipeouts can be unforgiving in this environment. There are no lifeguards, and rescue is described as limited, coordinated locally—so plan conservative line choices and use protective footwear.

  • Fast, hollow-capable right-hand reef-coral break
  • Works best with North to NorthWest swells and East winds for cleaner faces
  • Most consistent during the Amihan season (November to March)
  • Typically uncrowded
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Fast, hollow-capable right-hand reef-coral break
  • Best consistency during the Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) season (November to March)
  • Typically uncrowded, with empty weekdays and few surfers on weekends
Heads up
  • Reef/coral and rocks make wipeouts hazardous even though the shore break is described as small
  • Rescue is limited and there is no dedicated lifeguard presence
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) season winds dominate; spot-specific sources also describe trade-type winds.
Reliability
Moderate during the Amihan season
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
November, December, January, February, March
Thermal Window
Other · All day · Months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar · 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 — Mixed sandy and rock/reef areas.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Works from under 1 meter and can hold up to 2.5 meters or more.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach with rocky sections.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Oct: No thermal wetsuit neededrash guard or thin 1mm top for sun and reef protectionNov–Mar: 1mm or 2mm top (or thin rashguard/boardshorts as conditions allow)
Crowds by Season

Empty on weekdays; few surfers on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Peak rainfall typically runs December to February; susceptible to typhoons during the latter half of the year.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Right-hand reef-coral break known for fast, hollow potential. Most consistent during the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
N, NW
Swell Height
0.5–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Best tide position is mid tide (including rising mid-tide).
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
East winds can provide cleaner faces depending on the specific angle of the break.
Bigger Swell
Holds well up to around 2.5 meters or more; becomes more powerful and hollow on larger swells.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate — Described as fast with hollow power; can become more powerful and hollow on bigger swells.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Can become hollow under the right conditions.
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Medium — Normal rides typically range 50 to 150 meters; excellent days can push to about 150 to 300 meters.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Normal rides range between about 50 and 150 meters; good days can extend to roughly 150 to 300 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Habag in the full forecast view.

Habag wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–6 ktsGusts 15 kts
Direction
NE38°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 276 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–0.9 m9s period
Temperature
25–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Habag 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 9s. 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

  • Rocks
  • Reef
  • Coral
  • Sea urchins
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsWetsuitGlovesHoodHarness

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated motorized water rescue; safety is primarily coordinated by local surfers and 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

General surf etiquette applies; respect local surfers and the environment.

Local Tips
  • The break works best on a rising mid-tide to avoid the shallowest reef sections.
  • Visit during the Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) season for the most consistent swell.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Tandag City
Nearest Town
Lanuza
Nearest Airport
Tandag Airport (TDG)
Parking
Limited parking available in the nearby village areas.
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 a short walk from the beach in the Habag area of Lanuza.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Filipino, English, Surigaonon
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and small resorts are available in Lanuza and neighboring towns.
Food & Drink
Local eateries and small shops are available in the village.
Equipment Rental:
Limited surf rentals may be found in the main town of Lanuza; surfboard rentals are widely available through local instructors.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

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.

Caving in Agsam10 km

Exploration of local limestone cave systems near the coast.

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 Habag?

The best overall months at Habag are November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Habag?

Habag works with E winds.

What skill level is Habag suitable for?

Habag suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.