Santa Monica (Borongan)

Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Empty
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Santa Monica (Borongan) is a low-profile, exposed reef break in Eastern Samar that only works once in a while. The takeoff and riding are over a shallow reef, which makes the spot fickle—when the swell and tide aren’t in the right window, the wave can turn heavy and close out. Wave quality is commonly described as average, with a peeling wave shape and fast, short rides. Because it’s a reef break with sharp coral and rocks, the safest sessions tend to be those with controlled conditions and appropriate timing. Local guidance specifically highlights surfing around mid tide to avoid the shallowest reef sections. Wind is a key factor for this spot. Southwest winds are described as offshore and more likely to produce cleaner conditions, while northeast winds are cross-onshore and tend to blow the wave out. Typical winds are reported in the 10–20 knot range, but wind reliability is described as low, so conditions can change. The spot is rarely crowded, but that also means you should be prepared to self-manage. There is no lifeguard presence noted at the spot, and rescue availability is described as limited. Because the break is hazardous and inconsistent, it’s important to check current conditions before committing to an entry—especially if you’re planning to ride over reef.

  • Rarely crowded reef break
  • Best wind: southwest (offshore)
  • Works intermittently; needs the right swell window
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Rarely crowded.
  • Warm water year-round (reef-protection recommended).
  • Offshore southwest winds can yield cleaner wave conditions.
Heads up
  • Exposed reef break with very sharp hazards (coral and rocks).
  • Conditions are described as inconsistent and can shut down quickly when the swell is not ideal.
  • Southwest-to-northeast wind shifts can rapidly change wave quality (clean vs blown out).
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW
Offshore directions
SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Provider descriptions indicate variable/mixed wind behavior; southwest winds are noted as the best wind direction for surf cleanliness.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
December, January, February

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Mixed
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — Rocky shoreline with some sandy patches in the village area.
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
24–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan: 1mm-2mm top (optional)
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded; occasionally visited by locals when the swell is right.

Storm/Rain Season

October to January is the wettest period and prone to typhoons.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break that only works once in a while and is inconsistent—requires the right swell and conditions.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, NE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide helps reduce time over the shallowest reef sections.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Southwest winds are offshore and can provide cleaner conditions; northeast winds are cross-onshore and tend to blow the wave out.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and close out on very large swells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short
Ride Length Details
Fast, short rides over a shallow reef section.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Santa Monica (Borongan) in the full forecast view.

Santa Monica (Borongan) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–8 ktsGusts 16 kts
Direction
NE42°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 278 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–1.2 m8s period
Temperature
25–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Santa Monica (Borongan) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.8–1.2 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 coral
  • Rocks
  • Inconsistent swell
  • Occasional rip currents and drift depending on swell size
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level notes describe no rescue availability; regional context indicates formal water rescue is limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facility: Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in Borongan City. National emergency number: 911.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Niche spot known to local Borongan surfers; commonly described as rarely crowded.

Rules of the spot

Exposed reef break only works intermittently; confirm current conditions before paddling out.

Restrictions
  • Avoid sessions when swell/conditions are inconsistent, because the reef can become heavy and close out.
Local Tips
  • Best surfed at mid tide to avoid the shallowest reef sections.
  • Check the local surf community in Borongan for current conditions as the spot is fickle.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Borongan City
Nearest Town
Borongan City
Nearest Airport
Borongan Airport
Parking
Limited street parking in the local village area.
Public Transport
Tricycles and multi-cabs within the city; vans-for-hire (UV Express) and buses connect Borongan with Tacloban and other Samar provinces.
Access
Accessible via local roads from Borongan city center; located in Barangay Santa Monica.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Waray-Waray, Tagalog, English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and hotels are available in Borongan City.
Food & Drink
Local sari-sari stores in the village; restaurants available in the city center.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard rentals are primarily found at Baybay Beach in Borongan; surfboard rentals are also described as widely available via local surf clubs and beachfront resorts.
Gear Storage
Limited to specific surf-oriented accommodations and local clubs; no dedicated public gear storage facilities are described.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard ding repair is available through local craftsmen.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: October to March is highlighted for surf and wind sports.
Baybay Boulevard2km

Popular seaside promenade for walking, dining, and watching the sunrise over the Pacific.

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral3km

Historical and religious landmark in the heart of Borongan City.

Island Hopping to Ando and Divinubo5km

Offshore islands offering white sand beaches, snorkeling, and more remote surf breaks.

Doña Maria's Food Hub3km

Local dining spot known for traditional Waray cuisine and seafood.

Cabong Beach5km

Long stretch of gray sand beach suited for family picnics and swimming in calmer conditions.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Santa Monica (Borongan)?

The best overall months at Santa Monica (Borongan) are January, February, March, April, November, December. The best wind months are December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Santa Monica (Borongan)?

Santa Monica (Borongan) works with SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.

What skill level is Santa Monica (Borongan) suitable for?

Santa Monica (Borongan) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.