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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- Rarely crowded.
- Warm water year-round (reef-protection recommended).
- Offshore southwest winds can yield cleaner wave conditions.
- 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).
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
Rarely crowded; occasionally visited by locals when the swell is right.
October to January is the wettest period and prone to typhoons.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break that only works once in a while and is inconsistent—requires the right swell and conditions.
- 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.
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.
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 coral
- Rocks
- Inconsistent swell
- Occasional rip currents and drift depending on swell size
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.
- Avoid sessions when swell/conditions are inconsistent, because the reef can become heavy and close out.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Popular seaside promenade for walking, dining, and watching the sunrise over the Pacific.
Historical and religious landmark in the heart of Borongan City.
Offshore islands offering white sand beaches, snorkeling, and more remote surf breaks.
Local dining spot known for traditional Waray cuisine and seafood.
Long stretch of gray sand beach suited for family picnics and swimming in calmer conditions.
From riders who've been here
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.