Monaliza Point (La Union)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Monaliza Point is known for a right-hand point break that peels over a rocky reef, producing long rides well-suited to both longboards and shortboards. When the wave is on, it can deliver extended, step-by-step sections rather than just a short burst, with the inside offering a different, calmer feel compared to the faster take-off area. For performance, the spot is described as fairly exposed, so conditions can change noticeably with swell and current. The working swell window is reported as roughly 1.0–3.0 meters, with the most favorable swell direction coming from the west and northwest. Offshore wind (reported as East-Southeast) helps groom the wave faces, supporting cleaner, more rideable waves. Timing matters for safety and quality. The spot is best around mid-tide (and mid to high tide is emphasized to avoid the sharpest parts of the reef). At low tide, rocks become a more serious hazard. On larger swells, the break can hold its shape, but it may become very powerful, with a strong current noted as pulling toward the rocks. Crowding and hazards are recurring themes. The area can get sometimes crowded, and safety risks include sharp rocks, sea urchins, and strong currents (especially along the reef edge during larger swells). Lifeguards are reported as seasonal, and rescue availability is limited, so swimmers and beginners in the impact zone should be especially cautious. Kitesurfing is described as possible but restricted during peak surfing hours due to water crowding, while wingfoiling is considered difficult because of shallow reef constraints at the point.
- Right-hand reef point break with long, peeling rides
- Works best with offshore grooming winds for surf
- Reef hazards increase significantly at low tide
- Long, peeling right-hand point break
- Offshore winds can groom wave faces (for the surf setup)
- Warm water year-round
- Strong, established surf tourism infrastructure nearby
- Exposed reef/point environment with sharp rocks
- Crowds can be heavy during peak holiday periods
- Low tide can be dangerous due to exposed reef/rocks
- Limited rescue availability
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, SW, NNW
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, ENE, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Provider data describes winds as variable/mixed; seasonal monsoon pattern drives wind throughout the year.
- Reliability
- low to moderate for kitesurfing, better for surfing
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness described as moderate.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, July, August, September, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Mixed
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium surf described; best is often reef/point performance rather than very small conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow sandy sections and rocky entry points near the northern end of Urbiztondo Beach.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Peak crowds during December, January, and public holidays (Easter/Holy Week).
June to October is the monsoon and typhoon season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Challenging wave-riding spot for experienced kiters; launch area is described as small and rocky, with cross-onshore conditions during windy seasons.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible but difficult due to shallow reef at the point; most foilers prefer deeper water further out or down toward Urbiztondo Beach.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Shallow reef limits feasibility at the point.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters over the reef at mid-high tide
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Right-hand point break over a reef with long, peeling rides.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Reported as best around mid-tide; mid to high tide is emphasized to reduce exposure to rocks.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Point/reef break described as fairly exposed.
- Wind Effect
- East-Southeast winds provide offshore conditions, grooming the wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes very powerful with a strong current pulling toward the rocks.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Holds size well but can become very powerful with a strong current pulling toward the rocks.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Can offer rides up to 200 meters on good days; multiple sections including a faster take-off and a more mellow inside section.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long rides with sections; faster take-off plus a mellower inside section described on good days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Monaliza Point (La Union) in the full forecast view.
Monaliza Point (La Union) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 12 kts
- Direction
- NW325°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 308 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.5 m7s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Monaliza Point (La Union) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 12 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.4–1.5 m with a period of about 7s. 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 rocks
- Sea urchins
- Strong currents
- Crowded conditions
- Beginners in the impact zone
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital reported as Lorma Medical Center in San Fernando (also referenced: ITRMC in San Fernando City). In the Philippines, dial 911 for national emergency services.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; priority is given to those closest to the peak.
- Kitesurfing is restricted during peak surfing hours when the water is crowded.
- Best surfed at mid to high tide to avoid the sharpest parts of the reef.
- Low tide can be dangerous because of the rocks.
- Watch out for the inside section where waves can close out on the rocks.
- Booties are recommended for those sensitive to rocks or sea urchins.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- San Fernando
- Nearest Town
- San Juan
- Nearest Airport
- Clark International Airport (CRK) is approximately 150km away, while Manila (MNL) is roughly 270km away.
- Parking
- Limited street parking along the highway and paid parking in private resort lots.
- Public Transport
- Highly accessible via long-haul buses from Manila and local tricycles or jeepneys for short distances.
- Access
- Accessible via the main highway in San Juan, La Union; walk through the resorts at Urbiztondo Beach to reach the northern point.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Tagalog, Ilocano, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hostels, boutiques, and luxury resorts are located directly on or across from the beach.
- Food & Drink
- A wide variety of trendy cafes, surf bars, and local eateries surround the spot.
- Equipment Rental:
- Extensive surf rentals available along Urbiztondo Beach; kite gear is very limited.
- Gear Storage
- Available at some larger surf schools and resorts for a daily fee.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard ding repair is widely available.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A popular waterfall and cliff-jumping spot located in the nearby town of San Gabriel.
A significant Taoist temple overlooking the San Fernando bay, dedicated to the sea deity Mazu.
Seasonal grape harvesting at local vineyards south of the main surf area.
A famous social hub known for its bohemian vibe, nightlife, and beachfront bar.
A gentle beach area suitable for sunset walks and beginner-friendly surf lessons.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Monaliza Point (La Union)?
The best overall months at Monaliza Point (La Union) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, July, August, September, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Monaliza Point (La Union)?
Monaliza Point (La Union) works with N, NW, SW, NNW winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, ENE, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Monaliza Point (La Union)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Monaliza Point (La Union): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Monaliza Point (La Union) suitable for?
Monaliza Point (La Union) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.