Lanuza (Caraga)

Lanuza is a well-known surfing destination on the eastern coast of Mindanao, centered around long, peeling reef-coral breaks (including right-hand reef lines). The waves are described as good quality and typically start working from less than 1 meter, holding up to around 2.5 meters and beyond, especially when winter swells are running. Wind is dominated by the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan), providing reliable seasonal conditions from November to March. While the swell/wind orientation is strongly Northeast, conditions can still become choppy depending on wind angle, so surfers often look for the cleanest faces when winds are light offshore relative to the break. The season is also linked with increased local events—crowds are generally empty to low on weekdays but rise during the Lanuza Surfing Festival timeframe. This is a reef-and-urchin environment. Hazards repeatedly highlighted include sea urchins, sharp coral/reef, submerged rocks, and strong rip currents that can intensify on larger swells. Reef booties are strongly recommended, and many surfers use a boat (or a long paddle) to reach the main breaks and conserve energy. For planning, local access is via van/bus from Surigao City or Butuan, with limited parking near the beach front. Water stays warm year-round (about 26–30°C reported), and surf-focused guidance suggests rash guards rather than wetsuits for most conditions in season.