San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana)
- Freestyle, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
San Vicente Airstrip is a remote, rugged kitesurfing location with crystal-clear water and a wind pattern dominated by the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan). Winds are most favorable in the NNE–NE–ENE range, and conditions are typically steadier during the winter monsoon season. On the water, expect a mix of chop and small-to-medium wave activity, with mostly deep water plus some shallow sections near shore. The Babuyan Channel area can also involve strong tidal currents, so riders should be comfortable handling moving water and planning for recovery. Safety is a key consideration at this spot. Reports highlight strong currents along with shipping-related hazards (ships/jet skis), plus fishing nets and buoys within the riding area. There are also notes about isolated reef patches/coral heads in some areas and driftwood that may be encountered. The launch setup is described as a wide grassy area beside an old runway with an adjacent sandy beach strip, with moderate launch difficulty. Local guidance emphasizes being fully self-sufficient (including spare parts), since the area has limited on-spot services and no dedicated rescue service.
- Reliable Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) winds
- Crystal-clear water
- Steady wind pattern during monsoon season
- Deep channel riding that can be excellent for foiling (with current awareness)
- Reliable Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) trade winds
- Crystal-clear water
- Deep channel sections can be excellent for foiling
- Strong tidal currents in the Babuyan Channel
- Remote area with no shops on-site
- Hazards include fishing nets, buoys, and shipping traffic
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, ENE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) trade winds are the main driver.
- Reliability
- High during the Northeast Monsoon season
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady wind pattern reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Water described as small to medium waves.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Reported as chop (with small-to-medium wave activity).
- Launch
- Big — Wide grassy launch area adjacent to the old runway and a sandy beach strip.
Through the year
Usually very quiet with only a few local or visiting kiters.
June to October (typhoon season in the Cagayan Valley).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Rugged spot known for consistent Northeast winds, with a mix of flat-to-choppy water closer to shore and rolling waves further out in the channel.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and bump-and-jump, but the remote location means very few windsurfers visit this area.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Deep-water channel is excellent for foiling, but riders must be wary of strong currents and isolated reef patches.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana) in the full forecast view.
San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- ENE69°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2817 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.9 m7s period
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.6–1.9 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
- strong currents
- ships
- jetskis
- fishing nets
- buoys
- isolated reef patches
- driftwood
- coral heads in some areas
- shipping traffic
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated motorized kite rescue service; Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitors the maritime area.
- Emergency Info
- The nearest medical clinic is in Santa Ana town center, approximately 15-20 minutes away.
Rules of the spot
Keep clear of local fishing boats and paths.
- Bring all spare parts and gear as there are no shops nearby.
- The channel between the mainland and Palaui Island has very fast-moving water.
- The wind is strongest and most consistent from late morning through the afternoon.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tuguegarao
- Nearest Town
- Santa Ana
- Nearest Airport
- Cagayan North International Airport (Lal-lo)
- Parking
- Ample open space for parking near the grassy launch area
- Public Transport
- Long-haul buses from Manila or vans from Tuguegarao; local transport is primarily tricycles
- Access
- Fly to Tuguegarao Airport, then drive north/northeast to Sta. Ana/San Vicente.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Ilocano, Tagalog, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several resorts and guest houses are located in San Vicente and nearby Anguib Beach.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and markets are available in Santa Ana town; limited options at the spot itself.
- Equipment Rental:
- Not available at the spot itself; limited availability through seasonal kite camps or specialized local operators.
- Gear Storage
- Available at a few beachside resorts catering to wind sports.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sewing repairs may be found locally, but major technical kite repairs are unavailable.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area is centered on nature-focused coastal scenery and the protected Palaui Island marine area, with nearby beaches and day-trip activities.
A protected landscape and marine reserve featuring rugged cliffs and diverse ecosystems.
Known as the Boracay of the North for its pristine white sand and calm turquoise waters.
A historic Spanish-era lighthouse situated on the northernmost tip of Palaui Island.
Boat tours visiting Crocodile Island, Siwangag Cove, and various snorkeling spots.
A popular hub for travelers and the local wind community serving local and international dishes.
A popular local beach for swimming and picnics with shallow waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana)?
The best overall months at San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana)?
San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana) works with N, NNE, NE, ENE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana)?
Recommended equipment sizes at San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana) suitable for?
San Vicente Airstrip (Santa Ana) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.